Profile photo for Linda Schulz
4942 messages
active 44 mins ago

Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love with it. From rainforest to the highest volcanoes - there is something for everyone. I've lived here for 6 years now, and I am enjoying every day in this small but megadiverse country.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We specialize in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. From trekking or climbing tours in the Andes up to adventurous days in the Amazon rainforest - everything is possible! Our goal is to convert travelers from passive consumers into active participants. Our tours are tailor-made and adjust to the wishes and preferences of our guests. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"As a child, I dreamed about distant places and other cultures. I wanted to explore everything and see the farthest corners of our planet. So I took the first chance and my backpack and went to Australia. Since then, my love for traveling has only grown, and I have visited several more countries around the globe. For me, traveling is about widening your horizons, seeing the world with other eyes, and meeting the most fascinating people. I want to share my experiences to create the same happiness that I have felt in other travelers. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"There are just too many life-changing travel experiences to pick just one! It is everything: from a simple, pure-hearted smile of a local up to a multi-week road trip through the Outback without running water and electricity. While traveling, every single day you make memories you will never forget. "

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Linda

Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as...
Ecuador | Nov 2 - Nov 18, 2024

J
James C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as was Gabriel at le selva I enjoyed the rides and service from Sebastian and getting information about Ecuador Read more

Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as was Gabriel at le selva I enjoyed the rides and service from Sebastian and getting information about Ecuador

Hotel Reviews
Piripe Lodge
Pacto

Very peaceful place

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Very clean and great service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pululahua Crater
Pululahua Crater
Quito
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Great bike ride and am viewing of birds

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maquipucuna Reserve
Maquipucuna Reserve
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bicycle Tour through the Cloud Forest
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Yasuni National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scuba Diving - Day Trip from Santa Cruz
Scuba Diving - Day Trip from Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 26, 2024
Dear James,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, especially the tours with Andreas and Gabriel—the guides we work with love sharing their passion for Ecuador's incredible nature. It is also great to hear that Sebastian’s service and insights made your journey even more memorable. I'm also glad you found Piripe Lodge peaceful and had a fantastic birdwatching experience in the cloud forest - the variety of birds there is truly...
Read more

Dear James,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, especially the tours with Andreas and Gabriel—the guides we work with love sharing their passion for Ecuador's incredible nature. It is also great to hear that Sebastian’s service and insights made your journey even more memorable. I'm also glad you found Piripe Lodge peaceful and had a fantastic birdwatching experience in the cloud forest - the variety of birds there is truly incredible.
Your positive feedback about the Hotel Galapagos Suites and the other hotels and excursions is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back to Ecuador someday!
All the best and safe travels,
Linda

Ecuador vacation
Ecuador | Nov 2 - Nov 18, 2024

R
Rita C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
This was a great trip Linda did a great job planning everything! The drivers were wonderful loved the Carrera family they were always on time picking us up and dropping us off. They went above and beyond teaching us about Ecuador and what we needed to know. Guides were also amazing Andreas in cloud forest, Gabriel in ran forest were both my favorites! I can not express my gratitude enough we will definitely use KimKim again! Read more

This was a great trip Linda did a great job planning everything! The drivers were wonderful loved the Carrera family they were always on time picking us up and dropping us off. They went above and beyond teaching us about Ecuador and what we needed to know. Guides were also amazing Andreas in cloud forest, Gabriel in ran forest were both my favorites! I can not express my gratitude enough we will definitely use KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Great hotel Douglas made us feel right at home! He made great scrambled eggs too,🤣

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance from downtown!
Staff
Douglas
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park

Rooms were nice! Food was very good!

Authenticity & Character
Location
In the Amazon rainforest
Staff
Always had a clean room
Cleanliness & Comfort
Piripe Lodge
Pacto

Nice rooms in the cloud forest staff was very accommodating food was great also!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil

Hotel was nice breakfast was good! It was not as nice as the other hotels and was noisy at night.

