Ecuador Travel Agents

My daughter and I spent two weeks making memories for a lifetime in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. The folks at Kimkim provided a fabulous itinerary that allowed us to experience so many different aspects of this wonderful country and its people. Perhaps the best thing they did for us was to find a superb driver and guide, Cristobal Cabezas, who accompanied us throughout our journey and offered valuable historical and cultural insights along the way. He introduced us to many gastronomical specialties--such as guinea pig (cuy), and (more to our taste) local ice cream and chocolate. Cristobal took us places that most tourists would never see, and helped us appreciate the many beautiful and interesting places we went in Ecuador. Some highlights included taking a cable car up to Pichincha, one of the volcanoes that surround the capital city of Quito. The views from the top are spectacular, and it was fun to dangle over the valley on a swing that is a short way up the mountain, available to all who are willing to climb a bit in the oxygen-depleted air. Another highlight was the cooking class that was arranged for us. We tasted fruits that we didn't know existed and learned how to make some traditional--and delicious--food that we can enjoy again back at home with the recipes from our meal. One of our favorite spots was Maquipucuna Reserve, a lush, verdant, privately controlled preserve in the cloud forest that made us feel like we were in a different world. Our only regret was that we were able to spend so little time there--it would have been nice to be able to explore the maze of pathways longer and relax in the beautiful lodge. We got to bird watch in Mindo, where we caught glimpses of toucans, parrots, and many other brightly colored species of birds. In Mindo we also went on a night hike with a knowledgeable guide who pointed out numerous critters of various shapes and sizes and genuses--scorpions and fireflies and other insects, as well as nocturnal birds and mammals. After spending a couple of days in the cloud forest, we spent a morning at the vibrant, colorful market in Otavalo, which featured every indigenous handicraft imaginable of exquisite quality--blankets, scarves, jewelry, ponchos, tablecloths, clothing, and more. Again, we wished we had had more time to spend there. We easily could have spent a full day wandering the stalls and inspecting the artisanship and skill of the artists and vendors there. As wonderful as all of our excursions in Ecuador were, the Galápagos Islands offered an entirely different and even more spectacular adventure. On our various expeditions we learned about the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, penguins, sharks, sea turtles, iguanas, sea lions, and of course, the giant tortoises that inhabit the islands. The islands abound in wildlife of countless varieties, and none of the amazing creatures that we saw seemed to be afraid of humans. We were cautioned to not touch, but they paid little attention to us as we gawked and marveled at the abundant flora and fauna on these amazing islands. Overall, we had a fabulous adventure, thanks to the excellent care of our Kimkim hosts!

Hotel Reviews

Vieja Cuba

Quito

Pleasant and clean, although the rooms were quite small (cozy). Very friendly staff.

Sisakuna Lodge

Mindo

The rooms were spacious, but the shower was not even lukewarm, and I don't think the sheets were clean.

Hotel Acoma

Otavalo

Small room and bathroom with the worst shower imaginable, alternating scalding and frigid water. One plus was that it was very quiet.

Capitan Max B&B

Puerto Ayora

Lovely rooms and host. Clean, comfortable, and great location.

Hotel La Laguna

Puerto Villamil

Located right across from a lagoon where flamingoes hang out, it is a lovely, comfortable, clean hotel with a friendly, helpful staff. Enjoyed this hotel more than any other on our trip!

Activity Reviews

Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras

Galapagos Islands

There was no kayaking, but the snorkeling was interesting, and we saw some beautiful and fascinating animals.

Papallacta Hot Springs & Spa

Ecuador

The hot springs are great, but the best part of this excursion was walking one of the beautiful paths up to a waterfall, through some of the most stunning landscape imaginable. Lovely!

Quito Cooking Class

Galapagos Islands

Our cook and teacher, Dennis, was fabulous. We loved the food, which was plentiful, and the instruction was accessible and fun. One of our favorite activities!

Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano

Quito

Wonderful view of Quito and beautiful trail up to the volcano (although we didn't go the whole way). Loved swinging on the swing at the top!

Maquipucuna Reserve

Ecuador

Paradise on Earth. Not to be missed! Such a beautiful place! The trails were delightful, the lodge was gorgeous, the food was delicious, but the best part is the story of the couple who started acquiring land for this exquisite preserve. One of the most beautiful and tranquil places we have experienced anywhere.

Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz

Galapagos Islands

Daniela, our guide, was so kind and informative. The tortoises were everything we had imagined they would be! A fascinating excursion that brought to life everything we had read about the Galápagos.

Excursion to an uninhabited island

Galapagos Islands

Nesting season for the blue-footed boobies--they were everywhere! We were able to get quite close to them, and they seemed quite unbothered by our presence. Amazing!

Snorkel at Los Túneles

Ecuador

Wow! Otherworldly terrain and extraordinary access to amazing sealife while snorkeling. Definitely a highlight of our trip!

Night Walk in the Cloud Forest

Ecuador

We had an excellent guide who could find nocturnal critters in the darkness that were absolutely amazing!

