Kimkim Trip Reviews for Chile

4.8
Based on 153 ratings
Read 153 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

We are home, thank you so much for putting th...
Chile | Jan 9 - Feb 24, 2023

John Mark
John Mark W.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2023

We are home, thank you so much for putting the trip together. We have had an amazing time, experienced so much and learnt so many things about the countries we visited. We could never have done it ourselves. All the trip went to plan apart from the interruptions in Peru which we managed with. It was great to see such good organising. We were collected and delivered on time to wherever we needed to be. La Paz was a great city to visit. The drive across the highlands of Bolivia was... read more

We are home, thank you so much for putting the trip together. We have had an amazing time, experienced so much and learnt so many things about the countries we visited. We could never have done it ourselves. All the trip went to plan apart from the interruptions in Peru which we managed with. It was great to see such good organising. We were collected and delivered on time to wherever we needed to be. La Paz was a great city to visit. The drive across the highlands of Bolivia was unforgettable. Seeing the Geysers at dawn was a brilliant experience. Our hire car was good and we survived the rough roads to see the amazing Marble Caves. The visit to Magdelana Island to walk amongst the penguins was a real highlight of the trip. The cruise from Punta Arenas to Usuaia was fantastic. Horse riding was fun, so many things we did, can't write about them all.

Local specialist: Emilce Alonso

Our 14 day 5 overnight destination trip to Ch...
Chile | Feb 14 - Feb 27, 2023

Bill
Bill V.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2023

Our 14 day 5 overnight destination trip to Chile, planned by Angel, was extraordinary. We experienced a very broad view of Chile and its citizens. We started with 2 days in Santiago & Valparaiso that are home to half the population with Juan. They are both attractive cities. But nature is the real distinction. We started with 3 nights in the extreme Atacama Desert in the north. This was fooled by 3 days in the spectacular Andes lake country around Puerto Vargas, a charming small city on the... read more

Our 14 day 5 overnight destination trip to Chile, planned by Angel, was extraordinary. We experienced a very broad view of Chile and its citizens. We started with 2 days in Santiago & Valparaiso that are home to half the population with Juan. They are both attractive cities. But nature is the real distinction. We started with 3 nights in the extreme Atacama Desert in the north. This was fooled by 3 days in the spectacular Andes lake country around Puerto Vargas, a charming small city on the largest lake in Chile. We chose to drive around on our own. The highways were very adequate and in excellent condition.Puerto Nogales followed with two boat cruises through spectacular fjords to a working sheep “estancia” (the best fresh grilled lamb ever) with both a horseback ride & a hike and then to a glacier. The 3rd day was to the Torre des PainesNational Park. It was just rated as one of the six best np in the world outside the US. A scenic 21/2 hour drive brought us to Punta Arenas and its 9,000 penguin colony. All the guides were good. Even the taxi driver to PA, Jose, was informative. The 3 hour flight back to Santiago that ended our voyage was over the the heart of the rugged Andes.
We selected economy lodging. They were all clean and relatively small without big crowds. The owner were usually there.
We learned much about Chile. We actually prefer them to large impersonal hotels.
I would highly recommend Chile with Angel as a trip adviser.

Hotel Review
Hotel Alma Sur (Rey Don Felipe)
Punta Arenas

Small place with comfortable rooms and good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Convenience to city
Activity Reviews
Private Tour - Estancia Visit or Grey Lake Navigation.
Puerto Natales

Beautiful catamaran ride. Horseback ride and lamb bbq. Founded in 1892z

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The trip there & horseback ride
Transport
Torres del Paine National Park - Private Panoramic Tour
Chile

Unfortunately the peaks were in the fog-still scenic

Quality of Experience
The colored lakes
Food
Box lunch of mediocre qualuty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Angel Gutierrez

Amazing - everything on our two week trip was...
Chile | Feb 4 - Feb 18, 2023

Leanna
Leanna G.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2023

Amazing - everything on our two week trip was flawlessly executed. We had never used Kim Kim before and now I will never plan a trip another way! It was so well organized and Lorena was very responsive. Highly recommend! read more

Amazing - everything on our two week trip was flawlessly executed. We had never used Kim Kim before and now I will never plan a trip another way! It was so well organized and Lorena was very responsive. Highly recommend!

Hotel Review
Casa Silva Boutique Hotel
San Fernando

We had a great time, the food and service was amazing. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and unique. The chocolate croissants at breakfast were particularly delicious!

Authenticity & Character
Such a unique location with the best service. And great wine!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2023

Hi Leanna and Connor,
It is wonderful to hear you enjoyed this adventurous trip to Chile, getting to experience so many different locations, landscape and culture throughout our country. It was my pleasure to plan this trip for you!!
All the best to both of you,
Lorena

We had a amazing time with our guides and a f...
Chile | Feb 6 - Feb 17, 2023

P
Peter S.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2023

We had a amazing time with our guides and a fantastic support from the team kimkim.
We can highly recommend to book your holiday with kimkim.
We were really looked after any any respect.
Everything was well organised and communication was excellent.
thank you for a great and memorable holiday.
Peter and Gerhard
read more

We had a amazing time with our guides and a fantastic support from the team kimkim.
We can highly recommend to book your holiday with kimkim.
We were really looked after any any respect.
Everything was well organised and communication was excellent.
thank you for a great and memorable holiday.
Peter and Gerhard

Hotel Reviews
Altiplanico Puerto Natales
Natales
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pullman Santiago El Bosque
Las Condes, Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Evening Astronomy Tour
San Pedro de Atacama

Mixed group with 2 language. very hard for the guide and to long for the guest's.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panoramic excursion to the Torres del Paine National Park (with Box Lunch)
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Hike Porteria Lago Sarmiento - 6/7 km approx
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day Moon Valley and Mirador Ckari
San Pedro de Atacama

great guide 👍

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panoramic private city tour around Santiago de Chile - Half day
Santiago
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cejar & Tebinquiche Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso

I was pleasantly surprised how well everythin...
Chile | Jan 23 - Feb 13, 2023

Elena
Elena L.
Huntsville, AL | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2023

I was pleasantly surprised how well everything worked. The people picking us up were always on time and very pleasant.
We had many guides, and they were all very good.
Specifically I remember our guide on Easter Island Emilia. Very knowledgeable and willing to share with us her love of her home island.
I was not very happy when there were non English speakers on the tours: the guides had to speak in both languages, and I don’t think we got the entire story. read more

I was pleasantly surprised how well everything worked. The people picking us up were always on time and very pleasant.
We had many guides, and they were all very good.
Specifically I remember our guide on Easter Island Emilia. Very knowledgeable and willing to share with us her love of her home island.
I was not very happy when there were non English speakers on the tours: the guides had to speak in both languages, and I don’t think we got the entire story.

Hotel Review
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago

Our first stay was better than the second. The first stay was in the newly renovated part and the accommodations were great. Not in the old part of the hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Just walk across the street from the international terminal
Staff
The bar service was very poor
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Valparaíso & Wine Tour
Santiago

Loved the tour, the winery tour and the tour guide

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023

Hola Elena, thanks for sharing those beautiful photos! Glad to know the trip was better than you had expected :). Your astro tour/entrance fee refund is in process.
Best always,
Lorena

Trip to ChileWe had one of our best vacatio...
Chile | Feb 2 - Feb 13, 2023

Joe
Joe S.
Austin, TX | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2023

Trip to Chile

We had one of our best vacations ever thanks to Erin and her team at Kimkim.
Everyone of our airport transfers were waiting for us when we cleared customs and baggage claim and drove us to our destinations giving us good information regarding that region of Chile.
The hotels Erin selected were excellent with nice rooms, good locations for exploring the cities, and great breakfasts.
The activities that were scheduled for us were both challenging and interesting (kayaking,... read more

Trip to Chile

We had one of our best vacations ever thanks to Erin and her team at Kimkim.
Everyone of our airport transfers were waiting for us when we cleared customs and baggage claim and drove us to our destinations giving us good information regarding that region of Chile.
The hotels Erin selected were excellent with nice rooms, good locations for exploring the cities, and great breakfasts.
The activities that were scheduled for us were both challenging and interesting (kayaking, hiking in a temperate rain forrest, fishing, and penguin viewing. )
The restaurants in each city that were recommended were all excellent with local seafood, fresh vegetables, and fine wine.

We particularly enjoyed staying at the Matetic La Casona Hotel with its' beautiful rooms, garden areas, excellent restaurant and, of course, the fine wines. It was nice to get out of Santiago with its' warm temperatures and smoke from the recent fires.
We spent a day touring Valparaiso which was quite entertaining with its' fish market, murals, funiculars, and views.
The San Francisco of Chile.

We enjoyed staying in Puerto Varas with the beautiful beach setting, lake, and volcanoes in the background.
Jass was a perfect host with pickup at the airport and kayaking on a fjord. Learning about the fjord, salmon and mussel farms was interesting but the river was so wide and big the actual kayaking was not much fun. Would have preferred a smaller river to learn about the trees, birds, and animals.

The trekking trip to Alerce Andino National Park was interesting but not a high point. Good for training to climb a mountain with all the stairs you have to negotiate. Our guide Marcella has a spider phobia she pontificated on that was the most entertaining part of the hike.

The fishing trip I took with Matthew (?) was the best day of the trip for me. Rowing me down a quiet, beautiful river with large brown trout hungry to grab my lure, identifying multiple water birds, and cooking me a riverside lunch was perfect.
June enjoyed her penguin trip as well.

We dined at the Casa Varas and Brasas restaurants in the evening and found them both excellent.
The frozen piscos and ceviche at Casa Varas and the king crab and baked Alaska dessert at Brasas were highlights.

Puerto Natales was the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and a perfect base to launch our different activities.
Our hotel Remota was hip and cooly designed and built using local wood and resources.
It was a long walk from town and we usually took a taxi.
It could use a better sauvignon blanc in the wine list.

Our private tour of Torres del Paine National Park was quite nice hitting all the major waterfalls and mountain views.
Saw lots of wildlife including condors, Darwin Rhea, caracara, black eagles, flamingos. and guanacos.

The Hotel Grey located in Torres del Paine was also quite nice and we enjoyed a hike to the Chorrillo Los Samones with Pablo and Jorge as our guides. Multiple plants, trees, and birds were identified on the hike along the Pingo River.
The best and most comfortable views of the glacier and the iceberg were in the hotel bar. :)

Erin worked easily with us on our itinerary changing several activities to match our interests. She was up front about the costs and provided detailed information and photos on each of the hotels, destinations, and activities.

I hardily recommend Erin and Kimkim to anyone considering a trip to Chile. You will be rewarded with a trip of a lifetime.

Joe and June Spann
Austin, Texas

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

great location with good restaurant and bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casona at Matetic Vineyards
Lagunillas

Beautiful, relaxing setting with lap pool, gardens, and on-site restaurant. Great wine!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
quiet, calming setting after a long flight.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Solace Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

Great breakfast, view from our room of the lake and volcanoes, and great location to access the town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Accidentally left my electrical conversion equipment in my room at check-out and the house cleaner immediately recognized it and caught me before I checked out of the hotel.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Remota Patagonia Lodge
Puerto Natales

Cool, hip hotel with its' design and materials. Long walk from town. Needs a better sauvignon blanc wine on the menu.

Authenticity & Character
Location
long walk from town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Stay at La Casona inside of Matetic Winery
Casablanca Valley

wine tasting with Pablo Took a day trip to Valparaiso...very entertaining. Strongly recommend.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trekking in Alerce Andino National Park
Puerto Varas

Too many stairs and guide fixated on spiders.

Kayaking on the Reloncaví Fjord
Puerto Varas

Jass was great but fjord but was wide and large and did not feel very intimate for a kayaking trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
All-inclusive at Hotel Remota
Puerto Natales

Presented with a menu of possible activities the first evening, We chose the most difficult hike up to the base of the three towers of Torres del Paine. It was a 14 mile round trip hike with sunshine and warmth on the hike up with the last mile picking our way up over giant boulders and the last two hours in a cold rain with driving wind. One of the most difficult hikes I have ever done especially at age 71 but we were rewarded with some magnificent views, incredible scenery, and a sense of accomplishment at the end. It was 10 hours of hiking interrupted with a half-hour lunch. Nicholas was our young guide at 24 years of age and I think he worried we were going to collapse. So did we. :) The next day we took a tour of Puerto Natales downtown and enjoyed visiting the museum and shopping for souvenirs.

Quality of Experience
Food
Snacks, salad, and a warm beer were waiting for us at the end.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Nicholas was young and energetic but at the end I think he was frustrated with the old people (us) He would get about 10-20 meters ahead of us and only look back to make sure we hadn't fallen or gotten lost.
Transport
Fly fishing on the Rio Maullín
Puerto Varas

Best day of the trip for me with phenomenal trout fishing, beautiful serene setting, and abundant wildlife. The guide was especially skilled and helpful. Would recommend highly to all those interested in one of the greatest fishing trips of their life. I used a spinning rod and reel since I am not especially skilled at fly fishing.

Quality of Experience
Food
riverside steak dinner with beer!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trip Briefing at Dittmar Adventures
Puerto Natales

My wife took this trip and enjoyed it.

Explore Chiloé Island & Puñihuil Penguins National Reserve
Puerto Varas

Wife took this trip and enjoyed it.

Torres del Paine Full Day Private Tour
Chile

We checked all the boxes on waterfalls, mountain views, and wildlife.

Half Day Hiking in the Pingo Valley
Torres del Paine

Enjoyed taking this informative hike with Pablo and Jorge in a visitor restricted area.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley

What an incredible trip!
Chile | Feb 4 - Feb 11, 2023

Jeffrey
Jeffrey H.
Parsippany, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2023

What an incredible trip. I have had some terrible experiences with Travel Agents in the past, so I was hesitant to work with them again. With such a logistically complex trip, I am so happy we decided to work with Jason.

Firstly, his recommendations and guidance ahead of the trip ended up being very key. With so many places to visit in Patagonia, Jason took the places we knew we wanted to visit and crafted an itinerary that mixed that with his know-how of the region. What we ended up with... read more

What an incredible trip. I have had some terrible experiences with Travel Agents in the past, so I was hesitant to work with them again. With such a logistically complex trip, I am so happy we decided to work with Jason.

Firstly, his recommendations and guidance ahead of the trip ended up being very key. With so many places to visit in Patagonia, Jason took the places we knew we wanted to visit and crafted an itinerary that mixed that with his know-how of the region. What we ended up with is a trip where we hit everything we wanted to do, as well as some surprises along the way.

Most importantly, the trip was planned out to the hour and all the transfers, flights, tours, and guides went perfectly (with the small exception of one transfer, which was not a big deal).

I would recommend Jason to anyone that wants a trip where they can truly trust someone's expertise. It was one for the ages and he made it so simple for us on the ground.

Activity Review
Hike Base of Tower Torres del Paine
Chile

This is basically a must. An extremely demanding hike with the most stunning and incredible views at the end. The highlight of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jason Kearney
Jason
Jason Kearney
Local specialist in Peru | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

Hi Jeff,
Good to hear from you and I am very happy to see you had a great adventure. You managed to do a lot in your available time and while the journeys can be sometimes big, the memories live forever. I appreciated you took the time to chat with me as it makes an immense difference in helping to understand your own preferences and then creating a framework to deliver them. I am glad you have renewed faith in travel operators. Please contact me for any future adventures in Latina America and glad to have made friendships with you both. Jason.

Everything was mostly very good to excellent
Chile | Jan 23 - Feb 13, 2023

M
Mark D.
Kellyton, AL | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2023

Everything was very good to excellent. All the local guides were good. Rutas360 in Atacama is merely a "middle man" to the local guide companies so that made it a bit challenging to know who to contact, but it all worked out. All the transfers to and from the bus stations and airports worked well, as did all the airline reservations.

My only minor issue was some of the hotels. The Doubletree in Santiago and the airport Holiday Inn were both very good. Don Tomas in Atacama was... read more

Everything was very good to excellent. All the local guides were good. Rutas360 in Atacama is merely a "middle man" to the local guide companies so that made it a bit challenging to know who to contact, but it all worked out. All the transfers to and from the bus stations and airports worked well, as did all the airline reservations.

My only minor issue was some of the hotels. The Doubletree in Santiago and the airport Holiday Inn were both very good. Don Tomas in Atacama was excellent.

Hotel Otai was a mixed bag. We had a noisy dog nearby and the breakfast was ok, and they got the AC working well, but on the last day I saw two cockroaches in our room. That was not horrible for me, but for most people that would be very bad.

Hotel Casa de Patagonia in Puerto Natales had good service but it was a bit noisy with thin walls. Hotel Germania in Puerto Varas was fine though our room, which faced the street, was stuffy, noisy and a bit small.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2023

I appreciate the feedback, Mark, and glad to hear you all enjoyed visiting so many different destinations in Chile! I have noted your comments about the hotels... and will contact them to follow up.
Best wishes to you, Mary, and Elena!
Lorena

Lorena was very wonderful. Lorena responded q...
Chile | Dec 26 - Jan 7, 2023

S
Sarah K.
Flatbush, NY | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2023

Lorena was very wonderful. Lorena responded quickly and accurately. She always kept us in the loop and was extremely accommodating when changes came up. It was a very easy, no stress process. We had a pretty logistical heavy trip and Lorena was great. We will be using Kim Kim again.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2023

You are so sweet, Sarah, thanks! It was my pleasure to plan this exciting adventure for you and Mark and I'm super glad you enjoyed your time in our beautiful country.
Best wishes for both of you and happy future travels!
Lorena

First class service from Jess at Kimkim
Chile | Jan 27 - Feb 5, 2023

Holmwood
Holmwood G.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 07, 2023

Jess organised our 9 days in Bolivia and Atacama which included a 4 day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Nothing was too much trouble and she kept in touch throughout. Very professional and I will definitely use her services again next time I need help tailoring an individual trip in South America read more

Jess organised our 9 days in Bolivia and Atacama which included a 4 day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Nothing was too much trouble and she kept in touch throughout. Very professional and I will definitely use her services again next time I need help tailoring an individual trip in South America

Hotel Review
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

Family owned hotel. They couldn’t have been more welcoming. Very clean and spacious, breakfast perfect and the evening meals from the restaurant were first class.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walk to town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Jesse Barrera
Jesse
Jesse Barrera
Local specialist in Santiago | Reviewed on Feb 08, 2023

Thank you for the review, Jill; my very first at that! I'm sorry the weather wasn't the best during your time in Atacama but I'm glad you still enjoyed this portion of your trip.

I wish you and Ben the best during the rest of your travels!
Jesse

What a beautiful and physically awesome trip....
Chile | Jan 25 - Feb 2, 2023

R
Richard G.
Cape May, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2023

What a beautiful and physically awesome trip. Kim Kim suggested the right excursions for us and how wonderful to not worry about transfer transportation. read more

What a beautiful and physically awesome trip. Kim Kim suggested the right excursions for us and how wonderful to not worry about transfer transportation.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago

Great location for food and drink.

Authenticity & Character
Boutique hotel with lovely garden.
Location
Multilevel restaurants in area
Staff
Very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean
Dreams del Estrecho Hotel
Punta Arenas

Nice room, but casino on weekend was loud into the early hours of the morning(it is a casino after all).

Authenticity & Character
It is a casino hotel.
Location
Location and views good, but busy street to cross to get to town.
Staff
Not all that helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are very nice.
Weskar Lodge
Puerto Natales

Great views, nice room, and restaurant was good for a dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Lake vacation hotel with views and access to town and sites.
Location
Walkable to town or inexpensive taxi ride, and on the lake with wonderful views.
Staff
Very helpful and always smiling.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable room.
Activity Review
Hike from Sarmiento Lake to Amarga Lagoon
Chile

You cannot top seeing a large Puma upclose.

Quality of Experience
Puma
Food
No vegetarian meal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Well based natural knowledge
Transport
On time
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2023

I appreciate the review, Rich! It is great to know that this Trip Plan we prepared for you and Sue was a nice experience and even better knowing you got to see a Puma up close! Not everyone is as lucky even on the same trails.
Wishing you both the best,
Lorena

Chile Tour
Chile | Jan 14 - Jan 27, 2023

B
Bakulesh S.
Daly City, CA | Reviewed on Jan 31, 2023

Most guides were very good.
The guide on Jan. 25, 2023 for Torres del Plaine National Park spoke at length in Spanish and very little in English. So we missed out on a lot of commentary.
And all drivers were very good.

Jason provided great service.
He had planned and organized our trip very nicely.
This made it very easy for us and we had no anxiety or stress anywhere in Chile.
He communicates immediately on an inquiry and to the point.
He had promised us that our trip would be... read more

Most guides were very good.
The guide on Jan. 25, 2023 for Torres del Plaine National Park spoke at length in Spanish and very little in English. So we missed out on a lot of commentary.
And all drivers were very good.

Jason provided great service.
He had planned and organized our trip very nicely.
This made it very easy for us and we had no anxiety or stress anywhere in Chile.
He communicates immediately on an inquiry and to the point.
He had promised us that our trip would be memorable and indeed it was.
He is the best.
We would love too work with him on future trips.

Every place we visited in Chile was most exciting and enjoyable.
Jason had panned all important sights for us and so we appreciate his service.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro
San Pedro de Atacama

Excellent service and support from the front desk staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Solace Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NOI Indigo Patagonia
Puerto Natales
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa
Santiago

Very good service at Bidosa.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Safe area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore the Geysers of El Tatio
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private City Tour of Santiago
Santiago

Excellent tour guide and driver.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Tour Valparaiso Discovery
Chile
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lagoons of Ojos del Salar, Tebinquinche & Coyo
Chile

Fernando is the best tour guide. He is amazing, funny, energetic, and most helpful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
San Pedro de Atacama

Fernando the tour guide made it most interesting. He showed us all the interesting features of Moon Valley, and he was very patient with us on the steep and rough trails.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chiloé - Ancud - Castro - Dalcahue
Chile
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Navigation Balmaceda & Serrano
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Torres del Paine National Park (ex. Puerto Natales)
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Atacama Salt Flats, High Plateau Lagoons & Toconao
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls
Chile
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jason Kearney
Jason
Jason Kearney
Local specialist in Peru | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2023

Hi Bakulesh,
Thanks for your review and I am glad you both had a wonderful time and are considering your next vacation with us. You mentioned the Torres del Paine guide not being conversant in English as much as Spanish. I will look into that as it has not happened before and we wish to correct that for future travellers. I am glad all of the rest of the trip was above your expectations. I am glad we have built a trusted relationship for the future.
Kind Regards,
Jason.

A Perfect Atacama Desert Trip
Chile | Jan 11 - Jan 18, 2023

Eric
Eric H.
Tualatin, OR | Reviewed on Jan 25, 2023

The core of our trip was seeing the Atacama Desert and visiting its important sites. Lorena was excellent in tailoring our plans to suit our interests and time-frame. Transit arrangement to and from Santiago were flawless and out hotel in san Pedro de Atacama was perfect as a quiet, high quality location to venture from. Accommodations at the Don Tomas were comfortable and the food was fresh tasting with touches of originality. There are dozens of tour operators in San Pedro, but I felt that... read more

The core of our trip was seeing the Atacama Desert and visiting its important sites. Lorena was excellent in tailoring our plans to suit our interests and time-frame. Transit arrangement to and from Santiago were flawless and out hotel in san Pedro de Atacama was perfect as a quiet, high quality location to venture from. Accommodations at the Don Tomas were comfortable and the food was fresh tasting with touches of originality. There are dozens of tour operators in San Pedro, but I felt that Lorena had selected the best of the best for our trip. We did five tours in four days and all were excellent: stargazing, the Tatio geysers, Piedras Royas & the salt flats, Valle de la Luna, and the Puritana canyon trek.

Hotel Review
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

The Don Tomas is an oasis within the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. The accommodations are comfortable and tastefully decorated. Coffee, tea, or water--plain or infused--are always available. The breakfast offers the usual array of continental and American items, all arranged beautifully. On the lunch and dinner menus, offering all have a local slant, both veggie and non-veg. I especially liked the fresh ingredients in the salads and highly recommend the Oriental pasta for its earthly richness. One caveat: for a pre-breakfast start on your tour, the take away sack lunch is rudimentary at best.

Authenticity & Character
Once inside the gates, you feel like you are in an charming oasis.
Location
It is a 10 minute walk to the center of town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Stargazing Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Puritama Canyon Trek
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats & Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama

This tour provides a wonderful experience of the immense salt flats seen from the red rocks, the "piedras royas." The lagoons are beautiful deep blue lakes at the base of volcanoes. A chance to view flamingoes in a reserve comes at the end, as a fitting culmination.

Quality of Experience
Food
The lunch we had was unique: a green salad with veggies and chicken in a Mason jar. Oil and vinegar were there to season to taste. I loved it.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour of Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama

This tour is not to be missed. After a very early start, you arrive at sunrise at one of the largest geyser fields in the world. all in a very dramatic setting at 11,000 feet. The earth seems alive with steam vents and roiling geysers. Although below freezing, the ground is warm to the touch.

