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Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love with it. From rainforest to the highest volcanoes - there is something for everyone. I've lived here for 6 years now, and I am enjoying every day in this small but megadiverse country.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We specialize in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. From trekking or climbing tours in the Andes up to adventurous days in the Amazon rainforest - everything is possible! Our goal is to convert travelers from passive consumers into active participants. Our tours are tailor-made and adjust to the wishes and preferences of our guests. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"As a child, I dreamed about distant places and other cultures. I wanted to explore everything and see the farthest corners of our planet. So I took the first chance and my backpack and went to Australia. Since then, my love for traveling has only grown, and I have visited several more countries around the globe. For me, traveling is about widening your horizons, seeing the world with other eyes, and meeting the most fascinating people. I want to share my experiences to create the same happiness that I have felt in other travelers. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"There are just too many life-changing travel experiences to pick just one! It is everything: from a simple, pure-hearted smile of a local up to a multi-week road trip through the Outback without running water and electricity. While traveling, every single day you make memories you will never forget. "

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Linda

KimKim is the Perfect Way to Set Up Travel
Galapagos Islands | Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024

Marcia
Marcia J.
Redmond, WA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim! 5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour. Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are... Read more

Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim!

5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour.

Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are wonderful ambassadors for their country.

4 Stars: Kicker Rock. Best suited for true snorkel enthusiasts, which is not us- we are vacation snorkelers. Choppy and cloudy water, some strong currents that really took work to navigate, and while it was cool to see a few hammerheads, not much else to see. Honestly, perhaps the best part of the trip was the spectacular closeup views of the Galapagos birds. Great guide.

Our only neutral-to-negative outing was the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill. These two sites definitely do not need a guide and would have been far more enjoyable exploring on our own. Karen, our guide, was not a good storyteller, and told us little that I hadn't already read in the guidebooks; perhaps if she had turned the walk up Tijeretas Hill into a nature walk, but she made few comments as we walked up this paved and well-signed path. But the truly negative experience was the snorkeling. There was a yellow flag out, and the entrance to the water is on sharp rocks, difficult for nonlocals to negotiate- during our time there, two tourists had to be saved from the big waves/currents and helped back onto the rocks. Karen gave no instruction, but after verifying that we could all swim, jumped in the water and began snorkeling. Only one of the four of us decided to try snorkeling, as the other three felt it too dangerous. My husband lost a flipper, and waited back on the rocks as Karen managed to retrieve the flipper (good for her), but then continued to snorkel as we all waited for her. While pleasant during her guiding, Karen seemed bored with this excursion and I think would be better suited to aquatic excursions only, as this seems to be her true love.

Hotel Review
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Lovely place run by a lovely and sincere family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more? Ask for guide Daniela!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Galapagos Islands

Much better experience with a guide than exploring on one's own. Ask for Fabricio!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our transport dropped us off at one end of Old Town and picked us up at the other end, so no backtracking!
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

Everything about the day was great- transport, guide, the excursion to a remote beach- except the cloudy snorkeling itself is only worth it for the interesting experience of seeing hammerhead sharks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more???

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to...
Read more

Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to see!), please don't hesitate to reach out, we would love to welcome you and your family again!
Always safe travels,
Linda

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2024

Mariela
Mariela G.
Costa Rica | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024
Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip. Read more

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Very nice hotel. Both times we stayed there was no electricity and that meant no internet, no hot water and no food. Besides from that, very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pillows
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful cozy hotel. Very friendly staff. Breakfast is continental but good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackout curtains since there is a lot of light coming in from the street
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

Great hotel and has a pool which made it so much better

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Our host Astrid was very nice and helpful. She was patient with us and answered all our questions. Lunch in the highlands was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Learned lots of stuff, very interesting and Astrid our guide was very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

We went to Barrolomé. We had a stop first with a little walk, it was at noon and there is no shade. The guide was making stops along the way to explain things but climbing steps at noon with no shade was terrible. Would be better if they explained on the boat so we could do the walk without stopping. The snorkeling part was amazing, wish we could have had more time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Bigger portions
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Best tour we had on our trip. The views are amazing, nice guide he even took photos and gave them to us. Captain even let me drive the boat for a while.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Nice activity. The guide was not very helpful though, wouldnt explain much and seemed king of mad. Beatifil views though and the penguins were amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 23, 2024
Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife...
Read more

Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and laughter :)
Hopefully, you can return to Ecuador one day to explore other parts of the country as well!
All the best for you, María José, María del Carmen and Laura!
Warm regards,
Linda

We had an amazing trip to the Galapagos :)
Galapagos Islands | Feb 24 - Feb 28, 2024

C
Celia M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2024
Linda and team were amazing in planning our custom trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos! My husband and I had a fantastic time and (almost) everything was taken care of for our 5 day trip that included Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. It was really nice to not have to worry about any transfers, have our itinerary planned out for us, and to stay at great hotels. Finch Bay on Santa Cruz island, Galapagos was AMAZING, as were all the tour guides, drivers, and escorts that interacted with us through... Read more

Linda and team were amazing in planning our custom trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos! My husband and I had a fantastic time and (almost) everything was taken care of for our 5 day trip that included Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. It was really nice to not have to worry about any transfers, have our itinerary planned out for us, and to stay at great hotels. Finch Bay on Santa Cruz island, Galapagos was AMAZING, as were all the tour guides, drivers, and escorts that interacted with us through the company.

We loved the activities we did, and Linda did a great job taking our preferences into account. She is super communicative, friendly, helpful, and responsive, including when we had some last minute requests / change of plans. Highly recommend!

Hotel Review
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Seriously beautiful and incredible hotel. Very luxurious, beautiful, and peaceful. Staff are excellent and very on top of things, accommodating, and friendly. Food is delicious too -we loved the breakfast buffet! It's also great that they have a gym, and you can rent wetsuits and snorkel gear for free. We only wish we stayed longer here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Mar 01, 2024

Celia, it was a pleasure to help you plan your trip, and I am very happy to hear that you have enjoyed your time on the Galapagos Islands, and especially your stay at Finch Bay Hotel! Hopefully, you can come back one day to explore other islands and other parts of mainland Ecuador as well :)
All the best for you and Phil, and safe travels in the future!
Linda

I e-mailed and spoke with Linda to have a fab...
Ecuador | Jan 5 - Jan 16, 2024

Bill
Bill V.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024
I e-mailed and spoke with Linda to have a fabulous trip of 12 days. After 2 days on our own Milton Chiqui Lopez took us to sites around Quito-highlighted by the weird effects at the equator-we visited the charming mountain of Baños in the high Andes. The 4 hour drive each way was scenic.
The trip ended with a trip into the deep Amazon rainforest to the extraordinary La Selva lodge Biden by a lake. Ore guide Dan Hicks was a 16 year veteran from England. Four days of walks and canoe rides to...
Read more

I e-mailed and spoke with Linda to have a fabulous trip of 12 days. After 2 days on our own Milton Chiqui Lopez took us to sites around Quito-highlighted by the weird effects at the equator-we visited the charming mountain of Baños in the high Andes. The 4 hour drive each way was scenic.
The trip ended with a trip into the deep Amazon rainforest to the extraordinary La Selva lodge Biden by a lake. Ore guide Dan Hicks was a 16 year veteran from England. Four days of walks and canoe rides to explore both flora and fauna. F
Innovative Euro-American cuisine that was 5 star. Luxurious accommodations high in the jungle.All rides to airports were smooth, courtesy of Alejandro & son
It was perfect.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Las Plazas
Quito

No heat in 49F weather. Breakfast just ok. Some spoke no English.

Authenticity & Character
Small and quaint
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla de Baños
Baños

A small very charming hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In pleasant neighborhood
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Lodge
Yasuní National Park

An extraordinary luxurious lodge with 5 star 3 meals daily. Great hiking and boat rides A beautiful setting on a going size lake

Authenticity & Character
A true resort deep in the wilderness.
Location
In the rainforest.
Staff
All 28 employees spoke excellent English and went out of their way to be helpful. Wait staff had the polish of a 5 star restaurant All 28 staff spoke excellent English. They went out of their way to be helpful. The wait staff worked as a team and had the professionalism of a 5 star place.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate
Activity Reviews
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Ecuador

Interesting although 200 meters off equator

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guides and perfect transfer services
Transport
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños
Ecuador

Grest visit to the stunning Andes.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Activities in Baños & Return to Quito
Activities in Baños & Return to Quito
Ecuador