Paul checked in almost everyday and also booked a last minute tour for me. Franklin was my guide to Mitad de Mundo and was amazing. He even followed up the following day. My stay in Galapagos booked by Paul, was perfect. I has 3 guides, Astrid, Tamara, and Yuliana all very friendly. My transport driver Angel was on time and accompanied me all the way. This Ecuadorian Team is outstanding and highly recommended!!! Thanks Paul

Hotel Review

Acacia Galápagos Boutique Hotel

Puerto Ayora

Great location, fresh breakfast every day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Located one block off the main street centralized

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

100%

Activity Reviews

Kayaking at Garrapatero Beach

Ecuador

Current was high and I chose not to Kayak as I am not experienced enough. We did other things and the guide and I went for an authentic local place and had encebollado.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Angel and Yuliana were both very accommodating. Love them

Transport

Angel prompt and interactive with me

Excursion to an uninhabited island

Ecuador

Enjoying touring with a small group. Boat staff was very accommodating

Quality of Experience

Sea life

Food

Tuna again. Delicious

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fluent in English and spanish

Transport

Shuttle

Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz

Ecuador

These tortoises are amazing animals . I had lunch at the restaurant, the freshest albacore tuna

Quality of Experience

Loving the nature

Food

Freshness

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Astrid was very knowledgeable and answered all questions

Transport

Angel was prompt

Thank you Kimkim Travel, especially Paola Feijoo, Paul Cisneros, and Ramiro for creating such an amazing itinerary for our family to visit Ecuador. Paul followed up with us each day during the trip to make sure we are happy and well taken care off and even followed up after the trip to make sure we make it home safely. We want to give a big shout out to our tour guide, Frank Vinansaca with Authentic Ecuador, who we feel more like a travel companion than a tour guide. Frank not only acted as tour guide, but also our photographer and entertainer to our kids. He is very easy going and flexible during the entire trip with always positive attitude. With his extensive knowledge of the country history, culture, geography, fauna and flora, etc. we have learned so much about Ecuador and he makes the trip so much more enjoyable.
We highly recommend both KimKim Travel and Frank Vinansaca for your next trip to Eucuador!

Hotel Reviews

Old Town Quito Suites

Centro Historico, Quito

Wonderful hotel in the historic downtown Quito. The staffs are amazing and they even left a bouquet of flowers in our room for my husband's birthday.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Geranio

Basic hotel but clean and just want we need.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Divina Eco Lodge

Mindo

Wonderful lodge right in the middle of the Cloud Forest. It rained the night we stayed there and we slept like babies.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Finca Chamanapamba

Baños

This hotel is truly a masterpiece, so unique! The hotel owners really pay attention to details and so proud to share their lovely hotel with us for a few days. Every nook and cranny, everywhere you turn, there are amazing handcrafts and art works. The hotel grounds are lovely and you can see and hear the waterfall in the background.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hakuna Matata Lodge

Archidona

Lovely lodge in the Amazon. The staffs are wonderful, the grounds are well kept and clean. The palm shape pool is supplied by cold spring water so it is a refreshing after a long day of activities in the jungle.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Otavalo Market

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Peguche

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Night Walk in the Cloud Forest

Ecuador

It rained on the night of our night walk but we were able to see many frogs, scorpions, moths, and a glow in the dark fungus.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Activities in Mindo & Return to Quito

Ecuador

The chocolate tour and facial were so much fun. Learned about how to make chocolate. Kids enjoyed painting each other's faces with chocolate. Visit Mindo's Orchid with so many special, local species of orchids that are so small, you need a magnifying class to see. So cool!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rose Farm Tour

Ecuador

Visit Rose Success and learned about Ecuadorian Rose. Did not want to leave, some roses are so fragrant!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Explore Baños

Baños

See so many waterfall on the route. Kids enjoyed the cable car across the river to see the waterfall.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arrival to lodge - Free time or optional activities

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

AmaZoonico Animal Rescue Center

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Archidona - Papallacta Hot Springs - Quito

Ecuador

Love the Papallacta Hot Springs - many pools with different temps. The pools are clean and staffs are friendly and accommodating. Highly recommended after the long trips, so relaxing .

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The local company, Authentic Ecuador was fabulous from start to finish! We had a welcome package of chocolates and coffee in our hotel room upon arrival, Paul met us at our cooking class and checked in with us along the way , our experience at the Napo Cultural Center was amazing, and our guide in Quito, Daniel, was truly exceptional…we feel like we were shown the highlights by someone who not only loves his country but wants others to also see how great it is…we had so many discussions, so many experiences ( chocolate tastings, coffee tastings, etc)…we feel like we are leaving a good friend in a country that we cannot wait to return to! Thank you again Paola! And Thank you Paul! and thank you Daniel!

Hotel Review

Napo Cultural Center

Quito

The Cultural Center was a great fit for us, amazing food, wonderful guides, and fabulous cultural as well as animal interactions!

Authenticity & Character

Love that it is owned and operated by the indigenous tribe

Location

Easy to do wildlife viewings each day

Staff

Everyone was helpful, professional, and truly seemed to love their job

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spotless, comfy, and great food!

Activity Review

Cooking Class

Quito

We had so much fun with Carolina, the chef! The food we made was delicious!

Quality of Experience

The fun history provided by the chef as we cooked everything

We had a fabulous trip hiking in Ecuador, including Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Chimborazo, Cajas National Park, and Ingapirca with our great guide Milton. It included collaborative planning; when a landslide blocked the road to one of our hotels, the team quickly found a new hotel that we could get to. I cannot say enough positive things about Milton; truly a great ambassador for all Ecuadorians.