Kimkim Trip Reviews for Ecuador

Overall the experience was positive although the logistics associated with 4 nights in Quito proved to be a problem with much time wasted getting in and out of the city. Two nights in Quito would have been plenty. Two extra nights out of Quito would have allowed more time to explore areas out of the city.

Karlita (Karla) was very easy to work with. She listened to my needs and addressed them quickly. One example was my request to have lunch menu selections done ahead of time.

Hotel Reviews

Villa Laguna hotel

Santa Cruz

Clean, cute and breakfast server was very nice. I liked that we were able to utilize the pool area and 2nd floor balcony for our group gatherings. Kitchen noise (talking and chopping) were easily heard in the rooms above. One key is not enough. Two should be available. Offer wine in addition to beer. An elevator is needed. It was difficult for two of our travelers. There should be a Do Not Disturb sign for when you don't want your room cleaned. The window above the patio door emitted light because there was no way to cover it up. Thus causing us to wake sooner than desired.

Authenticity & Character

It was cute and the pool area was very nice.

Location

Walking distance to restaurants and the main street.

Staff

Breakfast staff were great.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Wyndham Guayaquil, Puerto Santa Ana

Guayaquil

It was fine for one night. I appreciate that they accommodated our need for box breakfasts.

Hotel Oro Verde Cuenca

Cuenca

Nice facility and rooms. The coffee pot was not plugged in and I could not get to the plug without pulling the refrigerator away from the wall and fishing out the cord. I liked that there was a Bistro as part of the hotel.

Mercure Alameda Quito

Quito

The common areas and restaurant were good. The breakfast buffet was good. The restaurant wait staff were a bit slow and forgot about my wine one night. My room was cold - no thermostat - though it was fine for sleeping. The room looked worn. Lighting was poor. There needed to be more coffee in the room. We asked Housekeeping for 2 packets and they brought one. I called Housekeeping the next night and they never answered. I called the front desk and they said they would get some coffee sent up - never happened.

Activity Reviews

Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island

Puerto Ayora

What diverse beauty! Snorckling was great - so many different and colorful fish. A sea lion swam right next to us. Seeing the Blue Footed Boobie was a highlight!!

Quality of Experience

Food

From appetizers to dessert and snacks in between - 100% tasty!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We felt very safe and cared for.

Transport

The vents need to be fixed. It was either too cold or too warm because the vent open/close toggles were broken. The boat was clean, nice size with many options to hang out.

Kayaking on Tortuga Bay

Puerto Ayora

The water isn't clear so it was difficult to see anything under the water. Some of us were able to make out a shark and we could see sea turtles only when they popped their head out. Still, it was fun to kayak and to see the pelicans. The walk was very enjoyable stopping to learn about the area, see the fauna, marine iguanas and the mocking birds. The white sand is beautiful and a delight to walk on.

Quality of Experience

We somehow lost a towel and had to pay for it. That was sad. Nice having the boat and walking option.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ramiro and Vivianna are so knowledgeable and fun.

Transport

The vents need to be fixed. It was either too cold or too warm because the vent open/close toggles were broken.

Reforestation Program in Galapagos Islands : Rancho Primicias

Puerto Ayora

We enjoyed planting the trees and were ready to work even harder.

Quality of Experience

Food

So nice that everything is fresh from the area. Fun to have guava right from the pod!!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Juan was a knowledgeable and funny guide

Transport

The vents need to be fixed. It was either too cold or too warm because the vent open/close toggles were broken.

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Visit Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station In Style

Puerto Ayora

No one can describe how exciting it is to see these tortoises!

Quality of Experience

Very fun and educational.

Food

The trout was exceptional. It was nice having the yucca fries ahead of the meal and they were tasty!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ramiro and Vivianna were patient with us, were knowledgeable and you could tell they love the Galapagos.

Transport

The vents need to be fixed. It was either too cold or too warm because the vent open/close toggles were broken.

From the Highlands to the Coast: Cajas National Park to Guayaquil

Ecuador

It was beautiful scenery even with the rain.

Quality of Experience

The hike

Food

Food was very tasty. Waiting for specialty coffees after the meal took too long because there was only one person and we had a large group.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Flavio was a great hike leader and overall guide

Transport

The bus was clean and mechanically sound. One of the tires picked up a nail but our driver had it taken care of quickly while we had lunch.

Arrival to Cuenca - City Tour

Cuenca

I am selecting "amazing" but it was raining and we decided to go to the hotel. But pictures from one of our group that braved the weather showed us much of what we missed. The Panama hat tour was fun and many of us made purchases!

Quality of Experience

Only 4 stars because the restaurant wasn't ready for us (not sure of the reason) BUT they recovered well and gave it their best. For that, I appreciate them.