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

Loved this hotel located in downtown Quito. Liked that every room we stayed in was decorated differently

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pululahua Crater
Pululahua Crater
Quito
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk in the Cloud Forest
Night Walk in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Gabrielle was great we saw a lot of different things at night

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We were able to see an hear different things at night in the rain forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Hike to the waterfall for a swim at piripie lodge was great along with the tour of the grounds learned about different fruits etc Also hike to waterfall in Mashpi was wonderful also if you like to hike along the way Andreas should us different birds frogs and plants loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bicycle Tour through the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

I did have a good time riding bikes in cloud forest but felt it wasn’t the best place to ride! It was all up hill for a little while but Andreas was right there with the truck to help the down hill was a little scary but had fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andreas was great!
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park

Saw a lot of birds it was great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Ecuador

These birds are very beautiful and we were delighted we got to see a few and video them

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Maquipucuna Reserve
Maquipucuna Reserve
Ecuador

Loved learning about this reserve would visit again. The hike and guide were ok lunch was very good lots of hummingbird loved there organic garden

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Yasuni National Park

Never saw anything like the clay lick before! Also, loved the indigenous community it was very interesting

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Loved the land turtles and lava tunnels!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

The research center was ok we did learn about all the turtles and George! I thought there would be more about Charles Darwin also would have liked to be able to change it was chilly in Quito so I wore jeans and a light sweater by the time we got to the research center it was pretty warm!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was ok
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

Bartolome hike was beautiful at the top definitely worth doing! Snorkeling was amazing there also visibility was great!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Loved the kayaking again saw some amazing things penguins watch blue footed boobies dive, sea lions pelicans guide was really good I don’t remember her name but she was good 👍

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Best snorkeling ever! Sea turtles,sea horses, sharks, mana rays it was wonderful

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands

It was a good long hike the guide was very enthusiastic the crater and lava flows were great to see very interesting! This was another place were it was rushed right after this we were picked up to go back to Santa Cruz we were so dirty and dusty we just wanted to take a shower but I am glad we did the hike even if it meant we had to be really grimy for a couple hours.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 26, 2024
Dear Rita,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you had such a memorable trip and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the hotels, drivers, and guides—and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with the Carrera family, Andreas, and Gabriel. They’ll be delighted to know they made such a positive impression on your journey!
We appreciate your honest feedback about the timing after the Sierra Negra hike and will...
Read more

Dear Rita,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you had such a memorable trip and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the hotels, drivers, and guides—and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with the Carrera family, Andreas, and Gabriel. They’ll be delighted to know they made such a positive impression on your journey!
We appreciate your honest feedback about the timing after the Sierra Negra hike and will take it into account to enhance future experiences - the same goes for your comments about your hotel on Isabela Island.
It was a true pleasure helping you plan your adventure in Ecuador, and we're happy we could help make these memories possible.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience with KimKim in the future!
All the best,
Linda

Not sure how to rate this but we lost a whole...
Galapagos Islands | May 1 - May 13, 2024

D
DEBBRA A.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Jun 18, 2024
Not sure how to rate this but we lost a whole day practically because one Of our guides in Ecudor Was very insufficient. She didn't have the right change for the pain.When she picked us up and then when she took us to Cuenca she kept getting lost. Before we left, we had to stop so she could have breakfast cause she didn't have anything to eat.At her mother's house before she left that morning. Also she did not know anything about the national park that we stopped at. She could not answer our... Read more

Not sure how to rate this but we lost a whole day practically because one Of our guides in Ecudor Was very insufficient. She didn't have the right change for the pain.When she picked us up and then when she took us to Cuenca she kept getting lost. Before we left, we had to stop so she could have breakfast cause she didn't have anything to eat.At her mother's house before she left that morning. Also she did not know anything about the national park that we stopped at. She could not answer our questions. When we finally got to our destination, she had promised us.We could go to a spot there to get rid of this sress from the day and that did not work out either. I would not consider her a safe driver either. That was one of the reasons for the stress and then being jerked around all over the place From her driving. We were supposed to have a different guide to begin with. And actually he turned out fine. Except he dished us at the airport when he drove his back to Guayaquil Ecuador. Our plane didn't leave till 1130 that night and he dropped us off at the airport.About 330 in the afternoor it might have been earlier. Kim did get back with this about an hour or so later and line up another guide Who was a very good person but we ended up giving two people tips that day or the day instead of just one so that was an extra Twenty dollars from each of us for the guides. We found out later that the guide that was good and dropped us off at the airport.Check another client.So I had to get back to quinca instead of staying with us like he was supposed to. The whole thing made it's very uneasy. The rest of the trip especially the calypso boat was wonderful.

