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Nicolas Cadena

I love traveling, I believe it's part of human nature, I was originally born here in Ecuador, but grew up in the US, which broadened my horizons, When I came back to South America, I immediately fell in love with this small yet incredibly diverse homeland, where every day feels like a new adventure that I hope to continue exploring and share those one-in-a-lifetime experiences with my fellow travelers from all over the world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We specialize in any kind of tailor-made trip where we can make someone have that once-in-a-lifetime experience we are all looking for, one day they could be swimming next to the sea lions in the Galapagos Islands and the next they could be enjoying a Guayusa ritual with the native tribes of the Amazon rainforest, to then exploring my personal favorite region, the Andes where they could visit the closest point to the sun which is the powerful yet gentle Chimborazo Volcano!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"Since I was a kid I've been on the move, from the Andes to the coast or the Amazon in Ecuador and from State to State in the US. I would say I inherited it from my parents, and ever since I hoped to join the tourism business, and It finally came true when this wonderful team of Responsible Travel welcomed me with open arms, and I hope to help others enjoy those adventures as much as I do."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"It is incredibly difficult to choose just one experience as I believe each one is unique in their own way, but I would say I hold my first visit to Cuenca very dear and near to me, as I fell in love with this beautiful city at first glance. Its amazing architecture and unbelievable cuisine, make it a magical city and I can say, definitely deserves the title of the Athens of the Andes. "

Nicolas is part of the following groups: Galapagos Islands Travel Agents, Ecuador Travel Agents
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Recent trip reviews for Nicolas

Nicolas arranged special arrangements for us ...
Galapagos Islands | Nov 22 - Dec 1, 2024

M
Matt B.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2024
Nicolas arranged special arrangements for us and was great to work with. Read more

Nicolas arranged special arrangements for us and was great to work with.

Hotel Reviews
M/C Alya
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
First class accommodations
Hotel Plaza Grande
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Dec 04, 2024

Hi Matt,

It was wonderful having you here in Ecuador! We are really happy to hear that you and Kelli had a great time. I loved meeting you both!
We are looking forward to welcoming you to South America in the near future for another unforgettable trip.

Yours,
Nick

Our Galapagos Adventure
Galapagos Islands | Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2024

James
James L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024
We had a very nice time and enjoyed the Galapagos very much. We were met at both airports Baltra And Villamil by welcoming guides that greeted us and facilitated our transition into the next legs of our trip. The Eco guides that led our excursions were very knowledgeable and spoke English very well. accommodations , the Albermarle in Villamil and the Solymar on PTO Ayora were very nice for the most part. Upon arrival at Albermarle we found our room upstairs which were overly steep... Read more

We had a very nice time and enjoyed the Galapagos very much. We were met at both airports Baltra And Villamil by welcoming guides that greeted us and facilitated our transition into the next legs of our trip. The Eco guides that led our excursions were very knowledgeable and spoke English very well. accommodations , the Albermarle in Villamil and the Solymar on PTO Ayora were very nice for the most part. Upon arrival at Albermarle we found our room upstairs which were overly steep and difficult for my wife to negotiate. The first night at the Albermarle there was a fiesta for Dia De Los Muertos that was very loud until 3-4 in the morning and made it hard to sleep. The day tour to Los Tunneles was ok except the short hike to the Booby nest was inaccessible for my wife as the trail over lava and the transition from boat to lava shore was too difficult for my wife to negotiate. She had to stay in the boat while the group went ashore. The same inaccessibility of the boat small boat landing on N Seymore to explore the nesting Frigate birds and the trail over lava rocks was inaccessible to my wife. Nicholas had informed me that these excursions would be accessible for her but they proved to not be accessible for her.
There was another excursion problem in PTO Ayora. The morning of the excursion to Tortuga Bay, when the guide arrived to pick us up he had about a dozen other tourists with him and he refused to wait 5 minutes for my wife who wasn’t quite ready at 730 am the, pick up time. So they left without us. He made no attempt to facilitate us a way to catch up to them. We ultimately walked ourselves to the 300 stairs staircase up to the Tortuga Bay entry station. We climbed the stairs with difficulty and walked the 3 Km to Tortuga Bay. We enjoyed the Walk to the beautiful Bay and park. We arranged our own water taxi passage back to Ayora.
It would seem reasonable for your company to refund the costs we paid in advance for that excursion that we did not recieve.
Apparently, Nicholas, who arranged our trip itinery, lodgings and excursions according to the criteria I had carefully explained to him regarding my wife’s physical disabilities, has not actually been to these Islands nor experienced the
excursions we were booked onto. If he had he might not have booked us onto the excursions with the very small boat transitions to the difficult shore landings and inaccessible lava rock trails.
The escorted taxi ride and escort on the Itabaca Ferry and bus to the airport was nice. As my wife was leaving the Baltra airport for home I was met by the Galapagos Aggressor dive boat staff for the rest of Galapagos adventure.
Now after spending two weeks in the Galápagos Islands and enjoying them fully I’ve returned safely home. It seems your firm overcharged us considerably for the trip you arranged for us. This may influence whether I can refer your services to anyone in the future.
Sincerely,
Jim Lipow
Riverside California

