Kimkim Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The river view and getting to sleep with the sound of the water right outside our hotel room was a wonderful surprise.

This was our favorite stay of the trip. The cultural experience and community outreach this hotel does are wonderful. My Dad and I bought so many gifts here from the shop & wish we could have gone to the local market! We just stayed on the wrong day.

I would note, especially for American travelers, that this hotel has no air conditioning and no screens in the windows so getting airflow without getting bugs in the room was difficult.

The airport hotel was extremely convenient. The shuttle was efficient and got us to the airport quickly. Guayaquil airport was small and easy to navigate & security lines were quick.

Unfortunately, due to weather & road closures, we didn’t get to do Cajas but that was in no way our guide or KimKim’s fault. We loved the mango & chocolate hacienda. I would note that it isn’t mango season so we just did the chocolate experience which was wonderful. The family that ran it was so great. Jamil & Estefano were very knowledgeable and we loved making our own cacao drink & chocolate bars.

We loved Cuenca. It is such a beautiful town and we see why a bunch of expats have moved here! The tour was great and we got to see a lot in our day here. This is also where we did our cooking class instead of having it in Quito like the itinerary stated. It was a private cooking class at a very fancy hotel with a beautiful view of the blue domes! We could tell Chris had a good relationship with many of the vendors at the market & wish we had more time to sample things here but we didn’t want to eat anything right before our cooking class!

We loved Ingapirca and are very glad we got to go. It is a beautiful ruin!

The night before we got to wander around Baños and had a delicious dinner at the Italian restaurant in town. We started the day with a tour of waterfalls around the Baños area and then continued onto Guamote. Our only wish is that we could have gone to the market in Guamote but we were ther a day early!

We broke up our waterfall tour & our Amazon tour to the local community. This day we visited the local indigenous community & got to go on a waterfall hike. Michaela was our face painter as well as our waterfall hiking guide and she was great. The lunch they made for us was delicious and we even had their pet monkey make an appearance! We then got to go to Yanacocha which is an animal sanctuary for animals rescued from the black market or who were orphaned and aren’t able to be released back into the wild. It was great to see them all treated so well!

This was a beautiful stop & we are very happy we got to see it!

We got to see a ton for only being in the city one day.

Our flights got in too late to do anything in the city this day. Our driver picked me up because my flight got in 5 hrs before my Dad’s and then he went back for my Dad which was greatly appreciated and gave me time to settle into the hotel & grab dinner instead of sitting at the airport for 5 hrs.

Exhilarating trip to Rainbow Mountain. Highly recommend taking the optional motorcycle trip up the mountain

Amazing trip and our guide was fantastic

Puerto vida meal is comparatively small and not a lot going on so this is probably one of the premier hotels there it was clean comfortable the staff was accommodating

Hotels right in the center of keto and the Old Town so it's very convenient that way it's an old building much like Old Town you would expect the only downside that I had was there's a lot to gate to get out in caseville fire could have been problematic

The owner of the hotel was super accommodating worried about us making all of the connections and whatnot call people just super helpful

The service is great the hotel is a lovely location and the owners are super friendly they go out of their way to make you feel comfortable

I guess it's a hotel The cottages are really very nice when we were there was not a high concentration of people so it was very quiet also something I really appreciate they're very authentic they're in the rainforest but easy enough to walk to the pads are well done the food is great the service was very good and it was just a fun place to be

I'd pretty much give it up snorkeling by the time we got here my partner was much into it but I did talk to a nice young German guy who had eardrum problems and couldn't snorkel so that part was really worthwhile. You get a whole different perspective no

I would have to characterize this is a low quality adventure essentially a paddle around the narrow Bay or a small Bay there are things to be seen lots of turtles some penguins but all in all you're out in the hot sun and open Kayak it wasn't my favorite

A great Beach although some of the locals did refer to it as torture Beach the water was very nice at the equator hot hot hot sun very little shade on the trail but still very nice trail as a person who passed us commented Camino del Diablo