Quality of Experience
Food
It was great to have fresh scrambled eggs to go with the usual breakfast fare. Kudos!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2023

You are so kind... thanks Eric! I hope Shirley will be able to see Chile through your photos as she embarks on her own inside journey. I'll keep her and son in my thoughts. Atacama is a beautiful location and I am super happy you were able to enjoy your trip.
All the best,
Lorena

The adventure was well designed and great cho...
Chile | Jan 7 - Jan 20, 2023

Malcolm
Malcolm S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2023

The adventure was well designed and great choices were made by Lorena, I mentioned a cruise through the fjords of Patagonia and she came through with beautiful well thought out and enjoyable trips.
I especially enjoyed the 5 day cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, around Cape Horn and through the inside channels. Unfortunately due to weather conditions we were unable to land on the cape but passed close enough to get pictures of the station and the monument.

An earlier tour had to be... read more

The adventure was well designed and great choices were made by Lorena, I mentioned a cruise through the fjords of Patagonia and she came through with beautiful well thought out and enjoyable trips.
I especially enjoyed the 5 day cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, around Cape Horn and through the inside channels. Unfortunately due to weather conditions we were unable to land on the cape but passed close enough to get pictures of the station and the monument.

An earlier tour had to be cancelled due to weather and Jesse, on the ball found an interesting tour in the park near Puerto Natales and organized it on short notice to fill in a spare day that I had.

A big yahoo for a job very well done.

Activity Reviews
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile

Unable to take trip due to weather conditions

Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Puerto Natales

The hike at the glacier face was just about right for a 70 year old man. The views are spectacular and the ship crew went out of their way to get us close to fauna along the route.

Quality of Experience
Food
Food preparation was a bit marginal, but certainly edible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Their extra effort to show us everything along the way
Transport
Cruise Tierra del Fuego from Chile to Argentina - Day 5/5
Punta Arenas

Again the crew of guides and the ships crew went out of their way to give us an exceptional experience, even when the weather was giving them stress.

Quality of Experience
Food
Well prepared and well presented
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fly from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}}
Argentina

Not much to say, Ushuaia is a small city but has some interesting sites. Not much time in El Calafate because the bus left early the next day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023

Thanks for your comments, Malcolm! The Australis is for sure a little gem only a few are able to enjoy, glad you were one of them!! Best of luck in your future travels :)
Kindest regards,
Lorena & team

We loved our trip to Chile! Every place was a...
Chile | Jan 9 - Jan 20, 2023

Y
Yana D.
Keller, TX | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2023

We loved our trip to Chile! Every place was amazing- experiences was the best in every place! Hotel in San Pedro Atacama desert - la casa de Don Thomas was the best!!! All guides and drivers were great and helpful! Communication was great! Thank you for a best time of our life!!! read more

We loved our trip to Chile! Every place was amazing- experiences was the best in every place! Hotel in San Pedro Atacama desert - la casa de Don Thomas was the best!!! All guides and drivers were great and helpful! Communication was great! Thank you for a best time of our life!!!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Fundador
Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Inn by Radisson Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Glaciares
Puerto Natales
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Excursion to Chiloe Island: Ancud, Castro & Dalcahue
Puerto Varas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rafting Petrohué River
Puerto Varas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Astronomy Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day Moon Valley and Mirador Ckari
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Navigation to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Hiking Base Las Torres - 20km approx
Puerto Natales

The best part of vocation!!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rainbow Valley
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cejar & Tebinquiche Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ana Maibach
Ana
Ana Maibach
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023

Dear Yana,

It was a pleasure hosting you and Vlad in Chile! Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review for all the activities and hotels, this helps us to continue improving day by day.

It was a pleasure planning this trip with you and it makes me very happy to know that everything was to your liking.
I look forward to working with you again soon!

All the best,
Ana and the entire Trips South America team <3

The trip was amazing! Everything was planned ...
Chile | Jan 9 - Jan 20, 2023

V
Vladyslav B.
Keller, TX | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2023

The trip was amazing! Everything was planned so well and there was a great variety of experiences with nothing overlapping. It is hard to experience a huge country like Chile in limited time but we had an wonderful variety of activities in every location we visited and we enjoyed every day there read more

The trip was amazing! Everything was planned so well and there was a great variety of experiences with nothing overlapping. It is hard to experience a huge country like Chile in limited time but we had an wonderful variety of activities in every location we visited and we enjoyed every day there

Local specialist: Ana Maibach
Ana
Ana Maibach
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023

Dear Vald,

Thanks for your kind words! It was a pleasure helping you plan this beautiful trip!
We hope to receive you again soon!

Regards,
Ana and the entire Trips South America team :D

Enjoyable trip
Chile | Jan 4 - Jan 17, 2023

Gregory
Gregory R.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Nicely spaced trip. Plenty of “ spare “ time. Suggestions were practical & although hard work - fitness wise, worked.

Most things ….. within the teams control, worked well. read more

Nicely spaced trip. Plenty of “ spare “ time. Suggestions were practical & although hard work - fitness wise, worked.

Most things ….. within the teams control, worked well.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Carpa Manzano
Punta Arenas

Small-ish, but comfortable rooms. Bit dated & tended to be noisy. Probably better offering in town. Walk in & out is borderline.

Authenticity & Character
Nice enough rooms. Dated.
Location
A little distant from downtown.
Staff
Attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Was adequate.
Hosteria Pehoe

Oldie but a goodie. Could be SO much better with good grounds people, a tidy up and some renovations. Menu basic but OK.

Authenticity & Character
Oldest in the NP. A bit tired but adequate.
Location
Views are incredible.
Staff
Lovely, young enthusiastic staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. Bedding to die for. Just older & “ tired” rooms & grounds.
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
Torres del Paine

Excellent location wise. Views OK. Meals above average quality & presentation. Expensive but so much better than daily transitioning in & out of the park if not serious hiking.

Authenticity & Character
Estancia feeling. Loved the daily horses release and round up.
Location
Right on the track to the towers base, W & O.
Staff
Tried hard - many new, inexperienced staff - lots of mistakes made and service forgets.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding divine. Big rooms. Views expansive but not stunning. Bath was great after a hike - but had to request a plug.
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

View. Room. Bedding. Food. Bar & relax area.

Authenticity & Character
Fits well in the environment.
Location
View is stunning. Very windy most days I think.
Staff
Very attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable hotel.
Weskar Lodge
Puerto Natales

Nice view. A little distant from town in tough weather. Probably better offerings downtown and mire distractions. Restaurant meals hit & miss and no variety presented each day.

Authenticity & Character
Authentic use of wood. Cosy rooms & sit down area.
Location
Great views. Just that little dar from anything.
Staff
Tried. English & understanding requests etc, was difficult.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely bedding. Comfortable smallish room. Lits of woid. Nice.
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago

Excellent location at airport ( if that is what you want ). Nice rooms. Good bedding. Interesting enough food. Could do with a Daily Change / Soecial.

Authenticity & Character
Airport hotel.
Location
If that is what you want - between Domestic & International.
Staff
Hit & miss. Service not #1 priority. Wait, wait, wait for actual attention. Slow service but seemingly “ a thing “ in Chile - in their own good time !
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds & linen.
Activity Reviews
Kayaking in the Magellan Strait
Chile

Not that “ exciting “ an activity really to be really honest. Lot of preparation & time taken ( pick up / drop off / gear up for kayaking / transfer to water edge / instruction / kayaking & then reverse ). Minimal wild life, birdlife etc …… limited English & no really “ spotting “ or information.

Quality of Experience
Not that interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Limited English or “ interpretation “ .
Transport
All good.
Full-day Tour to Torres del Paine National Park with Overnight
Chile

Great way of getting to the NP rather than a private transfer or large bus. Very early start as it was a one-way for us , on a return same day tour. Enjoyed Milodon Cave and information. Stops for vistas & photographs. Tour guide was very informative.

Quality of Experience
Milodon Cave visit & explanation boards. Vistas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide on departure said we would have “ quiet time “- so all could catch up on rest …… till after Puerto Natales. Then proceeded to TALK ALL THE WAY to the driver & back and forth. No rest for anyone. Driver spent more tome looking at the guide whilst in conversation - than concentrating on the road. Very un-nerving ! A good driver ….. BUT ! Guide had excellent knowledge and was firth coming if asked..
Transport
Nice new vehicle. Close quarters. We had a seat between us because we PAID for it with luggage cost.
From Pehoé to Las Torres
Torres del Paine

José - nice nan - knowledgeable, good English. Recommended.

From Las Torres to Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

Same ….. José.

Horseback Riding in Patagonia
Puerto Natales

Thoroughly enjoyed. Nice horses. Well groomed & cared for. Just wish I was riding fit ! Very sore body the next day. My wife who is a novice enjoyed too.

Quality of Experience
Vistas.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Could have done with a rear guide / rider to manage “ slower “ horses / riders. Insufficient supervision in my opinion.
Transport
Great ….. arranged well there & back.
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Hi Greg and Annie! Thanks for this review, it was my pleasure working with you to plan a trip to this amazing place in the world... offering both value and taking care of the logistics so you could fully enjoy it. I appreciate your trust in me and hope you keep many nice memories from this adventure.
Best always,
Lorena

Trekking in El Calafate
Chile | Jan 11 - Jan 14, 2023

Kim
Kim M.
Newport News, VA | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

We ended up using Kimkim for an additional land based trip in Patagonia to compliment our Antarctica cruise, and most everything went off without a hitch. We were either texted or messaged regarding all our transfers, and even when our flight ended up coming in earlier than expected, our driver was there within minutes. My one comment would be I need to learn how to pack lighter as one of our domestic flights didn't like my carry on size. Otherwise, I'd say it was truly a great experience,... read more

We ended up using Kimkim for an additional land based trip in Patagonia to compliment our Antarctica cruise, and most everything went off without a hitch. We were either texted or messaged regarding all our transfers, and even when our flight ended up coming in earlier than expected, our driver was there within minutes. My one comment would be I need to learn how to pack lighter as one of our domestic flights didn't like my carry on size. Otherwise, I'd say it was truly a great experience, and we will remember trekking in El Calafate for years to come. Emi and Ana were great and patient with all my questions and planned a memorable time! Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Sent Hotel Calafate
El Calafate

Clean and the staff were very friendly. I broke my luggage while here and the maintenance man spent a long time trying to help us fix it. Food was good as well. My Aperol Spritz from here was one of the best I've had. Also close to the main shopping and eating areas.

Authenticity & Character
Cute place
Location
Close to everything
Staff
Very helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Two Hotel Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires

We only stayed here one night but it we perfect for what we needed. Very comfortable bed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to restaurants and stores
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
El Calafate

This was truly a memorable experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Minitrekking "Los Glaciares National Park"
El Calafate

Guides were great. They made sure no one was left behind and that everyone was safe. Loved this trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Spoke English well and were knowledgeable and friendly!
Transport
Smooth transfers
Local specialist: Ana Maibach
Ana
Ana Maibach
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

Dear Kim,

Thank you for sharing your experience whit us! It was a pleasure to assist you and I hope to receive you again in South America soon :)

Warm regards,
Ana and all the team of Trips South America

What an amazing trip!
Chile | Dec 10 - Dec 19, 2022

Betsy
Betsy R.
Concord, NH | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2023

What an amazing trip! Our daughter had been studying in Valparaiso for nearly 4 months and we traveled to Chile at the end of her semester to see where she had been and to explore some other parts of the country. Lorena seemed to understand us immediately, and arranged for us to see Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas, Santiago and Valparaiso. She planned a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, educational and historical sites, and time to explore on our own.
Each tour guide was... read more

What an amazing trip! Our daughter had been studying in Valparaiso for nearly 4 months and we traveled to Chile at the end of her semester to see where she had been and to explore some other parts of the country. Lorena seemed to understand us immediately, and arranged for us to see Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Puerto Varas, Santiago and Valparaiso. She planned a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, educational and historical sites, and time to explore on our own.
Each tour guide was better than the next, from the wonderful young woman (whose name I am embarrassed that I have forgotten) who answered all our questions at Monumento Natural Los Pengüinos, Jan Erick on the glacier tour, John on the Torres del Paine tour, Damian for Chiloé Island, Carlos at the volcanoes and Hernan in Santiago and Valparaiso. Hernan was especially knowledgeable and open about recent history, and very flexible with our interests (like when we stumbled upon a bicycle race in Santiago or the World Cup final going on between our visits to Casablanca and Vina Del Mar).
I am especially grateful for all of the local travel companies. Each time we slowed down and wondered about the tour/transport/hotel tomorrow, we would check messages and find they were one step ahead of us. A special thank you to Sophie, who stepped in for a few days while Lorena was away.
The hotels were all wonderfully unique to their location and perfectly situated for us to explore the towns on our own. We especially loved the ones in Puerto Natales and Valparaiso. We had been needlessly worried about meals. Lorena arranged all our breakfasts (and hotel operators kindly accommodated our early tour departures) and most of our lunches, and as I said, hotels were always perfectly located so we could get to dinner easily.
Overall, our trip was flawlessly executed (even the weather cooperated and only rained while we were on a bus transport). Chile is a stunningly beautiful country, and the people we met were so incredibly kind and generous with visitors. The only thing I would change is to have planned more time there.

Hotel Reviews
Fauna Hotel
Valparaíso

Such a fun, funky vibe to this hotel and the neighborhood around it. Be sure to try the ascensore at the end of the alley, and the fun little slide.

Authenticity & Character
The decor and architecture were so fun and funky. The location was so great for exploring the city, but even outside the vibe on the street was just so fun.
Location
The street vendors views on the street to the hotel were so great, and the view from the end of the street at dusk was just stunning! It's important to note that it isn't the best location for anyone with a mobility issue or physical disability, but it was great for us since we enjoy exploring a city on foot.
Staff
The staff were so kind to let us keep our luggage there all day after we checked out, until our transport to the airport in the evening.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and comfortable and spacious enough for three people on the last leg of their trip to spread out and reorganize before flying home.
Hotel Big Sur
Puerto Natales

Loved this hotel. Clean, modern aesthetic with very comfortable beds. Great breakfast. Walkable to the waterfront and lots of shops and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
great location, walkable to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile

We loved this tour. I have forgotten her name, but the guide was new to the tour company and very knowledgeable about the penguins. She walked along with us, keeping the pace and but teaching us all about the penguins and other inhabitants of the island along the way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile

John was a great tour guide, taking the time to learn everyone's name. He enthusiastically offered to take our picture at every stop and made sure to learn something about everyone on the tour and then connected us with each other, as well. He taught us a great deal about the beautiful park, the wildlife and geology. National Geographic magazine was right - definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Puerto Natales

This was an incredibly beautiful day. The boat ride was cold and windy (not unexpectedly) but we saw all kinds of amazing birds and the glaciers were just stunning. We really enjoyed the short hike into see the glacier within the Bernardo Higgins park. The lunch was such a wonderful experience - we sat with two French couples who also spoke English and solved many of the world's problems over several courses and a couple glasses of wine. Wow!

Quality of Experience
Food
The traditional Patagonian barbecue was AMAZING!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jan Erick was a terrific guide, full of great stories about his work/travels all over the world. He was very good at spotting wildlife, too.
Transport
Excursion to Chiloé Island: Ancud, Dalcahue & Castro
Puerto Varas

This was a lovely day - more lovely than we expected. Our guide was a little shy about his English and relied a bit on our daughter to translate, but nonetheless we had a great day. Chiloé is such a beautiful spot, and the spirit of cooperation and community was so lovely for world-weary Americans...from the museum of church building, to the palafitos. We really enjoyed the unexpected lunch on the farm (and the really unexpected cows who came right up to meet us!).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Chile

It was a beautiful day to see the volcanoes! Carlos was a great guide, offering lots of information about the history and geology of the volcanoes and the area, and willing to take pictures for us at every stop. The lunch stop, again, was great meal with a great view of the lake and volcano.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santiago City Tour
Santiago

Hernan was such a wonderful guide. He was so knowledgeable about this history of Chile and Santiago. He was clearly so proud of his country, and willingly shared with us his own personal history as it relates to the present government of Chile. He educated us about Chilean - US relations and history, and we are so grateful that he did so in such a generous manner. He shared with us all the facets of life in the capitol city, including recent political issues in Santiago and Chile, reminding us again that we have more in common with people around the globe than we think we do. He was also very willing to get to know us a little bit and accommodate our interests. (When we crossed paths with a bicycle racing event my husband became very excited and Hernan facilitated a discussion with some of the organizers, who allowed my husband to try their "fixed gear" bike.)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hernan was excellent! Francisco the driver was also wonderful - slowing down, circling around, making sure we got a good view. We enjoyed his company, as well.
Transport
City Tour in Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

We really enjoyed Damian and the tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, especially when he stopped for us at the fish market (where we found some great souvenirs) and made sure we went around back to see the sea lions!!!! It was a bit more industrial than some of our excursions, but Damian found some wonderful vista points to see the cities and he knew his way around very well (which is the exact reason to engage someone to guide you around the cities).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Winery & Valparaiso Tour with Overnight
Santiago

Casablanca was so lovely - The winery we visited - Casas del Bosque - was a beautiful oasis and we took home several bottles. The circumstances of our visit were perfect...when we finished the tour, we came out to find our driver, Francisco, (and several other tour drivers) listening to the World Cup Final on the radio. Hernan had arranged a lunch for us in Vina Del Mar at a restaurant with a stunning view of the harbor. We encouraged them to keep the game on the radio as we went to Vina Del Mar, because it was at such an exciting game. Even though we didn't understand the language, we could appreciate the excitement. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were torn between the table with the beautiful view and the lounge where the game was showing on giant screens. The restaurant staff was extremely accommodating as everyone - customers and staff alike - were enthralled by the penalty kicks and trying to see. It was one of those moments that transcends language barriers and nationalities, as everyone in the restaurant just seemed to enjoy the excitement of the game. Afterward, we traveled along to Valparaiso and enjoyed learning about the history of the city and its role as a major port now. We were thrilled to arrive in the city where our daughter had spent the last four months.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

Awww, thank you Betsy! What a kind review, it fills my heart to know you enjoyed the trip, our nature and our people. Come back to Chile anytime, we'll take great care of you again :)
Best wishes to the entire family,
Lorena

Nara arranged the trip, which was smooth and ...
Chile | Dec 27 - Jan 13, 2023

G
Gina W.
Ogden, UT | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2023

Nara arranged the trip, which was smooth and timely. Our guide in Iguazu was Marco and he was so kind and patient with us and knew all the best views. Nori in Ushuaia took us to see the penquins and we also went to Laguna Esmerelda with her and she was also so kind and patient with us. They both knew english very well and explained everything to us. read more

Nara arranged the trip, which was smooth and timely. Our guide in Iguazu was Marco and he was so kind and patient with us and knew all the best views. Nori in Ushuaia took us to see the penquins and we also went to Laguna Esmerelda with her and she was also so kind and patient with us. They both knew english very well and explained everything to us.

Hotel Reviews
O2 Hotel Iguazú
Puerto Iguazú

Loved the pool and hot tub!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hostería Schilling
El Calafate

The girls in the front desk were so helpful and kind to us! They did not forget any details!

Authenticity & Character
Loved the authentic decor!
Location
Close to down town.
Staff
Sooooo helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
So comfy!
Patagonia Travellers Hostel
El Chalten, Santa Cruz

We enjoyed riding the mountain bikes!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They explained all the trails to us very well!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very close to the trail heads!
Activity Reviews
Visit the Penguin Colony on Isla Martillo, Explore Puerto Almanza
Ushuaia

Nori was the best host, so kind and sweet!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)
Argentina

Marco was the best guide ever! He even filled up our water bottles for us!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Perito Moreno Boat & Walking Tour
El Calafate

Loved our guide very good at English!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Laura McAfoos
Laura
Laura McAfoos
Local specialist in Puerto Natales | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2023

Gina,

I am so glad to hear that everything went so well for you on your trip! We really enjoyed having you come to Patagonia also. Hopefully you ate some calafate berries and come back some day!

Thank you so much!
Laura

A Dream Trip Come True
Chile | Dec 11 - Dec 24, 2022

Sarah
Sarah A.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2023

This trip was a dream trip for my mother and I – years in the imagination and the making. I decided to use the services of KimKim because I wanted a local specialist to devise the best possible package for us, and on, the whole, Lorena delivered.

In 14 days, we managed to visit the highlights of Chile – Santiago, Valparaiso, Patagonia and Atacama. Most of the tours and tour guides were excellent and went above and beyond what is expected from them. The people were friendly and generous,... read more

This trip was a dream trip for my mother and I – years in the imagination and the making. I decided to use the services of KimKim because I wanted a local specialist to devise the best possible package for us, and on, the whole, Lorena delivered.

In 14 days, we managed to visit the highlights of Chile – Santiago, Valparaiso, Patagonia and Atacama. Most of the tours and tour guides were excellent and went above and beyond what is expected from them. The people were friendly and generous, the food was delicious and the scenery was breathtaking. We left Chile full of great memories and a desire to come back again.

Our favourite guide is by far Felipe who gave us a brilliant, informative and entertaining tours of both Santiago and Valparaiso. The private dinner at Gloria & Leo’s house was one of our most memorable nights as we bonded over food, politics and music, spending over three hours singing songs by Violeta Parra and Victor Jara.

Visiting Pablo Neruda’s houses La Sebastiana and La Chascona was another highlight of the trip. I would highly recommend these visits for the poet’s fans.

And of course, the amazing places in Patagonia and Atacama are all beautiful and worth visiting. The only place I would have skipped are the Tatio Geysers, which were underwhelming.

There were a few minor issues noted below, which should be addressed to help improve future trips:
(1) Some of the tour guides did not speak any English, which was a problem for my mother. I translated most of the time, but this may pose an issue for someone who does not have a Spanish-speaking companion with them.
(2) The hotel (Big Sur) we were booked at in Puerto Natales was of very poor quality. Having no knowledge of local hotels, we trusted Lorena’s recommendation, but were surprised to find that the hotel, which is only 3 months old, to be more of a hostel/B&B than a proper hotel. We changed our booking on arrival to Costaustralisa, and were partially refunded.
(3) Our trip to Magdalena Island was cancelled last minute without the travel agency making alternative arrangements. I had to find an alternative arrangement myself and ask the agency to book us a different tour!

Apart from these issues, I would give the trip five stars.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ladera
Providencia
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Cabo De Hornos
Punta Arenas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Big Sur
Puerto Natales
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Santiago City Tour
Santiago
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Dinner
Santiago

This dinner gave us one of our most memorable nights in Chile and possibly our lives. We were generously hosted by Gloria and Leo in their home: they cooked and sang for us, and we bonded over a shared love of music and politics. They made us feel at home in Chile, creating an intimate experience that we will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maipo Valley Wine Experience
Santiago
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Puerto Natales
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking in Eberhard Fjord
Puerto Natales

I did this activity on my birthday - it was my first ever kayaking experience. The instructor, Juan Pablo, was excellent - funny, helpful, informative and good-looking too :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hidden Baltinache Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Valley of the Moon Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Atacama Salt Flats & Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour of Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama

Underwhelming experience. The tour guide was very rude and unhelpful. We missed the sunrise because he was late and quite frankly the whole place was underwhelming. I would skip the tour if I were you :)

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
Santiago
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2023

Sarah, it was very special planning this trip for you and mom and glad you both enjoyed it. I took notice of your suggestions during the trip and appreciate them. Gloria, Leo and Felipe send their regards and along with our entire team, we wish you both a fantastic year 2023 with more traveling adventures to come!
Best always,
Lorena

Everyone Should Visit Chile
Chile | Dec 26 - Jan 8, 2023

A
Allison G.
Agoura, CA | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2023

We loved our visit to Chile. We had fantastic guides throughout, but extra kudos to Agustin at Zenit Travel in Pucon, and his colleagues Gonzalo and Carlos. Gonzalo took us on a rafting trip in the Liucura River, where my son was able to fish and also had the opportunity to learn how to row the raft. Carlos went above a beyond - taking us a fantastic hike to Sanctuario El Cani, and thermal baths, but also helping us when we needed to change our plans a bit. Cannot recommend Zenit Travel... read more

We loved our visit to Chile. We had fantastic guides throughout, but extra kudos to Agustin at Zenit Travel in Pucon, and his colleagues Gonzalo and Carlos. Gonzalo took us on a rafting trip in the Liucura River, where my son was able to fish and also had the opportunity to learn how to row the raft. Carlos went above a beyond - taking us a fantastic hike to Sanctuario El Cani, and thermal baths, but also helping us when we needed to change our plans a bit. Cannot recommend Zenit Travel more.

As well, the guides in San Pedro de Atacama were fantastic, particularly Diego (full-day tour of Altiplanico) and Victor (Tatio Geysers). We also really enjoyed our trekking experience in Torres Del Paine with Juan Pablo. Truly, all of the guides were great - I could mention everyone.

Finally, everything happened on schedule and as described. We were picked up in the documented timeframe and we were on time for all of our flights. There was always someone waiting for us an the airport, and excellent communication via WhatsApp from the tour operators. We always felt like we were in good hands.