Hotel Reviews
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

On the beach, near beachfront restaurants. Breakfast basic.

Authenticity & Character
Excellent room very comfortable
Location
On the beach and close to everything in town
Staff
The office was staffed except late at night to 630 in the morning.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Solymar
Galápagos

Waterfront. good breakfast poolside, harborside. One of the best in town except for maybe 2 ultra posh other hotels. Central location. We had to change to a second room upon arrival because the door knob on our original room was so loose it was about to fall off. The staff was very responsive to this issue and move us immediately.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands

With a little effort the Galapagos park authorities could make the shore landing accessible for individuals with disabilities

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling at Tortuga Bay
Snorkeling at Tortuga Bay
Puerto Ayora

The guide would wait 5 minutes and left us behind. What a jerk

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

The walking trail proved to be inaccessible to walkers with disabilities. Too bad because a hand crew could make it accessible in short order .

Quality of Experience
Food
The walking trail
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Morning Until Departure
Free Morning Until Departure
Galapagos Islands

Ther was time for nothing before our departure to the airport

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island:  Highlands (Plant a Tree)  & Charles Darwin Research Station
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

There was no tree planting and no evidence of any tree planting before our visit. But the Darwin Center is a MUST VISIT part of a visit to Santa Cruz and PTO Ayora.

Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Nov 21, 2024

Hi James,

Thank you very much for your valuable feedback,

We appreciate your comments and we have taken note of the points you made, and understand that there might have been some miscommunication. Nevertheless, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed your two weeks in the Galapagos fully.

As we mentioned over the chat, we would be happy to issue to refund for this activity that you missed to ensure your satisfaction, and we hope to have you in South America again in the near future :)

Yours,
Nick

Happy honeymoon in Ecuador
Ecuador | Sep 17 - Sep 26, 2024

Tessa
Tessa M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024
My husband and I loved our 10-day trip to Ecuador with Kimkim. Nick put together a great itinerary and was very patient with our many questions and changes. Once we arrived, Nick checked in periodically to make sure all was going smooth. And we had great experience with Sebastian, our local guide, who drove us between destinations, took us on tours/hikes, gave us tastes of local cuisine, had vast knowledge of the flora/fauna, culture and history of Ecuador, helped with translation, and... Read more

My husband and I loved our 10-day trip to Ecuador with Kimkim. Nick put together a great itinerary and was very patient with our many questions and changes. Once we arrived, Nick checked in periodically to make sure all was going smooth. And we had great experience with Sebastian, our local guide, who drove us between destinations, took us on tours/hikes, gave us tastes of local cuisine, had vast knowledge of the flora/fauna, culture and history of Ecuador, helped with translation, and generally made sure we were taken care of. We had never used a travel service, generally preferring to arrange our own travel, but we were very impressed with everything. And for our honeymoon, it was so nice to not have the extra stress of planning.

Hotel Reviews
Hacienda El Porvenir
Machachi

Beautiful hacienda. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. We loved our horseback riding tour followed by sweat lodge and spa.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Huasquila Amazon Lodge
Cotundo

Our stay at Huasquila was a great introduction to the Amazon. The lodge was very comfortable and the meals were filling, tasty and authentic. They were able to accommodate a vegetarian diet. There were lots of activities to choose from. We particularly enjoyed a hike through a cavern, a chocolate making experience, and the visit to the local indigenous community.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Sep 27, 2024

Dear Tessa,

Thank you for this beautiful feedback, we're extremely happy to hear you enjoyed your honeymoon in Ecuador, and we hope you always have a piece of this small yet beautiful country in your heart.
I will let these lodges and guides know how satisfied you were with these stays especially Sebas as he will be thrilled to hear this feedback!
We look forward to welcoming you to South America again in the near future, and of course, you and Aaron will always be welcome in Ecuador like family!

