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 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