The hotels were also great, with a special mention to the Altiplanico Hotel in Puerto Natales. The food was incredible and the architecture of the hotel is really interesting and cool. But all of the hotels were comfortable, clean, and had friendly staff.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Santiago

This was a great hotel that is in the very center of the city.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to Cerro Santa Lucia and markets; walking distance to Bellavista.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama

This hotel is great; the only potential drawback is that it is a ten minute walk from most of the shops and restaurants in San Pedro.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Puerto Natales
Natales

We loved this hotel. It is not in the middle of Puerto Natales, but it is a short cab ride away, and has an awesome restaurant. The bathroom floors are heated and there is a heated towel rack as well - this felt luxurious after trekking in Torres Del Paine or seeing glaciers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Pucon Green Park
Pucon

This is a very family-friendly hotel; it actually seemed to be mostly Chilean families on vacation (which was a positive for us). It was a beautiful pool and green area. It is a bit outside of the center of Pucon, but it is a quick cab ride or slightly longer walk.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
City Tour Santiago de Chile (Parks)
Santiago

This was a kid-friendly way to learn some of the history of Santiago while also climbing around and enjoying the outdoors. We particularly liked Cerro Santa Lucia and Cerro San Cristobal, but the Bicentennial Park in Vitacura was also beautiful, and an interesting contrast between older and newer parks.

Quality of Experience
Food
We didn't have food, so n/a.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
San Pedro de Atacama: Moon Valley and Death Valley Excursion
San Pedro de Atacama

This was a great introduction to some of the landscapes around San Pedro. It was also a good way to squeeze in a tour on a travel day, as it left later in the afternoon.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking the great dune.
Evening Astronomy Tour
San Pedro de Atacama

The guides were fantastic and we were able to see a number of stars, planets, and other space things. Great explanations were given, and it was nice to have some snacks available. It was also close to the hotel, which was good considering it was a late night and we had a child with us. So not having to do a long drive was a bonus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leandro Zamprogno
Leandro
Leandro Zamprogno
Local specialist in CORDOBA | Reviewed on Feb 06, 2023

Dear Allison and family :)

I am glad you had a wonderful time in Chile! Thank you very much for this lovely full review, this helps us to continue improving day by day.

It was a pleasure planning this trip with you and it makes me very happy to know that everything was to your liking.
I look forward to working with you again soon!

All the best,

Fantastic tour through many cities in South America
Chile | Nov 28 - Dec 12, 2022

Atily
Atily G.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023

We took a South American tour from 27/11/2022 to 13/12/2022 organized by agent Emi through Kimkim. Here is our feedback on the trip:
It was very helpful to have ongoing emails from Emi before and during the trip. It helped to keep the communication going and prepare us. We could have used some more information about tipping – when and how much is appropriate in different situations.
For the most part, the internal flight times, tours and the accommodations were well planned with no waste... read more

We took a South American tour from 27/11/2022 to 13/12/2022 organized by agent Emi through Kimkim. Here is our feedback on the trip:
It was very helpful to have ongoing emails from Emi before and during the trip. It helped to keep the communication going and prepare us. We could have used some more information about tipping – when and how much is appropriate in different situations.
For the most part, the internal flight times, tours and the accommodations were well planned with no waste of times. At times during the whole trip, we felt it was too busy but, in the end,…. we realized it was worth it as we had limited time in each city and needed to make the best of it.
We arrived in Santiago on Dec 27th morning. A nice lady driver (Olivia?) and guide Franco received us at the airport, helped with bags etc. and took us to the hotel Pullman. Our room was not available until the afternoon. The concierge allowed us to keep our luggage safe for the time, so we went out to find some lunch. Later, we got and settled into our room. Following a nice rest, we were driven to the Vinolia winery and restaurant. We had a wonderful and thorough gastronomic experience of Chilean wine tasting (with a very knowledgeable host). It was a very enjoyable well presented dinner; we appreciated that the staff especially accommodated our dietary needs(lactose intolerant).. The next day morning, after our breakfast we met the guide (Robinson) who took us on a panoramic tour of the city including the Cerro Santa Lucía park where we got a nice scenic view. After our city tour, we enjoyed a fresh fish lunch with our fellow travellers at the fish restaurant in Mercado Central. As we went on the tour, Robinson attempted to give us English translation but the group was mostly Spanish speaking so we got less information than we would have liked. In the afternoon we visited the Maipo vineyards - Concha Y Toro where we had a wine tasting experience (happy to get the wine glasses to take home).The next day also guided by Robinson, was another busy day with a morning visit to Valparaiso where we saw the incredible artistic graffiti throughout the city, the harbour and scenic views of city and favelas from atop of one of the hills. We had nice lunch at the castle restaurant at Vina Del Mar and a stop at the beach. This time, Robinson placed us closer to front of bus so he could translate in English more often when seeing us. His regular suggestions to take funny photos made for some extra fun!
The next day was a day of rest and an evening flight to Mendoza. The driver Orlando who took us to the airport was informative and helpful. We arrived in Mendoza late evening, The quaint hotel - Club Tapiz we stayed at was located in a vineyard and provided a very serene peaceful experience. The restaurant staff were very accommodating and helped us meet our dietary needs. The next morning, we left early for a whole day in the mountains. We noted that out of consideration of our early start, the hotel staff was very nice to leave us a kettle, tea packets, some fruit and cookies etc. for breakfast. Our driver Patricio (very considerate and helped to get a badly needed coffee) drove us to meet the bus in the city. We met the guide and bus full of other tourists. We then proceeded to travel to the pre-Andes mountains where we stopped to visit the Inca bridge and old hotel with hot springs. It was a long journey but nonetheless interesting. Again, sadly the guide.... spoke most of the time in Spanish because it was mostly a Spanish speaking group (there were only three of us who spoke English). The lunch was a traditional type of a meal in a small restaurant. We sat with some others in the group who were so nice that they treated us by sharing a bottle of wine and did not allow us to contribute. It was
quite cool at times in the mountains so it was good that we were told ahead of time to bring jackets. The next day, our guide Claudia took us to wine tasting experiences at two vineries both very different and quite interesting to see the wine production facilities including the wine cellars. It was followed by another wine experience this time accompanied by a five course lunch (each course paired with a wine). That was quite a day and we definitely needed to rest after all that! In the evening we were taken to the airport by Orlando to catch the plane to Buenos Aires.
We arrived late in BA. The guide (Andrea) was informative and also helpful about money changing as she knew that would be difficult on a Sunday night. The hotel ( Pestana BA) which was not what we expected. The room was very basic and there was not even a bottle of water. That is usually something that is so welcoming to a weary traveller. Sadly, as we were tired, we would have preferred to stay in but there was not even room service available. We were forced to go out at that time in a strange city and managed to find a restaurant we could eat at. Thank goodness for Google maps and GPS. The next day we had a half day city tour, and our guide Savarita was helpful and knowledgeable. We visited the La Boca area where we saw a lot of street artists and in the city, we saw some of the important places like Evita Peron’s balcony and Pope Francis’s home church. That evening, we went to La Ventana for an incredible dinner tango show. The next day, a large group was collected from various hotels by our guide Camilla. It was a very long day with a trip to the countryside to visit a farm and see the Gauchos. The experience included horseback riding, a barbecue lunch, a show of traditional folk dancing and finally a moving show with a gaucho/horse whisperer. It was an extremely hot day as apparently often is at this time in BA and any travellers on this trip should be prepared with cool clothes, wet wipes, water bottles etc. Camilla was very informative and went out of her way to look after everyone in the group well. She even showed us how to make the traditional tea drink “matte” on the bus while we were on route. She diligently ensured that each one got back to their hotel at the end of the long tiring day even arranging a special taxi for us.
The following day, we left to catch a flight to Iguazu. We arrived around 10am. and were received at the airport by a guide Milvia. She took us to the hotel Mercure and since we arrived early, we could not book in our room till 3pm. We were tired and hungry, but we were supposed to go on a half day tour to see the Brazilian falls and the Parque Das Aves. We had to request the guide to give us a bit of time to change in the hotel guest washrooms and allow us to have something to eat. Luckily, we had saved a small meal from the airport as there was no food easily available at the hotel at that time. We wish we had been given a little more time to rest before the half day tour because it turned out to be a very long day with a lot of walking. The falls and bird park were spectacular and not to be missed! We found the Mercure hotel and services (dining room with unusual glass floor section overlooking fish pond, pool, conference room where we watched the soccer game) to be excellent. The next day, we were taken on a day tour of the Argentinian falls and the National Park by our guide John. He was very helpful and knowledgeable. He accompanied the group and provided interesting facts along the whole pathway to witness the spectacular beauty of all the many falls. We also took the extra excursion of the adventure on the boat which goes right to the bottom of the falls. It’s good to let the tourists know that taking this trip means you will get thoroughly soaked. Luckily, they provided participants with waterproof bags to store cameras and other belongings. The next day we had the whole day to explore Iguazu town, so we went to the arts and crafts stores to buy some gifts. We realized that when in South America at any point one is without a guide, it really helps to know some Spanish and to have the correct currency on hand. The small stores cannot not always handle credit cards. That evening we got to watch the World Cup soccer game with some passionate Argentinian soccer fans in the hotel conference room…that was fun especially since Argentina was playing.
In the evening, we were picked up to head to the airport to head to Rio de Janeiro. That was an adventure itself because the Spanish speaking driver took us to the wrong airport thinking we were flying on a domestic flight. We were surprised that he had not been informed it was the international airport we were going to so we could get to Rio. Luckily, we were able to explain to him that we were going to Brazil. He then quickly rerouted and we were taken right across the city to the correct airport, thankfully in time to board.
We arrived in Rio and were taken to the Arena Leme Hotel which was walking distance from Copacabana beach. The next morning, we were picked up and taken by our guide Paolo to visit Corcovado and see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Paolo who spoke both English and Spanish, was quite entertaining throughout the trip. We were taken to an All u can Eat BBQ lunch and got to try some sugar cane liquor. In the afternoon, we saw the soccer stadium and then went to Sugar Loaf. The cable car trip was not as good because the weather (very foggy) did not cooperate, but the group made the best of it. Finally, we were finished with the trip and got ready to go to the airport to take our flight heading home. We found the drivers who drove us to the airport were not helpful. We understand that not all of them speak English so there may be no conversation during the ride but there was not even an offer to help with the bags. Needless to say they were not in our favourite list for gratuities.
All in all,….it was an amazing and well organized trip. We highly recommend to others to take it. We would love to make another trip to see the countries we missed!

Hotel Reviews
Pullman Santiago El Bosque
Las Condes, Santiago

Nice place comfortable and close to amenities

Authenticity & Character
Authentic
Location
Close to amenities
Staff
Service especially in the restaurant
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great
Club Tapiz
Maipú - Mendoza

Fantastic relaxing among the vineyards. helpful and accommodating staff especially in the restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Very unique
Location
Serine
Staff
Helpful and courteous
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathrooms , Linen
Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel
Buenos Aires

Poor location and service

Authenticity & Character
Facilities, especially restaurant, availability of room service
Location
Middle of the city but Poor could have been a better location
Staff
Front desk staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru
Puerto Iguazú

Unique palace to relax

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful and modern
Location
Nice and relaxing among the wild life
Staff
very helpful and accommodating at all times
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent
Arena Leme
Rio de Janeiro

Nice and comfortable near Copacabana beach

Authenticity & Character
Modern facility with allservices
Location
Close to beach and center of the city. Walking distant to every place.
Staff
very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent.
Activity Reviews
Vinolia: Wine Tasting
Santiago

It was wonderful and informative.

Quality of Experience
Food
Authentic
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Courteous and helpful
Transport
Comfortable
Panoramic City Tour
Santiago

Peterson was very informative.

Quality of Experience
Detais
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Polite and courteous
Transport
Small group
Half day Maipo Vineyards - Concha y Toro Winery: Classic Tour
Santiago

Amassing peice of history

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Provided ample time for us to explore
Transport
Comfortable
Full Day - Valparaiso & Viña del Mar
Santiago

It is a unique experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
High Mountain Tour Mendoza
Mendoza

It is a long day but good experience to see the landscape

Quality of Experience
It is a piece of history that is unique
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide could be more fluent in multilingualism. We had few lines of English explanation.
Transport
Long ride but comfortable enough
Luján de Cuyo Wine Tasting
Mendoza

It is a wonderful opportunity to to experience many wines and to see the production lines

Quality of Experience
Rare opportunity
Food
Wow
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private driver Patricio and the guide was very caring
Transport
Comfortable private transport
Neighborhoods Tour
Buenos Aires

Architecture , history and restaurants

Quality of Experience
Walking around, La Boca
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Informative
Transport
Comfortable
Tango Show & Dinner
Buenos Aires

This was something I was waiting for. It was a fabulous show and dinner. I like the fact the dinner was served prior to the show so we could watch show uninterrupted.

Quality of Experience
The fabulous entertainment
Food
Quality
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private driver was excellent guided us to the place
Transport
Comfortable and safe car
San Antonio de Areco & Estancia el Ombu
Buenos Aires

Unique experience

Quality of Experience
Food
Unique experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Camilla was informative and very helpful
Transport
Perfect for the long trip
Brazilian Falls - PRIVATE
Puerto Iguazu

Exhausting to do the half day tour straight off the flight from BA. Some time to recap and rest would have been nice. Lots of walking.

Quality of Experience
Nice to see the birds and get close to the falls
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Took the time to take us around walking the 1800 steps
Transport
Perfect private transportation
The Birds Park - PRIVATE
Puerto Iguazu

It is nice to see some injured birds are being cared for

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Argentinean Falls - Full day
Puerto Iguazu

It is a must see if you are visiting South America

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide Milvia was helpful and walked the distance with us.
Transport
Nice private transportation
Rio de Janeiro: FD Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Excursion
Rio de Janeiro

It is a must in Rio

Quality of Experience
Long Day
Food
Nice to enjoy the local food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Paolo was entertaining
Transport
Comfortable
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso

Overall, wonderful trip. The excursions were...
Chile | Dec 21 - Dec 30, 2022

K
Kelly R.
Crossville, TN | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

Overall, wonderful trip. The excursions were great and the trips were well organized and planned. The hotel in Santiago (NH Ciudad de Santiago) was NOT a very nice hotel and not 4 star. I would not recommend this hotel. The tour guide in Santiago got lost herself multiple times and had us walking in the poor section of town for over 45 minutes before admitting she was lost. I would not recommend this company for the city guided tour. The hotel in San Pedro de Atacama was wonderful and... read more

Overall, wonderful trip. The excursions were great and the trips were well organized and planned. The hotel in Santiago (NH Ciudad de Santiago) was NOT a very nice hotel and not 4 star. I would not recommend this hotel. The tour guide in Santiago got lost herself multiple times and had us walking in the poor section of town for over 45 minutes before admitting she was lost. I would not recommend this company for the city guided tour. The hotel in San Pedro de Atacama was wonderful and the staff was very nice. Our transfer to the airport for the flight from Santiago to Calama was way too early. As such, we caught an earlier flight and had to arrange our own transportation to San Pedro de Atacama. The excursions in San Pedro were very satisfactory. Again, we had ample time arriving to the airport in Calama prior to our flight to Punta Arenas via Santiago. I believe the flight status changes quickly, but I would have recommended a later flight so as to avoid the over 3 hour lay over in Santiago. The hotel in Punta Arenas was NOT good- the staff was very rude, the beds were uncomfortable and would NOT recommend this hotel. We had a nice trip to Magellan island and the bus ride to Puerto Natales was very comfortable. We again loved our hotel in Puerto Natales. The guided tour of the National Park Torres Del Paine was nice, but the guide did not speak good English and other than the views, we did not understand anything from the explanation. The guides on our hike to the base of Torres Del Paine explained more and spoke better English. This hike was one of the highlights of the trip. On our way back through Santiago we had an 8-9 hour layover and self arranged a half day in the Hyatt Centric hotel which was very nice. The kids enjoyed Santiago much better the second time largely related to the area of town and the niceness of the hotel.

In terms of planning, in the future a more detailed outline of the excursions may be helpful. Some included breakfast which was not always noted on the itinerary.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Costaustralis
Puerto Natales

Beautiful views from the room. Very nice hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NH Ciudad de Santiago
Santiago

Horrible hotel- not clean. Not in good section of town. Breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

Wonderful hotel- clean and very nice staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel José Nogueira
Punta Arenas

Very rude staff. Mattresses in the rooms were very poor.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Stargazing Tour
San Pedro de Atacama

Amazing views and experience.

Santiago City Tour
Santiago

Guide was very nice, but she got lost more than once and took us for 45 minutes in the wrong direction around a poor area of town.

Valley of the Moon Tour
San Pedro de Atacama

Great tour- nice staff.

Hidden Baltinache Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama

One of our favorite activities. Guide did not speak much English but we were able to understand enough.

Puritama Canyon Trek
San Pedro de Atacama

Nice tour and beautiful hike.

Tour of Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama

Amazing experience. The guide did not explain a lot. The driver seemed to know more about the area than the guide but he did not translate what the driver was saying.

Buggy Safari Through the Desert
San Pedro de Atacama

This guide was GREAT! He spoke wonderful English and took time to explain things.

Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile

Kids loved seeing the penguins. Seas were too rough to go see the sea lions.

Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile

The guide did not speak good English and we did not understand anything she really said. Would recommend a different guide. The ride was pretty and we were able to see a mountain lion.

Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Puerto Natales

This tour was very organized despite being very large. On the itinerary it said small group. It included a nice large lunch. The lamb lunch was delicious!

Hike in Torres del Paine National Park
Chile

These guides were great! Spoke wonderful English. There were 3 guides so the group could get broken into smaller groups based on speed.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

I appreciate your comments, Kelly, and will keep them in mind for future reference. Glad to hear overall it was a great trip.
I wish your family a fabulous New Year 2023 with many more adventures to enjoy!
Best,
Lorena

Our trip was well-organized. We had some tr...
Chile | Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2022

S
stacy f.
Westbury, NY | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2023

Our trip was well-organized. We had some travel snafus and but we were able to stay in contact with someone on the team so our trip could continue smoothly. The tours we were booked on were fantastic and ran smoothly. The guides were great. All around great experience .

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2023

Stacy, I am so happy it all turned out well considering the 1-day delay of your international flight. You are both super lucky to have visited the island during peak season thanks to your early planning, it is fully booked through April now! I wish you both a fabulous New Year 2023 and I truly appreciate your trust in us for this trip.
Best regards,
Lorena

Awesome planning and execution was flawless! Helped create a once in a lifetime memorable family trip for us!
Chile | Dec 21 - Dec 31, 2022

Rahul
Rahul S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2023

thanks for helping plan a wonderful trip that will leave us lifelong memories! I will of course refer friends to Lorena and Kimkim since we are very happy with the end to end experience you offered.

The guided tours in Valparaiso with Claudia and the all day one with Simple Patagonia in Torres Del Paine were excellent. Pick ups and drop offs were professional and on time in clean comfortable and safely driven vehicles

The penguin tour to Isla Magdalena and the all day boat tour to the... read more

thanks for helping plan a wonderful trip that will leave us lifelong memories! I will of course refer friends to Lorena and Kimkim since we are very happy with the end to end experience you offered.

The guided tours in Valparaiso with Claudia and the all day one with Simple Patagonia in Torres Del Paine were excellent. Pick ups and drop offs were professional and on time in clean comfortable and safely driven vehicles

The penguin tour to Isla Magdalena and the all day boat tour to the glaciers were highlights

The hotels - both boutiques in Valparaiso and Chiloe were divine as was the 5 star comfort in Puerto Varas.

Finally Lorena and her staff in country were always available and super responsive via WhatsApp and so flexible that they were able to move us to an earlier bus when we decided to leave Punta Arenas 3 hours earlier to enjoy more of Natales. Someone picked up the old tickets and the new tickets were handed to us by the driver!

An amazing service experience and Lorena worked so patiently with me to co develop an itinerary that had some self driven days like Chiloe and Lake District and a lot of guided stuff in all other places

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique Acontraluz
Valparaíso

Fantastic setting right in the heart of Cerro Allegro with gorgeous views

Authenticity & Character
A house converted to a hotel but retains a small homey feeling
Location
Staff
Packed breakfast for our early departure
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Palafito 1326
Castro

Unique property sitting on stilts right above the water

Authenticity & Character
One of the palafito houses converted lovingly to a small hotel with the most attentive staff and a gourmet restaurant
Location
Staff
When the restaurant was full although they don’t do room service they made an exception for us and delivered
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

5 star comfort in a large hotel that doesn’t feel large at all rght on lake llanquihue with gorgeous views

Authenticity & Character
Looks like a Swiss chalet albeit a large imposing one that dominates the waterfront
Location
Right in the water with a lovel view of both volcanoes from water facing rooms
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Dreams del Estrecho
Punta Arenas

Large casino hotel large rooms well located close to the central plaza and on the water but no airconditioning and the rooms can heat up in the summer sun so close drapes

Authenticity & Character
Typical modern casino hotel so feels a little sterile at times
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Puerto Natales
Natales

Eco friendly amazing location facing the sound. Built unobtrusively to fit the terrain with spectacular views. Good menu in the restaurant and incredibly helpful staff!

Authenticity & Character
Unique low slung design that fits into the hilly terrain with large glass windows in every room
Location
Staff
Special breakfast for us as vegetarian
Cleanliness & Comfort
Need better wifi in room without having to come to the lobby and dark blackout drapes for the 5am sunrise and 1030pm sunsets in the summer
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2023

Rahul, it was a real pleasure working together in crafting this special trip for you and family. It is wonderful to know you enjoyed visiting our country and wish you all a magnificent New Year 2023 full of new memories.
Best always,
Lorena

You can take your mother and children to Patagonia with the help of Kimkim
Chile | Dec 11 - Dec 24, 2022

M
Marcia S.
Merrifield, VA | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2022

We had an excellent trip with the help of Lorena. She picked great destinations and excursions for our 7 person group ranging in age from 10 to 75. She selected excellent accommodations for our budget. It was great always being a walkable neighborhood since we didn't have a vehicle. Having access to someone local who spoke English via WhatsApp throughout the trip was wonderful and helped me manage my stress levels greatly as the group leader - especially when the airlines canceled a... read more

We had an excellent trip with the help of Lorena. She picked great destinations and excursions for our 7 person group ranging in age from 10 to 75. She selected excellent accommodations for our budget. It was great always being a walkable neighborhood since we didn't have a vehicle. Having access to someone local who spoke English via WhatsApp throughout the trip was wonderful and helped me manage my stress levels greatly as the group leader - especially when the airlines canceled a flight!

Chile was a wonderful country to visit. Everyone was very polite and hospitable. We felt safe and really enjoyed the experience. Patagonia and the lake region were amazing.

Hotel Reviews
NH Ciudad de Santiago
Santiago

Nice hotel but a little worn out. It is in a good location so you can walk to Little Italy and other fun neighborhoods. Breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Carpa Manzano
Punta Arenas

I liked the location of this hotel. It was in a quiet neighborhood and you could walk to the downtown area as well as the amazing cemetery. The rooms are little small but they get the job done. I really appreciated the blackout curtains in December. The staff was very patient with my family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
My kids room smelled a little off.
Hotel Weisserhaus
Puerto Varas

This hotel is super cute, in a great location, and has AMAZING staff. My husband needed a doctor and they helped us find one who could speak English and help him get back on his feet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Marina del Rey
Viña del Mar

This is a great American hotel in Vina del Mar but it is on a busy road so ask for a room on the other side of the hotel. The breakfast was great and the staff were super accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

Thanks, Marcia. I am so happy the entire family enjoyed their time in Chile, sorry I missed you in Punta Arenas! It was a windy day... :)
May you all have a fantastic New Year 2023!!
Lorena

Incredible Chile trip
Chile | Dec 14 - Dec 29, 2022

J
Joshua S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2022

Emi and the others did an absolutely incredible job planning this trip from start to finish! The accommodations were terrific, and any minor problems were resolved quickly. Communication with the team was prompt and excellent. Thank you all so much!

Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023

Thank you, Joshua!
After so much time waiting, you finally made it to come!
I am very happy to know that you were able to get to know Chile and that you had a nice experience :D
It was a pleasure meeting you
Emi

Crissy and Bob - Patagonia
Chile | Dec 16 - Dec 23, 2022

Bob
Bob M.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2022

Crissy and I had an amazing time in Patagonia. This trip was a long time coming, delayed several times for COVID, and ended turning into our Honeymoon.

Erin and the KimKim crew were fantastic during the changes and final prep. Very knowledgeable, offering up timely responses, and extremely flexible.

We really enjoyed the Penguin Island, Torres Base Hike, and the Serrano River Kayak. Weather was absolutely perfect. Hotels were decent, with the Hosteria Pehoe being the most... read more

Crissy and I had an amazing time in Patagonia. This trip was a long time coming, delayed several times for COVID, and ended turning into our Honeymoon.

Erin and the KimKim crew were fantastic during the changes and final prep. Very knowledgeable, offering up timely responses, and extremely flexible.

We really enjoyed the Penguin Island, Torres Base Hike, and the Serrano River Kayak. Weather was absolutely perfect. Hotels were decent, with the Hosteria Pehoe being the most memorable.

All the drivers and guides were superb. Daniel was always a bit early and drove us safely to where we needed to be. Devi was super fun to hang with during the Torres del Paine tour and took us to some cool hiking spots, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Charlie was a great kayak guide and campsite host. He worked hard to make sure we had an incredible experience.