Yours,
Nick

Friends exploring 3 regions of Ecuador Andes, Amazon, and Gallopagos
Ecuador | Aug 7 - Aug 28, 2024

Judith
Judith M.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2024
The planning of the trip with Nicholas to the entire experience in Ecuador exceeded all expectations. Nicholas was responsive and dedicated to be sure we had a wonderful trip even coming to welome us to his city and checking throughout the trip to be sure all was going well and making a change to our trip on the Gallapagos. The guide Sebastian, for the majority of our time in the Andes region, was fanastic. His compassion, his knowledge in so many areas, his dedication to point out and... Read more

The planning of the trip with Nicholas to the entire experience in Ecuador exceeded all expectations. Nicholas was responsive and dedicated to be sure we had a wonderful trip even coming to welome us to his city and checking throughout the trip to be sure all was going well and making a change to our trip on the Gallapagos. The guide Sebastian, for the majority of our time in the Andes region, was fanastic. His compassion, his knowledge in so many areas, his dedication to point out and explain, his English, his joy of life and enthusiam, his patience, his driving ability was top notch. He was the BEST. Seeing so much like Quito, the equator museum, the cooking class, hiking to the base camp of Cotapaxi and staying at the Hacienda near the park there, Mindu and the chocolate factory, Otavala and the Hacienda there, Cocachi, Banos and the waterfalls were incredible. Staying at the Wyndham by the aiport and being able to enjoy their marvelous breakfast before our flight to the Yunisani Napa cultural center in the Amazon and the again from Gallopagos was convenient and top notch. Although each island in the Gallapogos had its own charm and beauty and all of the excursions and guides were amazing and superb my personal favorite hotel was the Cassa playa Mann in San Cristobal. The family owners Jose and Lucy and hammocks on the patio and the breakfast were great. Wilson our guide of the town and museum was enthusiastic to share his love for his island. In Santa Cruz Felipe our guide for Seymore island was great pointing out and telling so much about the plants and wildlife and our guide for the Darwin Center and El Chato tortoise reserve was a pleasure and made sure we enjoyed all parts including a great coffee at 1835 before we started. Having a liesure day and exploring Tortuuga Bay was so incredible and enjoying the pool at the hotel La Fiesta was wonderful , but realized their is still more to explore on this island. On San Isabel it was amazing to be staying right on the beach at the Albermarle and loved the quiet of the island. I think my favorite tour with guide Luis on Los Tuneles was one of my favorites. Luis took such care of every person on the tour and made sure that everyone saw the animals and then sent us pictures and videos he took. An amazing memory. Tintoreras and the Volcano were super tours as well and renting bikes to go the the Wall of Tears was a wonderful way to spend our last day seeing black marine iguanas, land tortoise, pink flamingos, sea lions, and many birds along the way. Thank you Nicholas for creating a unforgetable memory for us.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

The decor and hospitality are superb of this family owned hotel. Lucy and Jose are great. The breakfast is good. The hammocks on the balcony in our room was awesome and relaxing overlooking the ocean. The beds are comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Family owned and charming authenticity
Location
Though not right on the beach it is close and the view is great which made it perfect. Very close walk to a swimming beach.
Staff
Kindness, attentive, spoke great English,
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Luis the guide with Luis the captain and Eduardo the first mate were top notch. Luis made sure everyone got to see all the animals during the snorkel, and took some great pictures. Luis the captain cpuld really navigate the boat allowing us great views of the blue footed boobies on unity rock.
Transport
Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Sep 02, 2024

Dear Judith,

It was more than a pleasure having you and the girls here in Ecuador, we are so thankful to hear that you had an incredible time here! I loved seeing the pictures of your trip in all sorts of places, especially the ones in Cotopaxi, Sebas also loved being part of your trip and I'm sure he will love hearing your feedback :)

Meeting you and the group was really fun and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, we look forward to having you in South America sometime in the near future and we are ready to welcome you with open arms for another dream-like adventure.

Yours,
Nick

Nick
Galapagos Islands | Mar 21 - Mar 29, 2024

B
Brica W.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on Mar 30, 2024
Nick made the entire trip, so incredible and completely stress-free. Wherever we went, there was someone to meet us and show us where to go or take us there personally. I absolutely love this company because they allow you to cater your trip to whatever you want it to be, you can choose what type of hotel, what type of trip you want to make it. Also, we have a daughter that has celiac disease, and no matter where we went, they knew that she had to be gluten-free. Nick was always available... Read more

Nick made the entire trip, so incredible and completely stress-free. Wherever we went, there was someone to meet us and show us where to go or take us there personally. I absolutely love this company because they allow you to cater your trip to whatever you want it to be, you can choose what type of hotel, what type of trip you want to make it. Also, we have a daughter that has celiac disease, and no matter where we went, they knew that she had to be gluten-free. Nick was always available throughout our trip for us to ask any questions and he quickly responded and I have had the same experience using this company in other countries, and it makes such a difference in making travel stress-free. I highly highly highly recommend.

