Kimkim Trip Reviews for Ecuador

4.8
Based on 283 ratings
Read 283 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Ecuador on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Nice trip experience
Ecuador | Jun 21 - Jun 27, 2025

Sofia
Sofia W.
Brazil | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2025
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 Read more

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

Hotel Review
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park
Authenticity & Character
Beautiful and well maintenance
Location
Staff
The tour guide was knowledgeable!! Food were good and delicious!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo

Our Trip to Ecuador = June 2025This was a wonderful trip. Thanks to kimkim ...
Ecuador | Jun 25 - Jul 3, 2025

B
Bill K.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2025
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...
Read more

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.

Local specialist: Karla Guerrero
Karla
Karla Guerrero
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Jul 07, 2025

Dear Bill,

How wonderful it is to read your feedback, thank you so much for your kind words!

I'm truly happy to hear that you and Kim had such a great time in Ecuador. It was a real pleasure helping you plan this special journey, and I hope you’ll return someday to explore even more of what this beautiful country has to offer.

Warmest regards,
Karla

Curated Trip to Ecuador
Ecuador | Jun 20 - Jun 28, 2025

M
Mina O.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2025
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... Read more

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!

Local specialist: Maria Jose Jaramillo
Maria Jose
Maria Jose Jaramillo
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jul 07, 2025
Dear Mina, We wanted to thank you for the wonderful review you wrote. Reading your words made our day! We appreciate the time you took to write it, Every word meant so much. It was such a pleasure for Steven and me to work with you and Houston and be part of your Ecuadorian adventure. We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed each special place, from the unforgettable time with Luis in the Amazon to the breathtaking views at Chilcabamba and the charm of Casa Aliso. It’s incredibly rewarding... Read more

Dear Mina,

We wanted to thank you for the wonderful review you wrote. Reading your words made our day! We appreciate the time you took to write it, Every word meant so much. It was such a pleasure for Steven and me to work with you and Houston and be part of your Ecuadorian adventure.

We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed each special place, from the unforgettable time with Luis in the Amazon to the breathtaking views at Chilcabamba and the charm of Casa Aliso. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the care and attention we put into planning your trip helped create such meaningful memories for you both.

Your message is a beautiful reminder of how lucky we are to be doing what we love for people who love what we do. That kind of connection is what makes this work uplifting and inspires us to keep going the extra mile.

It was an honor to be part of your journey, and I’m so happy to know Ecuador left such a positive impression on both of you. If you ever decide to return, or if friends or family plan a visit, we´d be delighted to help again.

Thank you once again for your trust in Steven and me. We will stay in touch.

Warm regards,
Majo & Steven

An Unforgettable Adventure
Ecuador | Jun 14 - Jun 28, 2025

Dana
Dana W.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 03, 2025
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... Read more

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Night Walk in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

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

Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jul 03, 2025
Hi Dana, Thank you so much for your kind words about our team! I’ll make sure to share them with everyone so they know how much you enjoyed their company during your trip, especially with Cristobal, who I’m sure became a friend to both of you. I’m really happy to hear that you connected with our culture and our people, and that you were adventurous enough to try new flavors… even cuy, haha! I’m sure you’ll be able to recreate those delicious recipes you learned in the cooking class once... Read more

Hi Dana,

Thank you so much for your kind words about our team! I’ll make sure to share them with everyone so they know how much you enjoyed their company during your trip, especially with Cristobal, who I’m sure became a friend to both of you.

I’m really happy to hear that you connected with our culture and our people, and that you were adventurous enough to try new flavors… even cuy, haha! I’m sure you’ll be able to recreate those delicious recipes you learned in the cooking class once you're back home.

Hearing about your experiences in Quito, Mindo, the Maquipucuna Reserve, Otavalo, and the Galapagos Islands truly made me happy, and knowing you shared it as mother and daughter makes it all the more special.

I hope you’ll be able to visit us again soon and explore those places you didn’t get to see this time. I also truly appreciate your feedback about the activities and hotels; it’s incredibly helpful for us to keep improving our services.

Wishing you all the very best!
A big hug from your friends in Ecuador, 🤗
Paul

Paul Cisneros and team
Ecuador | Jun 16 - Jun 20, 2025

Leticia
Leticia H.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025
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 Read more

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
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
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
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
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 23, 2025

Hi Leticia,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ll be sure to share them with the entire team. I’m so happy to hear that your adventure in Ecuador and the Galapagos was unforgettable and that you enjoyed experiencing our country, its culture, nature, wildlife, and cuisine.

It was a real pleasure helping you plan this trip, and I hope you’ll visit us again in the future to explore even more of the beautiful places Ecuador has to offer.

