
Isabel Pérez
I'm passionate about exploring incredible places and having unique experiences. It's been 3 years since I moved to Ecuador, my family's country of origin, and since then I've had the most amazing time of my life, surrounded by volcanoes, rainforests, and beautiful beaches with sand from pink to black. There is something for everyone, and every day is an opportunity for a new adventure meeting lovely people.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Ecuador might be a small country but there is a lot to discover. I especially love natural landscapes and I've come to know quite a bit of everything around me. The Amazon rainforest, the Andes, and the coast: there are amazing experiences waiting in each and every corner of this multi-faceted country. From their unique local cuisine to the actual culture, each place is different and has a lot to offer to the curious travelers."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I've always loved traveling, especially into the natural environments. Ever since I was a little girl, I would always go on trips with my family; nothing beats camping under the stars. After I finished my degree, I started traveling again, something that was hard to do while studying. Since then, I haven't stopped, always meeting new cultures and new sceneries that take my breath away."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"When I was about 20 years old, I traveled for three weeks into La Gran Sabana, which is part of the Guianan savanna. I encountered an incredible diversity and unique landscapes in this vast region that are hard to explain. It started with beautifully multicolored rivers, and then everything changed once we went deep into the heart of the land. We stayed with indigenous people of the region and learned as they shared with us about their culture. One day they took us to the Angel Falls, one of the world's highest waterfalls. It took some time to get there, as it is located in an isolated part of the jungle. We took our traditional canoes and rowed for quite a long time and then hiked through the dense jungle until we were exhausted, our arms were tired from clearing the path, our legs sore and dirty of all the walking and the mud, but once we reached the foot of the waterfall, I got goosebumps. I felt so small. Standing there, in front of such huge force of nature, it felt as if all my problems and fears were nothing, and they just washed away."
Featured trips & expertise

Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu Adventure - 10 Days
Combine two of South America's most iconic destinations into a single trip on this 10-day tour of the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. You'll start in Ecuador, spending several days island-hopping, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the Galapagos. Then you'll cross the border to Peru, spending a night in Lima, another in Cusco, and finally taking the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. A visit to the famed "lost city of the Incas" is the perfect way to end this diverse adventure.

Underwater Adventure in the Galapagos - 5 Days
This adventurous 5-day itinerary is a diver's delight! The Galapagos Marine Reserve is teeming with colorful wildlife, and you'll delve right into it during this island-hopping tour focused on underwater adventures. Go diving at various sites around the archipelago, keeping your eyes open for hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and rare species like the ocean sunfish. Spend your days under the sea and your evenings relaxing and dining out in the town of Puerto Ayora — a great mix of active adventure and downtime.

Culture & Nature in Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon, Chimborazo, & Cotopaxi - 14 Days
The landscapes of Ecuador's mainland are as varied as the people who live there, and you'll get to experience both nature and culture on this 14-day itinerary. Meet the locals who call these regions home and learn about their history, way of life and relationship to Ecuador's landscapes. From the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians in the north and the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest to the Kichwa in the central Andes, you'll dive deep into everyday life and explore Ecuador's nature.

Best of Ecuador: Quito, Amazon, Cotopaxi, & Galapagos - 14 Days
Experience the best of Ecuador while getting to know its three main ecological regions: the Amazon rainforest, volcano highlands, and Galapagos Islands on this 14-day itinerary. Start the trip in Quito to see the UNESCO designated colonial city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge. Hike near volcanic lagoons and browse mountain markets, then catch a flight to Santa Cruz for three days of exploring uninhabited islands and spotting endemic wildlife.

Wildlife & Nature in Ecuador - Quito, Amazon, & Galapagos - 10 Days
Ecuador is one of the world's hotspots for ecological diversity, so it makes sense to spend this 10-day trip exploring nature as much as possible. Start in Quito to see the UNESCO heritage city center, then head to the rainforest for three days at an ecolodge where you'll spot macaws, pink river dolphins, and howler monkeys. Round out your trip with a flight to the Galapagos, where giant tortoises, white-sand beaches, and uninhabited islands await.

Ecuador Mountains to Coast: Andes, Quito, Cotopaxi, & More - 10 Days
From Quito's colonial center to the volcanoes of Cotopaxi National Park, explore the best of Ecuador's mainland on this packed 10-day itinerary. Hike along the rim of volcanic lagoons, barter for Ecuadorian handicrafts at markets, and visit small mountain villages. You'll see cascading waterfalls, lush orchid farms, high altitude plateaus, and much more as you traverse the countryside.
Recent trip reviews for Isabel

great trip tp the galapagos · Galapagos Islands - Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2020
We had a wonderful trip to the Galapagos! the trip went smooth and we always had a guide to meet us at different islands upon arrival. Our guides were helpful and great at rectifying situations. For instance, my boyfriend and I were going to go on a snorkel/dive session. He was going to dive while I snorkeled, but we were going to be on the same boat. For some reason, I was instructed by one of the boat companies to go on a different boat. I assumed we were meeting together but thought it was... read more