Just tour of the Andes

Quality of Experience
Food
Very giid
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park

All fascinating exploration of Amazon and its flora & fauna

Quality of Experience
As abkve
Food
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador

Scenic 2hour ride on rivet

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 25, 2024

Bill, I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed your time here in Ecuador, especially in the beautiful and biodiverse Yasuní National Park while staying at La Selva Lodge! I will make sure to forward your excellent comments to the lodge, the guides, and the staff.
I wish you and Elena all the best for future travels!
Take care,
Linda

KimKim Planned a Perfect Trip for our Family
Galapagos Islands | Nov 26 - Nov 30, 2023

Cindy
Cindy M.
Lubbock, TX | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2023
Everything from beginning to end of our trip to the Galapagos was a wonderful experience! This was our first trip planned by KimKim, and we could not be more pleased. Linda Schultz was so easy to work with, and patient with questions and prompt with her answers. The welcome gift of Ecuadorian products that was waiting for us at our hotel before departure was a pleasant surprise. Indira Torres met us at the airport on Baltra and endeared herself to us immediately. What a treasure of a... Read more

Everything from beginning to end of our trip to the Galapagos was a wonderful experience! This was our first trip planned by KimKim, and we could not be more pleased. Linda Schultz was so easy to work with, and patient with questions and prompt with her answers. The welcome gift of Ecuadorian products that was waiting for us at our hotel before departure was a pleasant surprise. Indira Torres met us at the airport on Baltra and endeared herself to us immediately. What a treasure of a local guide! Liz Arboleda also took good care of us on Santa Cruz Island, helping us get to and from our transfers to Isabella Island. Our guide on Isabella (Nelly) was also attentive and flexible to our needs. Our two hotels (Plaza Luna and Isamar) were fantastic! Plaza Luna stored some of our luggage so we didn’t have to take it all to Isabella, and sent some laundry out for us (all thanks to Liz’s suggestion.). And what a fantastic breakfast! Both hotels had great locations and amenities. Every meal arranged by KimKim was a winner. The snorkeling excursion on Isabella was most enjoyable. We did everything we wanted to do in our 5 day itinerary, and had the perfect amount of free time for doing our own exploring. Thank you, KimKim and Linda, for a perfect vacation to Galapagos!

Hotel Reviews
Plaza Luna Suites
Puerto Ayora

We loved Villa Luna! Loved the ambience, the service, and the location. The breakfast is amazing and beautifully displayed. Scrambled or fried eggs available. Lots of fruits and vegetables. Wonderful servers. Jessica (owner) welcomed us both days with cool aromatic wash cloths and refreshing water. She graciously offered to hold some bags while we went to another island for a couple of nights. And she offered to send our laundry out so it would be ready when we returned. This hotel is near a restaurant that has live music, but it did not bother us at night time. My 6’4” husband would have preferred to have a bed that was a little longer, but he survived. We loved this hotel and would definitely stay there again!

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully appointed island hotel.
Location
Close to shopping, restaurants, walking distance to everything important.
Staff
Jessica, and the girl who was in charge of the breakfast buffet were SO friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice to have a couch in the room! Everything was spiffy clean!
Isamar Hotel
Puerto Villamil, Isla Isabela

We loved this little cabana style hotel. It is right on the beach, and we could always hear the surf. The staff was intent on making us feel at home while we were there. The breakfast was good. They always had coffee in the “lobby” while the reception was open. HUGE beach blankets in each room for use on the white sandy beaches. Other good food prepared to order as desired.

Authenticity & Character
Cute cabana style hotel. Very beachy!
Location
Right on the beach, but not too far to walk into “town” multiple times!
Staff
Extremely nice and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great air conditioning in the rooms, good maid service as well. Loved the homey lobby where we were welcome at all hours.
Activity Reviews
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands

Indira Torres met us at the airport and she endeared herself to us immediately. Could not have been happier with our escort. She knew exactly what she was doing, and handled everything. We loved the trip to the highlands to see the turtles! And the lunch was fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Indira Torres made everything so interesting!
Food
Every meal that KimKim arranged was great! Loved the sandwiches even, on our wetlands/beach day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Their sincere interest in us, and appreciation of our tips.
Transport
Comfortable minivan and/taxi trucks.
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

