Born and raised in the vibrant country of Ecuador, I am the ideal person to craft a unique and unforgettable trip within my homeland. My passion for travel and exploring new and exciting places knows no bounds. From the enchanting landscapes to the captivating culture, I wholeheartedly believe that Ecuador, Galapagos, Colombia, and Peru are exceptional destinations that offer a treasure trove of experiences.
Ecuador, despite its modest size, boasts an incredible diversity of sights and sounds. From the majestic Andes mountains and lush rainforests to the pristine beaches along the Pacific coast, our country is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer an extraordinary opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
As your travel planner, my mission is to ensure that every single traveler has an extraordinary time exploring our beautiful countries. I will meticulously design an itinerary that aligns with your interests, taking you off the beaten path to hidden gems and ensuring you soak in the essence of each place we visit. Together, we'll create memories that will last a lifetime, and you'll carry a piece of our culture and natural wonders in your heart wherever you go. So let's embark on this exciting adventure together, and I promise you an experience like no other!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
" I'm all about creating amazing experiences in the beautiful regions of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and the enchanting Galapagos Islands. What makes me unique is my knack for designing personalized adventures that go beyond the usual touristy stuff. If you're a solo adventurer, a couple seeking some romance, a group of friends, or a family looking for an unforgettable journey, I've got you covered! Let's craft a one-of-a-kind trip that will leave you with memories to cherish forever. Get ready for an exciting adventure like no other!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"Travel has been a huge part of my life from the very beginning. I've gone to simple places like the beach with my entire family and even ventured alone to far-off destinations thousands of miles away. Let me tell you, each and every place I've visited has given me so much - it's like my life and the whole world suddenly became so much bigger and richer. After years of gaining experience and learning the ropes, I'm now thrilled to be a part of an incredible travel company. But it's not just any company; we're like a tight-knit family, exploring the world together and making unforgettable memories. Life is truly one amazing journey!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Choosing just one experience is tough, but if I had to, there's one that stands out, and I believe everyone can relate to that feeling. It was my first solo trip, a moment I had eagerly planned for months, saving up every penny to make it happen. When I finally arrived at that special place, Cuenca, a charming town in the southern part of Ecuador, life felt nothing short of extraordinary.
Cuenca holds a unique place in my heart, and I always encourage anyone visiting Ecuador to include it in their itinerary. The warmth of its people, the delightful cuisine, and the enchanting ambiance at every corner make it a truly magical destination. That trip marked a turning point in my life, and the memories I made there will forever remain some of the most cherished moments in my heart."
Alvaro's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries
This tour in and around Cusco's city center highlights three Peruvian specialties: chocolate, coffee, and pisco. The tour begins at the Coffee Museum where visitors will learn all about the unique characteristics of Peruvian arabica beans and why they make such a fine cup of Joe. There will also...
It's a 3.5-hour drive from the city of Cusco to the trailhead leading up Vinicunca, known as the Rainbow Mountain. Also called the Montaña de los Siete Colors (Mountain of the Seven Colors), Vinicunca's colorful look is the result of ice melt over its surface a long time ago. The water mixed with...
Recent trip reviews for Alvaro
We thought all of our guides were great! Step...
Galapagos Islands
|
Mar 8 - Mar 15, 2025
Melissa W.
Dallas, TX
| Reviewed on Mar 16, 2025
We thought all of our guides were great! Stephano, Alexis, Justin, Azu did a great job teaching us and helping us to have fun! Jacquie was our support person and she made everything run very smoothly. If I had a question, she could confirm the plan or make sure things went as planned.
Read more
We thought all of our guides were great! Stephano, Alexis, Justin, Azu did a great job teaching us and helping us to have fun! Jacquie was our support person and she made everything run very smoothly. If I had a question, she could confirm the plan or make sure things went as planned.
Hotel Reviews
EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito
Quito
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora
Location
You have to take a little walk and free boat (provided by the hotel) to get to town, but it was all part of the experience and we loved the location!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was a bit small, but we didn’t spend much time there! The beds were very comfortable and the room was kept very clean.
Hotel Indigo Galápagos
San Cristóbal
This is a lovely hotel by the water and close to everything. We enjoyed sitting by the pool in the mornings and listening to the sea lions.
