Book custom-made trips to create lifelong memories

903 messages

active 15 hours ago

Fast Facts

Rating:	based on 3 reviews
Full name:	Anthony Zambrano
Destinations:	Ecuador, Galapagos Islands
Lives in:	Ecuador Quito
Experience:	3 years
Company:	LINK EXPERIENCES
Specialties:	Tailor-Made Tours Across Ecuador and Peru, Expedition Cruise Itineraries in the Galápagos & Amazon, Galápagos Island-Hopping Adventures, Amazon Rainforest Wildlife & Lodge Experiences, Andean Hiking & Trekking.

From an early age, I had the privilege of exploring every corner of Ecuador with my family—each journey a new chapter in a lifelong love story with this extraordinary land. Those first adventures lit a spark in me, revealing just how rare and remarkable it is to call such a natural paradise home.

As the years passed, my bond with Ecuador only deepened. I began to understand the soul of this country: every region is a world of its own, yet all are united by a vibrant spirit and a deep respect for nature. This isn’t just where I live—Ecuador is part of who I am. Over time, this passion for travel and cultural connection naturally expanded beyond borders. I’ve grown to love the broader region, especially Peru, whose rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm people have inspired me to specialize in crafting memorable journeys there as well. Today, I feel proud to help travelers discover the wonders of both Ecuador and Peru with authenticity and care.

Now, I invite you to experience the wonder for yourself. Let me share with you the places that shaped my heart and the moments that still take my breath away. Come discover the charm, the mystery, and the magic of a place that will stay with you long after you've left.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Tailor-Made Tours Across Ecuador and Peru, Expedition Cruise Itineraries in the Galápagos & Amazon, Galápagos Island-Hopping Adventures, Amazon Rainforest Wildlife & Lodge Experiences, Andean Hiking & Trekking."

How did you get involved in travel?

"As a trained chef, I’ve always believed that a great dish is more than just food. It’s a thoughtful combination of ingredients, each one adding something special to the whole. That same philosophy guides how I approach travel. To me, every journey should be crafted with care, full of meaningful moments, rich flavors, and unforgettable memories.

That’s what led me to start cooking up adventures for travelers. I wanted to blend my passion for hospitality, storytelling, and exploration into something that brings people joy, just like a great meal shared with friends."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I grew up in Latacunga, right near Cotopaxi. It’s a volcano we’ve always called Taita Cotopaxi—“Father Cotopaxi” in Quechua. To us, it’s more than just a mountain. It’s powerful, beautiful, and unpredictable. As a kid, I admired it from a distance, but always with a bit of fear.

In 2021, after the long pause of the pandemic, some of my family came from the U.S. to visit. They wanted to hike up to the Cotopaxi refuge. I said yes, even though I had never been that close to it before. That hike turned out to be more than just a physical challenge. For me, it was personal. Each step was like reconnecting with my roots—and facing something I’d avoided for a long time.

Reaching the refuge wasn’t just about getting to a certain altitude. It was about facing the past and rediscovering a part of myself.

That’s what travel in Ecuador and the Galápagos can do. It’s not just about beautiful views or exciting adventures. It’s about the moments that stay with you and help you grow."

Anthony is part of the following groups: Ecuador Travel Agents, Galapagos Islands Travel Agents

Anthony's favorite itineraries and travel advice

Favorite experiences

Lima Food Tour

One of the best ways to discover Peru's capital city of Lima is through its food. With an eclectic combination of indigenous, African, Asian, and European culinary influences, Lima is one of the world's most impressive gastronomic and cultural centers. This food tour begins early in Lima's...

Recent trip reviews for Anthony

One star is too much
Galapagos Islands | Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025

Becky J.

Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

The only "custom" things we asked for - diving and a pick up - that we were told were possible once we were on the island we were informed we not. So that went any see service/benefit. For the boat review:
Legend Feedback Day 1- Guide kept talking into the wind instead of to the group. No one knew what he was saying, even after informing him they could not hear. Guide miscounted people. Day 2- Lack of towels in the swimming area, expected to return after snorkeling wet. Again, no... Read more

The only "custom" things we asked for - diving and a pick up - that we were told were possible once we were on the island we were informed we not. So that went any see service/benefit.

For the boat review:
Legend Feedback

Day 1- Guide kept talking into the wind instead of to the group. No one knew what he was saying, even after informing him they could not hear. Guide miscounted people.