Hotel Reviews
M/Y Calipso

Everything about this boat and crew is absolutely fantastic.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Santa Lucía
Cuenca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Guayaquil
Guayaquil
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 24, 2024
Hi Debbra, thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip to Ecuador! I am happy to hear that all in all you have enjoyed your vacation, especially the Galapagos cruise and the hotels we selected for you, and I am truly sorry about the issue you encountered during your trip. I would like to apologize again for the insufficient service provided by the guide in Guayaquil and Cuenca, as well as for the inconveniences that ensued. We will definitely address this matter with the... Read more

Hi Debbra,

thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip to Ecuador! I am happy to hear that all in all you have enjoyed your vacation, especially the Galapagos cruise and the hotels we selected for you, and I am truly sorry about the issue you encountered during your trip.

I would like to apologize again for the insufficient service provided by the guide in Guayaquil and Cuenca, as well as for the inconveniences that ensued. We will definitely address this matter with the guide in question and take appropriate actions to prevent such issues from happening in the future. Our goal always is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests, and I regret that we did not meet your expectations in this part of your trip.

On your last day in Guayaquil, I tried my best to arrange for a new guide immediately, and I am glad to hear that the new guide provided a better experience for your last hours in Ecuador. Additionally, I hope the dinner provided as compensation was enjoyable for you!

Thank you once again for bringing these issues to our attention. We greatly appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve our services.

All the best for you and Lynn, and always safe travels,
Linda

KimKim is the Perfect Way to Set Up Travel
Galapagos Islands | Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024

Marcia
Marcia J.
Redmond, WA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim! 5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour. Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are... Read more

Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim!

5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour.

Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are wonderful ambassadors for their country.

4 Stars: Kicker Rock. Best suited for true snorkel enthusiasts, which is not us- we are vacation snorkelers. Choppy and cloudy water, some strong currents that really took work to navigate, and while it was cool to see a few hammerheads, not much else to see. Honestly, perhaps the best part of the trip was the spectacular closeup views of the Galapagos birds. Great guide.

Our only neutral-to-negative outing was the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill. These two sites definitely do not need a guide and would have been far more enjoyable exploring on our own. Karen, our guide, was not a good storyteller, and told us little that I hadn't already read in the guidebooks; perhaps if she had turned the walk up Tijeretas Hill into a nature walk, but she made few comments as we walked up this paved and well-signed path. But the truly negative experience was the snorkeling. There was a yellow flag out, and the entrance to the water is on sharp rocks, difficult for nonlocals to negotiate- during our time there, two tourists had to be saved from the big waves/currents and helped back onto the rocks. Karen gave no instruction, but after verifying that we could all swim, jumped in the water and began snorkeling. Only one of the four of us decided to try snorkeling, as the other three felt it too dangerous. My husband lost a flipper, and waited back on the rocks as Karen managed to retrieve the flipper (good for her), but then continued to snorkel as we all waited for her. While pleasant during her guiding, Karen seemed bored with this excursion and I think would be better suited to aquatic excursions only, as this seems to be her true love.

Hotel Review
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Lovely place run by a lovely and sincere family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more? Ask for guide Daniela!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador

Much better experience with a guide than exploring on one's own. Ask for Fabricio!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our transport dropped us off at one end of Old Town and picked us up at the other end, so no backtracking!
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

Everything about the day was great- transport, guide, the excursion to a remote beach- except the cloudy snorkeling itself is only worth it for the interesting experience of seeing hammerhead sharks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more???

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to...
Read more

Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to see!), please don't hesitate to reach out, we would love to welcome you and your family again!
Always safe travels,
Linda

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2024

Mariela
Mariela G.
Costa Rica | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024
Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip. Read more

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Very nice hotel. Both times we stayed there was no electricity and that meant no internet, no hot water and no food. Besides from that, very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pillows
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful cozy hotel. Very friendly staff. Breakfast is continental but good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackout curtains since there is a lot of light coming in from the street
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

Great hotel and has a pool which made it so much better

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Our host Astrid was very nice and helpful. She was patient with us and answered all our questions. Lunch in the highlands was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Learned lots of stuff, very interesting and Astrid our guide was very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Ecuador