Activity Reviews
Kayaking Tortuga Bay (by boat) - Afternoon at Leisure
Puerto Ayora
Tortuga Bay was beautiful. We saw so many marine iguanas and learned about the sea turtles nesting. The waves were incredible and made the walk to Mansa beach a lovely one. We kayaked in the calmer water and saw the mangrove and many, many sea turtles. My daughter loved this!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora
We had a great time seeing all the different birds and learning how to identify them. We saw iguanas and sea lions as well. The snorkeling was fun too! We saw rays and reef sharks as well as many varieties of fish.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
There was a lot of waiting on this tour. We had a great time, but when it was all over we had to wait a long time to leave.
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Galapagos Islands
We enjoyed talking with our guide, Justin. The Interpretation Center was okay. La Lobería was beautiful and it was cool to see the sea lions. The conditions were a little rough for snorkeling, but we had a good time. There was heavy rain on the way back to our ride.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Galapagos Islands
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
This was a very cool experience. The restaurant was nice, and we were able to watch the tortoises in the rain. They had rain boots and umbrellas for us. We didn’t end up planting a tree, because my daughter got stung by fire ants in that area. My only suggestion would be to find a way to treat for fire ants.
Quality of Experience
The ants made it a little less amazing. But otherwise it was great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stephano was very knowledgeable and his English was great. We learned so much that day!
Wildlife Encountering at Lobos Island
Galapagos Islands
This was our favorite day! We saw lots of wildlife at Las Lobos Island and enjoyed snorkeling as well. Right after snorkeling we actually followed a pod of Orcas rather than going to the beach. Apparently this is super rare, so maybe don’t expect an orca sighting!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Expedition to El Junco Lagoon - Galapaguera Colorado Hill - Puerto Chino Beach
Galapagos Islands
Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin!
Galapagos Islands
Marco was so kind. He took us to the hotel and then picked us up early in the morning. The process to fly between Quito and Baltra was not self-explanatory, so it was nice to have his guidance!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Mar 17, 2025
Dear Melissa,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I'm truly happy to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful experience in the Galápagos. It’s great to know that Stephano, Alexis, Justin, and Azu did a fantastic job teaching you and making sure you all had fun along the way. I’m also glad that Jacquie was able to support you throughout the trip and make everything run smoothly!
I truly appreciate your comments related to hotels, the staff, and the service, it is so important to...
Read more
Dear Melissa,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I'm truly happy to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful experience in the Galápagos. It’s great to know that Stephano, Alexis, Justin, and Azu did a fantastic job teaching you and making sure you all had fun along the way. I’m also glad that Jacquie was able to support you throughout the trip and make everything run smoothly!
I truly appreciate your comments related to hotels, the staff, and the service, it is so important to improve and to share too, with your feedback.
We are glad you had such a great trip, and I’d be delighted to help you plan an even more personalized and exclusive experience in the future!
We wish you many more amazing adventures together!
All the best,
Alvaro and Jacquie
Not as good as my previous trip with Kim2
Galapagos Islands
|
Feb 14 - Feb 22, 2025
Soo K C.
Dallas, TX
| Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025
Hello Alavaro
First of all, many thanks for the recommendations on the itinerary to Quito/Galapagos.
I would like to share my feedback with you.
What went well
1. Good planning prior to the event with Alvaro via chat online and WhatsApp,
2. Good choices of hotel throughout my stay. The room in Isabela has defective AC and the hotel changed my room immediately,
3. Mr Julio on Isla Bella provided his contact details share some local recommendations on my free time,
Not so...
Read more
Hello Alavaro
First of all, many thanks for the recommendations on the itinerary to Quito/Galapagos.
I would like to share my feedback with you.
What went well
1. Good planning prior to the event with Alvaro via chat online and WhatsApp,
2. Good choices of hotel throughout my stay. The room in Isabela has defective AC and the hotel changed my room immediately,
3. Mr Julio on Isla Bella provided his contact details share some local recommendations on my free time,
Not so well
1. The hiking to Sierra Negra supposed to be a small group but it has more than 20pax on the hiking group,
2. A lot of the activities was marked as small group, but it seems the local guides in Galapagos tends to consolidate their trips into larger groups to share resources,
3. I paid for my own lunch on the Quito Local Street Food Adventure. The guide is helpful, but I don’t think he has the experience for a food tour. He does not have a fixed itinerary and seems to be planning “on the go”. My last foodie tour in Peru was great, where the guide has a fixed itinerary of the various food for us to try.