Food

The food was good with the exception of the savory plantains. They could not be cut even with a knife. The good news is the restaurant provided alternatives that were tasty.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was very helpful. But as a last minute stand - in (beyond anyone's control) he didn't understand our lunch payment situation and pre-order situation. He was extremely patient and accommodating.

Transport

Clean and mechanically sound

Mindo Cloud Forest

Ecuador

Hummingbird experience was out of this world. The Equator Museum is another must-do!

Quality of Experience

Fun and educational

Food

It worked well that the food came on separate plates. This made it easier to identify who ordered what. The Ceviche was fabulous!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Very knowledgeable and helpful

Transport

Clean and mechanically sound

Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin! (Transportation Service)

Ecuador

We had 3 airport pick ups so we appreciate that. Especially the one very late at night.

Quality of Experience

It was a drive from the airport to the hotel and we didn't have to wait or walk a long distance

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It was easy to spot our contact at the airport

Transport

Clean and mechanically sound

I have two strong suggestions:

1. Have KimKim manage the TCT forms. That is, either KimKim do this electronic registration, or have us passengers fill out paper forms and KimKim perform the electronic registration. I say this because the electronic requirement bothered and consumed us Travelers for a day and a half. It took the fun out of that day and a half.

2. Have KimKim manage tips. Tell each traveler what tip amount is needed daily and KimKim pay the tip after collecting a daily tip amount from each traveler.. I say this because poor Lenet Compton spent far too much time communicating with Karla on the phone and then having collect cash daily from all us individual travelers. I don't believe that this was Lenet's job. Moreover, she had to differentiate between drivers and the guides, and how mch each should receive in tips. It was difficult to see all the time and effort that Lenet had to make.

Majo was excellent to work with! She helped us create our own private itinerary of Peru and Ecuador and was available all the time throughout the trip - she even helped us book an uber from her home one evening when my family were out for dinner without cell service. She stayed on the line with the driver until we got to our destination. That is just an example of her exceptional service and care she puts into her clients and their experience. Our guides each day were similarly helpful and knowledgeable.
We had an unforgettable trip to Peru and Ecuador thanks to the careful planning and continued support throughout from Majo!

Hotel Reviews

Ilatoa Lodge

Quito

Absolutely beautiful hotel with incredibly caring staff!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Excellent for a close location to the airport!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lava House Galapagos

Puerto Ayora

A great hotel with large comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast and just minutes to the main downtown

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Princesa Toa

Quilotoa

Clean and comfortable with attentive staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Suchipakari Jungle Lodge

Puerto Misahuallí, Tena Napo

A beautiful hotel in the jungle!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful and secluded for a memorable Amazon experience

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Isla de Baños Hosteria y Spa

Baños

Beautiful rooms! Lots of space for families!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cuello de Luna Mountain Lodge

El Chasqui - Pastocalle

Charming hotel with lovely staff and the friendliest dogs around

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vieja Cuba

Quito

This a charming and beautiful hotel. Nikki at the front desk was so helpful and pleasant to work with!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Not very close to the historic centre but a good area and easy enough to get to other areas

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mamasara

Cusco

Lovely, clean hotel with spacious room close to the historic central part of Cusco

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)

Ecuador

Our driver and guide, Christian, is so helpful and attentive. He got us to the airport on 2 occasions and each time in a way that was stress or worry free. The day we spent at the middle of the world was so fun as well!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Christian is great!

Transport

Free Morning Until Departure

Ecuador

Discover Pinzon Island & La Fé

Puerto Ayora

Our tour didn’t actually end up following the itinerary. It was amazing nonetheless! We started snorkeling at Daphne island then went to Pinzon after lunch. There was no fishing experience. Other guests were able to request their meal for lunch but we were not invited to do so or it was not mentioned ahead of time to us. It was a bit of a problem for me but the staff improvised on the boat and got me a meal that was safe for me to eat due to a medical condition. That was appreciated!

Quality of Experience

Food

Ensuring all participants are given the chance to pre-order meals

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Bay Tour & Afternoon at leisure in Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora

We got to see nesting Blue footed Boobies! Definitely the highlight of the day

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring The Charles Darwin Research Station

Ecuador

Loved being here to see all the research and projects going on to protect this amazing archipelago

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Embracing Nature's Giants: Exploring Santa Cruz Island's Highlands

Ecuador

So cool to see these creatures up close in their natural habitat

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arrival to Santa Cruz Island & Afternoon at Leisure

Puerto Ayora

We had a great first day just exploring the town ourselves

Discover Mindo: Full-Day Tour Bus with Hummingbird Reserve, Waterfalls & Chocolate Tasting

Mindo

Very cool to see so many hummingbirds so closely!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Josh was excellent!

Transport

Otavalo Day Trip by Tour Bus: Markets, Waterfalls, and More

Otavalo

This had to be canceled due to the protests in Otavalo

Amazonian Adventure: Exploring Mystical Caves, Waterfalls, and Kichwa Culture

Archidona

Due to communication confusion, we were just driven from our lodge in the Amazon to Quito. We inquired before leaving about seeing the waterfalls and caves but were told we were only being driven to Quito. Thankfully we reached out to Majo at lunch and still managed to go to the Thermals at least.