It was so hot and humid, but we enjoyed seeing all of the tortoises and learning about Lonely George. We were flagging from the heat and having gotten up so early, but we got there before the crowds and enjoyed seeing and learning about everything.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands

Only six flamingos when we were there, but I guess we were lucky to see any at all. I didn’t realize that they were so transient.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

This was a highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tito was great!
Transport
Great boat staff.
Guided Hike to Tortuga Bay & Free Afternoon
Guided Hike to Tortuga Bay & Free Afternoon
Ecuador

Again, it was hot. But this is a great hiking path, and not too difficult. The hardest part is hiking up to the entrance of the path. There are a couple of shady places to stop and rest. Not much wildlife to see…a few birds. The flora is more interesting here. The last kilometer is on a beautiful sandy beach, where there are plenty of marine iguanas. It is sandy, but not difficult to walk on barefooted. There are a couple of places for snorkeling and swimming, which are a wonderful way to end the activity.

Quality of Experience
Indira Torres was, as usual a charming and witty guide.
Food
Great sack lunch (sandwich) from a local deli.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The boat ride back was fun and a relief!
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Dec 27, 2023

Hi Cindy,
I am so happy to hear that you've had a fantastic time on the Galapagos Islands! Even though you only had five days available, you could see and do a lot, and will get back home with many unforgettable memories. It truly was a pleasure to help you organize your trip! I will make sure to forward your kind words and credits to all the guides and people involved on Galapagos.
It would be great to welcome you back one day so that you can explore the other beautiful islands the archipelago has to offer!
All the best for you and your family,
Linda

Linda organised a great trip to the Galápagos...
Ecuador | Oct 29 - Nov 3, 2023

S
Sunita B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Linda organised a great trip to the Galápagos and Quito.. We went back and forth in what would suit us best. Linda was very patient throughout the process and didn’t hesitate to call to discuss queries. It was great that she came to the hotel in Quito to meet us so that we could put a face to the name.
Our guide Sebastian and his father Alexander who picked us up from the airport were fabulous.
They were knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure everyone in our group was catered for. Our thanks to the whole team for a truly great experience and holiday.
.

Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 14, 2023

Sunita, thank you and your whole family so much for trusting us to organize this trip! I am very happy to hear that you've enjoyed your time on Galapagos and in Quito, it was a pleasure (for me and also for Sebastian and his father) to make this a memorable trip for you.
I hope that you'll get the chance to come back one day, there's still so much more to see here - and maybe your nephew would like to watch another soccer game? :)
All the best and always safe travels,
Linda

Our guide Linda was AWESOME
Ecuador | Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2023

Drew
Drew G.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2023
Our guide Linda was AWESOME and so easy to work with. We threw a lot at her -- lot of requests and preferences -- but she did a great job creating a great itinerary for us. And if we had any feedback or wanted to make any changes, she was so easy to work. We got to do everything on our travel wish list and would absolutely work with Linda again on our next Ecuador trip. Read more

Our guide Linda was AWESOME and so easy to work with. We threw a lot at her -- lot of requests and preferences -- but she did a great job creating a great itinerary for us. And if we had any feedback or wanted to make any changes, she was so easy to work. We got to do everything on our travel wish list and would absolutely work with Linda again on our next Ecuador trip.

Activity Review
Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños
Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños
Ecuador

This was one of the highlights of our entire trip! Such a stunning location (and a good hike/workout!)

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 01, 2023

Hi Drew,
thank you so much for your kind feedback! It's great to hear you have enjoyed your trip to mainland Ecuador (despite the road conditions in the southern part of the country). For me, it was a pleasure to assist you in the planning process!
It would be an honor to help you plan another trip to Ecuador for you and Kyle one day!
All the best & safe travels,
Linda

We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, M...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 12 - Apr 21, 2023

Will
Will P.
Hickory, NC | Reviewed on Apr 26, 2023
We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, Mindo, and the Galapagos! I was trying to create the best 30th birthday trip to my adventurous, nature-loving fiance and this trip truly delivered. I only wish we both had more time off from work to explore more of the Galapagos Islands. Our local specialist, Linda, was amazing to work with and very responsive to our questions. She even added the nice personal touch of meeting us in Quito. We got to meet so many interesting people on our trip as... Read more

We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, Mindo, and the Galapagos!