Wishing you all the best! 🤗
Paul

An amazing time in Ecuador
Ecuador | May 23 - Jun 2, 2025

U
Uyen T.
Richardson, TX | Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025
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... Read more

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
Otavalo Market
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Peguche
Peguche
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk in the Cloud Forest
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
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
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rose Farm Tour
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
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
Arrival to lodge - Free time or optional activities
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
AmaZoonico Animal Rescue Center
AmaZoonico Animal Rescue Center
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Archidona - Papallacta Hot Springs - Quito
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
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 19, 2025
Dear Uyen, Thank you for your kind words and wonderful review! It was a pleasure helping you plan your fantastic family trip to Ecuador, and I’m really glad that your husband and kids had a great time exploring our country. I’m glad to hear that Frank was very helpful and resourceful during the trip. He is truly an excellent guide, and we’ll make sure to pass along your kind words to him. It really means a lot to us that he felt more like a travel companion than just a guide. Thank you... Read more

Dear Uyen,

Thank you for your kind words and wonderful review! It was a pleasure helping you plan your fantastic family trip to Ecuador, and I’m really glad that your husband and kids had a great time exploring our country. I’m glad to hear that Frank was very helpful and resourceful during the trip. He is truly an excellent guide, and we’ll make sure to pass along your kind words to him. It really means a lot to us that he felt more like a travel companion than just a guide.

Thank you again for trusting Kimkim and Authentic Ecuador. We’d be more than happy to help you plan your next adventure.

Warmest regards,
Paola

Already planning our next trip!
Ecuador | May 17 - May 25, 2025

S
Shannon S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on May 26, 2025
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... Read more

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
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
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 26, 2025

Dear Shannon,
Thank you so much for your valuable review and kind words, it means the world to us to know how much you and George have enjoyed the beauty and culture of this unique country, Ecuador :)
We are thrilled to see that the experiences we picked for you have met your expectations and that our guides were so helpful! I'll make sure to communicate your positive feedback to all our partners and service providers.
We're looking forward to your next adventure with us here in Kimkim.
Best,
Paola and the Authentic Ecuador team

Fabulous trip hiking in Ecuador
Ecuador | Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2025

Adam
Adam M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

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.

Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 28, 2025

Hello Adam,

I’m very happy to hear that your trip to our country was an unforgettable experience and that you were able to visit incredible places. Thank you very much for your kind words; they motivate us to continue offering the best service to our travelers. You are absolutely right, Milton is a great ambassador for our country!

There are many places in Ecuador for hiking enthusiasts like you, and we hope you will visit us in the future.

Wishing you all the best,
Paul

Great trip to Ecuador
Ecuador | Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2025

Jean-francois
Jean-francois C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025
We overall enjoyed the experience of booking our 7 day Ecuador Trip with KimKim. The two travel specialists we worked with were very responsive and helpful. We had a great time during our trip thanks to the itinerary put together by the Kim Kim team. Here is a list of Pros and Cons we have found with the process. Pros:
-Very simple to get the process started by answering a few questions about the length of your trip and the types of activities you like to do. This saved us a lot of research...
Read more

We overall enjoyed the experience of booking our 7 day Ecuador Trip with KimKim. The two travel specialists we worked with were very responsive and helpful. We had a great time during our trip thanks to the itinerary put together by the Kim Kim team. Here is a list of Pros and Cons we have found with the process.

Pros:
-Very simple to get the process started by answering a few questions about the length of your trip and the types of activities you like to do. This saved us a lot of research time and allowed us to focus on enjoying our trip.
- You’re provided ahead of time with all the details about the proposed accommodations so that you can determine if they meet your needs. All accommodations on our trip were great, including two memorable ones, Chilcabamba Lodge in the Andes and Huasquila Lodge in the rain forest.
- Our guide, Diego, who drove us around for part of the trip was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable about the Ecuadorian history and culture, and was happy to share his knowledge with us. He was always early to pick us up so we didn’t have to wait for him. He always made sure we were happy with the plan and was flexible in adjusting it to our needs. He also gave us good recommendations for local dining options.

Cons:
-While information was provided about the different activities we had planned, such as canyoning and rafting, it was not possible to obtain the names of the outfitters ahead of the activity despite repeated requests, even after making the full payment. Knowing the names of the outfitters ahead of time would have allowed us to be better prepared for the activities by looking at their specific website. As a family, it is nice to get a sense of the technical and physical levels needed for the activities, which is often better described on the outfitters’ websites.

-Some of the activity descriptions were too generic, such as “you will visit caves”. If more details had been provided, such as “you will tour Jumandi caves”, we could have looked up what that experience involves on the tour provider’s website to be better prepared.