Quality of Experience

Food

Gina’s restaurant was delicious!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver was nice and helpful where he could be but he was not told of the urinary we were supposed to have

Transport

Chocolate Workshop and Farewell: A Sweet Ending to Your Amazon Adventure

Archidona

A cool learning experience to understand the chocolate making process

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Amazon River Adventure: Wildlife, Kichwa Culture, and Traditional Crafts

Archidona

So busy! It’s a long day but very interesting and worthwhile

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Klever was a great and enthusiastic guide 👍

Transport

Welcome to the Jungle: Hike, River Adventure, and Wildlife

Archidona

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Swing at the End of the World & Waterfall Route in Baños

Baños

So much fun!!! Loved it

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon

Ecuador

We loved it here. We enjoyed the kayaking and the breathtaking views both from the beauty and the altitude!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Francisco was so fantastic to travel with!

Transport

Horseback Adventure Through Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi

We were caught in a huge thunderstorm with rain, hail and lightning. We decided to keep our ride short because we were getting cold but the ponchos provided by the riding centre were very appreciated

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito - Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador

Food

The restaurant Francisco took us too was delicious!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Francisco was awesome! So much fun, informative and took care of us like we were old friends.

Transport

Quito Tour Bus: City Highlights, Teleférico, Panecillo & Middle of the World in One Day

Quito

The tour we went on, the City tour hop-on-hop off was good but we never actually went to the Middle of the World or the Teleferico as described.

Quality of Experience

Crown Jewel of Peru: Machu Picchu Sanctuary

Ecuador

Truly a must see! As good as everyone says it is… and more!

Quality of Experience

Food

Loved the restaurant over looking the river

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Richard was fantastic - very knowledgeable and a talented phoyographer as an added bonus! We got wonderful pictures and videos of our visit from him!

Transport

Pisaq Market & Ollantaytambo Adventure

Ecuador

A wonderful tour with lots to see and do.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Raul was an excellent guide and took extra time to teach my daughter to play her new flutes she bought. He was very knowledgeable about the history and local areas.

Transport

Exploring The Salt Mines of Maras & The Ruins of Moray

Cusco

Adriel our guide took us for another amazing tour day! The mines literally made me say ‘wow’ when we first saw them. Morray was so impressive to see.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Superb and friendly! Adriel is excellent

Transport

Uncover the Rich History and Vibrancy of Cusco

Cusco

We learned so much about Cusco and the Inca during this trip. Our guide Adriel was exceptional

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Adriel was so vibrant, knowledgeable and passionate!

Transport

Johanna was great helping through the various iterations of our plans. We had to postpone in 2024 due to medical issues, then in 2025 due to the Machu Picchu protests and split Peru part away. Johanna patiently helped guide us through all the changes and made all the arrangements according to our wishes. Kristy was great in the operational aspects transitioning from planning to the actual trip and providing prompt support during the trip through WhatsApp chats. Weather and local scenes can raise unpredictable challenges; Kristy helped us through it all. Great team!

Hotel Review

Ikala Galapagos Hotel

Puerto Ayora

Kitchen staff, particularly Luis, went out of their way to cater to our vegan needs both at breakfast and dinner with special preparations. Charming rooftop dining with ocean view and open as well as covered seating with a wide breakfast buffet spread with a lot of choices. Astrid, our guide, and the hotel staff warned us about the tap water being brackish and not suitable for human consumption. The hotel gave us a big jug of water every day for drinking, brushing teeth, washing eyes etc. In addition we bought 1-3 liters of water bottles from the nearby Proinsular market.

Authenticity & Character

Quad setting with pool in the middle and buildings secluded from the road. Charming rooftop dining with ocean view and open as well as covered seating with a wide breakfast buffet spread with a lot of choices.

Location

On the western end of town away from many restaurants but near the supermarket, Proinsular market and the restaurant Galapagos Deli that had a vegan sandwich. It is also close to and multiple souvenir vendors and the jetty with a promenade that had a stall selling fresh coconut water. Great for all we needed.

Staff

Great kitchen staff who went out of their way. Office staff did their job but nothing noteworthy

Cleanliness & Comfort

3 separate beds and a sofa set made a comfortable setting. Bathroom was big enough for all the needs; sink separate from the toilet/shower area allowed multiple people to get ready. The sockets were behind the beds and not on the side making it difficult to charge electronics.

Activity Reviews

Arrival in Quito

Quito

Our flight landed late, close to midnight. We reached the hotel well past midnight. The hotel, Patio Andaluz, was in the historic city center. The driver took us there safely and made sure we got into the hotel safely; pointed out areas along the way where we should be careful at night.