Even better if
1. I took a later flight to GPS and missed the tree planting activity. It would be better to remind the next traveler, so they book an earlier flight to GPS,
All in all, it was a good trip but it was not as exclusive as my previous Peru trip with KimKim.
Hotel Reviews
Good location but the room is small with no window
good location and nice room
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
I did not stay in this hotel. It was changed from my original itinerary
Activity Reviews
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Good to see Candy again
Transport
The boat was clean and spacious for a large group
Local Street Food Adventure in Quito
Quito
I paid for my own lunch on the Quito Local Street Food Adventure. The guide is helpful, but I don’t think he has the experience for a food tour. He does not have a fixed itinerary and seems to be planning “on the go”.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
I took a later flight to GPS and missed the tree planting activity. It would be better to remind the next traveler, so they book an earlier flight to GPS,
Food
good introduction to the local Galapagos food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Candy was great guide
Exploring the Underwater World: Diving Day in Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands
Seems there were some miscommunication between Kim2 and the local dive company but Alvaro and Veronica sorted it out. It would be better to provide a local contact number for me so I can sort things out locally.
Quality of Experience
Poor water visibilty and did not see much
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Dive Master should pay more attention on the dive group and make sure everyone is around him. Rather than swimming ahead and leaving everyone behind
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I assumed small group means less than 5 pax, but it was a large hiking group
Discover the Wonders of Tintoreras Islet: A Journey into Breathtaking Biodiversity
Puerto Villamil
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome Back to Quito
Galapagos Islands
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Mar 12, 2025
Hello Soo K!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I am so happy that you enjoyed the planning process, hotel selections, and local support in Isabela—especially Mr. Julio’s recommendations. It’s great to hear that the team was responsive and ensured a smooth stay.
I appreciate your insights on group sizes in Galapagos and the food tour in Quito. I’ll work with our partners to improve these aspects while keeping the personalized touch we aim for. Your note on flight timing is also very...
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Hello Soo K!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I am so happy that you enjoyed the planning process, hotel selections, and local support in Isabela—especially Mr. Julio’s recommendations. It’s great to hear that the team was responsive and ensured a smooth stay.
I appreciate your insights on group sizes in Galapagos and the food tour in Quito. I’ll work with our partners to improve these aspects while keeping the personalized touch we aim for. Your note on flight timing is also very helpful—I’ll make sure future travelers get clearer recommendations.
I’m happy to hear you had a good trip, and I’d love to welcome you again for an even more exclusive experience next time!
Best regards,
Alvaro
Ecuadorian Quito and Andes Kim Kim Adventure
Ecuador
|
Feb 17 - Feb 21, 2025
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
Authenticity & Character
Character and charm
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
Ecuador
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 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...
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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
Galapagos Land Tour
Galapagos Islands
|
Jan 18 - Jan 26, 2025
M Z.
Saint Joseph, MI
| Reviewed on Feb 13, 2025
Alvaro and Jacquie did an excellent job planning our Galapagos trip. On a video call we discussed what we wanted to see, and more importantly, they suggested a number of activities for our consideration. We added a number of these ideas. The itinerary they planned with transportation, guides and accommodations worked seamlessly. The guides were knowledgeable, personally engaging and gave an in depth understanding of the geology, plant, wildlife and human history of the islands. The were...
Read more
Alvaro and Jacquie did an excellent job planning our Galapagos trip. On a video call we discussed what we wanted to see, and more importantly, they suggested a number of activities for our consideration. We added a number of these ideas. The itinerary they planned with transportation, guides and accommodations worked seamlessly. The guides were knowledgeable, personally engaging and gave an in depth understanding of the geology, plant, wildlife and human history of the islands. The were resourceful and allowed us to revise the plan for one outing so all of us could more comfortably complete the hike. Highlights were the giant turtles of Santa Cruz, penguins, Sierra Negro volcano hike, and Kicker Rock snorkeling. Jacquie kept in touch during the trip to ensure all was going well.
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Feb 13, 2025
Dear Marc,
We can’t thank you enough for your wonderful review! It means so much to us to hear that you had an incredible experience for you, Lisa, and Lauren, in the Galápagos and that our team could contribute to making it even more special.
We are thrilled that the itinerary, guides, and activities all came together seamlessly and that you enjoyed the incredible wildlife, the Sierra Negra hike, and snorkeling at Kicker Rock. Your kind words truly inspire us!
We would love to help you...
