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Paul Cisneros

I love to travel and discover new places. Born and raised in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, I grew up admiring the rich history of my city and the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. I have been involved in tourism for over 4 years; I’m passionate about exploring my country and helping travelers from around the world create unforgettable memories as they experience the megadiversity of Ecuador.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Ecuador is the perfect destination for travelers seeking to experience the best of nature and wildlife. I love to show the highlights of the country and create itineraries that feature hikes in the Andes, cultural experiences in the Amazon rainforest, and encounters with unique wildlife in the Galápagos Islands."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I worked for many years at the front desk of a hotel in Quito and always enjoyed meeting people from other countries. During the Covid pandemic, due to a reduction in hotel staff, I took on responsibilities from another department. Without realizing it, I began helping guests plan day trips to Cotopaxi National Park and Mindo. From that moment, I understood I wanted to share my passion for Ecuador with travelers, and pursue this path."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"It was probably the first time I visited the Galapagos Islands. For me, it felt like discovering another world. Encountering the giant tortoises like Lonesome George, snorkeling with sea lions and sharks, and observing all the animals that inhabit the islands was unforgettable. It fueled my passion for nature and wildlife."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Paul

Trip of a lifetime
Galapagos Islands | Jun 13 - Jun 24, 2026

Kerri
Kerri R.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026
When I started planning my husband and I ‘s trip to South America, I was looking at various destinations and was getting very overwhelmed. As a result,I decided to use a travel company and randomly found KimKim. I was connected to Paul. From the first conversation with Paul, he made me feel like he was there to plan a dream trip with my ideas, his input and he really worked to get to know what my husband and I wanted to do in Ecuador. Paul and I exchanged emails and even spoke on the phone... Read more

When I started planning my husband and I ‘s trip to South America, I was looking at various destinations and was getting very overwhelmed. As a result,I decided to use a travel company and randomly found KimKim. I was connected to Paul. From the first conversation with Paul, he made me feel like he was there to plan a dream trip with my ideas, his input and he really worked to get to know what my husband and I wanted to do in Ecuador. Paul and I exchanged emails and even spoke on the phone planning the trip to Quito and the Galápagos Islands for about 4 weeks. From the day before we left for our trip, Paul was in daily contact with us and even when we flew home. Paul came personally to our hotel when American Airlines left our luggage in the USA and we worked with his contacts and American Airlines to get the luggage to our hotel quickly. Paul’s actions demonstrate first class service. The printout of our itinerary was very detailed with locations of places we would visit, hotels and the phone number of his team that would be part our trip. Using Paul as our travel planner was THE best money ever spent, because his involvement in our vacation journey made it the best trip for us and we have been to Asia, Africa and Europe. We are from the USA. Along with Paul, our guide in Quito was Cristobal. Cristobal is a very educated, kind person who took the extra time to teach us about the beauty of Ecuador and share his love for his country with us. We even feel like he is more than our guide but now we can call him our friend.. Some of experiences with Cristóbal involved learning about wildlife, flowers, plants and visiting the countryside and old town of Quito. Cristóbal went the extra mile by taking us to unique places like a small ice cream business where ice cream is made fresh with fruit as we were watching and taking us to the MegaMax to buy a suitcase. Cristóbal deserves the credit in making our trip in Quito so special and unique. The Galapagos Islands were beautiful and we loved the sea lions, other wildlife and our boutique hotels, but the trip would have been better if we had Cristóbal with us. Paul, and Cristóbal are definitely amazing gentlemen who care 💯 about giving first class service and we highly recommend them to other.