Guayaquil City Tour

Guayaquil

Lilian was an awesome guide. She arrived on time, stayed long enough to cover everything we wanted to do and did not rush us. She walked with us to all the places on our list and had the cards for the Aerovia cable car to make it easy to purchase the tickets. She told us about which places were safe and kept us away from places that were not safe. She even took us to a great souvenir shop and helped us with the shopping. She went out of the way to recommend vegan restaurants we should try! She also told us of a safe walking route to go see the giant monkey statue (Estatua Del Mono Machín) within walking distance of the hotel but in the median of the Juan Javier Marcos y Aguirre road on the way to the airport.

Quality of Experience

One word - Lilian!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

One word - Lilian! Highly recommend her as a tour guide!

Transport

The driver had a hard stop due to a trip to the highlands but otherwise she was supportive of the extra time and taking us back and forth to the souvenir shop, as we requested, after we agreed to pay extra.

Fly to Santa Cruz Island & Tour Charles Darwin Station

Galapagos Islands

Astrid was awesome! She was full of experience and information; very patient and willing to share her knowledge, answer any questions. Astrid picked us up at the airport on the first day. She was our guide to Darwin station; she dropped us back on the last day and was ready with the fares needed for the ferries and the Darwin station. The pleasant and informative interaction with her made the travel time back and forth from the airport to the hotel breeze by!

Quality of Experience

The boat chef made sure to give us vegan food both days.

Food

Pleasantly surprised that the boat crew catered to our vegan preference.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Both days we had the Narel boat crew - Sebastien the captain and Armando the chef. The guide to both the islands was also the same, Roberto. They were all great. The first day we had no other guests, so we got all of Roberto's attention; the second day it got divided.

Transport

Smooth sailing, safe driving

Welcome to Guayaquil: Free day to explore

Guayaquil

We arrived too late in the evening so had just enough time to get to our hotel for relaxing that night. Wyndham Santa Ana is a great place, right on the Malecon.

Depart Quito

Ecuador

Kristy was very supportive on this last day where we traveled from Galapagos to Quito AND took a midnight flight back to the US - a very long day! The taxi stand at the Quito airport was very supportive to help us with a quick visit back to the city for our dinner. There are no places at or near the airport with vegan options for food. The driver of the taxi that the airport staff arranged spoke no English so it made for an interesting 1hour each way to the city with our broken spanish and google translate. Luckily the driver's ecletic liking in music helped as we listened to the variety.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito & Equator Full Day Tour

Quito

Javier, and his wife Fatima, took us to the Intinan museum in the morning and dropped us off at the and the Mitad del Mundo museum, the monument erected by the western surveyors. We visited the Panecillo in the afternoon. Javier and his wife were very helpful at all places.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Speed Boat to Puerto Ayora & transfer to Baltra Airport

Ecuador

On the airport drop off day, we were driven in a van and then a ferry, similar to on the arrival day like on the arrival day, but in reverse. There was no speed boat! Astrid was great again! She stayed back at the airport till we were through security and at the gate, making sure we were in good hands. She stayed in touch with WhatsApp till we reached Quito. Very caring person!

Exploring Tortuga Bay Beach

Puerto Ayora

Did not do this; instead did 2 islands - Bartolome and North Seymour. All comments combined on the Darwin station, 1st island review

Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island

Ecuador

We visited 2 islands - North Seymour and Bartolome instead of 1 island and the Tortuga bay. See the review for Darwin station and the 1st island for all the comments which apply to all 3 days.

Our trip to Ecuador consisted of a single day in Quito where we were warmly welcomed by a cheerful and lovely guide Francisco. He provided us with prompt and efficient city tour that included visiting the cathedrals and monuments followed by a wonderful cooking class experience.
We then flew to Caco on the edge of the Amazonian forest where we were welcomed by an extremely efficient and organized team of guides. They took their time to explain what we will be doing the next 3 days in the Napo lodge. Following a power boat and canoe rides down the Napo river, we finally arrive at the Napo lodge. The place is charming nestled immediately in front of a small lake in the middle of the tropical jungle. The next 2 days were simply out of this world and made possible by the tightly run group of guides and lodge staff. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly which made our stay in the lodge very pleasant. I highly recommend doing this part of the trip.
Back in Quito, we were welcomed again by our initial guide, Francisco, for an overnight stay before picking us up the next morning to head to the Galápagos Islands.
The Galapagos portion of our vacation could’ve used a bit more attention, in my opinion. There was insufficient information provided on what to expect on the excursions by the local support person, which made it difficult for us to plan what to carry with us, such as swimsuits or footwear. The last day we were told we were going to go on an excursion to Isabella island, but it turned out that we were booked on a different excursion, which was very distressing. In the last tour we were joined by a very noisy and obnoxious group which made the whole experience even more difficult. The agent was apologetic for the mistake and treated us to a lovely dinner as a sign of appreciation.
So overall, the Galapagos experience was not as pleasant as I expected it to be, and in my opinion it is a bit overrated. The tours are difficult to enjoy because the guides are always rushing to finish and keep people on schedule. So keep that in mind when planning this portion of the trip.