Activity Reviews
Paddle from Pueblo Serrano to Puerto Toro [Kayak Expedition Day 1]
Chile

Charlie, from Tutravesia, worked hard to ensure a very enjoyable. experience. Views were breath taking.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Serrano Glacier & Estancia Perales [Kayak Expedition Day 2]
Chile
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony
Punta Arenas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trip Briefing at Dittmar Adventures
Puerto Natales

Nara provided all the details for the trip and stayed in touch with weather updates for the kayak excursion.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Torres del Paine Full Day Private Tour
Chile

Devi was an amazing guide. She has a trail scale of 14/10 and our marriage is stronger having spent the day with her. She was solely responsible for the perfect weather and all the functioning planks on the waterfall boardwalk. If we were not laughing so hard maybe we would have seen a puma.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Erin Wiley

Recent trip to Chi...
Chile | Nov 24 - Dec 14, 2022

B
BG T.
Singapore | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2022

We had an enjoyable and memorable trip to Chile thanks to the Lorena who had been very patient listening to our needs and expectations and she was able to come up with an itinerary to suit our requests. She was very professional and answered many of our doubts that came up along the way.
Everything went smoothly. The transfers were always early or punctual and they were very helpful especially Gabriel who is so cheerful and ever ready to help. The guides were knowledgeable and answered our... read more

We had an enjoyable and memorable trip to Chile thanks to the Lorena who had been very patient listening to our needs and expectations and she was able to come up with an itinerary to suit our requests. She was very professional and answered many of our doubts that came up along the way.
Everything went smoothly. The transfers were always early or punctual and they were very helpful especially Gabriel who is so cheerful and ever ready to help. The guides were knowledgeable and answered our questions to the best of their ability especially Sebastian who shared a lot of information and speaks fluent clear English at Piedras Rojas. We were amazed at the different landscapes of Atacama Desert. The hotels were well selected as they are situated in central and safe locations. We also thoroughly enjoyed our dinner hosted by Gloria and Leo who took great pains to prepare such a sumptuous meal and sharing their recipes.
Valentina and Anne Sophie were quick to respond to any issues that cropped up along the way. We were very impressed by their professionalism and they had made our trip a very pleasant one. Thank you.

Hotel Reviews
Dreams del Estrecho Hotel
Punta Arenas
Authenticity & Character
Location
It is well located.
Staff
They are helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Big Sur
Puerto Natales

There is no lift and you need someone to help you carry your luggage.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is centrally located and it is within walking distance to the lake
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Konkashken Lodge
Torres del Paine

The cabin is compact and cosy. It comes with a small kitchen and a fireplace.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The environment is very clean and beautiful, good place to relax.
Staff
The staff is very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Bellavista
Puerto Varas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Very good location facing the lake and it is near to eateries and supermarket.
Staff
Staff is helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Santiago

There was an improvement in the way things were carried out as compared to the first stay. The restaurant was opened to let us have an early breakfast as we had an early pick up for our day tour. We were able to have a late check out and use their other facilities to freshen ourselves before departing for the airport.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location is safe and it is near to shopping malls and lots of eating places.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

At the reception, you can help yourself to a free flow of hot and cold beverages 24 hours. You can refill your water bottle at the water dispenser just outside the reception too. We were pleasantly surprised that there was a free laundry service if we stayed 5 days and more.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is a good location, away from the crowd and not too noisy but within walking distance to the main street.
Staff
The staff is friendly and ever ready to help.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas

It was really a good rest for us, having flown more than 38 hours to reach Santiago and to continue on to Punta Arenas. We could spend our time leisurely exploring the place and to recuperate from the long distance travel.

Private Dinner
Santiago

We thoroughly enjoyed the dinner prepared by Gloria and Leo. Both Gloria and Leo are very cheerful. Gloria is an excellent chef. We love all the food - from the yummy appetisers, delicious tender beef and fresh salmon with potatoes. Her homemade ice cream was superb. Leo is very knowledgeable about the pairing of wine and we certainly learned a lot from him. We had a great time and am thankful for the warm hospitality of the couple.

Quality of Experience
Wonderful and memorable experience
Food
All the food that is being served.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Both the guide and the driver are very good. Gabriel is an excellent driver.
Transport
The car is big and spacious.
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2022

Gracias BG for your kindness! It is wonderful to know you had a good time during your 3 weeks in Chile and got to experience so many different places, flavors, and people. I wish you all the best in future travels and a plentiful New Year 2023.
Cheers,
Lorena

Fantastic Trip
Chile | Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2022

E
Eric M.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2022

We had a fantastic trip, Lorena and her team set us up with great tours and helpful assistance all throughout our trip. Thank you for helping us navigate Chile and creating an amazing vacation.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2022

Hola Eric and Erin, it was my pleasure to assist with such a fun trip to Patagonia and the Chilean Lake District, very glad to know you both enjoyed it :)
Best,
Lorena

Review of our trip
Chile | Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2022

Syed
Syed Z.
Scottsdale, AZ | Reviewed on Dec 18, 2022

1. The highlight of the trip was to hike the base of Torres del Paine because of the ranger strike we did the pine hill trail. we were little slow compared to the rest of the group and the leader decided that we should just go back and not reach the top. this was totally absurd, we should have been informed that if you are slow get a private guide. We came prepared for this hike and were not allowed to do it. After spending so much money this is what we get.
2. On the way back from Bermuda... read more

1. The highlight of the trip was to hike the base of Torres del Paine because of the ranger strike we did the pine hill trail. we were little slow compared to the rest of the group and the leader decided that we should just go back and not reach the top. this was totally absurd, we should have been informed that if you are slow get a private guide. We came prepared for this hike and were not allowed to do it. After spending so much money this is what we get.
2. On the way back from Bermuda glacier we did not have anyone to pick us up. we waited for half an
hour and then took a ride from a stranger.
3. The last day we were waiting to be picked up to go go the airport and the driver had the wrong time for the flight, totally not aware. We had to call the company and they sent a driver we barely missed the flight.
4. When we reached Santiago our luggage didn't arrive we texted you no response. It was not a great experience after the amou t of money spent.

Local specialist: Emilce Alonso

My heartfelt thanks to EMI for diligently fin...
Chile | Nov 11 - Nov 20, 2022

J
Janet A.
Venice, FL | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2022

My heartfelt thanks to EMI for diligently finding our stargazing picture of Nov. 12. Just a picture of all of us, but it is such a wonderful memory and does mean a lot. THANK YOU!

Janet read more

My heartfelt thanks to EMI for diligently finding our stargazing picture of Nov. 12. Just a picture of all of us, but it is such a wonderful memory and does mean a lot. THANK YOU!

Janet

Hotel Review
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
Torres del Paine

The best hotel I've ever had the pleasure of staying in. They have EVERYTHING right. Perfect! Till next time... Janet

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022

Thank you so much, Janet!!

I'm so happy to know that you had a great time in Chile!
That photo is really beautiful to always have with you and in memories of this trip that you could share together 🥰

My best wishes!
Emi!

A memorable visit to Chile's Araucanía region
Chile | Dec 5 - Dec 10, 2022

Antonio
Antonio R.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

We had a truly memorable experience in Chile thanks to Lorena Huidobro, from Turismo Milodon, our kimkim-appointed tour company. Lorena arranged for us a wonderful five-day, outdoor-oriented visit to La Araucanía region of the country, centered around the small town of Pucón, at the foot of the majestic Villarrica volcano and next to the lake of the same name. Led by expert tour guides from locally-based Rehue Expediciones (Ermin and Ricardo), we hiked Conguillío and Huerquehue National... read more

We had a truly memorable experience in Chile thanks to Lorena Huidobro, from Turismo Milodon, our kimkim-appointed tour company. Lorena arranged for us a wonderful five-day, outdoor-oriented visit to La Araucanía region of the country, centered around the small town of Pucón, at the foot of the majestic Villarrica volcano and next to the lake of the same name. Led by expert tour guides from locally-based Rehue Expediciones (Ermin and Ricardo), we hiked Conguillío and Huerquehue National Parks and some of the Lagos Andinos, all areas of stunningly unique beauty. Lorena also arranged for us stays at two top-notch accomodations: Antumalal Hotel and Rakau Lodge --the latter we would especially highly recommend to any visitors to the area. Lorena's expert advice and attention to detail truly paid off. We also appreciated Turismo Milodon's follow-up while we were in-country. And last but not least, while we were in Santiago, Lorena was able to arrange for us on very short notice a great private day trip to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, knowledgeably led by Hernán and driver Gabriel. Thank you, Lorena!

Hotel Reviews
Rakau Lodge
Pucón

Newer establishment on a secluded, wooded area next to a river. Small and intimate, with very attentive service. Outstanding cuisine. Very highly recommend it!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Antumalal
Pucon

Very classy, comfortable hotel with a great spa facility and excellent cuisine. Very attentive service. The views of Lake Villarrica from the rooms and restaurant were magnificent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Dec 17, 2022

Dear Antonio and Becky,
I am so happy to hear all went well despite the scare of the parks strike, not-so-perfect weather, and muddy conditions. You are truly troopers! It is a beautiful area indeed not many explore. I hope you will continue to visit amazing places all around the world.
Wishing you both nothing but the best,
Lorena

Thank you Jason for planning such a wonderful...
Chile | Nov 30 - Dec 10, 2022

Alane
Alane F.
Lee, MA | Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

Thank you Jason for planning such a wonderful trip for Jim and me. All your arrangements worked out perfectly, from pick up at the airport in Santiago to our departure on the last day from Puerto Natales. Felipe, our guide in Santiago, was amazing. He had such a thorough grasp of Santiago’s history, the people and the politics. We learned so much from him as we toured the city. Lunch at Boscanariz was a delicious surprise and gave us an education in Chilean wines. The Atacama Desert was... read more

Thank you Jason for planning such a wonderful trip for Jim and me. All your arrangements worked out perfectly, from pick up at the airport in Santiago to our departure on the last day from Puerto Natales. Felipe, our guide in Santiago, was amazing. He had such a thorough grasp of Santiago’s history, the people and the politics. We learned so much from him as we toured the city. Lunch at Boscanariz was a delicious surprise and gave us an education in Chilean wines. The Atacama Desert was another highlight of our trip. The salt dunes, geysers and lunar vistas were amazing. All of our guides were so knowledgeable and engaging. We liked staying close to town at Noi Casa Atacama and being able to walk into town whenever we wanted. The staff at the hotel was great and the pool and spa were perfect for relaxing after long touring days. And of course staying at Explora Patagonia in Torres del Plaines with its incredible views and vistas was thrilling. The hikes, guides, food, spa, and staff, all surpassed our expectations. We were so impressed with the passion, enthusiasm and love the staff have for Patagonia and Chile. By the end of our trip, we shared that love.

Hotel Review
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Santiago

We were a little disappointed with the Ritz Carlton, given the excellent reputation the hotel chain has. Our room was spacious and bright. However, the amenities were not on par with a 5 star hotel. They were skimpy and unimpressive and inadequate for two people staying in the room. The staff was friendly and nice, although most did not speak English, including the doorman, who did not open the door or greet guests as they entered the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff working in the lobby need a lesson in welcoming guests and being more helpful to guests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Jason Kearney
Jason
Jason Kearney
Local specialist in Peru | Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

Hi Alane and Jim,
It was a pleasure to work in the creation and delivery of your great adventure in Chile. We hope to welcome you back soon.
Regards,
Jason.

Chile top to bottom
Chile | Nov 20 - Nov 30, 2022

H
Heidi H.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2022

Chile is not an easy country to navigate especially if you don't speak Spanish. It was wonderful to have Kimkim plan our adventures and take the stress of travel away. We were very impressed with the drivers and guides. We were able to see a lot of the country in 3 weeks. Next time I would plan longer in Patagonia as the wind caused our boat tours there to be cancelled. They were helpful in getting us refunds which would have been hard to deal with ourselves not knowing Spanish. I would... read more

Chile is not an easy country to navigate especially if you don't speak Spanish. It was wonderful to have Kimkim plan our adventures and take the stress of travel away. We were very impressed with the drivers and guides. We were able to see a lot of the country in 3 weeks. Next time I would plan longer in Patagonia as the wind caused our boat tours there to be cancelled. They were helpful in getting us refunds which would have been hard to deal with ourselves not knowing Spanish. I would definitely recommend Kimkim.

Hotel Review
Natalino Hotel Patagonia
Puerto Natales

The front desk staff were super helpful with advice on things to do when our boat tours were cancelled due to wind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance to lots of great restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience about your trip 😃
We're very happy to know that you had a great time and also with our team!

We look forward to welcoming you to Patagonia soon!
All the best!
Emi

Chile bottom to top November 2022.
Chile | Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2022

Cindy
Cindy R.
Willmar, MN | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2022

The onset of COVID forced us to postpone our planned 2 week itinerary to Chile in March of 2020 but KimKim faithfully stayed in contact with us, encouraging us to not cancel but only delay the trip. We were apprehensive and concerned we would lose our paid trip but were more than satisfied with the repeated contacts from the company over 2 years of delay. They were responsive and personal in our communication the entire time.
Our guides and drivers were excellent, giving us Spanish lessons... read more

The onset of COVID forced us to postpone our planned 2 week itinerary to Chile in March of 2020 but KimKim faithfully stayed in contact with us, encouraging us to not cancel but only delay the trip. We were apprehensive and concerned we would lose our paid trip but were more than satisfied with the repeated contacts from the company over 2 years of delay. They were responsive and personal in our communication the entire time.
Our guides and drivers were excellent, giving us Spanish lessons as we drove. We learned South American politics, economics and family life from different points of view, depending on who we were with that day.
We were traveling as independent travelers but our tour had us joining other groups or independents on our excursions. We like that kind of plan and made so many friends from around the world.
Santiago-Punta Arenas-Puerto Natales-Santiago-Atacama high desert-Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso was our itinerary. Our favorite was Puerto Natales and the excursions into Torres del Paine, especially the glacier tour day. And at Atacama the excursion to the geysers before dawn was unreal.
Our other favorite wasn’t a planned excursion but a happy independent traveler adventure as a result of meeting a Chilean who lives in Salt Lake City on our flight from Atlanta. He was going home to his family for the summer and invited us to visit in Casablanca. On the last day of our trip we accepted his parents gracious invitation to lunch at their home. We now have a wonderful family connection in Chile and plan to see them in Minnesota. 😊

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique La Yegua Loca
Punta Arenas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Puerto Natales
Natales
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pullman San Martin
Viña del Mar
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022

You finally did it, Cindy! After almost 3 years of struggling with the pandemic, I am very happy to know that you were able to get to know Chile and that you had a nice experience :D
It's beautiful to have made friends along the way and memories that will last forever.
It was a pleasure meeting you
my best wishes!
Emi

All the guides were wonderful. Ana for the T...
Chile | Nov 8 - Nov 17, 2022

M
Min Y.
Hamtramck, MI | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2022

All the guides were wonderful. Ana for the Torres del Paine, Jorge for condor and trekking, Ray and Gonzalo of Andoandes for volcanoes and hot spring read more

All the guides were wonderful. Ana for the Torres del Paine, Jorge for condor and trekking, Ray and Gonzalo of Andoandes for volcanoes and hot spring

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Dec 17, 2022

Hi Min,
Your kind words are much appreciated and it is wonderful to know you and Zheng enjoyed this diverse adventure throughout Chile and Argentina accompanied with friends.
Best wishes for both of you,
Lorena

I think Ndudi covered most of what I would li...
Chile | Nov 14 - Nov 26, 2022

S
Sam K.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2022

I think Ndudi covered most of what I would like to say about the trip however we had some issues at that last hotel.

There was a minor issue too but this was the main one. When checking out the clerk at the desk kept insisting that our room was not paid for and we needed to provide a credit card to pay for the room. He didn't have any idea of how the rooms where booked and who was responsible for payment. He said he needed to wait for somebody to Call and confirm that our room was paid... read more

I think Ndudi covered most of what I would like to say about the trip however we had some issues at that last hotel.

There was a minor issue too but this was the main one. When checking out the clerk at the desk kept insisting that our room was not paid for and we needed to provide a credit card to pay for the room. He didn't have any idea of how the rooms where booked and who was responsible for payment. He said he needed to wait for somebody to Call and confirm that our room was paid for and that once he got the confirmation that we would be good to go. At this point our guide was already there and waiting on us to leave.

This interaction was a little disconcerning but besides that overall it was a pleasant trip.

Local specialist: Laura McAfoos
Laura
Laura McAfoos
Local specialist in Puerto Natales | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2022

Sam,

Thanks for the comment. I am glad you had a nice trip!

Unfortunately with the pause of the pandemic there was a lot of turnover and many employees are new to their respective companies in all areas of tourism in Chile and Argentina. We are very watchful that all client reservations are paid in the periods required by the operator, but we have noticed that the internal systems of some companies haven't become well oiled machines quite yet.

I expect these sorts of situations will... read more

Sam,

Thanks for the comment. I am glad you had a nice trip!

Unfortunately with the pause of the pandemic there was a lot of turnover and many employees are new to their respective companies in all areas of tourism in Chile and Argentina. We are very watchful that all client reservations are paid in the periods required by the operator, but we have noticed that the internal systems of some companies haven't become well oiled machines quite yet.

I expect these sorts of situations will become less as the employees become better versed in their processes. However, I do appreciate the feedback regarding the hotel. We will make sure it doesn't repeat with the hotel.

Thank you!
Laura

Chilean Trip of a Lifetime
Chile | Nov 18 - Nov 27, 2022

H
Heath N.
Wasco, IL | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2022

Fantastic! Lorena created a truly amazing Chilean experience for my family. Lorena and the KimKim team were extremely flexible and reactive throughout the trip which insured that we were able to fully take part in all planned activities. I highly recommend KimKim and this Chilean trip of a lifetime! read more

Fantastic! Lorena created a truly amazing Chilean experience for my family. Lorena and the KimKim team were extremely flexible and reactive throughout the trip which insured that we were able to fully take part in all planned activities. I highly recommend KimKim and this Chilean trip of a lifetime!

Activity Reviews
Hidden Baltinache Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour of Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Buggy Safari Through the Desert
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Chile
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Chiloé Island & Puñihuil Penguin National Reserve
Puerto Varas
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2022

Dear Heath,
It is always fulfilling to know the trip planning and executing turned out to be a great experience for all. I love how your family was up for all kinds of adventures and glad they enjoyed the trip. I am sure they all appreciate your generosity and opening of new horizons as well.
Take care!
Lorena

Amazing, flexible, patient, and insightful
Chile | Nov 25 - Dec 1, 2022

M
Michael P.
Edina, MN | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2022

Emi was fantastic all through the planning. She gave us great options and made changes based on our (not always clear) descriptions of what we’d like to do.

I fully recommend Emi (and Mateo) and Kim Kim read more

Emi was fantastic all through the planning. She gave us great options and made changes based on our (not always clear) descriptions of what we’d like to do.

I fully recommend Emi (and Mateo) and Kim Kim

Hotel Reviews
Pullman Santiago El Bosque
Las Condes, Santiago

Hotel, staff, and location were great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Bellavista
Puerto Varas

Wow! What a view couldn't ask for a better location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Tour: Full Day Valparaiso & Casablanca Valley
Santiago

Orlando, our driver and guide for the day was very personable and informative. The wine tour was really good. Though it was a bit weird to do the tasting in the morning, it did mean we had a more intimate tour. The streets of Valparaiso were lovely, and the Neruda museum was fun and quirky. The only weak spot was perhaps the castle restarting for lunch and the tour through Viña del Mar. Neither was bad, just lackluster.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Volcán Osorno + Trekking El Solitario + Petrohue
Puerto Varas

We are not a family who treks. So this ended up being some work and exercise for us. But so worth it!! The views, the environment… breathtaking. And Javier was an amazing guide. He could “read the room” and kept us laughing and learning. He helped us rest when we needed and motivated us when we needed it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to Puyehue National Park and Hotsprings
Puerto Varas

This day was fun. But it was a lot of driving to get to views that may be replicated closer to Puerto Varas. Though it was nice seeing some of the small towns along the way. Christian, our driver and guide, was amazing. And he adored well when we hit some bumps. When we arrived at the park and hot springs, the staff was on strike, so we couldn’t do the big pool hot springs where you really soak. But in the end, that was ok. They didn’t seem to have much a view and just looked like a public pool. Instead we soaked our feet in the natural (and free) hot springs riverside.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Kayak Reloncavi Fjord
Puerto Varas

This experience was amazing! Fantastic views of the fjord, the volcano, and the sea lions. All while getting a little exercise out on the water. The the view from the woman’s farm where we stopped for lunch was awe inspiring. And she was extremely sweet. Chloe our guide was fantastic too. She was funny and knowledgeable. Also, I have to plug the lunch. All the other excursions had boxed lunches from a company. They were fine. But these lunches, someone took real time making just for us: salads, homemade cookies, coffee riverside, etc. And they took into account some dietary restrictions I have. Really put an amazing experience over the top by going that extra mile.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2022

Thank you, Michael! :D

I really loved planning this trip to Chile with you and how enthusiastic you were about the different ideas.
Thank you for trusting us and sharing this lovely feedback,

All the best!
Emi

We had a wonderful time in Chile. Lorena plan...
Chile | Nov 12 - Nov 26, 2022

G
Gail M.
Maplewood, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2022

We had a wonderful time in Chile. Lorena planned an adventurous itinerary - city tours, San Pedro hikes, Easter Island wonders, and spectacular hiking in Torres del Paine. During the few times that a flight was rescheduled or the weather interfered with a tour, Lorena and Ignacio stepped up to save the day! We are very grateful to them for making this such a special family vacation. read more

We had a wonderful time in Chile. Lorena planned an adventurous itinerary - city tours, San Pedro hikes, Easter Island wonders, and spectacular hiking in Torres del Paine. During the few times that a flight was rescheduled or the weather interfered with a tour, Lorena and Ignacio stepped up to save the day! We are very grateful to them for making this such a special family vacation.

Hotel Reviews
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
best hotel in the area
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Taura'a
Hanga Roa

Sweetest owner - like staying with your aunt.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago

great location for an early flight

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Carpa Manzano
Punta Arenas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Puerto Natales
Natales
Authenticity & Character
beautiful views
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
relaxing and beautiful environment
Activity Reviews
Santiago City Tour
Santiago
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Valley of the Moon Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Stargazing Tour
San Pedro de Atacama

This was such a unique experience - the stars are amazing. Guides were incredibly knowledgeable and the use of telescopes was so much fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hidden Baltinache Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We had the most amazing guide!
Transport
Waterfalls Trek
San Pedro de Atacama

Very cool to see the geysers. Great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour of Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama

Great experience and guide.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
Santiago

Really enjoyed touring these towns. Fantastic guide!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Tour to Ahu Akivi
Easter Island

Just an amazing experience to see these statues.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile

Great overall view of park. Excellent guide.

Hike in Torres del Paine National Park
Chile

Be prepared for a rigorous hike with lots of changes in weather.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022

Many thanks for the kind words, Gail. It is great to know everyone had a good time while in Chile, it was definitely a very diverse trip and hopefully with many memories to treasure.
Best always,
Lorena

Perfect Chilean Adventure
Chile | Nov 21 - Nov 26, 2022

ashley
ashley c.
Roswell, GA | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2022

When we decided to take last minute Thanksgiving trip to Chile with our 4 kids (22 - 12)I wasn’t sure where to start. Fortunately we found Kimkim and Lorena!!! Lorena helped us craft the perfect vacation full of adventure, history and unforgettable moments at a great value. A truly seamless experience which included 4 airport transfers, 2 in country flights, 3 hotels, 2 days touring the area with our amazing guide Victor, whitewater rafting, fjord kayaking, volcano trekking and penguins... read more

When we decided to take last minute Thanksgiving trip to Chile with our 4 kids (22 - 12)I wasn’t sure where to start. Fortunately we found Kimkim and Lorena!!! Lorena helped us craft the perfect vacation full of adventure, history and unforgettable moments at a great value. A truly seamless experience which included 4 airport transfers, 2 in country flights, 3 hotels, 2 days touring the area with our amazing guide Victor, whitewater rafting, fjord kayaking, volcano trekking and penguins 😍

As a family which travels internationally on multiple occasions, we had never engaged a service to help coordinate our trips. However, our entire family has agreed based on Lorena and the incredible Kimkim vendor partners we can’t imagine taking another trip without them.

16 thumbs up and as many stars as possible!

Hotel Reviews
Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal
Santiago

The nicest airport hotel we’ve ever seen. A perfect blend of convenience, comfort and vibe literally 5 steps outside the terminal.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Desk staff when we checked in at midnight were so helpful and engaged.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best shower and beds of our whole trip
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Santiago

Great customer service! When we arrived after a 8 hour flights before check-in time, the front desk suggested us refreshing in the spa and having lunch at the beautiful restaurant. Both ideas were fantastic and helped us settle into our vacation.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to dining options
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Solace Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

Clean, convenient and a perfect base for our Chilean adventures. The hotel restaurant was a big hit for dinner on a night we were too tired to venture out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rafting on the Petrohué River
Chile

What a great outfitter in the most amazing setting imaginable. The guides were all so fun and extremely professional. Highly recommend and the beers afterwards were well deserved!