Hotel Reviews
Huasquila Amazon Lodge
Cotundo

We spent two nights at Huasquilla lodge at the tail end of a seven day trip in Ecuador. We really enjoyed the cozy feel of the lodge and the staff were welcoming. Erik took us on a one hour hike to a gorgeous waterfall, but the highlight of the hike was all the information he provided us about the different types of trees and vegetation, as well as the different ways they are used by the indigenous people. The lodge also took care of booking our rafting tour with Rios Ecuador and a tour of the Jumandy caves. Erik joined us on both tours and went above and beyond to make sure everything went flawlessly. Thank you Erik!!!! We had an overall awesome time and wish we could have stayed longer to explore some of the other activities they propose.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chilcabamba Lodge
Machachi

We stayed for two nights at the Chilcabamba Lodge during our 7 day trip to Ecuador. This is a beautiful lodge with a cozy feel located close to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. It has beautiful views of several volcanoes. Overall, it was our favorite accommodation while visiting Ecuador. The staff were incredibly helpful and attentive to our needs. The dinner meals were delicious, especially the soups that were served. All ingredients were incredibly fresh. All three of us, including a teenager, agreed that this was the best food we had during our stay in Ecuador. Jonathan was incredibly nice at both the breakfast and dinner services. We used their guide to do the hike up to the glacier of Cotopaxi volcano, and he was a great source of information and very supportive throughout the hike. I would highly recommend hiking up to the refuge on Cotopaxi volcano, but keep in mind that this can be a physically demanding hike if you are not used to hiking at high altitude.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Floresta
Baños

Room was located by a busy and loud street, which was not ideal after a long day of activities and driving. A court side room would have been more restful. Breakfast food paled in comparison for the other hotels and lodges we stayed in.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Very well located and walking distance to tourist attractions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Great restaurant and incredibly convenient for airport transfer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Maria Jose Jaramillo
Maria Jose
Maria Jose Jaramillo
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Apr 21, 2025
Dear JF, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your 7-day trip in Ecuador. I’m really happy to hear that you and your family had a great experience and that the itinerary helped you enjoy your time together. It’s great to know that the planning process felt easy and that you especially enjoyed Chilcabamba Lodge and Huasquila Lodge. I’ll make sure to share your kind words with Diego and Erik. They’ll be so happy to hear those comments from you! I also really... Read more

Dear JF,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your 7-day trip in Ecuador. I’m really happy to hear that you and your family had a great experience and that the itinerary helped you enjoy your time together.

It’s great to know that the planning process felt easy and that you especially enjoyed Chilcabamba Lodge and Huasquila Lodge. I’ll make sure to share your kind words with Diego and Erik. They’ll be so happy to hear those comments from you!

I also really appreciate your honest suggestions. You’re right, having more details about the activities would help travelers feel more prepared. I’ll keep that in mind for the future.

I’m sorry to hear that the room at La Floresta was noisy and that the breakfast didn’t meet your expectations. I’ll share your comments with the hotel so they can improve.

It was a real pleasure helping you plan this trip. If you ever want to explore more of Ecuador or another place in South America, I’d love to help you plan another amazing adventure.

Warm regards,
Majo

I contacted kimkim to help craft a custom iti...
Ecuador | Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2025

Scott
Scott G.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025
I contacted kimkim to help craft a custom itinerary with a guide spend almost a week hiking in the Ecuadorian Andes. The kimkim staff was professional and responsive. Most importantly, they contracted an independent local guide who spoke excellent english and specialized in hiking trips. During the trip we had to adjust the itinerary based on road conditions after a very strong storm closed the road to one of our our planned overnight stay locations. Alternative accommodations were... Read more

I contacted kimkim to help craft a custom itinerary with a guide spend almost a week hiking in the Ecuadorian Andes. The kimkim staff was professional and responsive. Most importantly, they contracted an independent local guide who spoke excellent english and specialized in hiking trips.

During the trip we had to adjust the itinerary based on road conditions after a very strong storm closed the road to one of our our planned overnight stay locations. Alternative accommodations were made seamlessly, and it was great to see that the kimkim folks and our local guide were on the same page and kept us in the loop.

My one change would probably be to find a location closer to Chimborazo outside of Riobamba instead of staying in town. The town is not terribly clean and fairly noisy. While our time there was completely fine, l would suggest this improvement for the next group interested in doing a trip similar to ours.

Lastly, I can't say enough good things about our local guide Milton. He really made our trip special and we will treasure our time together for a long time.

Hotel Reviews
Mansion Santa Isabella
Riobamba

While the Andalusian style is nice, the staff was only moderately helpful and the room overlooking the street was very noisy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The weekend staff was not terribly friendly or helpful. It didn't seem like they enjoyed their job very much.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Santa Lucia House - Forum
Cuenca

Wonderful staff, great location, and a lovely interior. Our room was situated at the front of the hotel, so we heard som street noise, but the large sitting room just outside our room more than made up for it. Breakfast was good. We really appreciated they adjusted their breakfast schedule to accommodate us leaving early in AM on two different occasions.