This vacation was wonderful from start to finish. Alvaro was fantastic to work with - he was incredibly responsive and designed a trip that was perfect for our family (2 adults and two rambunctious 4 and 9 year old boys). He even ensured that we would have a car seat for our 4-year old. Jacquie, who was our point person once we arrived in Ecuador, was also great. She met us at the hotel to make sure we were settled and was very responsive our entire trip. She even helped us plan a last-minute trip to see an Ecuadorian soccer match in Quito, which was a highlight for us. Our guide in Quito, Marco Herrera, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with our kids, answering all of our (many) questions. He worked with us on the best times to visit each attraction to make the most of our visit, made sure our kids could handle all of the planned activities, and recommended some great restaurants. Our visit to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon is an experience we will never forget. From the minute we arrived at the Quito airport, Sacha made sure we were perfectly taken care of. The lodge itself is absolutely stunning. We had two cabins connected by a short walkway - one for us and one for our kids. We were even able to see monkeys from the deck outside our cabins. The food at Sacha was wonderful, and the staff was able to accommodate our picky eaters. Jose, our guide, was fantastic. He also was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all of the kids' questions. He was able to spot so many species and let the kids look through his telescope from the canopy and treehouse. He helped our older son to catch a piranha while fishing, something he was incredibly excited about.

Until now, we had not ever used a travel agent when traveling as a family, but KimKim made everything so easy. There were a lot of logistics involved in this trip for us, and we were incredibly impressed that everything went off without a hitch. Our kids are already asking to return to Ecuador and saying how this was the best trip ever. We would definitely recommend traveling through KimKim!

Our trip to the Galápagos was truly unforgettable, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, Tamer and our local contact, Ariel, went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Traveling with a 12-month-old daughter could have been challenging, but they personalized the trip in such thoughtful ways that we always felt comfortable, supported, and able to enjoy ourselves fully.

The islands themselves are breathtaking—spectacular views, dramatic landscapes, and incredible wildlife everywhere you look. The activities were seamlessly organized and offered just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. Snorkeling was a highlight, with crystal-clear waters and amazing marine life, while the hike up Sierra Negra was an awe-inspiring experience we’ll never forget.

Thanks to the care and professionalism of the team, we were able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip without stress. I would highly recommend both Kimkim and this wonderful team to anyone considering the Galápagos.

Our mountain guide, Camilo, was exceptional. He made us feel very safe and helped 2 of us summit Cotopaxi. You should use him whenever you get a chance. I can't say enough about how fun, knowledgeable and capable he is. He managed our acclimitization hikes perfectly helped us in so many ways.

I would spend some time refining the "gear list" you recommend. There were things we had at home that didn't show up on the gear list that were required. This resulted in us spending a few hundred dollars rebuying gear we already own.

We need to express our deep thankfulness about your great job. Amazing organisation, logistics and of course the brilliant tour guide- Havier. Thanks to him we learned so much of your beautiful country. All of you guys are excellent. It is a great pleasure to communicate with Havier knowing so exhaustive information about your country. We’ve been to 85 countries globally and can confirm you do the job very well and professionally. Tourism in Ecuador must soar due to people like you. We wish you health and good luck
Thank you

Georgi and Mariana
BULGARIA

We LOVED our experience with KimKim!
Paul made the planning process very easy and catered to all of our very specific requests. Our tour guide Robert was so personable and very knowledgable, which made our tours educational and fun. We felt like it was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, sight-seeing, and experiencing new things. There were also some surprises included that made our trip even more special. We would definitely recommend traveling through kimkim!

Hotel Reviews

Napo Cultural Center

Quito

We loved staying here! It was such an incredible experience to be able to stay with members of the Kichwa community. We felt very well taken care of during our stay.

Holiday Inn Express Quito

Quito

This hotel was perfect for us! It was clean, safe, and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

Day trip to Mindo

Quito

Feeding the hummingbirds and holding the butterflies was beautiful!

Wayusada - Transfer to Coca - Flight to Quito

Ecuador

Indigenous community - Canoe ride - Night walk

Yasuni National Park

The canoe ride was incredible!! We saw so much wildlife and had so much fun.

Parrot clay lick - Indigenous community - Observation Tower

Yasuni National Park

Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike

Ecuador

Hot Springs of Papallacta

Ecuador

Very relaxing, we really liked spending time here.

Visit the "Middle of the World"

Ecuador

I loved how interactive this was. We learned a lot!

Quito City Tour

Ecuador

So fun to learn about the history of Quito and to get to experience the food and culture!

Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake

Quito

Amazing!