Quality of Experience
Perfect mix of professional and fun
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We loved all the team but our guide Chris was especially engaging
Transport
They picked us up at our hotel on time and dropped us back after. Made the whole day super easy.
Kayaking on Reloncaví Fjord
Puerto Varas

If you like adventuring and want to engage with the mostly lovely locals ever, this is your trip. Our day was a little windy so the athletic demand was higher than anticipated but so worth it. The lunch break at Yolanda and Juan Carlos’ farm was magical. Our kids (22, 18,17 & 12) had the chance to see up close the beauty of living in connection with the land. Walking around the property proved to be high on everyone’s list of favorite things on our amazing Chilean adventure.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guides were so engaged and informative. We loved them.
Transport
Seem less pickup and return to our hotel in Puerto Varas
Explore Chiloé Island & Puñihuil Penguin National Reserve
Puerto Varas

History, beauty and penguins!!! Our day with Victor, the most amazing guide ever, was incredible. His knowledge on the history of the area, Chile and the environment gave our group so much more than we could have imagined. Fortunately we had him for 2 days and by the end felt like Victor was part of our family! The day trip was so special - would definitely recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Victor (our guide) and Sandro (our driver) we’re so easy to be with and responsive to our interests and needs. The casual pace was perfect and they really picked up on what our group was interested in learning and seeing.
Transport
Clean, safe and temperature controlled vehicle
Day Trip to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Chile

For our final day in Puerto Varas we hiked volcanos, saw waterfalls and toured a lake with no roads. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint! It was our second day with our wonderful guide and driver team, Victor and Sandro, and we were all ready to explore. The mix of history, area knowledge and incredible beauty was remarkable. We toured all day and then went straight to airport in Puerto Montt to head back to Santiago. A great last day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2022

Your review brightened my day... thanks, Ashley!! I loved planning your trip, packed with fun activities for the entire family. I appreciate your trust in us and look forward to maybe planning another visit to a different part of Chile. Take much care,
Lorena

If I were to plan again, I would spend less t...
Chile | Nov 12 - Nov 26, 2022

J
Joyce B.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

If I were to plan again, I would spend less time based in Santiago and I would try to increase my chances of not having activities canceled due to weather. Hotels were great, service was good and we found super wine and food. Seeing penguins outside of Punta Arenas and getting up close with glaciers were priorities for me and neither happened. More flexibility, more time, different time? Not sure what but would research it fully. Ana was good, Clementina was great. Service in Patagonia was... read more

If I were to plan again, I would spend less time based in Santiago and I would try to increase my chances of not having activities canceled due to weather. Hotels were great, service was good and we found super wine and food. Seeing penguins outside of Punta Arenas and getting up close with glaciers were priorities for me and neither happened. More flexibility, more time, different time? Not sure what but would research it fully. Ana was good, Clementina was great. Service in Patagonia was mixed ie our schedule kept changing and only once of the three times were we notified. Drivers and guides were timely and good except for the one incident from San zpedro to Calamari, which we have already reported. Now we are waiting for refunds for our two canceled excursions. I love travel, I have travelled many places, rich and poor, alone and it groups. This was a good trip but there definitely still are challenges out there and some disappointments. Hope this is helpful. Please reach out to me if you have any questions

Hotel Review
Hotel Costaustralis
Puerto Natales
Authenticity & Character
Decor and rooms, food, all great!
Location
The view and proximity to restaurant
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ana Maibach
Ana
Ana Maibach
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022

Hi Joyce,

Thank you for taking the time and write this review. This is very helpful to improve our services!
I'm sorry that the weather conditions were not ideal during your days touring Patagonia. I hope you and Gail had a great time traveling through Chile!

We will be happy to receive you again in South America at any time :)
Best wishes!
Ana

Lorena and all the trip coordinators were ama...
Chile | Nov 19 - Nov 23, 2022

Sam
Sam K.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

Lorena and all the trip coordinators were amazing. They helped me plan the most amazing trip and engagement!! Thank you so much read more

Lorena and all the trip coordinators were amazing. They helped me plan the most amazing trip and engagement!! Thank you so much

Hotel Review
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Valley of the Moon Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

Thanks, Sam!! It was so fun to plan the details of your incredibly romantic proposal and see some amazing pictures from such a special event. Wishing you and Julia a lifetime of love and travels!
Best always,
Lorena

Northern/ Southern Patagonia
Chile | Nov 8 - Nov 22, 2022

Barton
Barton T.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 27, 2022

Amazing trip organized by Lorena. This was my fifth time down to Chile but first on an organized trip.

First, we got up high in the Andes with knowledgeable and friendly guide Sebastien…and even snuck in a hot springs visit! Then down south to rio tranquilo. 4x4 truck was the perfect rental as some of the washboards/ potholes were pretty rough on route 7. Great stay and food at “el mirador de guadal” ( cabins are highly recommended) with the chance to get up on exploradores glacier with... read more

Amazing trip organized by Lorena. This was my fifth time down to Chile but first on an organized trip.

First, we got up high in the Andes with knowledgeable and friendly guide Sebastien…and even snuck in a hot springs visit! Then down south to rio tranquilo. 4x4 truck was the perfect rental as some of the washboards/ potholes were pretty rough on route 7. Great stay and food at “el mirador de guadal” ( cabins are highly recommended) with the chance to get up on exploradores glacier with Felipe. Marble caves were underwhelming but it was good to be out in a kayak and guide Rodrigo was great and let us go exploring.

Then down to puerto natales and into Torres del Paine national park. Great trekking. Trails well marked and easy to navigate. ( Park rangers were on strike, but didn’t affect the trip) Modified W trek with a bit of reverse O. Got onto glaciers, lakes, snow at John Garner pass. A bit of wind and some showers but great hiking weather. All self guided. Stayed at the Refugios. Just bring some snack and clothes and you’re set!
A day of rock climbing on great conglomerate near lake Sofia with fantastic guide Chalo from Boulder Natales to finish it off.
Then a bus to punto arenas and a chance to see penguins before flying back.
All connections/ flights and transfers went very smoothly. The only hiccup was the park ranger strike but really didn’t affect us and Lorena was able to alter the trip when one excursion had to be canceled.
High recommendation for Lorena and her team in Santiago. Sure you pay a bit extra but all we really had to do was show up! Thanks again!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ladera
Providencia
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mirador del Guadal
Puerto Guadal

Amazing location and wonderful hosts. Cozy warm cabins. Great food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Sir Francis Drake
Puerto Ayora

Hotel was clean. Nothing outstanding but good place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Refugio Grey
Torres del Paine National Park
Refugio Paine Grande
Puerto Natales, Chile
Hotel Alma Sur (Rey Don Felipe)
Punta Arenas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Santiago City Tour
Santiago

Typical city tour. Worth learning a bit about Santiago. Guide friendly and well spoken but perspective somewhat jaded from his background. Enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
San José Volcano & Andes Mountains
Santiago

Sebastien gave a great trip and accommodated special request. Moved at our pace and gave good background. Fantastic day that made me want to explore more! Found easy access to ski 6100m peaks!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ice Trekking in Exploradores Glacier
Puerto Rio Tranquilo

Guide Felipe was knowledgeable and made the day fantastic. Good instruction. Funny.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marble Caves Kayak Tour
Chile

Rodrigo was great as a guide but the marble caves were a bit blah. Neat area but more enjoyed the kayaking and exploring beyond the caves.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ice Hike to Glacier Grey
Torres del Paine
Hike in Torres del Paine National Park
Chile

Self guided hikes. Fantastic park. Great scenery. Will be back.

Rock Climbing in Patagonia
Puerto Natales

Chalo was fantastic. Catered a wonderful day on the rock. Met some locals and worked up 5 or 6 routes. Highly recommended.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

Thanks, Barton. I am glad you enjoyed this new visit to Chile. Love your adventurous spirit, it was my pleasure to plan and coordinate all your activities in our country, and hope we'll see you again soon.
Take care and keep traveling!
Lorena

I was only able to spend 5 days on this trip....
Chile | Nov 18 - Nov 22, 2022

E
Evyatar E.
Israel | Reviewed on Nov 23, 2022

I was only able to spend 5 days on this trip. This was in practice reduced to 4 days when LATAM canceled my flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, and I was transferred to a flight the next. Two of the four days were therefore devoted to travel - Santiago to Puerto Natales and back, via Punta Arenas. The two days in Puerto Natales were devoted to a hike up to Cerro Paine and a boat excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

The Cerro Paine hike was arranged at the last minute in place... read more

I was only able to spend 5 days on this trip. This was in practice reduced to 4 days when LATAM canceled my flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, and I was transferred to a flight the next. Two of the four days were therefore devoted to travel - Santiago to Puerto Natales and back, via Punta Arenas. The two days in Puerto Natales were devoted to a hike up to Cerro Paine and a boat excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

The Cerro Paine hike was arranged at the last minute in place of the popular Torres Paine Base hike because the park was closed due to a strike by park rangers. The hike is very demanding physically - a vertical gain of nearly 1300 meters, some of it on an exposed and very windy slope. It requires hiking poles (provided by the guide) but is not technically difficult or dangerous. The views of the Torres along the route and at the top are stunning. Pray for good weather, though - you might be miserable on a wet or unusually windy day.

The boat trip was on a catamaran capable of seating about 200 passengers. The boat is comfortable, and as the weather was calm (though overcast) it was quite stable. Viewing decks are a little cramped. The trip allowed us to cormorant colonies and sea lions up close, waterfalls from the steep rocky slopes, and the glaciers, which are sadly receding due to climate change. Light refreshments were served by the crew. Lunch was served at a stop on the way back, and consisted of local meat dishes with soup and dessert.

Local guides: They are advertised as speaking English, but don't expect learned discourses on the geology, flora, or fauna of the region. They were all very friendly, paid attention to our safety and physical needs - but do your own homework if you expect more than that.

The Casa Patagonia hotel at Puerto Natales is apparently managed by the same company as the local tour company that arranged my visits. They are housed in the same building and share some of the staff. It is located near the center of the town, with many restaurants nearby. It is also just across the street from a nightclub, which played very (!) loud music all night (until 5 am) on the night of my arrival. The hotel staff were aware of the problem. The following nights were OK - the club is apparently active on Friday and Saturday nights only. My room was small, but immaculately clean, as was the ensuite which is tiny. The bed was comfortable. The room has only 2 electric sockets on either side of the bed, making it difficult to work on my laptop with the power plugged in. Sower water was warm - but not really hot. Breakfast was good, with a selection of fresh fruit in addition to a continental style menu. It turns out that there are hotels in the town on the coast that are not adjacent to restaurants but which offer views of the sea, such as the Hotel Altaplanico - which I personally would have preferred given the choice.

The logistics of my trip were relatively simple, but all transfers, tours etc. were excellent. Drivers were always on time to pick me up, the paperwork was perfect and everything about the trip turned out exactly as planned.

Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Nov 23, 2022

Dear Evyatar,

Thank you so much for this detailed review. This helps us a lot to improve our assistance to future travelers!
So happy that you could enjoy the Torres del Paine National Park views even with the strike on!!

Looking forward to welcoming you back in South America anytime!!
Emi

Our trip was fantastic. Every tour guide we h...
Chile | Nov 11 - Nov 19, 2022

C
Carmen P.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Nov 21, 2022

Our trip was fantastic. Every tour guide we had was great. From Evelyn in Santiago who took us around downtown and gave us great insights about Santiago and Valparaiso.
To our guides in Atacama (Pablo, etc).
The hotel cumbres was great!. People were super helpful.
To our tour guides in Patagonia Camp. This hotel was great!!!! What an experience. I would go back in a heart beat. Barbara, Marcelo and Pauline were great!!!. A wealth of knowledge and extremely accommodating. This place is... read more

Our trip was fantastic. Every tour guide we had was great. From Evelyn in Santiago who took us around downtown and gave us great insights about Santiago and Valparaiso.
To our guides in Atacama (Pablo, etc).
The hotel cumbres was great!. People were super helpful.
To our tour guides in Patagonia Camp. This hotel was great!!!! What an experience. I would go back in a heart beat. Barbara, Marcelo and Pauline were great!!!. A wealth of knowledge and extremely accommodating. This place is amazing and the excursions were great.
I have nothing but praises for the whole trip.
Honestly… every hotel and excursion.. fantastic!.
I would book future trips with Kim Kim. This was my first experience with them and would definitely repeat.

Local specialist: Jason Kearney
Jason
Jason Kearney
Local specialist in Peru | Reviewed on Nov 27, 2022

Hi Carmen,
Thanks for taking the time to review your trip experience. I am glad you had such a wonderful time discovering the mega diverse land of Chile. It is true that the guides along the way make or break a trip. They provide the stories and and the human elements to add to a beautiful landscape. I am glad our team performed admirably. We look forward to welcoming you to Latin America in the future.
Best Regards,
Jason.

Wonderful trip to Chile
Chile | Nov 8 - Nov 17, 2022

Fang
Fang L.
Lake Zurich, IL | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2022

We had a great time in Chile thanks to the itinerary created by Lorena. The transfers were punctual, the hotels selected were either unique (has something special to offer) or well beyond being comfortable, the tours were satisfactory and sometimes exceeded expectations. Lorena had been responsive and quick in addressing our concerns during the trip. We could not be happier with her supports. As a result, we fell in love with Chile and friendly Chilean people. read more

We had a great time in Chile thanks to the itinerary created by Lorena. The transfers were punctual, the hotels selected were either unique (has something special to offer) or well beyond being comfortable, the tours were satisfactory and sometimes exceeded expectations. Lorena had been responsive and quick in addressing our concerns during the trip. We could not be happier with her supports. As a result, we fell in love with Chile and friendly Chilean people.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel José Nogueira
Punta Arenas

Happy to be in a historical building.

Authenticity & Character
The location.
Location
Enjoyed the great view.
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Weskar Lodge
Puerto Natales

Enjoyed the great view

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable
Location
Great location
Staff
Amazingly friendly and flexible; offered early breakfast every day.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable
Kau Yatun Hotel & Estancia
El Calafate

Amazing environment!

Authenticity & Character
Spacious and beautiful
Location
Convenient location
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and beyond comfortable
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Santiago

Had the best breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Amazing
Location
Convenient
Staff
Friendly and flexible
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beyond comfortable, love it!
Activity Reviews
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile

Love it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile

Happy with the tour, enjoyed the lunch and the great view.

Quality of Experience
Great
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly
Transport
Hike in Torres del Paine National Park
Chile

Although not being able to do it due to the strike, the alternative two short hikes largely compensated the loss. We enjoyed the trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trekking and Condor Watching
Puerto Natales

Love the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina
Puerto Natales

A little rushed but we were awestruck, well worth the long commute.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
San José Volcano & Andes Mountains
Santiago

Embraced by Andes mountains, incredible!

Quality of Experience
Food
Delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Love the tour guides.
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2022

Dear Fang,
It was my absolute pleasure to organize and provide support for this beautiful adventure in Chile for you, Min and your husbands. I am so happy all went well and you enjoyed it. I hope you keep traveling the world. You know where to find me if you miss Chilean food/people/nature.
Best,
Lorena

Our trip to Chile was amazing. Full of WOW m.
Chile | Oct 7 - Oct 28, 2022

H
Howard Z.
Wilmington Island, GA | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2022

Our trip to Chile was amazing. Full of WOW moments. Chile is a varied and beautiful country.
We started in Santiago, staying at the Cumbres Lastarria Hotel. Great location; terrific service from the staff. Highly recommend. Only drawback was that it was a holiday weekend (Columbus Day) and many restaurants and sights were closed on the Sunday and the Monday. Did a free walking tour with a very good guide - you tip what you would like at the end of the tour. Had a very good meal at... read more

Our trip to Chile was amazing. Full of WOW moments. Chile is a varied and beautiful country.
We started in Santiago, staying at the Cumbres Lastarria Hotel. Great location; terrific service from the staff. Highly recommend. Only drawback was that it was a holiday weekend (Columbus Day) and many restaurants and sights were closed on the Sunday and the Monday. Did a free walking tour with a very good guide - you tip what you would like at the end of the tour. Had a very good meal at Ambrosia.
We then took a drive to Valparaiso stopping at 3 vineyards along the way with tastings at the first 2 and lunch at the 3rd. I can recommend that. Valparaiso is visually very interesting - the way the houses are painted with art is great. Again took an informative free walking tour which was a little too long - 3 hours turned into 4. Again ran into trouble finding places to eat and a visit to Pablo Neruda house because of the holiday weekend.

Atacama was definitely a highlight of the trip. Spectacular! Stayed at the Cumbres Atacama which was a very nice hotel but the food was mediocre and repetitive night to night. First day went on excursions to Moon Valley and Cejar Lagoon. Moon Valley is spectacular and definitely feels like being on another planet. A lot of walking and some climbing. Cejar Lagoon is highly saline and you can swim/float there. Harriet did, I just waded in a little. Next day I had some difficulty because of the altitude so Harriet went without me to the Rainbow Valley which was also spectacular. In the afternoon we went to Chaxa Lagoon where there is a nice walk and wonderful experience with the flamingos who come back in the late afternoon to feed. We had wonderful guides for the two days, Sebastian and Rudolfo. We were supposed to go to the Geysers of el Tatio the next day which is located at 14,170 feet altitude. Because of my problem with breathing at altitude we opted out of that trip and went into San Pedro de Atacama.

From there a trip to Pucon whose primary attractions were being very close to the active Villarica Volcano and a trip to Conguillio National Park. We had a very helpful guide there, Daniella who went beyond the call of duty to help me deal with the local hospital and with an audiologist. The volcano was awesome to look at. Conguillio was a long drive but also beautiful scenery - lakes, waterfalls, a walk to a lagoon. The visit to the Termas Geometricas hot springs on our free day was also a nice experience, although again a long drive. Pucon itself was touristy. Food not very good. If you needed to shorten your trip, I would skip Pucon.

The next highlight was the trip to Rapa Nui. A never to forget experience. Our guide there, Martin Hey, was a major contributor to our enjoyment. He was very knowledgeable about the Rapa Nui history and customs, spoke excellent English (he had lived in the USA), and was just a pleasure to be with. We would recommend that you request him if you have an option. Note that it was necessary to have a Covid PCR test within 24 hours of going to Rapa Nui. This was well arranged by KimKim. No matter what you've read about the moai or the pictures you may have seen, seeing these huge sculptures in person is an amazing and perhaps spiritual experience. There was a fire the week before we went that damaged several of the moai at the quarry, Rana Raku, where most of them were created, but we saw no evidence of that when we visited that site. Perhaps our favorite site was Tangariki where there are 15 Moai representing important people from the different clans. We went back there on our own to commune with them on our own. We visited several other sites including Orongo, the site of the Bird Man culture and the beach at Anakena. Definitely worth spending 3 days on Rapa Nui.

Our last stop before returning to Santiago and home was in Patagonia, staying in Puerto Natales.
We spent a day in a group tour to the Torres del Paine National Park, stopping to see several lakes, flocks of guanacos, and a prehistoric cave. We stopped for a very nice lunch after which there was a scheduled walk, but because it was raining and we had met a couple on the tour we enjoyed being with, we stayed at the restaurant with them. We later took a nice walk to the cave. The next day we took the Glacier Navigation on a very comfortable catamaran boat to the Serrano glacier stopping to view waterfalls, condors, sea lions. To get to the glacier you had the choice of a 10 minute walk to view it from a distance or a one hour plus walk to get closer. In spite of the rain and the cold we opted for the long walk which was challenging but we were happy we did it. It was sad to hear that the glacier had receded 200 meters in the last decade. Afterwards we stopped for a good lunch of roast lamb and chicken. The hotel was basic but adequate. The food there was mediocre except for the steak which was good. We also ate in Puerto Natales.

We returned to Santiago for one night before flying home. We had a very good dinner that night at Bocanariz. Our last day before taking the flight home we spent with the cousins of a good friend in Savannah for a home-cooked lunch and the afternoon. Probably the best meal we had in Chile.

All in all, a trip to remember. The hotels were mostly quite good to excellent. The guides we had were excellent. We also met a number of people who were traveling in Chile from various countries that we became friendly with. I also want to compliment the service provided by Liane from CTS Turismo who answered all our questions and made some adjustments in the schedule in a timely manner. We would not go to Chile for a culinary experience as we found that outside of Santiago most of the restaurants we ate in were not very good.

Lastly, want to thank Paul for leading us through the many changes we made along the way dealing with the uncertainty of whether Rapa Nui would open up or not.

Howard Zabusky and Harriet Zabusky-Zand

Local specialist: Paul Jones

10-day Chilean Family Vacation
Chile | Oct 29 - Nov 7, 2022

Kevin
Kevin S.
Panama | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2022

Trip planning...

Jason, our travel agent, was very helpful and attentive. He was very receptive to feedback and promptly incorporated my input into a revised travel plan. Jason was very easy to work with, and I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking to travel in Latin America. I think the only way for the trip planning to be easier is if Jason could read my mind, because it was sometimes difficult to describe the types of adventures that would interest me and my family. ... read more

Trip planning...

Jason, our travel agent, was very helpful and attentive. He was very receptive to feedback and promptly incorporated my input into a revised travel plan. Jason was very easy to work with, and I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking to travel in Latin America. I think the only way for the trip planning to be easier is if Jason could read my mind, because it was sometimes difficult to describe the types of adventures that would interest me and my family. I look forward to planning my next vacation with him.

Vacation summary...

Santiago
- Tour guide Felipe – Very nice, personable, helpful, and knowledgeable tour guide. Provided great insight during the tours and provided great suggestions for activities outside of our planned tours.
- Tour description/review: It was a holiday weekend when we visited Santiago, which our tour guide said was why many locals left the city. We may not have gotten the real feel of Santiago; however, less people likely simplified our tour of the major tourist attractions and important monuments throughout the city. We saw many, if not all the important monuments and learned a fair amount about the city during our tour.
The day trip to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar was amazing! The mural-like graffiti of Valparaiso was one of the most memorable things from our trip. Even our little kids were interested some of the graffiti and architecture of Valparaiso. In addition to the fascinating tour, Felipe took us to get some of the best empanadas we have ever tasted. Even though the water was too cold for us to get into, the view of the beach at Vina del Mar was beautiful. Santiago and the nearby areas were an excellent start to your vacation!

Puerto Natales
- Tour guide Jonathan – Our tours in Puerto Natales were guided by another great tour guide. Jonathan was very knowledgeable about the area, nice and personable, and very patient and good with our kids.
- Tour description/review: The next phase of our trip was even better than the initial. Our hotel room offered a view of the water and the mountain range, and the tours were just as amazing as Santiago. The tours of Milodon Cave and Grey Lake were even more exciting for the kids than the beach and graffiti of the Santiago area. The tours of the Milodon Cave and Torres Del Paine National Park were very interesting. The pinnacle of the vacation occurred on Grey Lake with an up-close view of Glacier Grey. The entire family was awestruck by the size and beauty of the giant glacier. While leaving the national park, we saw several guanacos in the hills on the side of the road. The kids were entertained by the guanaco calls to one another that sounded like they were laughing. The guanacos will likely be a vivid memory of the vacation for the kids, also.

Puerto Varas
- Tour guide Carlos was the best tour guide during our vacation, and all our guides up to this point were very good.
- Tour description/review: Another good view from our hotel room and good tours. The tours were good, but they followed the glacier tour, so they were unjustly penalized. Whatever the tours lacked in comparison to the glaciers, Carlos, our tour guide, did an excellent job of compensating. The final phase of our vacation included more interesting things for the entire family. The tours included a ski lift to nearly the top of a snowcapped volcano, amazing views of Todos Los Santos Lake and Petrohue, and a ferry ride to Chiloe Island to take a boat around Ancud Island to see penguins, sea lions, and birds. Seeing the glaciers was the climax of the vacation; however, the tours of Puerto Varas were the perfect falling action in the wonderful story of our Chile vacation.

We have numerous pictures of amazing sights that will remind us of our wonderful vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Pullman Santiago El Bosque
Las Condes, Santiago

The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel is located in a very good location that allows for a short walk to restaurants and the huge mall.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NOI Indigo Patagonia
Puerto Natales

The view from our hotel room was amazing. The staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant staff went out of their way to accommodate us when we arrived just before breakfast was finishing. The hotel is located in walking distance to the major attractions of the city.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas

The hotel room was nice with a very good view. The hotel staff was very helpful. The restaurant was okay; however, the menu was limited. The hotel is located in walking distance to the town center, which offers various restaurants, a casino, and other attractions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Torres del Paine National Park & Grey Glacier
Puerto Natales

The views of the glacier were amazing, and the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide was an added bonus. It would have been helpful to prompted to bring snacks for such a long tour. Also, for such a long tour, it would be better to have a more substantial lunch included/offered.

Quality of Experience
Food
It would be good to have options available for the box lunch or the option to eat at the hotel restaurant prior to boarding the boat.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Viña del Mar & Valparaíso
Chile

The tour guide was awesome and the murals/graffiti throughout Valparaiso are unforgettable!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jason Kearney
Jason
Jason Kearney
Local specialist in Peru | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2022

Hi Kevin,
Your kind words and review are much appreciated and we look forward to welcoming you and your family in the future to Latin America.
Best Wishes,
Jason

The tours were excellent and the tour guides ...
Chile | Oct 31 - Nov 7, 2022

Malcolm
Malcolm S.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 08, 2022

The tours were excellent and the tour guides knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and prepared to go beyond my expectations to allow me to experience the atmosphere of Chile,

There were a couple of hiccups along the way but your organization worked diligently and solved them quickly. The one was prior notification prior to the start of the tours in San Pedro de Atacama and the second was where the tour ended (different from where it began). Both were resolved quickly by your extremely... read more

The tours were excellent and the tour guides knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and prepared to go beyond my expectations to allow me to experience the atmosphere of Chile,

There were a couple of hiccups along the way but your organization worked diligently and solved them quickly. The one was prior notification prior to the start of the tours in San Pedro de Atacama and the second was where the tour ended (different from where it began). Both were resolved quickly by your extremely responsive staff,

Thank you.