Hotel Reviews
Las Ninfas
Puerto Ayora

We loved the tropical layout of the hotel grounds. We felt safe and welcomed by staff. The pool, hottub, bar and areas to sit outside were great. The bedding and towels were better than typical American hotel chains. The made to order eggs for breakfast were great. Our hotel room was very clean and had lots of storage space

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to restaurants and shopping
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

The owner and family members made us feel very welcomed as if we were coming to visit their home. The breakfast was made to order and great. The layout of the hotel area was very relaxing . The public beach was very easy to walk to and also restaurants and shopping

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

I loved how we could open the windows and balcony door to let fresh air in. The room was very clean and modern. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. We stayed multiple days and enjoyed all of the them. Restaurants are in easy walking distance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jul 01, 2026
Dear Kerri, Thank you so much for trusting us to plan your trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Words like yours are truly heartwarming, and I'll make sure to share them with the team, especially with Cristobal, he's the best! I'm so happy to hear that you and Matt had such a wonderful time here. Thank you as well for your feedback; it helps us continue improving and delivering the best possible experiences for our travelers, so they can make the most of everything Ecuador has to... Read more

Dear Kerri,

Thank you so much for trusting us to plan your trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Words like yours are truly heartwarming, and I'll make sure to share them with the team, especially with Cristobal, he's the best!

I'm so happy to hear that you and Matt had such a wonderful time here. Thank you as well for your feedback; it helps us continue improving and delivering the best possible experiences for our travelers, so they can make the most of everything Ecuador has to offer.

Wishing you both all the best, and hopefully we'll have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.

Warmly,
Paul, your friend from Ecuador 🤗

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Service from Paul at KimKim...
Galapagos Islands | Jun 16 - Jun 20, 2026

Timothy
Timothy D.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Service from Paul at KimKim Travel — A Truly First-Class Experience As seasoned and discerning travelers, our expectations are high, and Paul at KimKim Travel exceeded them in every way. From the beginning, his communication was outstanding—prompt, consistent, and incredibly thorough. He anticipated needs before we even had to ask, including arranging a flight upgrade and providing detailed information to help us pack and prepare for three very different microclimates:... Read more

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Service from Paul at KimKim Travel — A Truly First-Class Experience

As seasoned and discerning travelers, our expectations are high, and Paul at KimKim Travel exceeded them in every way. From the beginning, his communication was outstanding—prompt, consistent, and incredibly thorough. He anticipated needs before we even had to ask, including arranging a flight upgrade and providing detailed information to help us pack and prepare for three very different microclimates: Quito, Mashpi Lodge, and the Galápagos Islands.

Upon arrival to the Quito Airport, everything was seamless. Tony Sotomayor met us at the airport and orchestrated a flawless transition with luggage, customs, security, and access to the VIP Sala Lounge before our adventure began. Traveling with children can be challenging, but Paul thoughtfully arranged a private naturalist guide who met us at the Baltra airport and made the experience both effortless and enriching for our family.

The Galápagos portion aboard the Elite was nothing short of extraordinary. The crew was exceptionally accommodating to families with children and operated on our pace. Special recognition goes to Captain Marcelo for getting us safely to every destination, Roberto for delivering a true luxury experience as cruise director, Chef Angel and Bartender Romulo for keeping us wonderfully fed and refreshed, David for capturing incredible GoPro memories, Andreas for kayaking with our daughter Brynn, and of course our naturalist guide, Matthias the Magnificent, whose passion and expertise ensured we experienced every wildlife encounter the islands had to offer.

This journey was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—not only because of the incredible destinations and wildlife, but because of the remarkable people who made us feel at home every step of the way. We are forever grateful to Paul and the entire KimKim team for crafting such a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

Warmest regards,
Dr. Timothy, Joy & Brynn Davis

Hotel Review
M/C Elite

★★★★★ An Unforgettable Galápagos Experience Our family and friends recently enjoyed a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the Elite Galápagos Cruise, and we are forever grateful to the incredible crew who made us feel so at home. Traveling with children can be challenging, but everyone went above and beyond to accommodate our family and ensure that our children felt included in every adventure. Special thanks to Captain Marcelo for safely guiding us to every destination, Roberto, our outstanding Cruise Director, for delivering a first-class luxury experience, and Chef Angel and Bartender Romulo for keeping us exceptionally well fed and refreshed. Thank you to David for capturing and sharing amazing photos and GoPro memories, and to Andreas for making kayaking with Brynn such a special experience. And a very special thank you to Matthias the Magnificent, our naturalist guide, whose passion and expertise ensured that we experienced every incredible wildlife encounter the islands had to offer. The Galápagos themselves are extraordinary, but what made this trip unforgettable was the warmth, kindness, and service provided by the entire Elite crew. We will forever cherish the memories and are deeply grateful for making this journey so special. Warmest regards, Dr. Timothy, Joy & Brynn Davis