Probably could have avoided this activity a Long Walk 3% up to the top end when you get there there's civista but not much in the Vista but it is hot

Lots of huge tortoises the one right at the entrance at likes the bananas that are hanging up will follow you around if you're wearing bright yellow shoes he's pretty sure that those are bananas so that was a good time lots of tortoises they're just doing tortoise like things

A strangely compelling place it's very out of the ordinary not what I expected at all and I really enjoyed it

A lot of sea lions everywhere but they had decent restaurants and certainly an experience of different types of people's and whatever bingo game on a Friday night sea lion in the middle of the plaza experience

Water clarity was not particularly good the day we were there so it was kind of disappointing I'm not a huge fan of snorkeling but you didn't really get to see very much because of the water clarity issues

So much more at the equator than you could ever even consider second time I've been there and they have added the actual equator center not just the monument that was apparently a bit off .

Another two and a half hour boat ride back up the river it had rain so there was quite a bit of log and debris floating in the river luckily the captain of the boat was able to avoid at all

Given the altitude changes in keto and the steepness of the hills we were somewhat concerned about the bike trip it turned out to be kind of a highlight actually we went to the serpent house in the park and an open air fruit market that was truly great the guides were both very good and it turns out they had the pretty flat route

Two and a half hours up the river a clay Bank to unload on and a muddy trail to get to the lodge it was an adventure the little electric carts that they use have no suspension but it was all just really worthwhile

I enjoyed the women's Center and the experience that we had there the way that the fires were built the cooking the food bits it was all very interesting the night walk was dark and wet the day we were there but that's kind of what the rainforest is about

The clay elixir something everybody should probably experience at least once the parrots are truly showing their their own behaviors

This hotel is fine. It's clean and newish, and is what I would expect from a hotel by the airport. It served its purpose well (a place to stay before catching a flight). They also had an airport shuttle, which was appreciated.

We stayed here one night and it was not enough. Everything about this place was wonderful! Our room was cozy and well-appointed. There were fires being tended in every room, the staff was incredibly friendly and the food was delicious. I went on one of the self-guided walks and it took my breath away (I don't mean the altitude). The paths are easy to follow and the views are stunning. I absolutely loved everything about Hacienda El Porvenir.

The grounds are beautiful, and the pool was great. Our room was comfortable - it was not modern, but we weren't expecting that. But, the hotel was a 5-minute drive from downtown Banos on a busy road - next time, I would prefer lodging downtown because it's a walkable place. The restaurant was not great. The food was okay, at best. Also, the entire restaurant staff was wearing clear plastic masks - I appreciate the effort to by hygienic, but those clear masks get wet from breath/spit and it's unattractive to look at. Also, since they only cover the mouth they aren't actually preventing the spread of germs.

Stunning hotel, very modern and clean. The restaurant has views of the city, and the breakfast spread was fantastic!

This was very fun, but it may have been a bit much for us after a very long day of sightseeing (I was with my 2 kids, ages 16, 13). But the food and conversation was nice. I could have used a glass of wine with dinner but was told I couldn't have one - otherwise, all good!

This was amazing! They let us gallop, and lent us ponchos and chaps, which greatly improved the experience. Our photos from this activity are amazing - kids and I on horses w/ a view of Cotopaxi in the background.

The hike on the volcano was amazing. We did not make it all the way to the Refuge b/c it was a very cold and windy day and we were suffering the altitude, but it was SO BEAUTIFUL! I want to go back already. Not to miss.

This was very fun, for me and my two teens (16, 13). There wasn't a lot of detail provided going into it, but we felt safe and ready for what was to come. The final descent was INCREDIBLE. Highly recommend.

Fantastic! This place was great. As advertised. My two teens also loved it.

Jose took us around the city and it was nonstop fun the whole day. I appreciated Jose's vast knowledge - from the town's history to which vendors we should buy from. He brought his brother to drive the car so that we didn't waste any time looking for parking.

The biking was great insofar as I was sick of being in a car, but we were on the rode with the cars on a busy highway so it was a bit uncomfortable at times. My kids (16, 13) didn't love this.