I was trying to create the best 30th birthday trip to my adventurous, nature-loving fiance and this trip truly delivered. I only wish we both had more time off from work to explore more of the Galapagos Islands. Our local specialist, Linda, was amazing to work with and very responsive to our questions. She even added the nice personal touch of meeting us in Quito. We got to meet so many interesting people on our trip as well, including backpackers/travelers and locals. Our state appointed tour guides in the Galapagos (including Astrid and Nathalie) were all very knowledgeable: you could literally ask them anything!

Highlights of our trip include:
1. Walking tour around Quito
2. The cloud forest in Mindo which included Zipling, hummingbird preserve (so, so many beautiful species), a chocolate making tour, and early morning bird watching (we got to see 4/5 types of toucans and feed hummingbirds from our hands!)
3. Standing along the ECUATOR!!!
4. Swimming/snorkeling with 20+ hammer head sharks and green sea turtles at kicker rock (near San Cristobal)
5. Exploring the giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz. (Did you know that because of the introduction of guava to the islands these gentle giants are developing diabetes? It seems these beautiful creatures have a real sweet tooth and that we sadly have caused!)
6. Spying on nesting Blue-Footed Boopies and frigate birds, looking for marine and land iguanas, and watching sea lions surf on north Seymore island.
7. Swimming with fur seals, sea lions, and other marine animals and fish off north Seymore island
8. Exploring a coffee and chocolate farm on Santa Cruz, as well as learning how they produce a local favor adult beverage.
9. Watching penguins swim and albatross sore, as well as learning about the volcanic creation of the islands at San Bartolome island.

As a former backpacker our accommodations were absolutely fantastic and luxurious. The food was also wonder and a key part of the experiences as well.

Verdict: We will definitely be using Kim Kim again and we will be back to the Galapagos!

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

Beautiful, centrally located hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Terrabambú Lodge
Mindo

We absolutely loved this treehouse type of hotel with an amazing view. The only thing we had a problem with a large spider (it is the rainforest). The outdoor jacuzzi was a nice touch!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Galapagos Sunset
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

We loved this centrally located, luxurious hotel where we could hear the sealions. Breakfast on the roof with an amazing view was delightful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

We had a blast at this luxurious hotel, which had amazing breakfast and restaurant for dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Ecuador

We loved seeing all the wildlife at North Seymor. So many amazing species to see. Our guide, Nathalie, was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador

Danny was an amazing tour guide who showed us so much of his city. We highly recommend him

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

Astrid was an amazing tour guide! She was so knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the highlands, tortoise reserve, adn laval tunnels despite the extensive downpours

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

This was an amazing experience to snorkel with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. This is also a great place to scuba if you are certified.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Ecuador

This was an amazing excursion where we learned a lot about the topography and origin of the islands. The sea-life was also amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The crew of the Nautilus were fantastic
Transport
Transfer to Mindo & Activities in the cloud forest
Transfer to Mindo & Activities in the cloud forest
Galapagos Islands

We enjoyed Zipling, birdwatching and feeding hummingbirds, and enjoying the chocolate making tour

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mindo & Return to Quito
Mindo & Return to Quito
Galapagos Islands

We really enjoyed the Equator excursion!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 27, 2023

Will, it was such a pleasure to help you plan this birthday trip for your fiance! I am very happy for you that you were able to see that much amazing wildlife, especially so many toucans and hammerhead sharks, and that you've enjoyed every single hotel throughout your trip.
Even if you didn't have more days off work this time, I really hope that you can return one day to explore other parts of Ecuador such as the rainforest or the Andes - I am sure that both of you would enjoy it!
I hope to see you again one day, and in the meantime: safe travels!
Linda

2 week incredible Ecuador trip
Ecuador | Jan 28 - Feb 10, 2023

Nicole
Nicole S.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 11, 2023
We had the most amazing time in Ecuador. We spent 2 weeks there and were able to see so much more than if we had attempted to plan this ourselves. The tours, guides, hotels and transports were all perfectly coordinated and made the trip stress free for us! Linda really put the most spectacular trip together!!! 10/10 recommend for anyone!! Read more

We had the most amazing time in Ecuador. We spent 2 weeks there and were able to see so much more than if we had attempted to plan this ourselves. The tours, guides, hotels and transports were all perfectly coordinated and made the trip stress free for us! Linda really put the most spectacular trip together!!! 10/10 recommend for anyone!!