Authenticity & Character
Lovely traditional Andalusian style.
Location
Less than 5 minutes to the town center.
Staff
Everyone we met was friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador

We totally lucked out to see the mountain. Great hikes to the Rifugio and around the lake.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We used a local driver for the last part of the drive.
Explore the Quilotoa Lagoon
Explore the Quilotoa Lagoon
Ecuador

The hike around the crater is terrific. There is some steep vertical in the first quarter of the hike going counterclockwise, so be ready for that.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Milton recommended going counterclockwise, which was totally the right call.
Transport
We made a decision the night before to stay in Chugchilan instead of Isnilivi. Not only were we closer to the lake the next day, but we luckily avoided a major landslide that would have kept us from getting to Quilatoa at all.
Cuenca City Tour
Cuenca City Tour
Ecuador

Cuenca is a special town. We were fortunate that our guide Milton was from there, so we totally benefitted from having a local experience.

Quality of Experience
Meeting our guides family.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Milton's family was awesome.
Transport
Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park
Ecuador

Who knew Scotland was in Ecuador. This is a very special place to hike.

Quality of Experience
We lucked out on the weather. Go early!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Angie
Angie Maldonado
Local specialist in Quito - Ecuador | Replied on Apr 16, 2025
Hi Scott, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ll make sure to share them with Milton and the rest of our team. I’m very happy to hear that, despite the changes due to the heavy storm in Isinlivi, you had a great trip seeing the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking around the Quilotoa crater, discovering the beautiful Cuenca and the Cajas National Park, tasting our local food, and experiencing our culture in each place you visited. I love the photos you upload! I’m sure you have fond memories of... Read more

Hi Scott,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ll make sure to share them with Milton and the rest of our team. I’m very happy to hear that, despite the changes due to the heavy storm in Isinlivi, you had a great trip seeing the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking around the Quilotoa crater, discovering the beautiful Cuenca and the Cajas National Park, tasting our local food, and experiencing our culture in each place you visited. I love the photos you upload!

I’m sure you have fond memories of our country, and hopefully, you’ll visit us again in the future.

I really appreciate your note about your stay in Riobamba; it is very helpful for us to continue improving our services, and I’ll definitely consider that in our new itineraries.

Wishing you all the best!
Angie & the team

Planning with Kimkim and the local agency in ...
Ecuador | Mar 10 - Mar 18, 2025

P
Padina P.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Planning with Kimkim and the local agency in Ecuador was a great choice. It made our life super easy and everything was immaculately planned for and organized. Paola was super responsive and kind in her communications. Her local team did their best to make our stay memorable and we especially enjoyed our local tour guide, Jose, in Quito. The activites we did and places we visited were well selected for our family and we enjoyed them very much.

Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Mar 27, 2025

Thank you so much, Padina! It was truly a pleasure helping plan your trip, and I’m so happy to hear that you and your family had a wonderful time. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Jose and the rest of our local team :) Wishing you and your family many more amazing adventures ahead!
Best, Paola

This is our second time using KimKim to plan ...
Ecuador | Mar 3 - Mar 6, 2025

Dana
Dana C.
Singapore | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2025
This is our second time using KimKim to plan a big international trip for a couple or small group. We appreciate the individualized care and service given right from the start by agents online. It is easy to customize your itinerary based on budget, activities, and timing. During the course of this trip, we encountered a third party guide who did not meet our expectations in the service or interactions provided. When we provided feedback about this experience, our KimKim agent was quick to... Read more

This is our second time using KimKim to plan a big international trip for a couple or small group. We appreciate the individualized care and service given right from the start by agents online. It is easy to customize your itinerary based on budget, activities, and timing. During the course of this trip, we encountered a third party guide who did not meet our expectations in the service or interactions provided. When we provided feedback about this experience, our KimKim agent was quick to respond and help to make changes so that the remainder of our trip was not negatively impacted. We appreciated the time and effort this took. The rest of our trip, activities, and guides were superb, allowing us to enjoy the wonder and beauty of the Galapagos while feeling truly listened to and taken care of. We continue to hold KimKim in high regard and would use their services again in the future to help in planning a memorable trip.

Hotel Review
Hotel Villa Laguna
Puerto Ayora

This was a mid-range hotel. Upon arrival, we were told that the owners were away, so certain options, like a boxed breakfast were not available, until they returned. This was also apparent in the quality of the served breakfast on the first morning. Some other small details made the hotel seem unprepared for guests. For example, they had only one small slip of paper with the wifi information on it, which could not be taken to your room, as their was only one copy and this information was not printed anywhere else. Additionally, we had 2 matrimonial rooms, however, one of the rooms was clearly larger and with a bigger bed than the other one. We were told the rooms were the exact same when asked to move the smaller room to a bigger one. Breakfast on Day 2 and 3 were much better (maybe the owners were back?). There were a lot of beatles on the floors of the rooms and all over the hotel. The rooms were fine, air conditioning worked well and cleaning services arrived and tidied rooms daily. Location was off the beaten path, so was quiet, if that's what you like. It was also across the street from 2 very nice cocktail bars and a 10 ten minute walk to town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
If there were bikes to rent, it would make it quicker to get into town to explore restaurants and shops.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja

Ecuadorian Quito and Andes Kim Kim Adventure
Ecuador | Feb 17 - Feb 21, 2025

David
David T.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025
My trip to Ecuador was wonderful thanks to Kim Kim and their local partners. The guide they assigned to meet me at the designated airport in Quito was amazing, had no problems finding me, and/or need of further clarifications. The customized trip itinerary was seamless , clearly understood, required some last minute changes and easily modified as that took into consideration. The tour guides provided were highly skilled, knowledgeable, and personable in each of the... Read more

My trip to Ecuador was wonderful thanks to Kim Kim and their local partners. The guide they assigned to meet me at the designated airport in Quito was amazing, had no problems finding me, and/or need of further clarifications. The customized trip itinerary was seamless , clearly understood, required some last minute changes and easily modified as that took into consideration. The tour guides provided were highly skilled, knowledgeable, and personable in each of the areas of Ecuador I visited. I highly recommend using Kim Kim for all your travel needs/destinations.

Hotel Reviews
Riviera Sucre
Otavalo
Authenticity & Character
Character and charm
Location
Central
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean
Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique
Quito

Hotel was beautiful and charming. The lobby hostess Michelle was amazing and helped me resolving a personal health issue.

Hacienda El Porvenir
Machachi

So beautiful and charming. Highly recommend.

Activity Reviews
Arrival and transfer to hotel in Otavalo
Arrival and transfer to hotel in Otavalo
Ecuador
Hiking around Cuicocha Lagoon - Quito
Hiking around Cuicocha Lagoon - Quito
Otavalo

My tour guide knew about local flora and birds. He was amazing and so much fun hike with.

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 01, 2025
Hello David!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure organizing your trip to Ecuador, and Jacquie and me were delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. We are glad everything went smoothly from your airport pickup to the flexibility of your itinerary and that our Staff at Responsible Travel made your journey even more enjoyable with their expertise and hospitality, and from the Operations Team you were supported in anything you need.
Your... Read more

Hello David!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure organizing your trip to Ecuador, and Jacquie and me were delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. We are glad everything went smoothly from your airport pickup to the flexibility of your itinerary and that our Staff at Responsible Travel made your journey even more enjoyable with their expertise and hospitality, and from the Operations Team you were supported in anything you need.

Your recommendation means a lot, and I hope to help you plan another amazing adventure in the future!

Wishing you many more incredible travels, and of course The Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest will be waiting for you and your friends, and We will be greatful to planify your next adventure!

Best regards,
Alvaro and Jacquie

Quito and Galapagos Islands
Ecuador | Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025

J
Joel C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025
This trip to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands was now my third trip planned with Kim Kim and they did not disappoint! The recommendation to cruise on the Legend rather than stay on one Island was great. We were able to see multiple Islands and a ton of wild life (Sea lions, tortoise, sea turtles, blue footed booby, red footed booby, nazca booby, flamingo and land and marine Iguana. Since Quito was our landing point, we used it as an opportunity to tour attractions near the city including the... Read more

This trip to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands was now my third trip planned with Kim Kim and they did not disappoint! The recommendation to cruise on the Legend rather than stay on one Island was great. We were able to see multiple Islands and a ton of wild life (Sea lions, tortoise, sea turtles, blue footed booby, red footed booby, nazca booby, flamingo and land and marine Iguana. Since Quito was our landing point, we used it as an opportunity to tour attractions near the city including the Center of Earth Musuem and various churches in the city. Javier was a great guide and very knowledgeable. We ended our trip with an excursion outside of Quito to Cayambe to a Rose Plantation (Rosadex) / Hacienda, which was beautiful. A great Trip!

Hotel Reviews
Boutique Expedition Legend
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were not conditioned well.
Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars
Irlanda
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location! Safe area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
PM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve and “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center
PM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve and “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center
Cruise Ship
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja
Pilar
Pilar Albuja
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Mar 09, 2025
Dear Danna, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We truly appreciate your kind words about the personalized service and care you received while planning your trip. It’s wonderful to hear that, despite the challenge with one of the guides, we were able to step in quickly to ensure the rest of your journey went smoothly. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help create a memorable experience for you. The Galapagos is such a special... Read more

Dear Danna,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We truly appreciate your kind words about the personalized service and care you received while planning your trip. It’s wonderful to hear that, despite the challenge with one of the guides, we were able to step in quickly to ensure the rest of your journey went smoothly.

Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help create a memorable experience for you. The Galapagos is such a special place, and we’re delighted that you were able to fully enjoy its beauty.

We look forward to assisting you again in the future whenever you’re ready for your next adventure!