Authenticity & Character
The Elite combines elegant, intimate luxury with the spirit of the Galápagos, offering beautifully appointed suites, personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes exploring these extraordinary islands feel both exclusive and authentic.
Location
We enjoyed incredible encounters with blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, and sea lions. One of the joys of the Galápagos is that every voyage offers new surprises, and we look forward to returning someday in hopes of adding penguins to our growing list of unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Staff
The Elite’s authenticity and character come from its exceptional crew, who make every guest feel like family while sharing the natural wonders of the Galápagos with warmth, expertise, and genuine Ecuadorian hospitality.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Elite was impeccably clean and exceptionally comfortable, with spacious suites, thoughtful amenities, and meticulous attention to detail that made every moment onboard feel relaxing and luxurious.
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 22, 2026
Dear Tim, Joy, and Brynn, I'm so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time aboard the cruise and exploring the Galapagos alongside Carmen's family, as well as Joann and Michael. 🐢 It was truly a pleasure helping you discover and explore this unique destination. From the very beginning, planning this journey with you was easy and enjoyable, and I'm grateful for your kind words. I'll be sure to pass your feedback along to the cruise crew. Comments like yours mean a great deal and are... Read more

Dear Tim, Joy, and Brynn,

I'm so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time aboard the cruise and exploring the Galapagos alongside Carmen's family, as well as Joann and Michael. 🐢

It was truly a pleasure helping you discover and explore this unique destination. From the very beginning, planning this journey with you was easy and enjoyable, and I'm grateful for your kind words.

I'll be sure to pass your feedback along to the cruise crew. Comments like yours mean a great deal and are always appreciated by everyone involved in creating memorable experiences for our travelers.

I'm sure you'll cherish this adventure and the memories you made in the Galapagos for years to come.

Sending you my very best wishes! 🤗

Warmly,
Paul

We had an amazing trip to Ecuador!!
Ecuador | May 15 - May 30, 2026

C
C V.
Knoxville, TN | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2026
We had an amazing trip to Ecuador. Paul provided all the guidance we needed, listened to our requests, and tailored the itinerary to our preferences. Even better, he provided emergency assistance at the very beginning of our trip when our flight was grounded due to mechanical issues, requiring quick adjustments to our plans. He always answered promptly when we needed him. Janeanin and Mishell provided excellent help during our time in Cotopaxi, Baños, and Quito. We made amazing memories with... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Ecuador. Paul provided all the guidance we needed, listened to our requests, and tailored the itinerary to our preferences. Even better, he provided emergency assistance at the very beginning of our trip when our flight was grounded due to mechanical issues, requiring quick adjustments to our plans. He always answered promptly when we needed him. Janeanin and Mishell provided excellent help during our time in Cotopaxi, Baños, and Quito. We made amazing memories with a horseback ride (Cabalgata) in Cotopaxi, white-water rafting in Baños, a visit to the Mitad del Mundo museum, and trips to the Quito Teleférico and historic center.
We are so grateful to the entire team for making our vacation truly unforgettable.

Activity Reviews
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Visit the "Middle of the World"
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Activities in Baños & Return to Quito
Activities in Baños & Return to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
Quito
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 03, 2026

Hola Carmelo!

It makes me so happy to hear that you had an amazing family trip in Ecuador and enjoyed your time in our country, especially while celebrating such a special occasion as your wedding anniversary.

I’ll be sure to share your kind words with the entire team. They will be happy to hear them, as feedback like yours motivates us to continue welcoming travelers from around the world and helping them discover the beauty and wonders of Ecuador.

Wishing you all the best, and many more wonderful adventures ahead. 🤗

Warmly,
Paul

Paul provided the best travel customer experi...
Galapagos Islands | Feb 25 - Mar 9, 2026

Nathan
Nathan D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 29, 2026
Paul provided the best travel customer experience we’ve ever had! From the start of travel planning he engaged. He provided a travel recommendations and responded to inquiries and suggestions immediately. Throughout the process he responded within minutes of questions being sent. This included multiple times of what we considered off hours on weekends and later than most of us work. He also called a couple of times to ensure we were on the same page. During the trip he asked how things... Read more

Paul provided the best travel customer experience we’ve ever had!