Day 2- Lack of towels in the swimming area, expected to return after snorkeling wet. Again, no towel provided. Guide still had not informed guests of the safest way to get on and off the Pangas- this is standard on other boats. Was told on day 2 not to drink the tap water in the room , luckily we knew that from previous boats. A little late for some.

Day 3- waiter still can’t remember food allergies. Again, standard on day 1 to go over guest allergies and confirm. None of this happened, I have to at each meal.

Day 4- partner developed a food borne travelers stomach. Atleast the doctor had meds, even if she kept trying to prescribe advil.

Day 5- clearly can’t manage time. Guide was 20 mins late for morning excursion. Afternoon they scheduled 1 hr - which ended up being much less due to island closure time - for a beach walk and snorkel. Most guests couldn’t complete the beach walk in that time. Multiple guest commented with the boat at half capacity they can’t imagine anything happening at full capacity. Crew forgot gas in the dingy, had to refill in the open water. Crew wasn’t ready to help off board, had to wait and call them. Guide again miscounted guests and almost left someone at the turtle ranch. On the beach a new guest thought I was crew because I was the only one stopping to help her. This happened a few times when I notice wildlife our guide wasn’t pointing out to the other people in our group.

Day 6 - guide miscounted again leaving the boat and left passengers because they claimed the notification was clear. We agree it’s been inconsistent the “get ready”, “and “up next” ad “leaving”. Sometimes they’ll say “up next” and never the other ones. Multiple people have missed their disembarkments.

Day 7 - people in our group requested to change guides and were approved to do so. People cleaning the room continue to not empty full garbage. after a week waiter remembered our drink order of water, guide still doesn't know the 8 people in his group.

Day 8 - hot tub temperature control breaks. Again I stopped to assist a guest struggling on the walk. No guide or crew stayed - they just left.

Overall. The boat was out dated, and the rooms couldn’t regulate temperate. There are ant traps in the room you have to avoid. They couldn’t go 1 hour without trying to sell something, to the point I got tired of being asked and started staying in my room. The wet room for snorkeling needs a fan like any other sane boat to try equipment if it's below deck. A small port window is not "airflow" - everything was musty and we took our stuff to the front to lay it out. No one on the boat had a tour so no one knew there was a front deck to sit on.

My “non luxury” Galapagos cruises had refreshments, and either warm towels after water or cold towels to clean your hands after an excursion, in addition to a substantial snack. They all also included at some level juice, wine and beer. This one had a single flavored water station and a small bite that was usually not there only on returning to the boat. It was pathetic- you had to wait in line for a single grape and glass of water freezing after snorkeling, and hope there was some left. The food was okay, if there was any left.

In general the communication leading up to the trip was lacking, and confusing. We were told one thing and then another thing on the boat.

I would never pay or recommend this boat ever again. I’m glad it was the itinerary I wanted.

Hotel Review

Boutique Expedition Legend

Legend Feedback Day 1- Guide kept talking into the wind instead of to the group. No one knew what he was saying, even after informing him they could not hear. Guide miscounted people. Day 2- Lack of towels in the swimming area, expected to return after snorkeling wet. Again, no towel provided. Guide still had not informed guests of the safest way to get on and off the Pangas- this is standard on other boats. Was told on day 2 not to drink the tap water in the room , luckily we knew that from previous boats. A little late for some. Day 3- waiter still can’t remember food allergies. Again, standard on day 1 to go over guest allergies and confirm. None of this happened, I have to at each meal. Day 4- partner developed a food borne travelers stomach. Atleast the doctor had meds, even if she kept trying to prescribe advil. Day 5- clearly can’t manage time. Guide was 20 mins late for morning excursion. Afternoon they scheduled 1 hr - which ended up being much less due to island closure time - for a beach walk and snorkel. Most guests couldn’t complete the beach walk in that time. Multiple guest commented with the boat at half capacity they can’t imagine anything happening at full capacity. Crew forgot gas in the dingy, had to refill in the open water. Crew wasn’t ready to help off board, had to wait and call them. Guide again miscounted guests and almost left someone at the turtle ranch. On the beach a new guest thought I was crew because I was the only one stopping to help her. This happened a few times when I notice wildlife our guide wasn’t pointing out to the other people in our group. Day 6 - guide miscounted again leaving the boat and left passengers because they claimed the notification was clear. We agree it’s been inconsistent the “get ready”, “and “up next” ad “leaving”. Sometimes they’ll say “up next” and never the other ones. Multiple people have missed their disembarkments. Day 7 - people in our group requested to change guides and were approved to do so. People cleaning the room continue to not empty full garbage. after a week waiter remembered our drink order of water, guide still doesn't know the 8 people in his group. Day 8 - hot tub temperature control breaks. Again I stopped to assist a guest struggling on the walk. No guide or crew stayed - they just left. Overall. The boat was out dated, and the rooms couldn’t regulate temperate. There are ant traps in the room you have to avoid. They couldn’t go 1 hour without trying to sell something, to the point I got tired of being asked and started staying in my room. The wet room for snorkeling needs a fan like any other sane boat to try equipment if it's below deck. A small port window is not "airflow" - everything was musty and we took our stuff to the front to lay it out. No one on the boat had a tour so no one knew there was a front deck to sit on. My “non luxury” Galapagos cruises had refreshments, and either warm towels after water or cold towels to clean your hands after an excursion, in addition to a substantial snack. They all also included at some level juice, wine and beer. This one had a single flavored water station and a small bite that was usually not there only on returning to the boat. It was pathetic- you had to wait in line for a single grape and glass of water freezing after snorkeling, and hope there was some left. The food was okay, if there was any left. In general the communication leading up to the trip was lacking, and confusing. We were told one thing and then another thing on the boat. I would never pay or recommend this boat ever again. I’m glad it was the itinerary I wanted.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Boat, guides, service