We went to Barrolomé. We had a stop first with a little walk, it was at noon and there is no shade. The guide was making stops along the way to explain things but climbing steps at noon with no shade was terrible. Would be better if they explained on the boat so we could do the walk without stopping. The snorkeling part was amazing, wish we could have had more time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Bigger portions
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Ecuador

Best tour we had on our trip. The views are amazing, nice guide he even took photos and gave them to us. Captain even let me drive the boat for a while.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Ecuador

Nice activity. The guide was not very helpful though, wouldnt explain much and seemed king of mad. Beatifil views though and the penguins were amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 27, 2024
Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife...
Read more

Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and laughter :)
Hopefully, you can return to Ecuador one day to explore other parts of the country as well!
All the best for you, María José, María del Carmen and Laura!
Warm regards,
Linda

We had an amazing trip to the Galapagos :)
Galapagos Islands | Feb 24 - Feb 28, 2024

C
Celia M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2024
Linda and team were amazing in planning our custom trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos! My husband and I had a fantastic time and (almost) everything was taken care of for our 5 day trip that included Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. It was really nice to not have to worry about any transfers, have our itinerary planned out for us, and to stay at great hotels. Finch Bay on Santa Cruz island, Galapagos was AMAZING, as were all the tour guides, drivers, and escorts that interacted with us through... Read more

Linda and team were amazing in planning our custom trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos! My husband and I had a fantastic time and (almost) everything was taken care of for our 5 day trip that included Santa Cruz and Isabela islands. It was really nice to not have to worry about any transfers, have our itinerary planned out for us, and to stay at great hotels. Finch Bay on Santa Cruz island, Galapagos was AMAZING, as were all the tour guides, drivers, and escorts that interacted with us through the company.

We loved the activities we did, and Linda did a great job taking our preferences into account. She is super communicative, friendly, helpful, and responsive, including when we had some last minute requests / change of plans. Highly recommend!

Hotel Review
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Seriously beautiful and incredible hotel. Very luxurious, beautiful, and peaceful. Staff are excellent and very on top of things, accommodating, and friendly. Food is delicious too -we loved the breakfast buffet! It's also great that they have a gym, and you can rent wetsuits and snorkel gear for free. We only wish we stayed longer here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Mar 01, 2024

Celia, it was a pleasure to help you plan your trip, and I am very happy to hear that you have enjoyed your time on the Galapagos Islands, and especially your stay at Finch Bay Hotel! Hopefully, you can come back one day to explore other islands and other parts of mainland Ecuador as well :)
All the best for you and Phil, and safe travels in the future!
Linda

I e-mailed and spoke with Linda to have a fab...
Ecuador | Jan 5 - Jan 16, 2024

Bill
Bill V.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024
I e-mailed and spoke with Linda to have a fabulous trip of 12 days. After 2 days on our own Milton Chiqui Lopez took us to sites around Quito-highlighted by the weird effects at the equator-we visited the charming mountain of Baños in the high Andes. The 4 hour drive each way was scenic.
The trip ended with a trip into the deep Amazon rainforest to the extraordinary La Selva lodge Biden by a lake. Ore guide Dan Hicks was a 16 year veteran from England. Four days of walks and canoe rides to...
Read more

I e-mailed and spoke with Linda to have a fabulous trip of 12 days. After 2 days on our own Milton Chiqui Lopez took us to sites around Quito-highlighted by the weird effects at the equator-we visited the charming mountain of Baños in the high Andes. The 4 hour drive each way was scenic.
The trip ended with a trip into the deep Amazon rainforest to the extraordinary La Selva lodge Biden by a lake. Ore guide Dan Hicks was a 16 year veteran from England. Four days of walks and canoe rides to explore both flora and fauna. F
Innovative Euro-American cuisine that was 5 star. Luxurious accommodations high in the jungle.All rides to airports were smooth, courtesy of Alejandro & son
It was perfect.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Las Plazas
Quito

No heat in 49F weather. Breakfast just ok. Some spoke no English.