Read more
Dear Marc,
We can’t thank you enough for your wonderful review! It means so much to us to hear that you had an incredible experience for you, Lisa, and Lauren, in the Galápagos and that our team could contribute to making it even more special.
We are thrilled that the itinerary, guides, and activities all came together seamlessly and that you enjoyed the incredible wildlife, the Sierra Negra hike, and snorkeling at Kicker Rock. Your kind words truly inspire us!
We would love to help you plan another unforgettable journey.
We would be honored to be part of your next adventure wherever you travel.
Best,
Alvaro, Jacquie, and the Responsible Travel Team
Ecuador in January
Ecuador
|
Jan 14 - Jan 29, 2025
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 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
KimKim did an incredible job planning our tri...
Galapagos Islands
|
Jan 24 - Jan 30, 2025
Carey A.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Feb 11, 2025
KimKim did an incredible job planning our trip. Their communication was excellent. When we wanted to change something at the last minute, they got it done. Fast! I will absolutely use their services again and will tell others to use them too. Shout out to Jacquie and Alvaro! Thank you both so much for showing us the best parts of the Galapagos!! ❤️
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Feb 12, 2025
Dear Carey,
We are beyond grateful for your amazing review.
We are really happy that you had an incredible trip and that our team played a part in making it even more special.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and would love to help you plan another unforgettable adventure, wherever your travels take you next, maybe the Amazon?
Alvaro, Jacquie and the Responsible Travel Team
Fantastic
Galapagos Islands
|
Jan 23 - Feb 2, 2025
Jarka G.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Feb 09, 2025
Our Galapagos Islands trip was an absolute dream come true! From the moment we first talked with Alvaro and later Jacquie from Kimkim Travel/Responsible Travel, we knew this was going to be a truly special experience. They handled everything with utmost professionalism, even when we had delay upon our arrival in Quito.
Our guides were nothing short of fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly passionate about the islands. It was challenging to single them out, as each one was...
Read more
Our Galapagos Islands trip was an absolute dream come true! From the moment we first talked with Alvaro and later Jacquie from Kimkim Travel/Responsible Travel, we knew this was going to be a truly special experience. They handled everything with utmost professionalism, even when we had delay upon our arrival in Quito.
Our guides were nothing short of fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly passionate about the islands. It was challenging to single them out, as each one was exceptional in their own way. They took us to breathtaking locations on land, in the water, and introduced us to a diverse array of wildlife and marine life ecosystems. Their stories were simply incredible and left us in awe.
The accommodations were cozy, clean, and the staff was incredibly welcoming, especially at Ilatoa Lodge, Ninfa Lodge, and Loja Hostel.
I am so grateful for this unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a visit to the Galapagos Islands, I highly recommend Kimkim and their incredible team.
Thank you so much, Jacquie and Alvaro!
Hotel Reviews
Absolutely gorgeous!
Staff extremely helpful!
Exceptional staff. Accommodations perfect. Close to everything!
Hotel Loja Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
Casa de Nelly
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Activity Reviews
Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure
Isla San Cristóbal
I was unable to go on this trip.
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora
Loved this trip. Saw iguanas and red bellied frigates.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin!
Galapagos Islands
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands
First time I snorkeled. Incredibly supportive staff. I saw sharks, sea turtles, and a sea horse!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
We got to the highlands and spent the afternoon with the tortoises. Never got to the Charles Darwin Center.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands
Very rigorous hike. I’m 75 and opted to do the last 3 miles. I finished it but not in time for the rest of the group. They had to catch another tour, so they sent a private escort for me and my friend.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon Bay Tour in Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome Back to Quito
Galapagos Islands
Great evening in downtown Quito with Jacqui, our tour administrator. Yummy food and great company. Celebrated Jarkas birthday!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Feb 10, 2025
Dear Mary Margaret,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are so happy to hear that your Galapagos trip was such a dream come true 😊 It was a pleasure to be part of your journey and to ensure everything went smoothly despite the initial delay.
We appreciate your feedback, and, all the staff involved in this journey will be more than happy to read your review, as a result of teamwork, so thank you for everything you can let us know about this adventure.
Mary Margaret, Donna, and...
Read more
Dear Mary Margaret,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are so happy to hear that your Galapagos trip was such a dream come true 😊 It was a pleasure to be part of your journey and to ensure everything went smoothly despite the initial delay.