Absolutely amazing experience right from the start! Paola was extremely responsive and generated a trip capturing everything I wanted for a last minute trip. In Ecuador we had the best tour guide we have ever had- Sebastian. This was an adventure packed, yet stress free trip all because of these two amazing people!

This trip experience was one of the best handled we have ever had. Linda was very helpful and listened to what we thought we wanted to do and then discussed it with us. Ariel was also a great help. I was very surprised that Ariel actually showed up at the hotel our first morning to make sure everything was OK. Our guide, Sebastian Carrera was easily one of the best guides we have ever had on any of our trips outside of the US. He was like traveling with a member of our family who just happened to be VERY knowledgable about Ecuador and seemed to know everyone we came across. He did a wonderful job coming up with an itinerary on the fly because the E20 was closed due to landslides which meant we had to go the long way down near Archidona. On the way back to Quito we stopped in a few different places. Sebastian also assisted us with getting all our electronic paperwork submitted properly for getting to the Galapagos. One really nice thing to note was when we were dropped off at the airport to fly out to the Galapagos we recieved white glove service where we were escorted over to bag inspection while our guide went with our passports and got our boarding passes and bag tags. they then walked us over to the bag drop and then over to security. It made the whole process stress free and seamless. When we got out to Galapagos we were met by Daniella who again was wonderful. Marcello, our driver was great also. after leaving the airport, we drove out on Santa Cruz and hiked around for a bit observing the giant tortoises. We also made it to the Charles Darwin research center and Daniela was very knowedgable about everything. The following day we walked down to the bus stop and took a bus back to the port to take a boat out to Isla Bartolome. One thing to note here is that the itinerary listed the trip out to Isla Bartolome was on a "modern yacht". The boat we were on was a 68 foot sailboat. While this was not an issue for us because the crew was great, the food was great, the whole experience was great, some others might take issue as i am not sure if I would classify it as a modern yacht. Its more of a "classic sail boat" which we enjoyed fully. The trip out to Bartolome was fun and out guide on the boat was Candi. She guided us around the island all the way up to the top. Bartolome is a little bit of a hike. Getting off the zodiac, we had to step over a sea lion on the steps while the Blue Footed Boobies watched us. There are alot of stairs so if you have difficulty walking this is something you may want to consider before going. After spending some time on Bartolome we went Isla Santiago and snorkeled for a bit after seeing penguins, sea lions and sea turtles. The snorkeling was like swiming in a fish tank, there was fish, the occasional penguin, and other wildlife everywhere. The following day Daniela met us at our hotel and we went out to Tortuga Bay for the day. on the walk out we saw sea lions and the swimming iguanas. The bay is very peaceful. there werent alot of people there and we easily found a spot under a tree in the sand. Our trip back to the airport was handled by Marcello. He picked us up at our hotel and was with us all the way out to the airport to fly home. Again, it was white glove service all the way. he handled out bags from the hotel all the way to taking them off the bus at the airport. This was the first time we used KimKim and based on this experience, it wont be the last. KimKim will easily be our first choice moving forward when looking at countries we are traveling to where having a currated, guided experience is desired.

Hotel Reviews

Acacia Galápagos Boutique Hotel

Puerto Ayora

The location of this property is perfect. its about a block away from the main street where all the shops and resaurants are. The staff here were always super friendly and ready to assist if needed. when you are registering for travel out to the Galapagos the hotel in the list is actually in the drop down list as "Galapagos House" and not Acacia Galapagos Boutique Hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

its a block off the main street which is very close to the nightlife but far enough away that you dont hear anything.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kuyana Amazon Lodge

Archidona

If youre looking for a place to stay in the Amazon where you are immersed in the environment, this is your place. The staff were all very friendly and the meals were amazing. We were in family unit 2 overlooking the pool. The room was spacious and clean. The grounds are well kept and theres a creek on the property which kept my son busy when we got back on site after our excursions. Be sure to say hello to Ramona if you go (the resident spider monkey)

Authenticity & Character

The hotel was built to blend into the jungle.

Location

The location is far away from anything, at least it seems that way.

Staff

Santi was always there in the dining area if we needed anything. I dont remember the two ladies in the kitchen but they were great also. Santi and the kitchen staff made us a birthday cake to celebrate a birthday in our group complete with a palm crown and headbands for the rest of us. Santi also went out and found some grubs and grilled them up for us! The staff are all wonderful at Kuyana Lodge

Cleanliness & Comfort

Patio Andaluz

Quito

When traveling to other countries I like to immerse myself and not be in a chain hotel. This hotel is absolutely wonderful. Its based around an old colonial home and has TONS of character. The staff are all extreemely friendly and always willing to assist if you need it. I arrived late at night and technically the restaurant was closed but the staff offered that we could sit in the bar area and there were some things that they could make us if we were hungry. This was totally unexpected and appreciated. The breakfasts were also great and there was always more than enough. T

Authenticity & Character

The hotel is technically a historic colonial home. The restaurant is technically in one of the courtyards. The hotel itself is beautiful, its not your typical hotel like a holiday inn.

