Magical holiday getaway
Colombia | Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025

Tara
Tara V.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2025

We had a wonderful 8-day family trip to Colombia in December 2024- Jan 2025. Highlights for us and the kids (aged 6 and 10) were hiking and wildlife sighting in Tayrona National Park with Joi, submersion in Totumo Mud Volcano, and enjoying the beach at Islabela, one of the Islas del Rosario. We also enjoyed visiting the coffee reserve, Comuna 13 in Medellin with Andres and La Boquilla Mangrove tour outside Cartagena with Gabo. Our transfers were punctual, our guides informative and professional, and the kids never wanted to return home!

Hotel Review
Villa Maria Tayrona, a Kali Hotels
Los Naranjos

Kids enjoyed all the wildlife and hotel pool. Outstanding service and food!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close access to Tayrona NP.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had a small issues with water going out but it was fixed promptly.
Activity Reviews
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín

The kids really enjoyed the Piedra hike and scenic tour of El Peñol.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip: Comuna 13, Botanical Garden & Coffee Tour
Day Trip: Comuna 13, Botanical Garden & Coffee Tour
Medellín

We enjoyed the Coffee Tour and Comuna 13 with escalator ride.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The fishing village of Taganga
The fishing village of Taganga
Colombia

We didn't have a much of a "tour"-- we were picked up from the airport by a driver and guide (Eduardo), were taken to a lunch spot (to pay on our own), and then taken to Tayrona NP hotel. This day was mostly a travel day but seemed advertised as a bit more interesting with some sightseeting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park

This park was a highlight of our trip to Colombia! We loved hiking through the forest with Joi, spotting wildlife, enjoying the beach and views.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour to Totumo Volcano
Tour to Totumo Volcano
Cartagena

Our son (10) really enjoyed it! It was a bit confusing and we felt a bit pressured by the locals for paying extra for services, but our guide (Gabo) handled it for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Salt Pans of Galerazamba
Salt Pans of Galerazamba
Cartagena

We didn't know that tourism to the salinas was restricted. We enjoyed Cristina's hospitality and tour, even a visit to her backyard, in this experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boquilla Mangrove Tour
Boquilla Mangrove Tour
Cartagena

A unique way to view birds and fish via canoe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center
Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center
Cartagena

We enjoyed the walking tour of the city center. It was a bit shorter (2h) than advertised, but hit the high points. There was a 4-hour break in the middle of this day which we were a bit surprised about-- in hindsight, we may have wanted to include another activity in our last full day in the city. We loved seeing the sloths in Parque del Centenario.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena

A beautiful way to spend our last day in Colombia. We were taken care of by our Guide, Gabo, until we got on the boat, and had a lovely day in the sand and sun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 07, 2025
Hi Tara,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a magical experience in Colombia. It’s wonderful to know that highlights like Guatapé, Tayrona, Rosario Islands, and the Totumo Mud Volcano were memorable for both you and the kids.
We appreciate your honest feedback regarding Taganga and the Cartagena walking tour. Your insights help us refine the itineraries to ensure expectations match the experience. ... Read more

Hi Tara,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a magical experience in Colombia. It’s wonderful to know that highlights like Guatapé, Tayrona, Rosario Islands, and the Totumo Mud Volcano were memorable for both you and the kids.

We appreciate your honest feedback regarding Taganga and the Cartagena walking tour. Your insights help us refine the itineraries to ensure expectations match the experience.

We're so glad that the overall trip was a success and that your family didn’t want to leave! If you ever plan another adventure in Colombia, we’d be delighted to assist you again.

Warm regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team