Great Trip Ecuador · Ecuador - Feb 6 - Feb 27, 2020
Isabel Fernandez worked so hard to make our trip to Ecuador so memorable. Every part of the trip was smooth. No hassles in terms of pick ups and transportation. Our guide, Christian was fantastic. We told Isabel what we loved to do as travellers (hiking, nature, etc.) and she worked with us to plan a perfect vacation. She made great suggestions and we worked together to make our Ecuadorian experience so memorable. Rich and Melissa

Hi Rich and Melissa!
I'm happy to hear that you had a great experience in Ecuador, your trip was indeed very special, you were able to see experience the vast diversity of wildlife exploring the Galapagos Islands, the rainforest, cloud forest, and even the Andes while horseback riding! It was a pleasure building this vacation for the two of you, glad it met your expectations!
All the best for the two of you,
Isabel
First Class Service Every Step of the Way · Ecuador - Jan 23 - Feb 6, 2020
We have so much to share regarding the start to finish adventure that Isabel planned for us. I know she was there in the background managing every leg of the trip and I only wish we could have thanked her in person. Planning with Isabel was easy with 2 way back and forth communication. She listened to what we wanted and delivered completely with perfect guides, transportation, top notch hotels and tours. This was the first time we have used a travel service such as Kimkim and it made the... read more

Dear Mary and Richard, thank you very much for your lovely and very detailed review, this will surely help other travelers! First of all let me tell you that I will keep in mind your feedback regarding Baños and Isabela, both places are really great (Not to mention the hotels!) but sometimes time can be tight so I will explain that spending a little bit more time will be worth it!
I'm glad to hear that you made precious memories here, hope you have many pictures to show friends and family!... read more
Flexible planning meets your needs · Ecuador - Jan 7 - Jan 26, 2020
Lots of pre-planning emails with Isabel resulted in a beautiful trip. Two little glitches along our 3-week mainland trip were resolved very quickly. Our guide/driver Marco was knowledgeable , and when we asked for a deviation, he knew if it was do-able. Wonderful stays at Les terrazzas de Dana in Mindo (recommend Chocolate massage), Hacienda Porvenir(beautiful, peaceful lounge and hiking outside your door.) Thursday market at Sasqisili was fun.

Hi Sherry!
Thank you for your lovely feedback, I'm glad it met your expectations! It was a pleasure planning this trip with you. Marco was more than happy to help you have the best experience, this includes flexibility and the ability to make on-spot changes to show you the most interesting sights for you.
I hope to hear from you again in the future!
Best wishes,
Isabel
He Great Galápagos Experience · Galapagos Islands - Jan 27 - Jan 31, 2020
I can’t remember all of the guides names but they were all very good. The entire trip was incredible.

Hi Linda! Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm extremely happy to hear you and Allen have enjoyed every minute of your trip. David and our guides in Galapagos send their regards, they couldn't but mention how an amazingly cooperative couple you are, and we thank you again for that.
My best wishes to both of you and I hope to hear from you again in the future, maybe to plan you another adventure in this wonderful country, Ecuador :)
Greetings from Quito!
Isabel

Highlights Galapagos, jungle, cuenca... · Ecuador - Jan 19 - Feb 2, 2020
Highlights()
1. Galapagos
2. jungle
3. cuenca
4. scenery while driving
5. The Old Towne Hotel in Quito was very nice and the owner was great to assist with any questions, needs and went above and beyond to make our stay memorable
Negatives (in no particular order)
1. No electricity or air conditioning in jungle
2. The driver from Quito to spoke no English
3. The hotel in Alausi was very bad.
4. The return schedule from the jungle to the airport quite poorly calculated and created unnecessary stress with us nearly missing our flight
Quito, Galápagos · Ecuador - Dec 20 - Dec 31, 2019
Every aspect of our trip was well choreographed. Isabel did a great job making sure things moved along seamlessly. Our cruise on the Coral 1 in the Galapagos was wonderful. The staff was very professional, knowledgeable and kind. The snorkeling was fabulous. We then went to the rainforest. What an experience- one extreme to another. We enjoyed our canoe trips and jungle walks immensely. One thing I would strongly recommend is flying in and out of the amazon instead of driving. That was not at all fun. In all, my family as I were very pleased with our trip!