Hotel Reviews
Casa Joaquín
Quito

Everything was great about our stay here! We had 3 seperate stays here between our time in the Amazon and Galapagos and each time was great! They were very accomodating with some very early departures and late arrivals, and the coffee and breakfast was delicious!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to a variety of restaurants and a short taxi or transport to the cable car and/or old town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sacha Lodge Yasuní
Quito

Everything about this place is wonderful! The location, guides, daily excursions and food were spectacular!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Really amazing how deep in the jungle we were!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Isla Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Great place and staff! Perfect location to restaurants and shops, with a beautiful roof top view of both the city and ocean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador

There is so much to learn and experience in Quito and we never would've been able to do that without this city tour! Cristian was so knowledgeable and fun to hang out with! My husband and I are more the outdoorsy nature type and not hugely interested in history but we both really enjoyed this tour! From the middle of the world, and then to old town with an incredible chocolate tasting, there's so much to take in with the city and we're both really glad we had this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Flight to Coca, Transfer to rainforest lodge & Night walk
Flight to Coca, Transfer to rainforest lodge & Night walk
Ecuador

Sacha lodge is such an incredible place! The transfer was stress free and very organised, the guides are so knowledgeable and the food is delicious!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kapok Tower & Canopy Walk
Kapok Tower & Canopy Walk
Yasuni National Park

The towers and canopy walk were incredible. I'm afraid of heights and definitely had to push myself out of my comfort zone but it was sooo worth it! The view is spectacular and your able to see more birds than from the ground.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Parrot Clay Lick & Forest Walks
Parrot Clay Lick & Forest Walks
Yasuni National Park

Everything about our stay at Sacha was amazing! The parrots are very cool to watch and walking through the forest is an incredible experience. Every day was we're able to see something different!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Flight to Quito
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Flight to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

All of our transfers were seamless and stress less! Astrid was waiting for us at the airport and got us through to our transport smoothly! Then we had an incredible time visiting the huge tortoises in the highlands and visiting the Darwin research station. Astrid was an absolute joy to be with and was incredibly knowledgeable on everything Galapagos!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Astrid was incredibly knowledgeable and we learnt so much from her. Not only that but also really fun to hang out with and incredibly sweet!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Ecuador

So many animals to enjoy and experience! The walk was great for watching birds and iguanas and then the snorkel is so refreshing afterwards!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Ecuador

Such a wonderful place to visit! Our guide was great and was able to find sea horses during our snorkel! Los Tuneles is incredibly beautiful both during our walk and then our snorkel.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Ecuador

We had so much fun Kayaking, especially with sea lions! The water is so clear, and the snorkel afterwards was on the clearest water we had experienced yet! Such a wonderful time!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Feb 17, 2023

Hi Nicole,
I am so happy to hear that you've had an incredible time here in Ecuador! It was a pleasure to help you plan your trip, and I am glad that you've enjoyed each destination, activity, guide, and hotel!
Hopefully you can come back one day to explore other parts of the country such as the beautiful Andes :)
All the best & safe future travels for you and Harm!
Linda

The Galapagos Island Tour
Galapagos Islands | Nov 18 - Nov 27, 2022

Parveen
Parveen I.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
First and foremost a big thank you to our travel agent Linda. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and great to work with. All the tour guides were excellent. Read more

First and foremost a big thank you to our travel agent Linda. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and great to work with. All the tour guides were excellent.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fiesta
Puerto Ayora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Katarma
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vieja Cuba
Quito

Only drawback at this hotel was there were no elevators - we had to drag our bags 4 stories up.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

The water was very cold even with wet suits.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Guide was excellent. Research center was worth the visit.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Junco Lagoon & Puerto Chino Beach
El Junco Lagoon & Puerto Chino Beach
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 03, 2023

Dear Parveen, thank you so much for your kind words and your review! It was a pleasure to help you and your children plan this trip to Galapagos. I am happy to hear that you've enjoyed your time on the islands. Hopefully you can come back one day to explore other parts of Ecuador as well!
All the best,
Linda