We appreciate your feedback, and, all the staff involved in this journey will be more than happy to read your review, as a result of teamwork, so thank you for everything you can let us know about this adventure.
Mary Margaret, Donna, and Marco, thank you so much for enjoying this trip including Quito City for a truly special evening! When you had the opportunity to taste the Ecuadorian Gastronomy at Casa Manuela, to say Cheers one more time for your birthday with an Ecuadorian Wine, it was a wonderful and special moment.
Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead, and hopefully, our paths will cross again someday.
Sunny regards from Quito 😊
Alvaro, Jacquie, and Responsible Travel Staff
The Trips were well organized. I just don’t k...
Ecuador
|
Jan 14 - Jan 18, 2025
Doris P.
United Kingdom
| Reviewed on Jan 18, 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.
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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
Activity Review
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Ecuador
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Jan 24, 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
Galapagos is truly AMAZING!!
Galapagos Islands
|
Dec 29 - Jan 8, 2025
Susan C.
Hartford, CT
| Reviewed on Jan 15, 2025
We had a fabulous trip to the Galapagos Islands! Everything went smoothly (including transfers thanks to Alejandro) and it was an incredible adventure. We loved the Palma Polo Club where we stayed for two nights upon arrival in Ecuador and one the night before going back to the US. It was relaxing, the rooms were huge and lovely, the bed was the biggest I have ever slept in. My husband said the gym was the best he ever experienced in a hotel (it was open air and overlooked the heated pool)...
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We had a fabulous trip to the Galapagos Islands! Everything went smoothly (including transfers thanks to Alejandro) and it was an incredible adventure. We loved the Palma Polo Club where we stayed for two nights upon arrival in Ecuador and one the night before going back to the US. It was relaxing, the rooms were huge and lovely, the bed was the biggest I have ever slept in. My husband said the gym was the best he ever experienced in a hotel (it was open air and overlooked the heated pool) and they even managed to arrange a massage therapist to come to the hotel and treat us to in-room AMAZING massages. The restaurant was also very nice with delicious food.
Upon arrival in Baltra on December 30th we were greeted by our guide for the 8 day cruise, Andres. He was fantastic...passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated. He was so full of interesting information about every place we visited on the cruise I wish I could remember it all. The cruise on the Natural Paradise was awesome. All the other passengers on the tour were wonderful and we became fast friends while experiencing the trip of a lifetime. There were several excursions a day, and I loved the level of activity. We snorkeled, hiked and toured interesting and spectacularly beautiful places. The natural world is thriving in the Galapagos and this was such an inspiration. The wildlife is abundant and appears to be doing really well....they certainly manage the tourism to these islands which helps ensure a healthy ecosystem for the many animals that live there.
The entire crew of the Natural Paradise was skilled, kind and helpful. Their attention to detail including food preparation and presentation, safety concerns, condition of the boat and equipment was top notch. Shoutout to Jorge, Camilo,, Maria, Jose and all the crew . I had prepared for motion sickness (bring your Bonine just in case!) so I never had any issues. I enjoyed a cappuccino each morning as I watched the sunrise from the sundeck. One morning I was treated to a Bryde's whale sighting which was amazing. Our room was huge, the bed was comfortable, even the bathroom was large! Maria was magical...so efficient and fast...we never once saw her go into the room but it was always spotless. Using the hot tub after snorkel trips was so lovely and the afternoon we saw the big pod of dolphins before sunset was unforgettable. Every meal was delicious, with something for everyone. Omelettes made to order in the morning, fish dishes for lunch and dinner in addition to meat options, and lots of fresh fruit, veggies and salads.
We truly had an amazing journey to the Galapagos and wish we could have explored Ecuador for longer. So many more places to visit, including the Cloud Forest, the Amazon and the Andes. I hope we are able to return to this amazing and interesting country again soon. A country with beautiful sights, lovely people, fabulous food and spectacular wildlife and nature! Thanks to everyone who made this journey so special, including Alvaro who planned it for us!
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Jan 15, 2025
Hello my dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with us! I am so happy to hear that your time in the Galapagos Islands was everything you hoped for and more. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed your stay at Palma Polo Club, the Natural Paradise cruise, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters.
We’re especially happy to hear that Andres and the crew made your journey memorable with their passion and dedication.
Ecuador’s beauty and the Galapagos’ unique...