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano

Anthony Zambrano

Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Dec 16, 2025

Hi Becky and Evan, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m truly sorry that your trip did not meet your expectations and that your overall experience was disappointing. I regret that this journey was not what you had hoped for. That said, I genuinely appreciate your detailed comments, as they help us improve and carefully evaluate the partners we work with. I would like to gently clarify two points mentioned in your review. As reflected in our message exchange prior to... Read more

Hi Becky and Evan,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m truly sorry that your trip did not meet your expectations and that your overall experience was disappointing. I regret that this journey was not what you had hoped for.

That said, I genuinely appreciate your detailed comments, as they help us improve and carefully evaluate the partners we work with.

I would like to gently clarify two points mentioned in your review. As reflected in our message exchange prior to the trip, neither the private transfer nor advanced diving was included in the services booked with us. As discussed, we coordinated the starting point of the cruise we arranged for you at the airport following your first liveaboard, which was booked independently.

In the days leading up to the trip, I was in regular contact and sent several messages to keep you informed that, due to permit regulations, the cruise was not authorized to pick you up at an alternative location. This request was related to allowing time for laundry between cruises. Unfortunately, I did not receive a response at the time, which I assumed was because you were fully enjoying your liveaboard activities. I also shared that laundry services would be available onboard the Galapagos Legend Cruise as an alternative. I wanted to clarify this simply to note that these logistics and options were communicated in advance.

Regarding the diving options requested only one week prior to the cruise, I did explore and propose alternatives such as diving at Mosquera and Daphne. Unfortunately, these options did not align with what you were looking for, and more advanced diving was not possible to arrange due to the very short notice and the lack of prior confirmation required to secure permits and availability. I sincerely apologize if there was any misunderstanding regarding these limitations.

Your detailed feedback regarding the onboard experience has been shared in full with the cruise operator so they can review and address the concerns internally. I want to be transparent in noting that this feedback came as a surprise to our team, as we have recommended this vessel many times in the past without receiving similar concerns. Nonetheless, we truly value your comments, as they allow us to address these matters directly with our partners and ensure standards are upheld.

Once again, I’m very sorry that this trip did not turn out to be the experience you were expecting, and I sincerely appreciate your honest and thoughtful feedback.

Warm regards,
Anthony

Anthony put together a once in a lifetime exp...
Galapagos Islands | Sep 21 - Sep 30, 2025

James L.

Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2025

Anthony put together a once in a lifetime experience for me. He covered it all with carefully thought out detail and stayed diligent in communicating with great frequency. Anthony’s knowledge of the Galapagos was amazing. Both land and underwater, everything was perfect.
Arriving for an overnight stay in Guayaquil and then the next morning off Santa Cruz was simple. Jorge with Link greeted me on my arrival at the airport, escorted me to the hotel, picked me up the next morning and escorted me back to the airport. Jorge stayed with me through the many steps required to gain proper entry to the Galapagos. Upon my return to Guayaquil, Jorge was right there waiting for me. Again, back to the hotel and a pick up the next morning for my final journey back to the USA.
On my arrival to the Galapagos, I was greeted by Rubin with Link. Once through baggage check, a short bus ride and water taxi, we arrived on Santa Cruz Island. A taxi transport and we were off to the Highlands for lunch, that was followed by an incredible tour through the national park that protects the giant tortoises. Rubin, a biologist and naturalist, narrated the incredible history of how the these gentle giants arrived in the Galapagos.. His knowledge was endless, I felt like I was back in college with an inspiring professor. Back to the taxi for our trip to my hotel, but Rubin wasn’t done as he guided me up to the tortoise Darwin research foundation center where my education continued. If you have chance to ask for Rubin, don’t think thing twice, just do it.
Next was my dive experience, all set up by Anthony with Scuba Iguana. I went the morning before my first dive to be outfitted with all my dive gear. Conveniently located , a short 45 second walk from my hotel, Blu Galapagos. The staff was excellent, quickly checked me in and fitted me with all the equipment I needed for the next five days of diving.
The next morning I arrived at 7 AM for a daily briefing and met dive master Santiago Insuasti who would be my guide for 5 consecutive days of 2 dives per day.
Then a taxi to the dive boat where we met the captain and crew. Each dive had its own unique personality and variety of sea creatures that makes the Galapagos a very special place. Sticking with Santiago was a sure thing, as he was first to notice sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, schools of barracuda, octopus, eels and heavy schools of colorful small fish. Videos captured all the days treasures. Everyday underwater can be a good day. Luckily, we had an outstanding dive on Friday, Our dive at Daphne was the best I’ve had in 20 years. It started with 2 white tip sharks laying at the bottom, quickly followed by 2 playful sea lions zooming around us starring in our mask then flipping around and taking off. Then turtles and stingrays, to many to count. An octopus tucked in a rock opening and a green eel sticking his head out. The grand finale was a huge very dense school of small fish, so thick you couldn’t see through them. The kind of dive you didn’t want to end. After all our dives, Santiago patiently helped transfer numerous videos to our phones. Honestly, I’ve never had a master diver like him.
The next morning, it was time to say good bye to Santa Cruz and Galapagos. I was greeted by Gandhi with Link who escorted me via taxi back the airport and made sure all my details were correct for my return to the Ecuador mainland, Guayaquil.
Finally, Anthony with KimKim set all this in motion and it was a flawless execution, exceeding all my expectations.
Thank you Anthony with KimKim and the Link organization.
A special thank you to Santiago Insuasti with Scuba Iguana, who made my underwater experience so captivating.

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano

Anthony Zambrano

Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Oct 01, 2025

Hi Jim, Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review! Reading your words truly made my day. It means a lot to know that the journey not only met but exceeded your expectations, both on land and underwater. I’m so glad that Jorge, Rubén, and Gandhi from our Link team were there to take such good care of you every step of the way, and that Santiago and the Scuba Iguana team made your diving experience so memorable. Daphne sounded absolutely... Read more

Read all Galapagos Islands reviews

Best experience ever :) Incredible service :)
Ecuador | Aug 8 - Aug 13, 2025

Zhenya S.

Bulgaria | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

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

Georgi and Mariana
BULGARIA

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano

Anthony Zambrano

Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Aug 21, 2025

Dear Zhenya, Mariana, and Georgi! Reading your message truly made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I’m so happy to know that everything went smoothly and that you felt well taken care of throughout your trip. Your kind words about Javier mean a lot. He loves what he does, and I know he’ll be touched to hear how much you appreciated his knowledge and company. Travelers like you make his work so meaningful. Hearing this from such experienced travelers, who have... Read more

Read all Ecuador reviews

What places and activities do you specialize in?

How did you get involved in travel?

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

Anthony's favorite itineraries and travel advice

Top itineraries and travel advice

Family itineraries

Luxury itineraries

Favorite experiences

Lima Food Tour

Recent trip reviews for Anthony

One star is too much Galapagos Islands | Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025

Hotel Review

Anthony put together a once in a lifetime exp... Galapagos Islands | Sep 21 - Sep 30, 2025

Best experience ever :) Incredible service :) Ecuador | Aug 8 - Aug 13, 2025

One star is too much
Galapagos Islands | Dec 1 - Dec 8, 2025

Anthony put together a once in a lifetime exp...
Galapagos Islands | Sep 21 - Sep 30, 2025

Best experience ever :) Incredible service :)
Ecuador | Aug 8 - Aug 13, 2025