Authenticity & Character
Small and quaint
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla de Baños
Baños

A small very charming hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In pleasant neighborhood
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park

An extraordinary luxurious lodge with 5 star 3 meals daily. Great hiking and boat rides A beautiful setting on a going size lake

Authenticity & Character
A true resort deep in the wilderness.
Location
In the rainforest.
Staff
All 28 employees spoke excellent English and went out of their way to be helpful. Wait staff had the polish of a 5 star restaurant All 28 staff spoke excellent English. They went out of their way to be helpful. The wait staff worked as a team and had the professionalism of a 5 star place.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate
Activity Reviews
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Ecuador

Interesting although 200 meters off equator

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guides and perfect transfer services
Transport
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Baños
Ecuador

Grest visit to the stunning Andes.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Activities in Baños & Return to Quito
Activities in Baños & Return to Quito
Ecuador

Just tour of the Andes

Quality of Experience
Food
Very giid
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park

All fascinating exploration of Amazon and its flora & fauna

Quality of Experience
As abkve
Food
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador

Scenic 2hour ride on rivet

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 25, 2024

Bill, I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed your time here in Ecuador, especially in the beautiful and biodiverse Yasuní National Park while staying at La Selva Lodge! I will make sure to forward your excellent comments to the lodge, the guides, and the staff.
I wish you and Elena all the best for future travels!
Take care,
Linda

KimKim Planned a Perfect Trip for our Family
Galapagos Islands | Nov 26 - Nov 30, 2023

Cindy
Cindy M.
Lubbock, TX | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2023
Everything from beginning to end of our trip to the Galapagos was a wonderful experience! This was our first trip planned by KimKim, and we could not be more pleased. Linda Schultz was so easy to work with, and patient with questions and prompt with her answers. The welcome gift of Ecuadorian products that was waiting for us at our hotel before departure was a pleasant surprise. Indira Torres met us at the airport on Baltra and endeared herself to us immediately. What a treasure of a... Read more

Everything from beginning to end of our trip to the Galapagos was a wonderful experience! This was our first trip planned by KimKim, and we could not be more pleased. Linda Schultz was so easy to work with, and patient with questions and prompt with her answers. The welcome gift of Ecuadorian products that was waiting for us at our hotel before departure was a pleasant surprise. Indira Torres met us at the airport on Baltra and endeared herself to us immediately. What a treasure of a local guide! Liz Arboleda also took good care of us on Santa Cruz Island, helping us get to and from our transfers to Isabella Island. Our guide on Isabella (Nelly) was also attentive and flexible to our needs. Our two hotels (Plaza Luna and Isamar) were fantastic! Plaza Luna stored some of our luggage so we didn’t have to take it all to Isabella, and sent some laundry out for us (all thanks to Liz’s suggestion.). And what a fantastic breakfast! Both hotels had great locations and amenities. Every meal arranged by KimKim was a winner. The snorkeling excursion on Isabella was most enjoyable. We did everything we wanted to do in our 5 day itinerary, and had the perfect amount of free time for doing our own exploring. Thank you, KimKim and Linda, for a perfect vacation to Galapagos!

Hotel Reviews
Plaza Luna Suites
Puerto Ayora

We loved Villa Luna! Loved the ambience, the service, and the location. The breakfast is amazing and beautifully displayed. Scrambled or fried eggs available. Lots of fruits and vegetables. Wonderful servers. Jessica (owner) welcomed us both days with cool aromatic wash cloths and refreshing water. She graciously offered to hold some bags while we went to another island for a couple of nights. And she offered to send our laundry out so it would be ready when we returned. This hotel is near a restaurant that has live music, but it did not bother us at night time. My 6’4” husband would have preferred to have a bed that was a little longer, but he survived. We loved this hotel and would definitely stay there again!

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully appointed island hotel.
Location
Close to shopping, restaurants, walking distance to everything important.
Staff
Jessica, and the girl who was in charge of the breakfast buffet were SO friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice to have a couch in the room! Everything was spiffy clean!
Isamar Hotel
Puerto Villamil, Isla Isabela

We loved this little cabana style hotel. It is right on the beach, and we could always hear the surf. The staff was intent on making us feel at home while we were there. The breakfast was good. They always had coffee in the “lobby” while the reception was open. HUGE beach blankets in each room for use on the white sandy beaches. Other good food prepared to order as desired.