Great way to experience the Galapagos in more personalized way. There was a total of 14 passengers on our boat. The rooms were small but you don't spend much time there anyway. The common area where you dine and gather was comfortable. David, the bar tender and waiter was amazing. He did everything he could to make sure you had everything you wanted. The excursions and snorkeling allowed everyone to see all the amazing wildlife.

A beautiful destination in the Amazon Rain Forest. Food was excellent. Gregorio our tour guide went out of his way to be sure we saw as much of the wildlife and beauty he could find. Accommodations were exceptional

Located in the center of Quito, this hotel provides everything a traveler could need. Staff is friendly, excellent drinks at the bar and spacious, clean rooms.

Long day driving around. Cuicocha Lake was underwhelming but it was a nice place to get out and stretch. Enjoyed stops along the way for native treats. Could have spent more time at the market. Lunch at old estate was a nice surprise

Chocolate tasting, tour of old town

Crane views, Piranha fishing, indigenous village

Hiking and tower views

Beautiful accommodations in the heart of the Rain Forest. We watched squirrel monkeys jump from tree to tree right from the back deck of our room

No issues

Could have stayed closer to the airport for this brief overnight stay

This was our favorite hotel on our trip. We could see the sunsets from the hotel. Everything was clean and well run. It was very close to the the waterfront and we could walk to the piers for trips and easily walk to the shops and restaurants.

This was a great comfortable hotel in Mindo. The food was wonderful. The view from the dining area allowed for watching birds and even bats at night. There was easy access into town to shop and eat. It was a delight to stay there.

This was the best day for birdwatching to see the Condors. the Carunculated Caracaras, Andean gulls, and a variety of the other birds. The variety of higher altitude hummingbirds was impressive. Also enjoyed seeing the fox and deer.

Very relaxing don't forget your swimsuit

The drive through the country was breathtaking

Very nice hotel. Fabulous breakfast !

Very muddy trails plus I was not feeling well

Kayaking was not fantastic, kind of lame equipment but understandable. Not worth the effort. Should encourage the rim hike.

David went out of his way to make sure we saw Cotopaxi volcanoes it all her glory

Lunch stop was the best

An amazing place to stay.

Boat and nature guide was amazing. Honestly, the food was really not that spectacular, ok but not amazing.

Just wow. Would go back

The hotel was clean, although a bit dated. A/c was nice. pool was very pleasant. The receptionist, Diego, was wonderful! He was personable and spoke very good English and was very fun to talk to. The central area was nice to relax in.

this hotel was very nice, close but not too close to the city (nice walk), near to some restaurants. staff was friendly and helpful although English was marginal. Pool was nice. a/c was great in the room and breakfast room, but the rest of the building was rather warm .

very clean, comfortable, spacious hotel. amenities were good. dining options were a little pricey but food was excellent.

wonderful beautiful and spacious hotel. The little garden was worth the walk. Dinner was amazing. The hotel was a bit remote and far away from ANYTHING>

Room was nice, but a bit warm. It was very quiet. It was a difficult time hauling heavy bags up/down three flights of stairs. Breakfast staff and receptionist were wonderful. Very helpful.

no activities as we got in to the city late.

guide was on time to drive us to the airport.

the pickup at the boat was very confusing as the guides did not speak much English and were not very attentive. a list of available restaurants and a local map would be very helpful.

probably the best experience of the trip! the guides were great, they all were very very helpful and attentive. the food was excellent (cooked on the boat between snorkeling), snorkeleing was great and the guide even took photos and videos he shared with us. he was very patient and even helped with a new facemask that I had purchased for the trip.

This was an excellent tour. the guide was very knowledgeable, took questions, spoke good English yet spoke to the Ecuadorians as well. the animals were very happy letting us observe them. the guide seemed to know exactly where to find the different species that made the trip worthwhile.