With warm regards,
Pilar

Ecuador
Ecuador | Jan 18 - Feb 9, 2025

K
Karina A.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025
We booked a 3 week trip to Ecuador with KimKim. The agency made the trip very easy for us, for the most part. The three weeks included time in the Andes for a Cotopaxi expedition, the Galapagos, and the Amazon. The booking and planning process was simple and convenient as well. As far as the trip itself goes, the Galapagos and the Amazon went seamlessly, and we were grateful to have gone with KimKim. Outside of that, our tour guide, Marco, was fantastic - taking us to Mindo,... Read more

We booked a 3 week trip to Ecuador with KimKim. The agency made the trip very easy for us, for the most part. The three weeks included time in the Andes for a Cotopaxi expedition, the Galapagos, and the Amazon.

The booking and planning process was simple and convenient as well.

As far as the trip itself goes, the Galapagos and the Amazon went seamlessly, and we were grateful to have gone with KimKim. Outside of that, our tour guide, Marco, was fantastic - taking us to Mindo, Otavalo/Cotacachi, Riobamba, Cuenca, Cajas, Guayaquil, and Antisana. Not to mention, multiple trips to the airport and back. He went above and beyond to keep us comfortable and happy.

For the Andes portion of our trip, we realized it might have been better to go with a company specialized in mountaineering to ensure we got the experience we wanted—proper acclimatization and ultimately summiting Cotopaxi. We had to make last-minute itinerary changes in Ecuador, and we felt some of the acclimatization days at the start could have been used more effectively. Additionally, we had some confusing experiences with our mountain guide. The most stressful part for me was that the itinerary we were given and following had us staying an extra night at Chilcabamba lodge (the night we were to summit Cotopaxi), and I believed we could safely leave our luggage there while we summited Cotopaxi. However, when I asked about it, we were told we'd need to check out before the climb and that a driver would watch our luggage while we climbed—this was not the case. In the end, our mountain guide arranged for our luggage to be left at the ranger station at Cotopaxi National Park. This aspect of the plan felt poorly executed, and I was stressed about our luggage being left behind in such an uncertain manner.

The other thing I would have liked is to have an idea of how many guides we would have to tip and how much cash would be required- we arrived in Ecuador with far less cash than we should have brought with us. Luckily, the agency was able to get more cash to us so we could appropriately tip.

For the Galapagos and the Amazon, we had several domestic flights, which all went rather smoothly. KimKim booked us a cruise for the Galapagos, which was fantastic, and a wonderful Amazon lodge where we had some great experiences. I would definitely recommend KimKim for vacationing in Ecuador, as long as mountaineering is not involved.

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

The first room we had was smaller than expected for a junior suite. However, the hotel itself was really nice. Important to note, they don’t take American Express.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chilcabamba Lodge
Machachi

Everything about Chilcabamba is fantastic. We hope to return one day,

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Napo Cultural Center
NAPO
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Spa Casa Real
Riobamba
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Victoria
Cuenca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Guayaquil, Ascend Hotel Collection
Guayaquil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room looked old, small bed
Boutique Expedition Legend
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Tababela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid.
Tamer
Tamer Obeid.
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 17, 2025
Hi Karina, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the Galapagos and the Amazon and that Marco made your trip more enjoyable. Your feedback is very valuable to us, especially regarding the Andes part of your trip. We’re sorry for the issues with the itinerary and the luggage situation. We’ll work on improving these areas for future travelers. Just to clarify, we sent the info sheet or voucher a month before your arrival, and at the end of the document,... Read more

Hi Karina,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the Galapagos and the Amazon and that Marco made your trip more enjoyable.

Your feedback is very valuable to us, especially regarding the Andes part of your trip. We’re sorry for the issues with the itinerary and the luggage situation. We’ll work on improving these areas for future travelers.

Just to clarify, we sent the info sheet or voucher a month before your arrival, and at the end of the document, you can find tipping recommendations. Thanks for bringing this up, we’ll make sure it's clearer next time.

We truly appreciate you sharing those details of your trip with us; it helps us improve.

We also want to thank you for your recommendation of KimKim, and We're grateful for the trust you placed in us to help create a special adventure. We can’t wait to help you plan your next journey, whether it’s the Inca Trail in Peru or the Lost City in Colombia!

Thanks again for your feedback.

Best regards,
Majo & Tamer

Ecuador in January
Ecuador | Jan 14 - Jan 29, 2025

Christine
Christine S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025
Our visit to Ecuador exceeded our expectations. Alvaro was detailed in his planning and offered options when booking accommodations and activities. Overall, his recommendations were excellent like the Lodge in the Yasuni National Park. I would go back there to visit again. Adres and Mariano, our guides there were very knowledgeable about the Amazonian animals and plants which made the trip exciting and rich.
We would highly recommend visiting Hacienda Zuletta, a beautiful hotel in the...
Read more

Our visit to Ecuador exceeded our expectations. Alvaro was detailed in his planning and offered options when booking accommodations and activities. Overall, his recommendations were excellent like the Lodge in the Yasuni National Park. I would go back there to visit again. Adres and Mariano, our guides there were very knowledgeable about the Amazonian animals and plants which made the trip exciting and rich.
We would highly recommend visiting Hacienda Zuletta, a beautiful hotel in the Andes. It is set in the mountains with hiking, biking and horseback riding. Also, they make cheese on site which is served with every meal - quite delicious!
The Galapagos surprisingly, while beautiful, were a bit touristy for our taste. However, we enjoyed the Finch Bay Hotel - a luxury hotel on a snorkeling beach.
Alvaro met us at the end of the trip in Quito for a debrief. He is extremely professional and knows the country quite well. I'd recommend him strongly.