Location

his hotel is about 1 1/2 blocks away from the main plaza in Quito and only a few more block away from San Francisco square. The Basílica del Voto Nacional is a little bit further but technically walkable also.

Staff

Everyone at the property were always ready to assist if we needed any help.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Hike to Tortuga Bay

Galapagos Islands

Daniela was our guide for this and was amazing. She picked us up at our hotel and we walked out to Tortuga Bay. you have to go out through the preserve along a path (a few miles to the actual bay). As you come out of the preserve you arrive at a beach with white sand, black volcanic rocks and bright blue water. There is no swimming allowed at this beach so you turn right and walk down the beach. after a while you cut through another tree line and it opens up into a calm serene bay. There are plenty of places for shade under the trees at the edge of the beach to lay down under.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Excursion to an uninhabited island

Galapagos Islands

We chose to go to Isla Bartolome. We were advised that this island has less wildlife typically but the landscape is more inspiring because of pinnacle rock. We were fortunate enough to be greeted by a sea lion which we had to step over to get on to the island as well as blue footed boobies on the cliff. The rest of the island is a little bit of a hike along a wooden pathway with numerous steps up to the top of the island.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amazon Safari

Ecuador

Sebastian got us to Ahuana la Punta where we boarded a river boat and went down river to AmaZOOnico and had a guided tour all throughout the property. After that we got back in the boat and went to Wankuriska Ayllu Canelos and spent some time with a Quechua family and learned about making ChiCha as well as pulling fibers out of plants to make string and rope. We then ventured to another location where there was a pond with cayman. After that we went to Cesars home (our boat captain) and we were taught how to use a blowgun and alsowere walked through the whole cacao/chocolate process. we even roasted our own beans, shelled them and ground them. We then made our own chocolate sauce for a fondue. Everyone we came across on this adventure were warm and welcoming.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer Quito - Rainforest Lodge in Archidona

Ecuador

Sebastian made the best of the situation as the E20 was closed due to landslides. we had to take the long way to the lodge. we stopped at a lot of places along the way to sightsee and do some fun activities like Casa de Arbol, a few waterfalls, and Devils Cauldron.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito City Tour

Ecuador

Sebastian was absolutely wonderful. He was very knowledgable and seemed to know everyone! He was able to get us into some things that were seemingly closed after having a chat with folks at some of the sites we went to.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the "Middle of the World"

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our 6-day Galápagos trip with kimkim, visiting San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz, was outstanding in every aspect. Organization was seamless—transfers, ferries, and daily excursions all went flawlessly, and every detail was coordinated in advance, making the experience truly worry-free. The hotels were comfortable, clean, and charming, with attentive staff at each location.
Excursions and guides were a highlight: we explored iconic wildlife sites, went snorkeling with turtles and sharks, and enjoyed insightful guided tours to giant tortoise reserves and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and engaging, making each activity both fun and educational (special thanks to Viviana in Santa Cruz).
In Quito, the service quality continued at the same high standard. Special mention goes to Matteo, who was especially helpful—offering insightful guidance, arranging smooth logistics, and enhancing our city experience with his expertise and friendliness.
We highly recommend kimkim for a Galápagos and Quito adventure—well organized, reliable, with excellent guides, great service, and memorable experiences from start to finish

We had an absolutely wonderful time on our trip to Ecuador and Paul was a big part of making it so special and memorable. Everything from the airport pickups/dropoff to checking in at the hotels and airports was effortless for us. They helped us pick out wonderful hotels, lodges and cruises. Our tours were fun and informative and they even suggested a cooking class which was one of the highlights.

Paul met us at our hotel in quito, gave us a welcome gift of coffee, chocolate and wine, and was always available for any questions. He even picked up the phone on a saturday morning when we thought we missed a pick up but we actually missed the time change going to the Galapagos.

I would absolutely recommend Kimkim for a trip to Ecuador. Ask for Paul!

Hotel Reviews

Sacha Lodge Yasuní

Quito

what a beautiful place. The journey to get there is kind of crazy - flight, boat, hike and canoe, but it was absolutely worth it. Our guide, Fausto, was from the area and knew so much - plants, animals, birds, bugs and snakes. The food was delicious. They were so accommodating with our dietary restrictions (gluten free) and walked us through the buffet and dinner menus. They even made gluten free versions. The rooms and shared space were clean and inviting. Days included walks, canoe rides, chocolate making, animal spotting. There were also places to just sit and listen to the birds, watch the monkey and enjoy the experience.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Fausto was an amazing guide. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Mama Cuchara

Quito

We loved this hotel. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. We had a few early mornings and if we couldn't make the buffet and they gave us a to go breakfast. Although I would try to make their breakfast. It was delicious. There are treats left in your room every night. They even left gluten free versions. The bar/restaurant on the roof is wonderful with views of the city, great food and drinks, heaters and they'll bring you out a poncho if it's chilly. The hotel is beautiful with an interior covered courtyard. You can walk to old town or get a cheap uber.

