Memorable trip
Colombia | Mar 12 - Mar 22, 2024

Nada
Nada B.
Kearny, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

It was a last-minute decision to go to Colombia and we are so glad we did. Michael was exceptional, he was able to put together a trip that included all the things we wanted to see and do in 24 hours. I did not feel stressed out or anxious about the planning once and Michael was always available to answer questions, with quick replies and very helpful suggestions.
We ended up making a change to our Cartagena itinerary when we were already in the city, and Michael was not only supportive and put together a detailed list of different activities, but he also covered half the cost of our trip to El Totumo Mud Volcano (we decided against a second beach day). Our visit to Medellin surpassed our expectations. Our guide Manuela was wonderful, very knowledgeable and very passionate about her country and her city that she made us fall in love with it too. We visited Hato la Aurora near Yopal and that was another exceptional and one-of-a-kind adventure. Although we did not see any jaguars (the guides tried very hard until the last minute to find them), we saw a lot of wildlife. The staff at Juan Solito were the friendliest and kindest and our guides (Samantha, Anisetto, Jason, Carlos…) were all fantastic. Our guide Jorge in Cartagena was very professional, very polite, and very considerate and I highly recommend Nacar Hotel Cartagena.
I can’t say enough good things about Michael. It was really a joy to work with him. He was so reliable, had an answer to everything and made us feel really valued as clients.

Hotel Reviews
Landmark Hotel Medellín
Medellín

Very nice hotel, friendly and helpful staff and they have a washer and dryer for the guests, which was super practical and nice not to pack dirty laundry. More hotels should have that.

Authenticity & Character
Location
it was in a really nice and safe neighborhoods, close to good restaurants that we could walk to at night alone.
Staff
all of them
Cleanliness & Comfort
the rooms were very clean, but the towels, sheets and mattress could be better.
Juan Solito Ecolodge
Hato la Aurora

It was a charming lodge in the middle of nature, but I wish the rooms were a little cleaner. I don't mind bugs in the room that are alive given the location and the nature of the lodge, but there really should not have been dead ones in the room. It just means that it was even as much as swept before we got there, which is the bare minimum.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton
Cartagena

Beautiful and charming hotel in a great location. Highly recommend it. Spacious rooms, nice amenities, comfortable beds, soft linens and good towels. Great little pool, perfect for chilling with a cold beverage.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Fruit Market Tour
Fruit Market Tour
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Medellín Transformation Tour
Medellín Transformation Tour
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Llanos Wildlife Tour (4D/3N)
Llanos Wildlife Tour (4D/3N)
Colombia

i think it would have made for a much more enjoyable stay had our rooms been a little less dusty and full of dead bugs. hot water would be nice so would AC.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cartagena Street Food Tour
Cartagena Street Food Tour
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena

This was the least fun activity. The beach was very small and a couple water activities only. We went snorkeling (very unhealthy reef, which is super sad. they feed the fish, also did not feel right) and somehow lost our guide and boat, so it was a little stressful trying to find him and the boat.

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

we did not expect to have this much fun at this volcano. one of a kind and very memorable experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 25, 2024
Dear Nada,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time during your trip to Colombia. It was my pleasure to assist you in putting together an itinerary that included all your desired activities and sights, even within a tight timeframe.
I'm glad to hear that the last-minute change in Cartagena itinerary went smoothly, and I'm pleased that you have had a great experience at the Totumo Volcano! :) I'm sorry to hear that you didn't spot any jaguars... Read more

Dear Nada,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time during your trip to Colombia. It was my pleasure to assist you in putting together an itinerary that included all your desired activities and sights, even within a tight timeframe.

I'm glad to hear that the last-minute change in Cartagena itinerary went smoothly, and I'm pleased that you have had a great experience at the Totumo Volcano! :)

I'm sorry to hear that you didn't spot any jaguars at Hato la Aurora, but it sounds like your wildlife encounters were still remarkable. I'm delighted to hear that the staff at the Ecolodge and your various guides made your experience there unforgettable.

It was truly a pleasure planing the trip with you. If you ever decide to return or have any future travel plans to Colombia, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team