Hotel Reviews
Novapark
Santiago

Excellent service

Authenticity & Character
It's a hotel
Location
right downtown
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

very rustic with very nice services

Authenticity & Character
Fits into the area so well
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Panoramic City Tour
Santiago

History and beauty of the city and the country

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day - Valparaiso & Viña del Mar
Santiago

Same guide and driver. very knowledgeable and friendly. It was like being on an adventure with a buddy. Highest marks.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rainbow Valley
San Pedro de Atacama

Again knowledgeable guides and very capable passing the knowledge on

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day Moon Valley and Mirador Ckari
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tatio Geysers
San Pedro de Atacama

Really important to have start time knowledge before the tour starts especially at 0500.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cejar & Tebinquiche Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Astronomy Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

Hi Malcolm,

Thank you very much for your feedback. I am very happy to hear you had a nice time in Chile at that everything went well 😃
It was a pleasure assisting you! Look forward to receiving you in the rest of South America in the future!
Emi

Chile is the most unique spot in South America & it's all thanks to KimKim!
Chile | Oct 21 - Oct 31, 2022

M
Mary C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022

If you are traveling to South America, you need to go to Patagonia / Torres del Paine National Park & stay at Patagonia Camp. It is the most luxurious glamping & unique stay we've ever experienced! Emilce was wonderful & helped plan the perfect honeymoon for us! read more

If you are traveling to South America, you need to go to Patagonia / Torres del Paine National Park & stay at Patagonia Camp. It is the most luxurious glamping & unique stay we've ever experienced! Emilce was wonderful & helped plan the perfect honeymoon for us!

Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022

Mary,
I want to thank you once again for trusting me to organize your honeymoon.
I am very happy to know that you have been able to fully enjoy Chile 🥰

It was a pleasure to e-meet you and my best wishes on your marriage! 😃
Emi

Incredible trip!!
Chile | Oct 27 - Nov 6, 2022

Amy
Amy A.
Williamston, NC | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022

Lorena did an amazing job putting this trip together! We wanted to see a lot in a short period of time and she made it all happen. We didn’t have to worry about a thing once we were here. It was truly an incredible trip! The marble caves were insanely beautiful and seeing the towers in Torres del Paine was worth the difficult hike. We also loved walking on Grey Glacier. All of our drivers and guides were great as well! read more

Lorena did an amazing job putting this trip together! We wanted to see a lot in a short period of time and she made it all happen. We didn’t have to worry about a thing once we were here. It was truly an incredible trip! The marble caves were insanely beautiful and seeing the towers in Torres del Paine was worth the difficult hike. We also loved walking on Grey Glacier. All of our drivers and guides were great as well!

Hotel Reviews
Hostal El Puesto
Puerto Río Tranquilo

This hotel was so quaint and cute. It had a very homey feel and we enjoyed sitting in the common area with a book by the fire. The woman working got us on a boat to the marble caves 10 minutes after arriving. It was a lovely stay!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Refugio Grey
Torres del Paine National Park

This was a great place to relax and shower after a long day of hiking. I was a little nervous to share a room at first but after eating in the common area with everyone and getting to know our roommates it was fun! Great location and staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales

Great location and very helpful and friendly staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Torremayor Providencia
Santiago

This hotel was in a great location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas

Nice hotel, friendly staff and great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022

Amy, it was my pleasure to help with the planning of your trip. You were kind and adventurous travelers and that made it even better. Thanks for your kind words and best of luck to both of you as you continue to travel the world.
Best always,
Lorena

This trip was planned with such precision, I ...
Chile | Oct 27 - Nov 6, 2022

M
Molly L.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022

This trip was planned with such precision, I actually have no idea how we would’ve done it without Lorena! She thought of everything for us, and with the geography of what we wanted to do, that was no easy task! Our drivers, especially Leonides, Ramon, and Luis, were so sweet to us. read more

This trip was planned with such precision, I actually have no idea how we would’ve done it without Lorena! She thought of everything for us, and with the geography of what we wanted to do, that was no easy task! Our drivers, especially Leonides, Ramon, and Luis, were so sweet to us.

Hotel Reviews
Hostal El Puesto
Puerto Río Tranquilo

This hotel was so cute and perfectly located. Connie was especially helpful when a delayed flight required us to switch plans. We loved sitting by the fire place with a glass of wine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales

This hotel has a great location, and amazing staff. We also love both restaurants next door!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Refugio Grey
Torres del Paine National Park

The hike to this hotel was unexpectedly beautiful. I probably would’ve stayed an extra night to explore the area!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Torremayor Providencia
Santiago

This hotel is in a great location, walking distance to the park and many restaurants. The staff was very nice!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Diego de Almagro Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas

We liked this hotel, the location was nice, but we dealt with one staff who was very unhelpful. It seemed like any question we asked was inconveniencing her.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2022

You are so sweet, I appreciate it, Molly. Great to know you enjoyed this trip, it was fun planning it! I will give your compliments to our drivers, for sure. Best of luck on your future travels!!

The most amazing trip to Chile
Chile | Oct 21 - Oct 31, 2022

Adam
Adam H.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2022

We had the most amazing trip to Chile (Santiago, Patagonia, Andes Mountains, Casablanca Valley, Valparaiso). Emi was SO helpful in the planning process. She listened to all of our desires and was always willing to make another change to the itinerary if we asked her to. And everything went very smoothly when we went on the trip. We absolutely loved Chilean Patagonia (stayed at Patagonia Camp which is the best place we will ever stay). Thanks to Emilce's communication she was able to hold a... read more

We had the most amazing trip to Chile (Santiago, Patagonia, Andes Mountains, Casablanca Valley, Valparaiso). Emi was SO helpful in the planning process. She listened to all of our desires and was always willing to make another change to the itinerary if we asked her to. And everything went very smoothly when we went on the trip. We absolutely loved Chilean Patagonia (stayed at Patagonia Camp which is the best place we will ever stay). Thanks to Emilce's communication she was able to hold a room for us for a week while we confirmed our trip plans.

Before, during, and after the trip, I am impressed and amazed and how KimKim and Emilce helped us plan the perfect honeymoon. I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about using a service like KimKim to plan our entire trip, and I couldn't feel better about it. We highlight recommend KimKim for your next trip.

We are so thankful for your Emilce!!!

Hotel Reviews
Patagonia Camp
Torres del Paine

BEST HOTEL WE WILL EVER STAY AT IN OUR LIVES! Every detail was perfect. They are so nice and the quality of our stay was amazing. If I could give more than 5 stars for a place to stay, this is the place. 10 stars out of 5. My wife and I were so sad to leave this magical place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
Santiago

Great hotel in a good location! Go to Bocanuriz nearby for dinner. The quality of the room was great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fauna Hotel
Valparaíso

Fantastic hotel in Valparaiso. Great location, very cool inside of the hotel, and the rooftop restaurant has a fantastic view and food was great (breakfast and lunch!).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cascada de las Animas
San Alfonso

Great place! This was recommended to us by a coworker who stayed there 10 years ago. Really cool location in the Andes mountains, takes about 2 hours from Santiago airport to get there. It is definitely more remote. The staff was nice, but this was the place where we encountered the fewest amount of people who spoke english. Also, our perception is that this is a destination for local Chileans on the weekends. When we arrived Thursday night and had breakfast Friday morning, there was only one other group eating breakfast or had excursions planned that day. Then on Saturday and Sunday the place had lots of people. We always felt safe, but it's a big property so walking back at night was a little dark. Overall we enjoyed our stay, very unique and cool place that offers a lot!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Torres del Paine all inclusive - Activities menu provided by the hotel
Torres del Paine

10 stars out of 5, we are active and just loved every minute of Patagonia Camp with guided hikes, and the guides would bring tea and fruit and chocolate for when you got to the top of the hike. And you'd have beers/drinks/wine after the hikes in the parking lot. The coolest stay ever, everything about it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panoramic private city tour around Santiago de Chile - Half day
Santiago

It was good, Orlando did a great job! I feel like Santiago doesn't have as much to see as I maybe thought, however it is a cool city with mountains surrounding it. Very scenic in terms of mountains.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Nov 04, 2022

Adam and Mary,

I want to thank you once again for trusting me to organize your honeymoon and I'm very pleased that you have a wonderful and once in living memory and experience during your trip to Chile ♥️♥️

I really hope to receive you on another occasion so you get to know the rest of South America!!
It was a pleasure to e-meet you! :)
Emi

Chile Trip!
Chile | Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2022

Kevin
Kevin C.
Spartanburg, SC | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2022

Overall we had a wonderful trip! Chile is a very beautiful country and the people down there are very welcoming and accommodating. We met a lot of nice people down there including other tourists from around the world! I didn't know what to expect for it to be my first trip to South America. As far as our itenirary, we We met a lot of nice people down there including other tourists from around the world! it was planned out very nicely and our time was spent efficiently. We also appreciated the... read more

Overall we had a wonderful trip! Chile is a very beautiful country and the people down there are very welcoming and accommodating. We met a lot of nice people down there including other tourists from around the world! I didn't know what to expect for it to be my first trip to South America. As far as our itenirary, we We met a lot of nice people down there including other tourists from around the world! it was planned out very nicely and our time was spent efficiently. We also appreciated the landmarks that were suggested as places to visit. Also, each days activities and directions were easy to follow and understand. As far as the activities, we are satisfied with each one overall. Our hotels were very good and met our expectations. We also appreciate that each one was relatively close to everything. Like I said before, overall it was a spectacular trip and we are glad we did it. Our trip planners and coordinators were very helpful and gave us timely updates and were very responsive to our questions and concerns.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Albatros
Punta Arenas

Everything you can expect from a 3-star hotel. It wasn't shabby or rundown. The rooms were about as nice as one could expect. There was a heater in each room that kept us nice and cozy being that the temps can get very cold at night depending on when you travel. I would just rate this hotel as being more of a "utility" hotel, meaning it serves its purpose and is good for what it is. There is nothing extra about it no amenities or anything like that. Would recommend staying there if you're not looking for anything too fancy or luxurious after all you are in Punta Arenas and not Dubai. The breakfast was good and they make it to order so that was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like we were in a seaside lodge which us what you would expect from a town like Punta Arenas.
Location
It was relatively close and at the center of the town. Not too far of a distance to walk anywhere if need be.
Staff
They were helpful and showed us on a map the best spots to visit
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was very clean and the beds were very comfortable.
Amerindia Patagonia B&B
Puerto Natales

Another quaint and cozy hotel. Met all of our expectations and then some. The rooms were bigger than we anticipated. Also they had a heater in the room which was nice. I will say they don't give you washcloths, which I don't if that's just a policy of there B&B or what but yeah was a little disappointing. But overall, would recommend staying there.

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic, again felt like we were in a seaside port town
Location
Not too far from anything. Everything is either in waking distance or a short uber ride.
Staff
Very good staff. Showed us our room and very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Visit the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony
Punta Arenas

Everything is as advertised. You will definitely see tons of penguins on this excursion and even some seals from a distance. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Punta Arenas. One of us would say it was the highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trip Briefing at Dittmar Adventures
Puerto Natales
Grey Glacier Boat Tour
Chile

Everything as advertised, terrific experience! Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided hike to Las Torres lookout [Central - Base - Central]
Chile

This is one of the activities that if we could do over we probably would replace it with another activity. The park itself was awesome and beyond spectacular. However, it should've been emphasized that this hike is not for first time or beginner hikers. To be fair, it did say in the description that it was a "difficult" hike, but I dont think thats appropriate wording it should be "advanced". It is a very strenuous hike and if you go on a particularly windy day can even be life-risking (not hyperbole). Be warned this is not a hike for beginners. The guides that we had go at a particularly fast pace and they do not take long breaks. I think our longest break was 10 minutes! My wife had to turn around within the first 30 minutes of the hike and go back. I managed to make another 2 hours or so past Chileno but eventually had to turn back also. I would consider myself to be in pretty good shape and physical fitness. But there is a big difference to being in shape and being used to hiking. It takes a tremendous amount of stamina to go up and down a mountain for 8 hrs straight. If you're used to hiking and have done it a good amount of times this hike may be a breeze for you. But if this is your first time or second time I would not recommend. There are other hikes I think offered that are not as strenuous.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Felt like we were being rushed, not enough time for breaks
Transport
Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2022

Kevin! Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave these detailed reviews and provide such critical feedback. If it weren't for people like you we would not be at the level of planning and trip support that we are today and for that I thank you so very much.

All of your feedback has been dually noted and I just wanted to say that planning with you was also great. It is rare to plan with someone who is so on top of communication, easy going and kind.

All the best to you and yours!

Enjoyable 10 day Chile trip
Chile | Sep 29 - Oct 9, 2022

D
Desmond L.
Japan | Reviewed on Oct 12, 2022

Very good itinerary planned for a 10 day trip to Chile. I requested to replace Pentagonia with Atacama Desert and Puerta Varas and Lorena was able to put together a fun intinerary for me.
The guides at each of the destinations were responsible and were informative.

read more

Very good itinerary planned for a 10 day trip to Chile. I requested to replace Pentagonia with Atacama Desert and Puerta Varas and Lorena was able to put together a fun intinerary for me.
The guides at each of the destinations were responsible and were informative.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Very cosy hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

This is the probably the only hotel I've seen that has a drive in lobby. It really helps as you can enjoy a cup of free coffee while waiting for your pickup early in the morning (most trips out to the desert start as early as 4 or 5am!). It beats waiting in the street for your pickup in the cold. The hotel restaurant has the best food I've eaten in this place. much better than what you can get in the town centre.

Authenticity & Character
Location
About 600m from the town centre
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Bellavista
Puerto Varas

Nice hotel overlooking the lake. It's quite strange that the hotel doesn't provide bottled water nor are there cups in the room. I enjoyed the delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Lake view. About 400-500m from town centre.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
San José Volcano & Andes Mountains
Santiago

Great guides.

Quality of Experience
Food
Bonus -- nice wine and snacks at the end of the hike!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Stargazing Tour
San Pedro de Atacama

It'll be cold at night. The telescope is amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable guide
Transport
Excursion to Chiloé Island: Ancud, Dalcahue & Castro
Puerto Varas
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trekking in Alerce Andino National Park
Puerto Varas
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Oct 12, 2022

Desmond, I am super glad to know you enjoyed this trip to Chile that we planned in a relatively short notice, thanks for trusting me! I also appreciate all the feedback for tours and hotels, thanks!! Best of luck in your future travels :)

Lorena was incredible!
Chile | Sep 18 - Sep 28, 2022

Nicholas
Nicholas W.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2022

Lorena was incredible. She was very attentive and adjusted to our changing needs very quickly. We all loved our Brazil trip and will be reaching out to her again for our next South American adventure. read more

Lorena was incredible. She was very attentive and adjusted to our changing needs very quickly. We all loved our Brazil trip and will be reaching out to her again for our next South American adventure.

Hotel Reviews
Mirador Rio Hotel
Rio de Janeiro

basic hotel. solid location but the room was nothing special

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Evolucao Ecolodge
Manacapuru

amazing food and location and tours

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Saint Paul
Manaus - AM

great location and staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Corcovado Hill & City Tour
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sugarloaf Hill & Beaches
Rio de Janeiro

did not really need a guide for this part of the trip. Beaches were not toured at all. That said, Sugarloaf was the best part of our whole trip

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Morro Dois Irmãos & Favela Tour
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Meeting of the Waters & Janauari Park
Manaus
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amazon Jungle Lodge: Hiking, Fishing & Nocturnal Tour
Manaus
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amazon Jungle Adventure
Manaus
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Swim with Pink Dolphins
Brazil
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City Tour in Manaus
Manaus

great tour but not really worth spending a day in Manaus for a tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2022

Thanks, Nicholas! Your words made me smile, I am SO happy you all had a great time exploring Brazil. I look forward to helping you plan another amazing trip in the future :)
Best,
Lorena

Amazing trip!
Chile | Aug 10 - Aug 20, 2022

Sergio
Sergio S.
Brushy Creek, TX | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2022

Great trip and amazing guides throughout our time in Chile!! Highly recommend!

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2022

Thanks, Sergio. Really nice pictures!! It was my pleasure to assist with your trip to Chile with Stacy.
Best always,
Lorena

so fun, drivers were timely, hotel(s) were gr...
Chile | Aug 5 - Aug 11, 2022

M
MATTHEW K.
Greenburgh, NY | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2022

so fun, drivers were timely, hotel(s) were great and it was all reasonably priced. Love it and I'll be back! read more

so fun, drivers were timely, hotel(s) were great and it was all reasonably priced. Love it and I'll be back!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Portillo
Los Andes
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2022

Thanks, Matt! I am very glad your trip to Chile was a success. It was our pleasure to assist!
Cheers,
Lorena

This is your sign to go to Chile (and more)!
Chile | Jun 11 - Jun 20, 2022

Vivian
Vivian S.
South Kingstown, RI | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022

Wow, this was honestly the best trip we’ve been on! All our guides were so knowledgeable and went above/beyond to give the best experience. We have so many unique photos to look back all thanks to this. Our guide in Santiago was the BEST in terms of being personable and just down to earth. Kudos to him! The winery tour was memorable and this coming from someone who didn’t really like wine! I found that the reds and whites were so different and I kept myself open to the overall experience. My... read more

Wow, this was honestly the best trip we’ve been on! All our guides were so knowledgeable and went above/beyond to give the best experience. We have so many unique photos to look back all thanks to this. Our guide in Santiago was the BEST in terms of being personable and just down to earth. Kudos to him! The winery tour was memorable and this coming from someone who didn’t really like wine! I found that the reds and whites were so different and I kept myself open to the overall experience. My partner Nathaniel liked the lagoon and how we got to float effortlessly. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience!!! Not only will we be going back to Chile, but now we have started thinking about going to Brazil. Emilce made this whole process a breeze and I will go through her in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Pullman Santiago El Bosque
Las Condes, Santiago

The view from the our room was so beautiful, to see the sun coming up over the city and through the mountains. The included breakfast had the freshest fruit, so much better than anything back home.

Tips for future travelers

Get an idea of your surroundings! You’ll find that there are tons of restaurants and cafes within walking distance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altiplanico Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama

The private room/dwelling was wonderful with the terrace and grounds to walk around. The breakfast was delicious and the staff were so friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fauna Hotel
Valparaíso

The hotel was in a nice location and we could easily get around from it. Our room was unique and beautiful! The restaurant was fantastic and they had great views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half day Maipo Vineyards - Concha y Toro Winery: El Marqués Tour
Santiago

The grounds, the tour, and the attention to detail was perfect! This was our first tour and it set an awesome tone for the rest of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was kind, friendly and we would recommend him!!
Transport
Rainbow Valley
San Pedro de Atacama

With the change in altitude and how dry it was, our guide did a great job of providing a tour that didn’t completely wear us out! He was so funny and took lovely pictures of us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day Moon Valley and Mirador Ckari
San Pedro de Atacama

Our guide gave us a once in a lifetime experience! We walked on a dune and it was tough, but I would recommend it to everyone. I appreciated that he provided the tour but gave us space to explore.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cejar & Tebinquiche Lagoons
San Pedro de Atacama

The lagoons and seeing where life may have started was amazing. Plus we saw some wildlife and got to float in a lagoon!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2022

Hi Vivian,

Thank you so much for the feedback and for letting me be part of this wonderful experience. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip around Chile! I looking forward to welcoming you again to discover more about South America and about wine! :)

It was a pleasure assisting you!
Best wishes!
Emi

Fantastic!
Chile | May 13 - May 30, 2022

J
Jerry G.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2022

Lorena was fantastic at (a) tailoring the trip to my preferences; (b) taking on feedback and adjusting the schedule dynamically; (c) highly responsive and going above and beyond on service.
Thoroughly recommend!

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2022

Thanks, Jerry! I am so happy to know that you enjoyed this special trip to Chile and Argentina... you got to visit so many different locations and try a variety of activities, it was my pleasure to assist with it all! Best of luck and hope you keep your adventurous spirit everywhere you go.
Cheers,
Lorena

Chile from every angle
Chile | May 17 - May 27, 2022

Chris
Chris J.
Denton, TX | Reviewed on May 29, 2022

Cannot give enough thanks to Lorena, she was continuously available both during the trip and for months before. There was no day where she did not get back to us when we had questions or concerns, which made our first trip to South America much more smooth. She has many contacts to connect you with in the area and knows what she is doing. Trust her and her group entirely to plan your trip.

All tours and activities were authentic and had locals and experts guiding them. Each of these... read more

Cannot give enough thanks to Lorena, she was continuously available both during the trip and for months before. There was no day where she did not get back to us when we had questions or concerns, which made our first trip to South America much more smooth. She has many contacts to connect you with in the area and knows what she is doing. Trust her and her group entirely to plan your trip.

All tours and activities were authentic and had locals and experts guiding them. Each of these local contacts and guides were also easily reachable and went out of their way to make sure they met our needs when possible.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Costaustralis
Puerto Natales
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jun 07, 2022

Hi Chris! I am super happy that Emily and you had a great time visiting Chile. It was my pleasure to assist before and during your trip and offer unique tours to experience our culture from within. Best of luck to both of you and keep on traveling!!

Chile Travel Filled with Beauty, Culture, & Wonderful People
Chile | Apr 13 - Apr 17, 2022

D
Daphne P.
Rosemount, MN | Reviewed on May 15, 2022

Lorena developed an amazing itinerary that allowed us to experience as much as possible during our time in Chile. Beginning our trip at Gloria and Leo's home for an amazing dinner, ambience, and conversation was the perfect welcome. Our tour guide Felipe was a wealth of knowledge about the area, the history, and social issues impacting the country, which greatly added to our experience. We spent a day seeing the beautiful sights of Santiago and experiencing a signature Chilean completo for... read more

Lorena developed an amazing itinerary that allowed us to experience as much as possible during our time in Chile. Beginning our trip at Gloria and Leo's home for an amazing dinner, ambience, and conversation was the perfect welcome. Our tour guide Felipe was a wealth of knowledge about the area, the history, and social issues impacting the country, which greatly added to our experience. We spent a day seeing the beautiful sights of Santiago and experiencing a signature Chilean completo for lunch, complete with talented street musicians playing in the background. We enjoyed a memorable day exploring the fun port city Valparaíso. Felipe and our van driver Gabriel worked together to make sure we could experience as much of the city in the time that we had, with the perfect combination of walking the narrow passageways and stone streets, riding the funiculars (hillside elevators), and driving. Our final day in the Maipo Valley didn’t go quite as planned because of traffic. However, Felipe quickly came up with an alternate plan to stop for ceviche and hike Mirador de Cóndores, which ended up being one of my daughter’s favorite experiences of the trip. We visited a couple of the breathtaking local wineries. The entire team expertly managed all the details and any last minute adjustments that needed to be made. For example, our flight was delayed, which was already being monitored by the team, and the necessary adjustments were made to our schedule. “Gabo” and Felipe were so personable and delightful. By the end of the trip we were able to enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner reminiscing and laughing about our adventures with our new Chileno friends. We made so many amazing memories on this trip and would highly recommend using this group.

Hotel Review
Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy
Santiago
Authenticity & Character
We would have preferred to be closer to the city center to have more options for seeing the city during our free time. However, I understand the safety concerns and why you booked us in Vitacura.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on May 16, 2022

Dear Daphne,
Those are some amazing pictures and beautiful memories of your trip to Chile, thanks for sharing and also for your super sweet words!! I am so happy you and Madeline were able to enjoy the country and see it from an insider's perspective. I hope you will both enjoy many more world adventures to come.
Best always,
Lorena

Chile
Chile | Mar 19 - Mar 26, 2022

Rob
Rob F.
Live Oak, TX | Reviewed on May 05, 2022

My wife and I had a wonderful time in Chile. Emilce did an excellent job setting up pick-up times, transfer, flights and hotels. Everything was efficient, and we were able to maximize our time on the trip. We especially enjoyed our stay at La Casona. The winery was beautiful and relaxing. The sommelier was knowledgeable, and the food was delicious. We felt comfortable during our entire trip, and Emilce and her team were responsive to any questions or needs. We would highly recommend kimkim... read more

My wife and I had a wonderful time in Chile. Emilce did an excellent job setting up pick-up times, transfer, flights and hotels. Everything was efficient, and we were able to maximize our time on the trip. We especially enjoyed our stay at La Casona. The winery was beautiful and relaxing. The sommelier was knowledgeable, and the food was delicious. We felt comfortable during our entire trip, and Emilce and her team were responsive to any questions or needs. We would highly recommend kimkim and Emilce and look forward to planning our next trip.