Authenticity & Character

It is such a beautiful hotel. I loved the courtyard and rooftop bar.

Location

walking distance to historical center/old town

Staff

They were so great. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Quito Cooking Class

Ecuador

This was one of the highlights of our trips. I'm so glad it was suggested. We met the chef in a amazing restaurant that had a side kitchen set up. The chef made the class fun. The food we cooked was amazing - coconut shrimp, soup and chocolate and fruit for dessert. All the ingredients came from the market that morning. We had a bowl of 10+ different types fruit to choose from. We only recognized the bananas and strawberries. The rest of the fruit was a tasty mystery. Do this!

Was a very nice trip experience, easy communicate before the trip, tour well planned and professional guide, we recommend Kimkim's hard works! if any suggestion maybe tour bus can update newer.

Sofia Wen

This was a wonderful trip. Thanks to kimkim for working with Responsible Travel of Ecuador, to Sebastian, our outstanding guide in Quito, to Sani Lodge in the rainforest, and to Raul, our excellent guide during our stay at Sani Lodge.
Sebastian met us at the airport in Quito and drove us to our hotel (La Casona de la Ronda – excellent, recommended) in the city. The next day he took us to the Middle of the World where we toured the museum and visited the actual equator line. This was fun and informative and the museum tour guide was very good. Afterwards, we drove back to the city and Sebastian led us on a fascinating and informative walking tour, stopping for lunch in the afternoon.
Next day Sebastian drove us out to Otavalo, stopping at a rose farm on the way. We participated in a cooking class in Claudia’s house. She was very hospitable and it was great fun picking herbs and vegetables in her garden and preparing a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. Then we drove back to the city, stopping to visit the market in Otavalo and, briefly, for traditional bizcocha cookies.
Next morning we took a short flight to Coca and a three-hour boat trip along the Napo River and tributaries to Sani Lodge. Our guide for this portion of the trip, Raul, met us at the Coca Airport. The boat ride was fascinating and we began to feel as if we were in an entirely different universe. Sani Lodge is owned and operated by the Kichwa Indigenous People. Everyone working there made as feel so welcome and seemed to be incredibly proud of their heritage and their accomplishments.
We traveled with Raul, assistant guide Pato, and two other guests on several trips in a small canoe during the next three days observing the lush and dense rainforest and spotting innumerable birds, monkeys and other creatures. Sometimes we hiked on muddy trails, sometimes we went out after dark to experience the night time sounds of the rainforest, and sometimes it rained quite heavily. On one trip we visited a small Kichwa settlement. The inhabitants were very gracious, sharing knowledge about their simple and humble lives and teaching us some traditional cooking skills. Raul’s knowledge of the ecosystem and it’s plants and animals was remarkable and he was ably assisted by Pato. Accommodations at the lodge were excellent and the food was very good. The entire experience was wonderful and truly exceeded our expectations.
After our three-day stay, we returned by boat to Coca, then flew to Quito to await our flight home. We enjoyed this trip greatly and learned so much. Very highly recommended.

We worked with Majo and Steven to plan our Ecuadorian adventure, which included the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, Chilcabamba in the Andean region, and Casa Aliso to close out the trip in Quito. Majo was patient and thoughtful as we went back and forth about the details of our itinerary. She adapted to our wants/needs and the result was a well-planned and executed trip with a lot of moving parts. Our tour guide, Luis, in the Amazon was a 10/10. Incredible wealth of knowledge and really made our time in the jungle special. Chilcabamba was a modern, rustic lodge surrounded by wildflowers and beautiful views of several volcanoes. The food prepared by the staff was fresh, local and delicious. Casa Aliso in Quito was perfectly situated for those that enjoy exploring the city on their own as it was very safe, and centrally located to dining hot spots, shops and local attractions. Taking the metro to the old city was a breeze and felt totally safe (also an incredible engineering feat). Majo & Steven went above and beyond to ensure everything was going according to plan and that we were happy. They checked in on us regularly on the what’s app thread and were highly responsive when we had questions. We also enjoyed meeting them at a local brewery to share insights from the trip. They were sweet, sincere and full of knowledge about what makes Ecuador special. Overall, we feel like we stumbled upon a gem with KimKim and we have been recommending to friends & family since. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure. We’ll be back!

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

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!

Capitan Max B&B

Puerto Ayora

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

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.

Sisakuna Lodge

Mindo

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

Vieja Cuba

Quito

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

Activity Reviews

Night Walk in the Cloud Forest

Ecuador

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

Snorkel at Los Túneles

Ecuador

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

Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras

Galapagos Islands

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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