Hi Nancy! thanks a lot for your valuable feedback.
I'm happy to hear that you had a wonderful time, I know your family was looking forward to snorkeling especially, and of course, an adventure in the rainforest.
Regarding transportation to the rainforest, right now there is only one airline that flights, but this year two more airlines will start flying, hopefully, this would make the flights more reliable and so, the tours to the rainforest more comfortable!
7 Days in Ecuador: 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas · Ecuador - Sep 28 - Oct 5, 2019
I am so thankful for all the help that Kimkim has provided for my trip. The trip was booked at the very last minute and had a lot of twists and turns. I don't think our family enjoyed the trip as much as we did if we haven't have Isabel and our trusted guide, Christian. Isabel worked before and after her normal working hour to help me when a national strike by transportation works paralyzed the country for a couple of days. Christian educated our family on food, custom, history and geography... read more

Hi Young! Thank you very much for the feedback about your trip, I love to hear that you had a great time here in Ecuador even though we didn't have much time to plan for it! I will let Christian know about your kind words, I know he loves sharing our culture so he definitely had a great time with you! I hope you have the chance to come back someday.
Kind regards,
Isabel

Islands and Amazon eco. · Ecuador - Aug 31 - Sep 14, 2019
Ecuador, the essentials. Quito, Yasuni National Park Amazon, and Galapagos!
Our 14 day vacation was exceptional from start to finish. Our trip advisor, Isabel Perez, worked with me in the months leading up to our holiday to ensure we were able to visit our 'must see' places, and also find relaxation time. Her recommendation of the Napo Cultural Centre in Yasuni was the perfect choice for us. Not only is this first class eco-lodge located in a beautiful part of the Amazon, but it is also... read more

Hi Steve! I'm glad the two of you had a wonderful experience here in Ecuador, hope it was a healing time and you came back home with renewed strength! It was a real pleasure planning this trip with you, hopefully, you will come back and see more of the wonders Ecuador has to offer.
Warm regards,
Isabel
Options for Touring Ecuador · Ecuador - Jul 27 - Jul 29, 2019
The trip was amazing. Isabel did a wonderful job of planning the trip and Christian, our tour guide was unbelievable. He took us everywhere on the itinerary and even included extra stops along the way that he thought would interest us. He was very knowledgeable and we had a fantastic time on the trip. We would definitely recommend that anyone traveling to the Quito area use KimKim and request Christian as your tour guide!

Hi Leslie,
I'm so happy to hear that you have enjoyed your time and experiences in Ecuador! I will hand over your nice words to Christian and everyone else who helped to make your short-trip an unforgettable experience!
Please don't hesitate to contact me again in case you - or maybe friends of yours? - want to come to Ecuador again one day! It will be a pleasure for me to plan another great trip together with you.
Warm regards from Ecuador,
Isabel
Trip to Galapagos Islands · Galapagos Islands - May 27 - May 31, 2019
We enjoyed our 5 days of sailing in the Galapagos aboard the Fragata. Our guide, Roberto, was entertaining and knowledgeable about the islands. We especially enjoyed our interactions with the crew, namely Ramon and Jordan. They made our time aboard the boat fun by joining us for games. It was great to get to know them.
Overall, we had a great experience.
One suggestion is about snorkel gear rental. The Fragata website is not clear about cost of rentals. It lists a price for snorkel... read more

Hi Keri! I'm happy you all had a great experience, especially with the crew!
I'm really sorry about the confusion with the prices for the snorkel equipment but thank you for letting me know! I will get in touch with the company so the website is reviewed and it clarifies the exact price of the full package.
Kind regards,
Isabel
Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days · Galapagos Islands - Jun 18 - Jun 22, 2019
I am so glad I found this site. I was able to describe our interests, and Isabel put together a very nice itinerary that hit all our interests and maximized the use of our limited time, but still had some down time built in. Having a local "shepherd" us, first from the airport onto the bus/hotel, and then each morning to the group activity, took so much stress off of us (standing in line, buying tickets, wondering where the meet point was, etc.). We have traveled in many countries, but this... read more

Hi Gretchen! I'm honestly really happy that although your days were limited, you were able to enjoy the diversity the Galapagos islands have to offer, even got to snorkel and hike the Sierra Negra volcano, which I believe is quite breathtaking. I'm glad the service was smooth and everything was clear for you as to what to do next, I will let Karina and Fausto know your thoughts!
broken leg family · Ecuador - Jun 16 - Jun 29, 2019
Isabel was phenomenal. She promptly responded to all messages and was so helpful along the way. Thank you!

Hi Jessica! I'm really glad you had an amazing time here in Ecuador with your family and got the chance to visit some of the most adventurous towns, Baños de Agua Santa and Montañita. From the pictures, it seems like you all enjoyed it!
Warm regards,
Isabel
Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days · Ecuador - Apr 29 - May 6, 2019
Our trip to Ecuador booked through kimkim was incredible! Isabel made sure that everything was dealt with in terms of accomodations, activities, and logistics which took a lot of the planning off of our hands! The itinerary put together and the welcome packet at the first hotel made sure we never were confused about any meeting points or activities.
In terms of the trip itself, Ecuador is amazing in its diversity of climates and the two that my girlfriend and I wanted to experience (Volcano... read more

Hi Sam and Megan, I am really happy to hear that you had a great time in Ecuador! It was a pleasure to plan this trip with you, mixing a bit of what you both like, keeping it always fun with. I hope you will have the opportunity to come back to Ecuador, maybe explore some other regions of Ecuador, different volcanoes or go deeper into the rain forest!
Warm regards,
Isabel