Hotel Review
La Casona at Matetic Vineyards
Lagunillas
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Vinolia: Wine Tasting
Santiago
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on May 11, 2022

Hi Rob,
Thank you very much for your kind words. :)
I am happy to hear you had a nice time in Chile at that everything went well and according to your expectations :D
It was a pleasure assisting you!
Look forward to receiving you in the rest of SouthAmerica in the future!
Best
Emi

Kimkim is reliable Travel agency and Leandro ...
Chile | Apr 3 - Apr 8, 2022

K
Kim B.
Bainbridge Island, WA | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2022

Kimkim is reliable Travel agency and Leandro is amazing Travel Agent. We used Kimkim for our trip to Chile, our first trip ever to explore South America.
Leandro is very friendly, knowledgeable and always reachable. He is also very flexible when it comes to customising the trip. We had little issue with the tour operator and Leandro helped us to resolve the issue instantly. Lots of people do not see the value of travel agency and think they are overpriced!! You pay for the convenience and... read more

Kimkim is reliable Travel agency and Leandro is amazing Travel Agent. We used Kimkim for our trip to Chile, our first trip ever to explore South America.
Leandro is very friendly, knowledgeable and always reachable. He is also very flexible when it comes to customising the trip. We had little issue with the tour operator and Leandro helped us to resolve the issue instantly. Lots of people do not see the value of travel agency and think they are overpriced!! You pay for the convenience and stress-free holiday.
I would always recommend Kimkim and Leandro to all of our friends and would contact them again next time I want to travel and explore other parts of the Earth!
Thank you so much for all your help Leandro! You are super star!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel NOI Casa Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama

Amazing from service, from the room to facility, to the service. Foods and drinks are delicious! Location is amazing (only 5 mins to the main road with lots of bar, restaurants and shops).

Tips for future travelers

Nope

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel NOI Casa Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama

Amazing from service, from the room to facility, to the service. Foods and drinks are delicious! Location is amazing (only 5 mins to the main road with lots of bar, restaurants and shops).

Tips for future travelers

Nope

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
San Pedro de Atacama: Moon Valley and Death Valley Excursion
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Capricornio Expediciones has done a great job from communicating to taking care of us during the experience. They are very reliable! And I like them because they did not go behind travel agency back and tried to steal clients from travel agency (by telling us to book straight with them to save 2/3 of the cost).
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Paloma was amazing, she is knowledgeable, responsible, reliable and very energetic. She helped us enjoy the Atacama to the fullest
Transport
On time, easy to communicate, reliable.
Local specialist: Leandro Zamprogno
Leandro
Leandro Zamprogno
Local specialist in CORDOBA | Reviewed on May 04, 2022

Thank you very much, Kim, for such detailed feedback!! Super useful and informative!

I'm glad you had a nice time with us in Chile I hope to have the opportunity to arrange another trip for you in the near future either in Chile or Argentina. Pity the weather in the south ruined your plans for the Marble Caves, but nature is unpredictable, more out of season :(
You need to return for a second chance :) !

A million thanks and HIGHLY recommend!!!
Chile | Apr 9 - Apr 14, 2022

J
Jessica L.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2022

We just got back from a week in Chile and could not have done it without Lorena! She was there every step of the way - helping curate the itinerary, updating us on covid protocols and requirements, answering any and all questions and so much more! She made herself so available to us and was extremely responsive and communicative.

As for our trip… it was fantastic! Kind, patient, educative guides and drivers. Everyone went truly above and beyond to make our trip wonderful and memorable. We... read more

We just got back from a week in Chile and could not have done it without Lorena! She was there every step of the way - helping curate the itinerary, updating us on covid protocols and requirements, answering any and all questions and so much more! She made herself so available to us and was extremely responsive and communicative.

As for our trip… it was fantastic! Kind, patient, educative guides and drivers. Everyone went truly above and beyond to make our trip wonderful and memorable. We enjoyed our day trip to Valparaiso and getting acquainted with the history of Santiago. But the highlight of our trip by far was Torres del Paine. We did a beautiful (albeit challenging) hike and saw the beautiful glaciers. I cannot wait to go back and will most definitely be using Kim Kim/Lorena for my future travels.

A million thanks!

Hotel Review
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago

Beautiful hotel, friendly staff. Gorgeous courtyard. A little far from the downtown area but a lot to do around Providencia. Felt very safe. Rooms could use a little updating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2022

Thanks, Jessica!! I truly enjoyed crafting together your perfect vacation to experience the best of Chile and I am so happy it was what you expected plus a little more. Stay well and keep traveling the world!

Cheers,
Lorena

Best trip ever thanks to this marvelous team !!!!!
Chile | Mar 10 - Mar 20, 2022

E
Elena P.
Hialeah, FL | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2022

Let's start by saying that due to Covid restrictions we could not go to Easter Island. But instead our wonderful local specialist Lorena had us travel to the Lakes region, which we would have never thought of it. It was a beautiful part of Chile where we got to tour lakes and towns around them, up to a volcano. It turned out to be even better thanks to Lorena!! We then toured the south, where we were booked in very nice hotels and tours.
My husband and I have been traveling for the past... read more

Let's start by saying that due to Covid restrictions we could not go to Easter Island. But instead our wonderful local specialist Lorena had us travel to the Lakes region, which we would have never thought of it. It was a beautiful part of Chile where we got to tour lakes and towns around them, up to a volcano. It turned out to be even better thanks to Lorena!! We then toured the south, where we were booked in very nice hotels and tours.
My husband and I have been traveling for the past 20 years, mostly on our own, but after this trip and the attention given us by the specialist, we will continue to travel thru an agency!! I would like to specially mention the special treatment we received from our guide in Santiago, Leonides and in Puerto Varas by Joaquin. They treated us like family and gave us a deep introduction to the country and it's customs.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2022

Gracias, Elena!! We finally made this trip happen after rescheduling two times and changing most of the itinerary. So happy you got to experience our beautiful country. I hope you come back to visit Easter Island one day!
Best regards to you and Evaristo :)
Lorena

Chile Mar 2022
Chile | Mar 20 - Mar 26, 2022

R
Ravi S.
Bay City, MI | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2022

Lorena understood our travel priorities (more outdoor-oriented) and was very helpful in organizing and navigating the Chilean requirements for travel (Mevacuno) and local testing for return to US. The accommodations and internal travel/transfer options were well laid out. Lorena took extra care to accommodate some late changes and was responsive to all our queries and concerns throughout our travel, including making local flight reservations. Would highly recommend her as your travel... read more

Lorena understood our travel priorities (more outdoor-oriented) and was very helpful in organizing and navigating the Chilean requirements for travel (Mevacuno) and local testing for return to US. The accommodations and internal travel/transfer options were well laid out. Lorena took extra care to accommodate some late changes and was responsive to all our queries and concerns throughout our travel, including making local flight reservations. Would highly recommend her as your travel consultant/organizer. The only recommendation would be for Kimkim to provide more info about local tour providers/contact numbers so we did not have to rely on Lorena as much.

Hotel Review
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2022

Thanks, Ravi. I thoroughly enjoyed planning this trip for your family and seeing the amazing pictures you took. I also appreciate the feedback, in fact, Kimkim is moving to a new system in April in which much more information will be given for providers at each location, so it will be much easier for everyone.
Best wishes to you and family and many more adventures to come!!

Chile
Chile | Mar 11 - Mar 20, 2022

K
Katherine W.
Westminster, MD | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2022

Lorena was very responsive to our questions and concerns throughout the trip. Very helpful to ensure we had everything we needed. The team in Chile was also prompt and informative. read more

Lorena was very responsive to our questions and concerns throughout the trip. Very helpful to ensure we had everything we needed. The team in Chile was also prompt and informative.

Hotel Review
Noi Vitacura
Vitacura, Santiago
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2022

Thanks for the nice review, Katherine. It was a joy to plan this trip for you and friends and I am super happy to know you all had a great and memorable time. Stay well!

Biking Aventure in the Desert
Chile | Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2022

Jason Patrick
Jason Patrick B.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 16, 2022

Top notch! Leandro was very responsive, communicated well, and chose excellent guides for my biking adventure in San Pedro de Atacama. Thanks again!

Local specialist: Leandro Zamprogno
Leandro
Leandro Zamprogno
Local specialist in CORDOBA | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2022

OMG, Jason! What an adventure the one of yours. It was a pleasure for me to help you arranging that biking circuit in the altitude of Atacama desert.

Hope to see you again soon!

Best mother son bonding trip ever!
Chile | Mar 2 - Mar 12, 2022

M
Marsha M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2022

The trip was truly exceptional. The Amazon is a great adventure for anyone traveling with teenage boys. Our guide Robert was patient and able to help us spot monkeys, sloths, spiders, birds and caimans. The next stop was visiting the Sacred Valley. Our guide Dennis gave us a great foundation in Incan history prior to us heading to Machu Picchu. He made looking at the tiered potato fields interesting by talking about the debunked theories around their existence - such as meteorites and... read more

The trip was truly exceptional. The Amazon is a great adventure for anyone traveling with teenage boys. Our guide Robert was patient and able to help us spot monkeys, sloths, spiders, birds and caimans. The next stop was visiting the Sacred Valley. Our guide Dennis gave us a great foundation in Incan history prior to us heading to Machu Picchu. He made looking at the tiered potato fields interesting by talking about the debunked theories around their existence - such as meteorites and UFOs. We of course went to Machu Picchu with Marcellino - the most patient, fun and informative guide on the planet. And we finished with Arturo and Dennis in Cusco. The chocolate making class is so fun. But ultimately the time I was able to spend connecting with my son was the most valuable part of the trip.

Local specialist: Jason Kearney
Jason
Jason Kearney
Local specialist in Peru | Reviewed on Mar 14, 2022

Thank you for your kind words Marsha and I am so glad we were able to make a trip of memories for you both. To be enriched by living joyful shared moments with our children is surely one of the crescendos of parenthood.
We hope to see you again soon!
Regards,
Jason.

We have never had a travel advisor like Loree...
Chile | Feb 13 - Feb 26, 2022

N
Norm P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2022

We have never had a travel advisor like Loreena with KimKim. We had many issues with government forms and procedures and Lorenna went way beyond the call of duty for us. Her itinerary for our trip to Chile belongs in the travel hall of fame. 10 stars for her and Kimkim.

Norm and Lynda
Colorado read more

We have never had a travel advisor like Loreena with KimKim. We had many issues with government forms and procedures and Lorenna went way beyond the call of duty for us. Her itinerary for our trip to Chile belongs in the travel hall of fame. 10 stars for her and Kimkim.

Norm and Lynda
Colorado

Hotel Review
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago

We loved this boutique hotel in Santiago, Chile. The staff was great and we loved the outdoor patios and location! Excellent!

Authenticity & Character
Location and layout. Like a bed and breakfast.
Location
Pedestrian street with restaurants!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2022

Thanks for the kind review, Norm. It was exciting to make this amazing adventure a reality, enjoying the best Chile has to offer and to celebrate Lynda's special day. Wishing you both many more travel adventures to come!

Chilean tour experience by the Aiellos
Chile | Jan 14 - Jan 29, 2022

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Richard A.
Middletown, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2022

Our city guide Philllippe was knowlegable, informative and was always there to help with any local questions we had. Fernando, our Andes mountain guide, was very knowledgeable about the mountain however the tour we received (5k trek and hot springs) was not the tour written in the itinerary. Leo, our Santiago driver, was great in understanding all of our city activities. The meal at his home with his wife Gloria was a wonderful experience. Jose provided a well guided tour through Maipo... read more

Our city guide Philllippe was knowlegable, informative and was always there to help with any local questions we had. Fernando, our Andes mountain guide, was very knowledgeable about the mountain however the tour we received (5k trek and hot springs) was not the tour written in the itinerary. Leo, our Santiago driver, was great in understanding all of our city activities. The meal at his home with his wife Gloria was a wonderful experience. Jose provided a well guided tour through Maipo vineyards. Valparaiso was very nice but were hoping for more of a beach experience. Our vineyard stays were a special treat. Matetic had exceptional food/wine pairing and we especially enjoyed the bio dynamic tour of the vineyards given by JP. Casa Silva had a very nice restaurant but was only open for lunch. No other restaurants open for dinner in the area. Thus, one night at Casa Silva would have been enough. Remaining time was on our own and Lorena was very helpful setting up wine tours for us. Overall, we loved our trip and the complete experience.

Hotel Review
La Casona at Matetic Vineyards
Lagunillas

Very spacious room, surrounded by vineyards, excellent food and wine pairings, great bike ride, wonderful bio dynamic tour

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2022

Dear Rich and Carol,
It was my pleasure to plan and coordinate this truly diverse trip to Chile for you! I am very happy to hear you enjoyed it and I appreciate the feedback. Wishing you both a great rest of the year and many more world adventures to come!
Best,
Lorena

Introduction to Argentina Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia
Chile | Jan 10 - Jan 20, 2022

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Michael L.
Mililani Town, HI | Reviewed on Jan 31, 2022

It took a couple of years to organize this trip because of the pandemic. Serena and Lorena put together an excellent ten day itinerary that introduced us to Argentina Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia.
We spent three night in Ushuaia. This was sufficient time to tour the town and vicinity, visit the prison museum, tour the National Park, cruise the channel and experience the penquins on Martillo Island, and tour the Haberton Ranch.
We spent four nights in El Calafate which was plenty of time... read more

It took a couple of years to organize this trip because of the pandemic. Serena and Lorena put together an excellent ten day itinerary that introduced us to Argentina Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia.
We spent three night in Ushuaia. This was sufficient time to tour the town and vicinity, visit the prison museum, tour the National Park, cruise the channel and experience the penquins on Martillo Island, and tour the Haberton Ranch.
We spent four nights in El Calafate which was plenty of time to tour the town, visit Perito Moreno glacier (boardwalk and boat tour), boat tour of the other glaciers, and Nibepo Aike ranch, including 3 hour horse back ride.
The next stop was three nights in El Chalten. I was able to trek to the lagoon of Fitz Roy, tour the small town, trek to the lagoon at the base glaciar Huemul and take the boat tour of the nearby lake.
We stayed in the Fuegueno hotel in Ushuaia. It was a nice hotel but noisy at night. Our room was facing the mountains; we had to endure a lot of noise from the street below.
In El Calafate, we stayed at the Kosten Aike. This is a nice hotel but it is noisy at night. After the first night we switched rooms from the street side to the court yard side of the hotel - which was very quiet. The staff is excellent!
In El Chalten, we stayed at the Destino Sur. This was a very pleasant hotel and a grade above the others.
There were a couple of glitches. My transit never showed up at the bus stop in El Chalten. I had a ten minute walk to the hotel. On the transit from El Chalten to El Calafate, the driver stopped for about an hour at the airport outside of town to pick up another passenger, but the passenger was a no show.
Ryan's Travel itinerary was vague. They should provide more detail of the daily activities.

Lorena is excellent. Down the road I am sure that I will use her travel agency again.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro

I was totally blown away with the service I r...
Chile | Jan 9 - Jan 24, 2022

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sam j.
Grant, NE | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2022

I was totally blown away with the service I received from Lorena, she had booked a pre and post cruise plan that was excellent. When the cruise cancelled she got right on making plans to fill in the days, basically she saved the trip and turned it into an excellent adventure last minute. She went above and beyond not only making hotel reservations but everywhere we went a driver was waiting to pick us up and deliver us to our hotel. All tickets and passes were waiting, with never a glitch.... read more

I was totally blown away with the service I received from Lorena, she had booked a pre and post cruise plan that was excellent. When the cruise cancelled she got right on making plans to fill in the days, basically she saved the trip and turned it into an excellent adventure last minute. She went above and beyond not only making hotel reservations but everywhere we went a driver was waiting to pick us up and deliver us to our hotel. All tickets and passes were waiting, with never a glitch. There is no way I could of done it without her knowledge of where to go and how to get there. Lorena is definitely an invaluable member of your team. 5 stars are not enough.
Sam and teresa

Hotel Review
Noi Vitacura
Vitacura, Santiago

great hotel with good restaurant on the roof, friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2022

Dear Sam and Teresa,
These are very sweet words, thank you!! It was my pleasure to assist with your trip and help out when your cruise was canceled at the last minute. Your trip pictures are amazing, glad you got to enjoy Iguazu, Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Santiago.
My best regards to both of you!
Lorena

Chile, Patagonia and Argentina
Chile | Jan 6 - Jan 21, 2022

Lisa
Lisa K.
Jupiter, FL | Reviewed on Jan 26, 2022

The trip was amazing, start to finish. We enjoyed every aspect of this trip and felt we had a good mix of city and nature experiences. Santiago, Chile was a welcoming city with beautiful historical landmarks, parks, neighborhoods and museums not to be missed such as Sky Costanera, Cerra San Cristobal, Barrios Bellavista and Lastarria, Museos Chileno de Arte Precolumbino and La Chascona. The views from Sky Costanera and Cerra San Cristobal were eye popping and really gave you a sense of the... read more

The trip was amazing, start to finish. We enjoyed every aspect of this trip and felt we had a good mix of city and nature experiences. Santiago, Chile was a welcoming city with beautiful historical landmarks, parks, neighborhoods and museums not to be missed such as Sky Costanera, Cerra San Cristobal, Barrios Bellavista and Lastarria, Museos Chileno de Arte Precolumbino and La Chascona. The views from Sky Costanera and Cerra San Cristobal were eye popping and really gave you a sense of the city largess. The museums were a moving historical and cultural experience. We walked the neighborhoods and used the local subway daily, located safe and convenient from our hotels. The Atacama desert was incredibly beautiful and greatly exceeded our expectations. The guided desert tours with José Miguel Ruiz-Tagle were very well done, the mountains, salt flats, lagunas, geysers, natural flora and fauna made this feel like an other worldly place. Hoteles Altiplanico accommodations were peaceful and the manager Oscar was very helpful. Puerto Natales, the national park tour of Torres del Paine and the full day hike to the base of the Torres were both great outdoor experiences. The hike was not difficult but long at 9.5 hours round trip and definitely requires endurance, strong legs and knees. Mauro, our hiking guide was patient and paced the group well. Hotel Noi Indigo accommodations were perfectly located with incredible mountain views. If we could do it over again, we would have spent more time there. We also visited the beach towns of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, a great place to find a unique artisan gift, dine overlooking the pacific ocean, and experience the beaches. Loved Buenos Aires, Argentina and the trip to Iguazú Falls, both Argentine and Brazil falls and took a fun boat tour to feel the falls up close. Once there, not hard to understand why this is a Unesco World Heritage site. Buenos Aires was beautiful, very large, impossible to see in the short time we were there and we would love to go back again. Really enjoyed walking the city, the many city parks and mature trees lining the roads. We visited Museo Evita, a great tribute to her societal contributions and place in history, as well as MALBA, Ecoparque, Puerto Madero, Palermo Soho and Hollywood, easy walks from our hotel.
The people of Chile, Patagonia and Argentina were warm and welcoming. Emilce, Clementina and all of our ground support/guides (Jose Miguel, Fernando, Vitor, Natalie, Lauren, Mauro and Vitor) were great, particularly during this period of COVID, helping us navigate the testing, locations and timelines. Go and have fun!

Hotel Review
Altiplanico Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama

Exceeded our expectations. A peaceful place, a 10 to15 minute walk to town, comfortable accommodations with beautiful desert landscape. Oscar, the manager was very helpful and morning breakfast was more than adequate to get you started for the day with coffee, breads, croissants, pastries, fruit, yogurt, eggs, ham, cheese. The accommodations were great, large bed, large bathroom, sitting area, large luggage storage and great indoor (hot and cold) and outdoor cold shower.

Tips for future travelers

It's a desert climate, warm during day, cool at night. If you can't live without air conditioning or don't want to walk ten minutes to town, don't stay there. There was a small grocery store to pick up any necessary items you might have forgotten to prepare for this trip or for extended stay travelers.

Authenticity & Character
desert landscape
Location
10 minute walk to town
Staff
Oscar was the best.
Cleanliness & Comfort
room taken care of every day
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2022

Hi Lisa,
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience.
I wanted to thank you in name of all the team, too not only for trusting us but for being flexible while planning and through all the trip!
Thank you for your wonderful pictures, comments, and your time to give us such extensive feedback on your experience in Chile and Argentina. I am very happy to know that the trip exceeded your expectations, that you enjoyed your time, and that you received excellent attention from all the... read more

Hi Lisa,
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience.
I wanted to thank you in name of all the team, too not only for trusting us but for being flexible while planning and through all the trip!
Thank you for your wonderful pictures, comments, and your time to give us such extensive feedback on your experience in Chile and Argentina. I am very happy to know that the trip exceeded your expectations, that you enjoyed your time, and that you received excellent attention from all the staff, making this a unique experience for you. We hope you have a great year to come! My best wishes and warm regards from Argentina!
Emi

Chile & Patagonia AMAZING experience
Chile | Dec 19 - Jan 8, 2022

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Daniel F.
Narragansett, RI | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2022

We had an AMAZING time in Chile & Patagonia - Lorena (our kimkim local specialist) got us started with the highlights and helped us customize the trip to a perfect fit. With her guidance we were able to squeeze in spectacular stargazing in the Atacama Desert, living like a local in Santiago, rock climbing and breathtaking views in Patagonia. Whenever we hit small bumps, Lorena was there to smooth things out, making course corrections and ultimately saving us days on our trip. We never could... read more

We had an AMAZING time in Chile & Patagonia - Lorena (our kimkim local specialist) got us started with the highlights and helped us customize the trip to a perfect fit. With her guidance we were able to squeeze in spectacular stargazing in the Atacama Desert, living like a local in Santiago, rock climbing and breathtaking views in Patagonia. Whenever we hit small bumps, Lorena was there to smooth things out, making course corrections and ultimately saving us days on our trip. We never could have done all this (three weeks of constant adventure) without the planning and help provided. We've never booked though any sort of travel agent before — and while it was initially a little scary to have someone else in the driver's seat, the ultimate trip was one of the best we've ever done. 🎉🎈💯

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2022

Thanks, Loren & Dan. It was my pleasure to plan and execute such an exciting adventure for the two of you, it was one of the most active itineraries I have crafted! I really appreciate your kind words and wish you both many more fun trips ahead to keep exploring the world. Best always,
Lorena

Lorena is amazing!
Chile | Jan 2 - Jan 6, 2022

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Rachel K.
Durham, NC | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2022

Lorena was a super duper help before and during the trip. She was flexible, accommodating, super responsive and very available. She arranged for us to have the best tour guides and we loved the hotel she arranged for us. Everything was the best of the best and would recommend to anyone!

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2022

Aww you are the sweetest, thanks Rachel! I am so happy the family enjoyed the custom trip prepared for you all. I'd be more than glad to host you again in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador!! Have an amazing rest of your year.

The whole process was easy, and seamless.
Chile | Dec 10 - Dec 22, 2021

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Howard R.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022

The whole process was easy, and seamless. Everything was done through online communication and the response time was often less than one day. Overall our trip was seamless and the only areas that brought up any concern had nothing to do with the travel planner but more with the Covid situation. read more

The whole process was easy, and seamless. Everything was done through online communication and the response time was often less than one day. Overall our trip was seamless and the only areas that brought up any concern had nothing to do with the travel planner but more with the Covid situation.

Hotel Review
The Singular Patagonia Hotel
Puerto Natales

One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in anywhere in the world. The property was beautiful, the facilities were wonderful, the dining room was excellent, and the staff was gracious. Everything was comfortable and easy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Leandro Zamprogno
Leandro
Leandro Zamprogno
Local specialist in CORDOBA | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2022

Dear Howard,

It was a huge pleasure to have arrange that lovely trip for you and your partner and I'm very happy you enjoyed your time in Chile! Hope to have you back in the future :)

Chile is a wonderful country and we will lik...
Chile | Dec 11 - Dec 19, 2021

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Srini N.
Summit, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 27, 2021

Chile is a wonderful country and we will likely go back there soon. While we enjoyed the trip very much, there were quite a few short comings. I would have planned the trip a lot better myself. Chile is extremely strict on Covid protocols. We appreciate the strictness and made us extremely safe traveling to the country.

We spent couple of days in Santiago, but much of the time was spent sitting in the hotel room. We arrived on Saturday morning. We could not leave the room due to... read more

Chile is a wonderful country and we will likely go back there soon. While we enjoyed the trip very much, there were quite a few short comings. I would have planned the trip a lot better myself. Chile is extremely strict on Covid protocols. We appreciate the strictness and made us extremely safe traveling to the country.

We spent couple of days in Santiago, but much of the time was spent sitting in the hotel room. We arrived on Saturday morning. We could not leave the room due to quarantine until about 4pm. Our Santiago tour guide arranged a trip to the city only in the afternoon on Sunday. The Santiago tour guide (local) was nice and the van carrying was very nice. We never got to the see the famed Mercado Central and Mercado La Vega. Out of more than 48 hours spent in the city, our tour guide spent about 4 hours taking us around.

Our trip to Punta Arenas was on Monday, with the flight leaving at 11am. There were flights leaving earlier in the day, but we were only booked on the flight that left later in the day and with a hop. This killed more than half the day.

More wasted time in Puerto Natales. The trip to Balmaceda and Serrano Glacier was supposed to be for a full day (9 hours). But the trip was done within four hours. We never stepped foot on the land anywhere. Overall, lots of time was wasted. For a trip that cost us a lot, we would have used the time better.

Finally, our hike to the base of Torres Del Paine was supposed to be on Thursday initially. This was changed to Friday after we arrived in Chile. We did not want to do the hike to the base as we were not sure we would not have enough time to recover as well as time to take the covid test before hopping back on the flight back to the US. We wish the planning was better.

To our surprise, we never met Lorena, our travel agent. We thought we are meeting with a travel specialist based in Chile, not Houston.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro

Great Trip to Chile - February
Chile | Feb 5 - Feb 14, 2020

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Alice H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2020

Great Trip to Chile - February

Nicholas helped us to organise a great itinerary in Chile at very short notice due to a change in holiday destination!