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 14, 2025
Hello Chris and Family! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy to confirm that your trip to Ecuador exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed the incredible diversity of the country—from the depths of the Amazon to the highlands of the Andes and the unique Galapagos Islands. It was a pleasure helping you in crafting this journey, and I truly appreciate your feedback on the lodges, guides, and experiences. I’m especially glad you had a memorable time at Hacienda... Read more

Hello Chris and Family!

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy to confirm that your trip to Ecuador exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed the incredible diversity of the country—from the depths of the Amazon to the highlands of the Andes and the unique Galapagos Islands.

It was a pleasure helping you in crafting this journey, and I truly appreciate your feedback on the lodges, guides, and experiences. I’m especially glad you had a memorable time at Hacienda Zuleta and Yasuni!

Your insights are invaluable, and I’ll keep them in mind for future travelers who prefer a less touristy experience in the Galapagos.

If you ever decide to return, I'd love to help plan another adventure tailored to your preferences.
Wishing you many more incredible travels ahead! Next time... Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve!

Best regards,
Alvaro

Milton was a superior guide, he made the trip...
Ecuador | Jan 9 - Jan 23, 2025

Randall
Randall B.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025
Milton was a superior guide, he made the trip very special (mainland).
Liz our contact on the Galapagos was also great.
Read more

Milton was a superior guide, he made the trip very special (mainland).
Liz our contact on the Galapagos was also great.

Hotel Review
Piripe Lodge
Pacto

Would be nice if the room had a safe, however felt very comfortable there. Enjoyed an amazing dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very remote and quiet
Staff
Very accommodating and showed pride in their jobs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 29, 2025

Dear Randy and Pam,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that Milton and Liz helped make your trip so special. It was a pleasure assisting you with your adventure, and I'm so happy you had a wonderful experience.

Wishing you all the best in your future journeys!

Take care,
Paola

The Trips were well organized. I just don’t k...
Ecuador | Jan 14 - Jan 18, 2025

D
Doris P.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 19, 2025
The Trips were well organized. I just don’t know why all the entrance fees were not inclusive. The Tour Guide Alex has a great Knowledge
and has Done a good Job.
The Radisson Hotel is in a very loud area.
Read more

The Trips were well organized. I just don’t know why all the entrance fees were not inclusive. The Tour Guide Alex has a great Knowledge
and has Done a good Job.
The Radisson Hotel is in a very loud area.

Hotel Review
Hotel Casa Sakiwa
Machachi

I have made a Review on Trip Advisor

Location
Activity Review
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Ecuador
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 25, 2025

Hello Doris,

Thank you for your valuable review ! I am glad you enjoyed your Andes adventure.

Regarding entrance fees, some sites require payments in cash and are not eligible for inclusion in your activities, nevertheless, I am very happy that you enjoyed all the trips we organized for you.

Looking forward to welcoming you again on another great adventure, next time: Peru!

Hugs from your local friend,
Alvaro

10/10 experience with KimKim
Ecuador | Dec 13 - Dec 20, 2024

K
Kristin C.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2025
Our custom private trip through Ecuador designed by KimKim exceeded all expectations. Maria Jose was our local specialist and she was very easy to work with throughout the whole planning process. It took 5 drafts to get the trip to look exactly how we wanted which was a very fast process only taking about 2 days. Maria was happy to make any and all adjustments to the trip until it was exactly how we wanted it. She booked all parts of our trip for us: hotels, excursions, private guides, and... Read more

Our custom private trip through Ecuador designed by KimKim exceeded all expectations. Maria Jose was our local specialist and she was very easy to work with throughout the whole planning process. It took 5 drafts to get the trip to look exactly how we wanted which was a very fast process only taking about 2 days. Maria was happy to make any and all adjustments to the trip until it was exactly how we wanted it. She booked all parts of our trip for us: hotels, excursions, private guides, and private transportation for the entire trip. All of the excursions and activities were amazing and so much fun!
There were multiple points on our trip where plans had to change due to unforeseen circumstances and Maria was quick to get everything handled. She checked in on us daily and even stopped by our hotel the first day to drop off some goodies and welcome us to her country! She was so kind and attentive throughout it all and we are so grateful for her!