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Hello my dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with us! I am so happy to hear that your time in the Galapagos Islands was everything you hoped for and more. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed your stay at Palma Polo Club, the Natural Paradise cruise, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters.
We’re especially happy to hear that Andres and the crew made your journey memorable with their passion and dedication.
Ecuador’s beauty and the Galapagos’ unique landscapes are truly one-of-a-kind, and we’re so grateful to have been part of your journey. We look forward to helping you explore even more of Ecuador in the future.
Yours truly,
Alvaro
Mixed feelings about this trip
Galapagos Islands
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Dec 30 - Jan 4, 2025
HUGO H.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Jan 08, 2025
The sites chosen were very good, though we chose not to go to the last one because we preferred to take it easy and go to a local beach. Hotels also were very good. The boat to Isabella was a bit rough, but I understand this cannot be avoided unless you use a slower service.
While Alvaro was good in the initial stages in scheduling and designing our plan, he was quite absent and not very responsive while we were in the tour. Here is a list of issues:
1. The person handling our baggage sent...
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The sites chosen were very good, though we chose not to go to the last one because we preferred to take it easy and go to a local beach. Hotels also were very good. The boat to Isabella was a bit rough, but I understand this cannot be avoided unless you use a slower service.
While Alvaro was good in the initial stages in scheduling and designing our plan, he was quite absent and not very responsive while we were in the tour. Here is a list of issues:
1. The person handling our baggage sent it to the wrong hotel. I contacted Alvaro and he took long time to respond.
2. On the way to Isabella, I asked Alvaro several questions including suggestions for dinner at Isabella. He saw my message around noon but responded at 11pm, when it was obviously too late to follow any suggestions.
3. Initially when designing the tour, I told Alvaro that one of us -myself- would like to do scuba one day. When I asked later in the tour, he never responded to that. Also when we decided to cancel our last tour, we asked one of the local people that came to pick is up the previous day whether it was possible to get a refund or schedule an alternative. He told us that he had contacted Alvaro and that he would let us know. He never responded to this request.
Overall, we felt that after paying for this trip, we were left pretty much on our own, except for the pickups and dropoffs. We got very little value added from the local team, and in fact we were never greeted nor explained in detail what would happen in during our stay. Alvaro might have been the local specialist, but he doesn't reside in Galapagos so he wasn't there.
Hotel Reviews
La Casita de la Playa
Puerto Villamil
Great location beachfront
La Casa de Judy Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora
Excellent rooms, so and so breakfast.
Location
Its a couple of blocks from the main road
Activity Reviews
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Amazing choice. The guide was good and gave us information, but not an expert guide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands
This was great, you should never miss it! Our guide was great at snorkeling, showed us sharks, turtles, rays. She definitely knew where to find things.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover the Wonders of Tintoreras Islet: A Journey into Breathtaking Biodiversity
Puerto Villamil
Its interesting but could be skipped. In retrospect, we would have preferred doing a bike ride on the Island or something else.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora
Very good, nice trip and the volcanic island is quite amazing!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
History and Nature: Full Day to Floreana Island
Puerto Ayora
We skipped this one. Three days in a row of traveling in boats is not advisable, distances are long 2-3 hours each way. We decided to choose stay local that day.
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador
| Replied on Jan 15, 2025
Dear Hugo,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. I’m so happy to know that you enjoyed the sites and accommodations we arranged and that you appreciated the flexibility to explore the local beach. Your observations are invaluable as they help us improve our services.
I sincerely apologize for the issues you experienced during your trip, especially regarding communication and logistics. While it’s true I don’t reside in the Galapagos (only locals are allowed to permanently reside in...
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Dear Hugo,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. I’m so happy to know that you enjoyed the sites and accommodations we arranged and that you appreciated the flexibility to explore the local beach. Your observations are invaluable as they help us improve our services.
I sincerely apologize for the issues you experienced during your trip, especially regarding communication and logistics. While it’s true I don’t reside in the Galapagos (only locals are allowed to permanently reside in the islands ) my local Galapagos team is always ready to help under any circumstance , we also strive to ensure that travelers feel supported throughout their journey, as many of our traveler’s positive reviews mention, this is very important for us.
Your feedback highlights areas where we need to improve, particularly in responsiveness and local coordination. I am already implementing changes to enhance communication during trips and ensure that travelers feel fully supported at all times.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I hope you will give us another chance in the future to deliver the seamless and attentive service you deserve.
Warm regards,
Alvaro