During our trip we visited Santiago, Vina del Mar, the Atacama desert and then down to Patagonia;. The tours and guides were all fantastic and we managed to fit a lot in in the 10 days we had available and felt like we had seen a lot of Chile by the end of our trip.

The stand out experiences were seeing the geysers in Atacama, visiting... read more

Great Trip to Chile - February

Nicholas helped us to organise a great itinerary in Chile at very short notice due to a change in holiday destination!

During our trip we visited Santiago, Vina del Mar, the Atacama desert and then down to Patagonia;. The tours and guides were all fantastic and we managed to fit a lot in in the 10 days we had available and felt like we had seen a lot of Chile by the end of our trip.

The stand out experiences were seeing the geysers in Atacama, visiting Magdalena Island with the penguins and viewing amazing glaciers in Patagonia.

Nicholas was always extremely helpful and available to answer any questions we had; the expert planning meant that everything went really smoothly - overall a big thumbs up!

Chile is such a vast country that next time we visit we would plan to focus on Patagonia and spend some time hiking in the national parks.

Thank you,
Alice and Andy

Local specialist: Nicholas Colombo

Chile March 2020
Chile | Mar 5 - Mar 12, 2020

Bruce
Bruce R.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2020

This is the 14th day of my isolation. I left Santiago. a city then filled with smiling friendly people going about their chores and lives. to return to a place filled with fear and going deeper in civic shutdown, where some are even being encouraged to tell on one another for alleged breaches of the new normal. And I am so thankful for the ten wonderful days we spent in Chile with all of you looking out for us.

I can truly say that our visit owes much of its magic to the care and... read more

This is the 14th day of my isolation. I left Santiago. a city then filled with smiling friendly people going about their chores and lives. to return to a place filled with fear and going deeper in civic shutdown, where some are even being encouraged to tell on one another for alleged breaches of the new normal. And I am so thankful for the ten wonderful days we spent in Chile with all of you looking out for us.

I can truly say that our visit owes much of its magic to the care and thoughtfulness of our handlers and hosts. So I want to thank Maria and Lilia and Across Argentina for planning and organizing our Desert and Wine Tour. Your itinerary and accomodation selections were spot on . The local Tour operators Chile Roads and CI Mundo were very professional and always prompt. The tour guides were very friendly and so very helpful. We learned so much from them all, But I want to especially recognize Nelson Silva, a warm and caring person. We came to appreciate his efforts greatly, In general the tour guides (four guides) were enthusiastic about their work and very knowledgeable Their employers should be very pleased with their work Without the guides and drivers such as these, a tour is empty. And ours were full of life and captivating.

Thank You all Please be sure that you share our gratitude with them all

Local specialist: Maria Barciela

chili with a corons sauce on top
Chile | Mar 7 - Mar 10, 2020

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Rene V.
France | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2020

so here we are
not yet home
but almost with these strange circumstances..........
a big thank you to Vi for organising this trip already last summer
long before Corona hit while we were in Chile
how shall i start
good things first
txs for the arrngments and the support
pucon was good
the climbing was though and guides ( Eduardo ) very helpfull and comprehensive
HuiloHuilo was super
puerto varas was not so good as hotel .... but the Corona was laready there
chiloe we missed ( and this would... read more

so here we are
not yet home
but almost with these strange circumstances..........
a big thank you to Vi for organising this trip already last summer
long before Corona hit while we were in Chile
how shall i start
good things first
txs for the arrngments and the support
pucon was good
the climbing was though and guides ( Eduardo ) very helpfull and comprehensive
HuiloHuilo was super
puerto varas was not so good as hotel .... but the Corona was laready there
chiloe we missed ( and this would heve been very far away of Puerto varas to get back on the plane)
but Vi made it work
we stayed one day longer and the left for Santiago just to make shure
we could change the flight tickets with the help of the hotel and backed up efficiently by your emergency nr personel
txs again
renting the car in Europ car is always somehow a desilusion
the car promised was ( of course...) not available
the altenative was not what we had expected
these companies always flaw you one way of the other !
the highway billing system is somewhat crazy
we had no cash when leaving Temuko
so the billed us 5€ for the first 500 m highway as we had to get on the usual way tp Pucon
and around Puerto varas one had to pay every single time we hit the highway
not so expensive but not fair i felt ! at least unexpected
but then again chili is super scenic and very friendly and helpfull people
just this coronoa infection busted it up
txs for having us here
thank you for your dedication Vi !
rgds
rene and chantal on our way out tomorow we hope

Local specialist: Virginia Crivelli
Virginia
Virginia Crivelli
Local specialist in Córdoba-Argentina | Reviewed on Apr 27, 2020

Rene, thank you for your kind words.
I'm happy that overall you had a good experience in Chile and more considering the circumstances.
I'm sorry about the experience with the rental car but, I'm happy to know that you did enjoy the stunning landscapes Chile has to offer :)
I hope you had a nice flight back home.

Best regards, Vi

Chile Lake District Trip
Chile | Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2020

Lori
Lori S.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2020

Guides and activities were outstanding! Hotel in Puerto Varas was fine, but not exceptional -- very much enjoyed the hotel in Pucon. We had to defer the trip for a year after a preceding trip to Antarctica was deferred -- Oxana was extremely helpful in working with us on those changes. We did have some confusion with internal Chile airline reservations -- caused by different requests within the travel group -- also some confusion with final payments (likely caused by the fact that we had to defer). Overall, it was a very positive experience.

Local specialist: Oxana Protchenko

Visiting the Lake District
Chile | Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2020

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Christine S.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Mar 07, 2020

Overall the trip to the Lake District was enjoyable with several hickups. We wrote to you about the discrepancy on Day 2 between what was originally quoted about lunch being included and still have not received any answer or verification of that. The original quote on which we paid stated lunch was included and then we found out it was not. The stay at Casa Karfu in Punta Arenas was not enjoyable. The hotel is very noisy, ALL the floor boards squeak, the walls are thin, and you can hear... read more

Overall the trip to the Lake District was enjoyable with several hickups. We wrote to you about the discrepancy on Day 2 between what was originally quoted about lunch being included and still have not received any answer or verification of that. The original quote on which we paid stated lunch was included and then we found out it was not. The stay at Casa Karfu in Punta Arenas was not enjoyable. The hotel is very noisy, ALL the floor boards squeak, the walls are thin, and you can hear people walking above you. If you don't have ear plugs you won't get any sleep. The staff was not particularly friendly except for one young lady at the desk who was helpful. It was a 15 min walk to town, which after a long day was not something we felt enthusiastic about. Thankfully there are 2 options down the street. Breakfast did not start promptly at 0700. Ronaldo, our guide in PA, was very good. He was professional and answered all our questions. All the activities were enjoyable.
Casa Estado in Pucon was very nice. The only complaint, if any, is it is far from town and costs about $12 each way in a taxi. You are pretty much stuck there without a car. Stefanie from Amity Tours was very nice. She was not good at keeping pace with the whole group on the hikes. One person was a fast pacer and she kept her pace with him. The 2 of them walked far ahead of the 3 of us. The 3 of us felt we could have just taken a walk together without paying for a guide. She should have considered the "pace of the whole group" and set that pace so all of us would have had the benefit of walking with the guide. This happened both days. Otherwise, the hikes in both national parks were beautiful. The thermal pools were enjoyable.

Local specialist: Oxana Protchenko

A great experience with Vive Atacama!
Chile | Feb 16 - Feb 20, 2020

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Jacy C.
Cliffside Park, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2020

We had a great tour with our guide, Rodrigo, and our driver, Oscar. The two had a great rapport and were both very friendly. Our favorite sight was the Rainbow Valley (which was not on the original itinerary, and we only ended up going because the Taito Geyser Field was closed), because Rodrigo took us on some paths that most tourists don't go on, and we had the whole place to ourselves. Additionally, Rodrigo has studied geology in university, so he was very knowledgeable on the rock formations and other geologic details we saw throughout the whole trip.

Local specialist: Virginia Crivelli
Virginia
Virginia Crivelli
Local specialist in Córdoba-Argentina | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2020

Hi Jacy! I'm super happy you had such a great time in Atacama and that your favourite place was Rainbow Valley! It seems that sometimes things turn out in a different way than expected and for better :)
My best wishes to you!
Vi

A Rabbit Out of a Hat...
Chile | Feb 3 - Feb 9, 2020

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timothy m.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2020

After finding myself en route to Santiago for work, a friend thought, "you should go to Patagonia and take some photos..." I hadn't thought about it until that moment... and with only 3 weeks out, I didn't think it remotely possible. That's when another friend passed along kimkim's info.
I truly didn't think it possible to put together such a well thought out, well planned adventure with so little time. But that's exactly what Erin was able to create... Essentially, pulling a rabbit out of a... read more

After finding myself en route to Santiago for work, a friend thought, "you should go to Patagonia and take some photos..." I hadn't thought about it until that moment... and with only 3 weeks out, I didn't think it remotely possible. That's when another friend passed along kimkim's info.
I truly didn't think it possible to put together such a well thought out, well planned adventure with so little time. But that's exactly what Erin was able to create... Essentially, pulling a rabbit out of a hat in a couple of weeks.
Given that my solo adventure was geared towards photography, my itinerary for 6 full days was tailored towards that experience. My journey took me from Estancia La Peninsula for a tour of an authentic Patagonian sheep farm, to portions of the W trek inside Torres Del Paines National Park including the French Valley and Mirador Las Torres hikes. From there, I was able to spend a couple nights in the Serrano River Valley outside the park, and mingle with the horses and herding pups at Pampa Lodge.
Finally, the culmination and the final day of my adventure was a private photography tour with an amazing guide, who took me to some of the great spots in Torres Del Paines as well as some hidden gems that only a true local would know about...
This experience was something that I will never forget. It was surreal and beautiful looking at the Andes Mountain range... meeting some amazing people in Refugias and along the trails... and it would never have happened without Erin and Julia. High fives to the two who made this whole thing so special and unforgettable.

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Reviewed on May 12, 2020

Planning Timothy's trip was really fun and while it was quite last minute he was such a wonderful copilot in planning, was very understanding and trusting of the process and I couldn't be happier with how everything worked out. Thank you for trusting me, Tim! So happy that you had such a wonderful trip and LOVE your photos, you've captured some of my favorite places but also much of the essence of what life is like in Puerto Natales. Hope you are well and thank you again!

Best,
Erin

Nicholas planned the trip just right. We have...
Chile | Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2020

Kajal
Kajal M.
West Milford, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 11, 2020

Nicholas planned the trip just right. We have some issues on the first day (out fault, that I left the phone in a Cabify taxi). Our trip guide helped us a lot, and eventually, we have got it back the next day. The rest of the trip was good and enjoyable. Nicholas was always accessible, and the tour company made everything hassle-free. Thanks, Nicholas.

Local specialist: Nicholas Colombo
Nicholas
Nicholas Colombo
Local specialist in Santiago de Chile | Reviewed on Feb 11, 2020

Hi Kajal!

Thanks for your nice review, I'm glad that the phone issue got solved and let you enjoy the rest of the trip with no stress. It was a pleasure for us to organize your days in Chile!

Best regards,

Nicholas

Born Again Camper Does The W Trek
Chile | Feb 3 - Feb 7, 2020

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Courtney H.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2020

This whole experience has been wonderful, start to finish. Everyone involved in the trip planning portion (Erin & Julie) were very attentive, informative and prompt. I would just like to say that I work in marketing for a tourism DMO and have been in the hospitality industry for 10+ years - Cote was one of the best guides I have ever encountered. She was organized, genuine, hospitable, knowledgeable and she intuitively knew what our group needed at all aspects of the trip. I cannot stress... read more

This whole experience has been wonderful, start to finish. Everyone involved in the trip planning portion (Erin & Julie) were very attentive, informative and prompt. I would just like to say that I work in marketing for a tourism DMO and have been in the hospitality industry for 10+ years - Cote was one of the best guides I have ever encountered. She was organized, genuine, hospitable, knowledgeable and she intuitively knew what our group needed at all aspects of the trip. I cannot stress enough what a unique and authentic person she is, she truly made the trek all the better.

Also, the staff at all the lodges (in particular our third stay at a Fantistico Sur) were so warm & welcoming. I’ll be spreading the word about this experience!

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Reviewed on May 12, 2020

Courtney,

Thank you so much for the kind feedback! You all were fantastic to plan this trip with and thank you for your great communication, patience and kindness throughout the process. Thank you for the glowing review and we've made sure to pass this along to Cote :)

All the best,
Erin

AMAZING Experience!!
Chile | Feb 3 - Feb 7, 2020

S
Stephanie o.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2020

Cote our guide was fantastic! She set a great pace and made our time very enjoyable even through the more demanding parts of the trek. Most memorable is the lookout on grey glacier, French valley, and the secret lookout Cote took us for the towers, not busy at all which made it really great. 10/10 would recommend to family or friends that are interested!

Local specialist: Erin Wiley
Erin
Erin Wiley
Local specialist in Puerto Natales, Chile | Reviewed on May 12, 2020

So glad that you enjoyed your trip! Cote is a wonderful guide and I've made sure to pass this positive feedback along to her as well. You all were great to work with in planning this trip, thank you for everything!

Smooth trip with Nicholas’s planning
Chile | Dec 25 - Jan 8, 2020

R
Romkaew B.
Arlington, MA | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2020

Nicholas’s trip preparation for us was fantastic. We got to see what we wanted from the lake region to Patagonia to Iguazu Falls within our budget. The local drivers who picked us up at various airports in Chile were on time, so we did not have to worry. The local guides were knowledgeable and attentive. We will ask for him if we will visit Chile/South America again!

Local specialist: Nicholas Colombo
Nicholas
Nicholas Colombo
Local specialist in Santiago de Chile | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2020

Hi Romkaew!

Thanks a lot for your nice words! It was a pleasure to organize this trip to this beautiful part of the world for your family. I hope you went home with many great memories that will last a lifetime.

Whenever you want to come back again count on me!
Best wishes

Nicholas

Very helpful!
Chile | Dec 8 - Dec 17, 2019

N
Nicolas C.
Belgium | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2020

Everything was already fully detailed on the planning but getting on the sites itself, it got way more spectacular!

You also get the help you need and everywhere I stayed, the people were very helpful and nice and welcoming!
Even if you have the slightest misfortune (a delayed flight) they came to check on me and to adapt the planning accordingly.

All by all, it is something I will do again and i would recommend.
It helps you travel but does not forget to give you enough free time where necessary!

Local specialist: Daiana Andion
Daiana
Daiana Andion
Local specialist in Buenos Aires | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2020

Hi Nico!!
I am so happy to know you enjoyed your trip!

It was a pleasure to plan the trip for you. Thanks for choosing Kimkim and Say Hueque for your trip!

Have a great year!

Kind regards
Daiana

Overall, good experience
Chile | Nov 23 - Dec 2, 2019

Mark
Mark C.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2020

Overall, good experience
Emilce is knowledgeable of Argentina and provided great suggestions. The service provided was affordable and of good quality. The only improvement I would like to see is to be provided with a fully detailed and confirmed itinerary before we departed. We made this slightly more complicated due to some last minute flight changes but in today's digital era, an updated itinerary would be easy to provide via email. We did not know our exact itinerary for each location... read more

Overall, good experience
Emilce is knowledgeable of Argentina and provided great suggestions. The service provided was affordable and of good quality. The only improvement I would like to see is to be provided with a fully detailed and confirmed itinerary before we departed. We made this slightly more complicated due to some last minute flight changes but in today's digital era, an updated itinerary would be easy to provide via email. We did not know our exact itinerary for each location until we met the local guide at each airport. This included formal confirmation of our flight arrivals and hotels accommodations. This made for a mistake in pickup time at one of our arrivals and required us to make some calls to confirm our exact hotel and to take a taxi to get there (which they did reimburse us for). More than anything, this lack of explicit detail was just unnerving and can be easily fixed with a detailed itinerary.

Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2020

Hi Mark,

Thank you very much for your Review! I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip.

I'm sorry I didn't get to send you the updated itinerary just in time. I'm glad that despite having been an organized trip with so little time, everything went well and you had a nice experience in Argentina.

Your comments will encourage us to carry on designing life-time experiences for our guests! Thanks a lot and all my best wishes to you and Marguerite.

Thank you very much and it was really nice to e-meet you!

Emilce

Incredible Chile 2019
Chile | Nov 28 - Dec 11, 2019

Melody
Melody B.
Tucson, AZ | Reviewed on Dec 14, 2019

This was our first trip to South America. We decided to visit Chile because our son had been on a 4 month study abroad exchange program in Vina del Mar, Chile and his time there was coming to an end. We did not really know how to tackle our vacation planning, so we scanned the Internet and found KimKim. We decided to go with this approach of travel because we wanted to plan our own agenda and did not want to be locked into a group tour. It was also an affordable solution for the quality of... read more

This was our first trip to South America. We decided to visit Chile because our son had been on a 4 month study abroad exchange program in Vina del Mar, Chile and his time there was coming to an end. We did not really know how to tackle our vacation planning, so we scanned the Internet and found KimKim. We decided to go with this approach of travel because we wanted to plan our own agenda and did not want to be locked into a group tour. It was also an affordable solution for the quality of service we received

Virginia Crivelli was our trip organizer. She did a fantastic job throughout the entire experience. She helped up plan and was in contact with us during our trip. She was very professional and gave us good advise. She even calmed my fears about traveling to Chile during this time of protest and unrest that started in October 2019.

Our time in Chile included the following locations: Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, San Pedro Atacama, Casablanca Valley, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales. Virginia booked us wonderful hotels, fantastic tours and plane flights in country. We had local guides who spoke English and provided excellent insights into their country and location.

This was one of the best experiences we have had traveling...and we have traveled quite a bit. I would highly recommend KimKim and their local custom service model. We never felt like a tourist lost in the crowds. The local guides were friendly, knowledgeable and made us feel welcome. Thanks for the attention to details and making our trip to Chile a memory we will hold in our hearts forever!

Melody, Neil and Tanner Buckner

Local specialist: Virginia Crivelli
Virginia
Virginia Crivelli
Local specialist in Córdoba-Argentina | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2019

Dear Melody, I hope you're very well :)

Thank you very much for this beautiful review and for posting your pictures, you all look great. I'm more than glad to know you had such a good experience here in South America, specially in Chile.
Your happiness is the best reward I could get doing my job :)

Best Regards,

Virginia

Short and very well organized trip
Chile | Nov 25 - Nov 28, 2019

Jacopo
Jacopo C.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2019

Kimkim has been very helpful in organizing the trip while able to offer the best value for money service. Daiana has been very responsive also for small details. Huellas Del Desierto has been able to organize a short trip that was at the same time able to touch the most amazing areas in the time. The most beautiful one being the Altiplanos Lagunas.

Local specialist: Daiana Andion
Daiana
Daiana Andion
Local specialist in Buenos Aires | Reviewed on Dec 14, 2019

Hi Jacopo!!
I am so happy to know you enjoyed your trip!

I hope this experience stays in your heart and in your mind forever. Thanks for choosing Kimkim and Say Hueque for your trip!

Kind regards
Daiana

My son and I had a wonderful trip to Chile. ...
Chile | Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2019

M
Mariellen S.
San Rafael, CA | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2019

My son and I had a wonderful trip to Chile. We travelled from the Atacama Dessert to the Lake District and finally to Patagonia. Isla de Magdalena and Torres del Paine National Park! Thanks to Nicholas, the trip was planned perfectly. We had a lot to see but we also had our down time and time to tour on our own. Ending in Patagonia was awesome!

Such a beautiful country with wonderful people. We hope to return someday and see more of the National Parks!

Thank you NIcholas!

Local specialist: Nicholas Colombo
Nicholas
Nicholas Colombo
Local specialist in Santiago de Chile | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2019

Hi Mariellen!

I'm really happy that you and your son had a great time exploring Chile! It's great that you got to experience such variety and had a good balance between activities and time and leisure.

Whenever you plan to come back count on me! It was a pleasure meeting in Santiago.

All the best,

Nicholas

GREAT trip to Chile!
Chile | Oct 13 - Oct 23, 2019

D
David & Sarah K.
Griffith, IN | Reviewed on Nov 05, 2019

We recently came back from a great trip to Chile

While we had a general sense of what we wanted to see & do, we elected to utilize Kimkim to assist us in our planning

They put us in contact with Nicholas at TURISMO MILODON travel based in Santiago Chile who did an especially great job and promptly responded to all emails and text messages

Prior to our trip we inquired about some of the excursions that we were interested in (Santiago, Valparaiso, Atacama, Torres del Paine)

Nicholas came... read more

We recently came back from a great trip to Chile

While we had a general sense of what we wanted to see & do, we elected to utilize Kimkim to assist us in our planning

They put us in contact with Nicholas at TURISMO MILODON travel based in Santiago Chile who did an especially great job and promptly responded to all emails and text messages

Prior to our trip we inquired about some of the excursions that we were interested in (Santiago, Valparaiso, Atacama, Torres del Paine)

Nicholas came back with an assortment of suggestions that met our needs (especially since we can't stand some activities on the high elevation in Atacama)

We also needed some guidance on hotels. Again, he provided multiple options (at different price points). All the hotels met or exceeded our expectations. The Hotel Vendaval in Puerto Natalas deserves special attention. The staff was extremely accommodating, and the hotel construction was unique – natural wood, minimal carpeting and a large rooftop deck/lounge with great views

Roberto (our guide for the Santiago and Valparaiso excursions) was very knowledgeable on the history and various sites we visited. Language was not a problem as he spoke excellent English

One other excursion we had was a full day private tour at Matetic vineyard which included horseback riding, winery tour and tasting and a great lunch at their Restaurant (Equilibrio’s). Their Sovereign Blanc and Syrah wines were both excellent and are recommended

Our guide for the Valle de Luna excursion (Oct 16) was very thorough and gave an excellent tour

More importantly, a BIG THANKS to Nicholas who was proactive in monitoring the civil unrest situation that developed in Santiago during our visit and suggested we switch to a different hotel for our last night. He was able to get us a room at an airport hotel which worked out great since our return flight was moved up 10 hrs. to a morning departure

All in all, we had a great experience and highly recommend using Kimkim

We are looking forward to returning to Chile

Local specialist: Nicholas Colombo
Nicholas
Nicholas Colombo
Local specialist in Santiago de Chile | Reviewed on Nov 06, 2019

Dear Sarah and David!

I'm glad you had a safe flight back to the US. I'm really grateful for your kind words, indeed it has been a pleasure for me to help you with the trip planning!

Thankfully the situation of the last few weeks didn't damage your experience in this beautiful country!

Whenever you want to come back, I'll be happy to assist again, Chile has so many more destinations to be explored!

I wish you all the best,

Nicholas

acatama trip
Chile | Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2019

L
lawrence p.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2019

Edwuardo was good, at times a bit condescending. I think he needs to show more background info on the trips he guides in other words plants and animals. Trips were to short. Back to the hotel by 14:00. I paid a lot of money not to have short days. On one day we did the geyser basin plus the 10km hike that was to be schedule the next day. back to hotel by15:30. because of this I pointed out to my guide that I had an empty day. We ended doing a hike up this volcano. Again back early. Your... read more

Edwuardo was good, at times a bit condescending. I think he needs to show more background info on the trips he guides in other words plants and animals. Trips were to short. Back to the hotel by 14:00. I paid a lot of money not to have short days. On one day we did the geyser basin plus the 10km hike that was to be schedule the next day. back to hotel by15:30. because of this I pointed out to my guide that I had an empty day. We ended doing a hike up this volcano. Again back early. Your rep. Santiago should have met me, not talk on the phone and give me a number to contact. You should REALLY stress with your clients in Chile not to lose their PDI and were to get a replacement. This will avoid challenges I had to put up with hotel manager in San Pedro(19% surcharge on hotel cost if I could not get one by the end of my stay)

Local specialist: Mery Morelli
Mery
Mery Morelli
Local specialist in Buenos Aires, Argentina | Reviewed on Nov 08, 2019

Hi Lawrence!

Thanks for your feedback!

Say Hueque stands out as a leader in local operator for more than 20 years, and our main goal is to create and to offer to our passengers a personal and authentic Experience.
According your request, we arranged 10 days trekking in San Pedro de Atacama, with one of our best guides in the area, Eduardo.
From our side we worked hard to do everything humanly possible for giving you the chance to have a memorable experience in our beautiful South America.... read more

Hi Lawrence!

Thanks for your feedback!

Say Hueque stands out as a leader in local operator for more than 20 years, and our main goal is to create and to offer to our passengers a personal and authentic Experience.
According your request, we arranged 10 days trekking in San Pedro de Atacama, with one of our best guides in the area, Eduardo.
From our side we worked hard to do everything humanly possible for giving you the chance to have a memorable experience in our beautiful South America. We really care, and it is our main concern, your opinion. So, of course, we highly appreciate you take the time to write to us.
I will give your feedback to our local supplier, to work in improve their experience in the area.

Regarding PDI, I sent you the copy same day that you lost it, thanks that our support team 24x7 it is always ready if a problem arises and we support operationally and in logistics in all destinations during your trip.

I hope that among this, you have had a great time in Chile!
I remain at your disposal for any other comment,
Warm Regards,
Mery