Our first guide, David, took us birding in the cloud forest of Mindo. His excitement for birds was infectious and his love for his country was obvious. He was such a wonderful guide and we thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Our second guide, Sebastian, was so easy to get along with. Laid back and kind, he took us from Quito to Cotopaxi to Mindo. For 2.5 days, he guided us on little hikes and adventures and he felt more like a friend than a paid guide. We changed plans multiple times and he always was amenable to whatever we wanted. His knowledge about his country was impressive. We had so much fun with Sebastian.
Our final guide was Eva who guided us through the Amazon jungle for 4 days. So kind, so knowledgeable, and so fearless when it came to handling the Amazonian creepy crawlers. We did so many adventures together and it always felt like she was just our really cool friend who was doing everything with us.
All three guides were top notch and had multiple similarities: so laid back, kind, knowledgeable, and were clearly proud to be Ecuadorian.

Our trip was a 10/10 from start to finish and we would absolutely do it all over again!

Working with KimKim took all the hassle and stress out of planning and navigating our trip, well worth the money spent!

Thanks Maria and KimKim!

Local specialist: Tamer Obeid.
Tamer
Tamer Obeid.
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 10, 2025
Dear Kristin, How exciting to read your comment! We are so happy to know that your trip was such a wonderful experience for you. For María José, it was an honor to help plan it, and we are deeply grateful for your kind words. Knowing that we exceeded your expectations and that everything went so well fills us with satisfaction. Without a doubt, the best reward we can receive is that you enjoyed every moment to the fullest. We are especially glad that you felt the dedication and care from... Read more

Dear Kristin,

How exciting to read your comment! We are so happy to know that your trip was such a wonderful experience for you. For María José, it was an honor to help plan it, and we are deeply grateful for your kind words. Knowing that we exceeded your expectations and that everything went so well fills us with satisfaction. Without a doubt, the best reward we can receive is that you enjoyed every moment to the fullest.

We are especially glad that you felt the dedication and care from our guides. They are the heart of every experience on the trip, and we love knowing that, along your journey, each one made such a positive difference. I will pass your kind words on to each of them because I know they will be very proud to have been part of your adventure.

Thank you for trusting us to organize this special trip and for giving us the opportunity to make your experience unforgettable. If you ever plan to explore again, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. It will be a pleasure to accompany you on your future adventures.

Once again, thank you for your trust and beautiful words.

With much affection,
Majo & Tamer

Family Trip to Quito and the Amazon
Ecuador | Dec 22 - Dec 28, 2024

N
Nihar S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024
A fantastic tour put together by Mathias! Every detail was thought out carefully and planned for our group of 4 adults and 5 children aged between 4-9. All we did was show up and the airport, and everything else was handled for the rest of the trip until we got back to the airport. Mathias was very responsive through the planning phase and always answered my multiple questions with consideration of my family and the needs of the kids and what we would all enjoy. All allergies and dietary... Read more

A fantastic tour put together by Mathias! Every detail was thought out carefully and planned for our group of 4 adults and 5 children aged between 4-9. All we did was show up and the airport, and everything else was handled for the rest of the trip until we got back to the airport. Mathias was very responsive through the planning phase and always answered my multiple questions with consideration of my family and the needs of the kids and what we would all enjoy. All allergies and dietary restrictions were conveyed to everyone involved and all restaurants we ate at, so we never had to worry. When anything unexpected came up, our guide Mishell was quick to make changes on the fly and make sure everything was handled. She would always help watch out for our family and kids and watched their reactions at certain points ... She would then make suggestions on making any changes to future plans based on what she thought they would like. We had a great time in Quito and Otavalo seeing all the sights, the old town, the market, crater lake, the teleferiqo cable car, and so much more. Our time in the rainforest at was very different than other trips we have taken, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting the Amazon and learning about the culture and people that call it home, including a boat ride down the river looking out for animals, and hiking through the forest. To end it all, we stopped (as planned by Mathias) for a few hours at the Papallacta hot springs to recover and relax after all the days of activities and excursions. Overall, the planning and execution by Mathias and the Authentic Ecuador team, as well as constant communication thought the trip between Mathias and Mishell, and with us... Was unmatched and unbeatable. Would highly recommend to anyone considering this tour or this company! Ask for Mathias, and you will not regret it and will have the time of your life in beautiful Ecuador! We are already thinking about a return trip in a couple years to the Galapagos!

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Local specialist: Mathias Onisseit
Mathias
Mathias Onisseit
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 12, 2025

Dear Nihar,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that your trip was everything you expected and more and that everyone, especially the kids, had a great time!
It was a real pleasure planning this trip with you; I hope that, at some point, your family can return to Ecuador and discover the other gems that the country has to offer (e.g., Galapagos and venture deeper into the Amazon rainforest).

I wish you all the best and many more unforgettable trips with your family in the future!

Always safe travels,
Mathias

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