Authenticity & Character
Cute cabana style hotel. Very beachy!
Location
Right on the beach, but not too far to walk into “town” multiple times!
Staff
Extremely nice and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great air conditioning in the rooms, good maid service as well. Loved the homey lobby where we were welcome at all hours.
Activity Reviews
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands

Indira Torres met us at the airport and she endeared herself to us immediately. Could not have been happier with our escort. She knew exactly what she was doing, and handled everything. We loved the trip to the highlands to see the turtles! And the lunch was fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Indira Torres made everything so interesting!
Food
Every meal that KimKim arranged was great! Loved the sandwiches even, on our wetlands/beach day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Their sincere interest in us, and appreciation of our tips.
Transport
Comfortable minivan and/taxi trucks.
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

It was so hot and humid, but we enjoyed seeing all of the tortoises and learning about Lonely George. We were flagging from the heat and having gotten up so early, but we got there before the crowds and enjoyed seeing and learning about everything.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands

Only six flamingos when we were there, but I guess we were lucky to see any at all. I didn’t realize that they were so transient.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

This was a highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tito was great!
Transport
Great boat staff.
Guided Hike to Tortuga Bay & Free Afternoon
Guided Hike to Tortuga Bay & Free Afternoon
Galapagos Islands

Again, it was hot. But this is a great hiking path, and not too difficult. The hardest part is hiking up to the entrance of the path. There are a couple of shady places to stop and rest. Not much wildlife to see…a few birds. The flora is more interesting here. The last kilometer is on a beautiful sandy beach, where there are plenty of marine iguanas. It is sandy, but not difficult to walk on barefooted. There are a couple of places for snorkeling and swimming, which are a wonderful way to end the activity.

Quality of Experience
Indira Torres was, as usual a charming and witty guide.
Food
Great sack lunch (sandwich) from a local deli.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The boat ride back was fun and a relief!
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Dec 27, 2023

Hi Cindy,
I am so happy to hear that you've had a fantastic time on the Galapagos Islands! Even though you only had five days available, you could see and do a lot, and will get back home with many unforgettable memories. It truly was a pleasure to help you organize your trip! I will make sure to forward your kind words and credits to all the guides and people involved on Galapagos.
It would be great to welcome you back one day so that you can explore the other beautiful islands the archipelago has to offer!
All the best for you and your family,
Linda

Linda organised a great trip to the Galápagos...
Ecuador | Oct 29 - Nov 3, 2023

S
Sunita B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Linda organised a great trip to the Galápagos and Quito.. We went back and forth in what would suit us best. Linda was very patient throughout the process and didn’t hesitate to call to discuss queries. It was great that she came to the hotel in Quito to meet us so that we could put a face to the name.
Our guide Sebastian and his father Alexander who picked us up from the airport were fabulous.
They were knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure everyone in our group was catered for. Our thanks to the whole team for a truly great experience and holiday.
.

Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 14, 2023

Sunita, thank you and your whole family so much for trusting us to organize this trip! I am very happy to hear that you've enjoyed your time on Galapagos and in Quito, it was a pleasure (for me and also for Sebastian and his father) to make this a memorable trip for you.
I hope that you'll get the chance to come back one day, there's still so much more to see here - and maybe your nephew would like to watch another soccer game? :)
All the best and always safe travels,
Linda

Our guide Linda was AWESOME
Ecuador | Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2023

Drew
Drew G.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2023
Our guide Linda was AWESOME and so easy to work with. We threw a lot at her -- lot of requests and preferences -- but she did a great job creating a great itinerary for us. And if we had any feedback or wanted to make any changes, she was so easy to work. We got to do everything on our travel wish list and would absolutely work with Linda again on our next Ecuador trip. Read more

Our guide Linda was AWESOME and so easy to work with. We threw a lot at her -- lot of requests and preferences -- but she did a great job creating a great itinerary for us. And if we had any feedback or wanted to make any changes, she was so easy to work. We got to do everything on our travel wish list and would absolutely work with Linda again on our next Ecuador trip.

Activity Review
Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños
Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños
Ecuador

This was one of the highlights of our entire trip! Such a stunning location (and a good hike/workout!)

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 01, 2023

Hi Drew,
thank you so much for your kind feedback! It's great to hear you have enjoyed your trip to mainland Ecuador (despite the road conditions in the southern part of the country). For me, it was a pleasure to assist you in the planning process!
It would be an honor to help you plan another trip to Ecuador for you and Kyle one day!
All the best & safe travels,
Linda