I ended up NOT doing this activity as the altitude sickness prevented me safely enjoying the views.

the animals were very very interesting to observe in their habitat. the guide was very knowledgeable but not really interested in interacting as people. She did eventually open up a little bit. The drivers did not speak English and the whole pick up from the airport was rather confusing and a little stressful. One of the airport personnel had retrieved my bag (unbeknownst to me) and put it aside. After all the luggage was retrieved I happened to see my bag in the corner and had to ask about it. The man did not speak English. I had to take the bag and look for my guides in a sea of people. The tree planting was quick and the "gardener" did not speak any English. basically he had dug the small hole, handed me the plant (I am not sure what is was??) and motioned me to put it in the hole. We ate at the newly refurbished dining hall overlooking the Tortoise area. The meal was excellent and the staff was courteous.

it was very very hot on Tortuga bay! even with sunscreen, it was scorching. swimming and snorkelling was very relaxing. There was very little interaction between the guide and myself. He was rather standoff-ish. the walk was nice and the fish were great! I would have liked to paddle the kayak but the guide insisted that he was going to paddle while I just sat and relaxed. Turtles and sharks were very cool to observe in their natural habitat. Guide recommended to take the speed boat back to save time and allow the afternoon to relax. Felt like he was in a hurry to return.

We only could see the volcanoe peaking from beyond many clouds. altitude sickness was a problem. walking around the small lake was nice. Fransisco's knowledge helped a lot.

the weather was POURING on this day but the birds were so very very cool! We saw lots of birds, even a Toucan. the hummingbirds were magnificient.

Both Paulo (the route) and Freddy (the commentary and history) were wonderful. Very nice and paid attention to safety.

Phenomenal !!!! The experience was great and the food was tremendous. Loved the chef as well.

A fine little hotel in an excellent location near to the main street, within easy reach of shops and restaurants. Friendly, informal service and spacious, clean rooms

A wonderful Spanish colonial hotel in the central part of Cuenca, a charming city. Food, decor, location and service are all excellent.

A great hostel in Guamote, a place that is well worth a visit for its market. Basic rooms, good food and friendly service, interesting decor, activities for travelers. Recommended, especially for independent travelers.

Quirky, over-the-top colonial style decor. Fascinating place and well worth an overnight stay. Good food and friendly staff

A wonderful Spanish colonial hotel in the heart of Quito, with excellent food, rooms and service. Recommended.

Cuenca is a wonderful city with a Spanish colonial heart, great bars and restaurants as well. Lots to enjoy, but the Negroni rooftop bar with spectacular views of the old cathedral is a highlight.

We visited the shawl weaving workshop at Gualaceo (about 40 mins drive from Cuenca), where they make traditional shawls (macanas), with ikat designs and macrame fringes. You can see the whole process, and the visit is fascinating. Recommended. We also visited a weaver (Mama Rosa) in Saraguro district. She is about 3 hours drive from Cuenca, and absolutely charming and welcoming. If you are interested in weaving you should also definitely visit her for demonstrations of natural dyeing and weaving on a backstrap loom. Your guide should contact her and her family in advance to arrange.

A spectacular, high-altitude park, underneath the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi. If the weather is on your side, take the walk around the lake (1-1.5 hours)

The old town is beautiful and full of historic churches. A must-see for visitors to Ecuador

Spanish only commentary during trip. Having Chris along would have been helpful

Hike was good. No bathroom at the lagoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quite the view from the walk! Stairs all the way to top and they were well maintained. By shore, say penguins and blue-footed boobies. Had several hawks sitting on railing, as well as then flying above us. Snorkeled, saw wonderful fishes. Bonus - had a sea lion swim among us - having fun.

Enjoyed both the hike and the kayaking. Fun to see the marine iguanas and walk. Saw many sea turtles as well as a white tipped shark while kayaking. Swiming was refreshing also.

Loved seeing tortoises everywhere, as well as ability to walk amongst them. Enjoyed walking in the huge cave.

Beautiful views! Loved the stories shared by guides.

Loved feeding the hummingbirds by hand!

Very good hotel