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

we loved this hotel, because each room had such a special theme. Our kids room was almost like being in a museum.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Very friendly staff, great location and clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

It is literally across the street from the airport. The staff is beyond five star. The restaurant had great food options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Morning Adventure to Teleferico Cablecar
Morning Adventure to Teleferico Cablecar
Quito

it was very cloudy, and our guide decided to offer us a trip to a very beautiful church, and then we did use the Teleferico even though it was still very cloudy. I recommend going no matter what the weather is because it is such an incredible experience, even if you cannot see the other mountains/volcanoes.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Galapagos Islands

Do not miss! It is so beautiful and serene. A completely different world of relaxation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands

this was an unbelievable experience, even though it rained at the beginning. It was our first snorkeling experience in the Galapagos, and it did not disappoint. We saw blue, footed, boobies, penguins, octopus, sea lions, swam beneath us, we saw sea cucumbers the list goes on and on.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Kayaking Adventure  in Tortuga Bay
Private Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay
Puerto Ayora

The beach will take your breath away. The walk to get there is worth it but just know that it feels like a very long way in the heat and humidity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Mar 30, 2024
Dear Brica, We appreciate your lovely feedback regarding your trip, it was such a pleasure to help you and your family have an out of this world vacation. I loved seeing the picture of all of your experiences, and the curious animals in the Galapagos, I cannot truly tell you fun it was to have you here. Meeting the family was wonderful, and it surely was a great start for this trip, you will surely be like family to us! We can’t thank you enough for visiting these enchanted islands and... Read more

Dear Brica,

We appreciate your lovely feedback regarding your trip, it was such a pleasure to help you and your family have an out of this world vacation.

I loved seeing the picture of all of your experiences, and the curious animals in the Galapagos, I cannot truly tell you fun it was to have you here.

Meeting the family was wonderful, and it surely was a great start for this trip, you will surely be like family to us! We can’t thank you enough for visiting these enchanted islands and your kind words.

We would love to have you in South America in the near future and create an equally as unforgettable experience :)

Yours,
Nick

A trip I’ll remember forever
Ecuador | Jan 10 - Jan 18, 2024

Chloe
Chloe L.
Singapore | Reviewed on Jan 28, 2024
I will remember my time in Ecuador for the rest of my life. My guide Christian was fantastic - he knew a fact about every single plant, mountain, town that we drove past and was so helpful and always cheery. All of the accommodation I stayed in exceeded my expectations and I loved every place that I visited, particularly the Galápagos Islands. Wow, where do I begin with the Galapagos… absolutely amazing place and I wish I’d have spent longer there. I loved turning up to the airport and having... Read more

I will remember my time in Ecuador for the rest of my life. My guide Christian was fantastic - he knew a fact about every single plant, mountain, town that we drove past and was so helpful and always cheery. All of the accommodation I stayed in exceeded my expectations and I loved every place that I visited, particularly the Galápagos Islands. Wow, where do I begin with the Galapagos… absolutely amazing place and I wish I’d have spent longer there. I loved turning up to the airport and having a driver waiting with a sign and a smile, as well as the bus fare already covered. Having pre-arranged transport and excursions meant I could cram so much more into the short time I had but I also loved having flexibility and free time in the afternoons and evenings. Nicolas helped me organize a scuba dive for my last day in the Galapagos and stayed in touch throughout the whole trip to check on me which was great. I also loved Baños and was blown away by the scenery both there and in Cotopaxi. Well worth every penny, definitely made everyone jealous back home!

Local specialist: Nicolas Cadena
Nicolas
Nicolas Cadena
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Jan 29, 2024

Dear Chloe,

We're so happy to hear that you had an amazing time here in Ecuador, it truly was a pleasure planning this trip with you.
I'm personally glad that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Baños and the playful wildlife of the Galapagos, the sea lions will definitely miss you! I totally understand why everyone would be jealous back home!
Thank you again for your kind words and feedback, Christian and the other guides will really appreciate hearing this when I convey this message to them. We look forward to welcoming you again in South America :)
Yours,
Nick