From the start of travel planning he engaged. He provided a travel recommendations and responded to inquiries and suggestions immediately. Throughout the process he responded within minutes of questions being sent. This included multiple times of what we considered off hours on weekends and later than most of us work. He also called a couple of times to ensure we were on the same page. During the trip he asked how things were going and volunteered to travel (inconveniently across Quito to meet us). Kim Kim and Paul allowed us to create a photo album. Here we are nearly three months after the trip and he’s still been responsive to our questions and thank yous. We cannot recommend him enough!

The trip was amazing. My wife and I put it at the top of our list and we’ve traveled significantly. When we first looked at the itinerary we thought there might be too much snorkeling. I’m a scuba instructor and admittedly think snorkeling leaves something to be desired. To my amazement the snorkeling was better than many dives that I’ve done. Thank you for the humbling experience. We saw sharks, sea lions, sea horses, turtles, iguanas. Wonderful stuff. The birds, tortoises and SEALIONS were something else.

I loved that we asked for changes and Paul found options. Within the process we added a friend traveler and he was able to align our plans completely.

TOP NOTCH.

Paul - you truly are the best. Thank you!

Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 29, 2026

Hi Nathan,

Thank you for your kind words. Knowing that you, Jen, and Peggy had a wonderful trip makes me so happy. 🤗 I’ll make sure to share your comments with the team, and we hope you’ll be able to visit us again in the future.

It’s really interesting to hear that snorkeling was such a pleasant surprise for you, especially compared to some of the dives you’ve done. 🦈

It was a pleasure planning every detail of the trip with you, and once again, thank you for trusting us with your journey to the beautiful Galapagos.

Wishing you all the best!
Paul

Trip of a lifetime!
Galapagos Islands | Feb 25 - Mar 9, 2026

J
Jennifer Z.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on May 28, 2026
Trip of a lifetime!
This was truly one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Every part of the experience was thoughtfully planned and incredibly memorable. The itinerary was perfectly balanced and gave us the opportunity to experience all the key highlights of the islands while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable.
Paul made the entire trip completely stress-free. Every transfer, activity, and pickup was seamlessly coordinated, so we could simply enjoy the experience without worrying about... Read more

Trip of a lifetime!
This was truly one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Every part of the experience was thoughtfully planned and incredibly memorable. The itinerary was perfectly balanced and gave us the opportunity to experience all the key highlights of the islands while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable.

Paul made the entire trip completely stress-free. Every transfer, activity, and pickup was seamlessly coordinated, so we could simply enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. His organization and attention to detail made a huge difference.

The wildlife experiences were absolutely unforgettable. Seeing so many animals in their natural habitat was incredible — especially the sea lions, which were amazing to watch up close. Each snorkeling excursion offered something unique, and we saw an incredible variety of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, seahorses, penguins, and sea lions.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about this trip. It exceeded our expectations in every way, and Paul made the entire experience easy, smooth, and unforgettable. I would highly recommend working with Paul to plan your trip — you will be in excellent hands.

Hotel Reviews
Plaza Luna Suites
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful hotel. Great location- close to restaurants, shopping and the harbor for sea lion, bird and iguana watching! Easy to walk everywhere we needed to. The hotel was beautiful and the staff were very accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to restaurants, shopping and the harbor!
Staff
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They accommodated us a few times with our early morning activities.
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casita de la Playa
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Great location. Amazing view from the balcony. Extremely relaxing.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Opuntia Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Great location. Easy access to the beach, views of the sea lions and all activities. Would love to stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Proximity to the sea lions and the view
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 29, 2026

Hi Jen!

I’m so happy to hear that your trip to the Galapagos was one of the best trips you’ve ever had and that you had the chance to see the unique wildlife of the islands.

Your pictures are beautiful, thank you for sharing them and for your kind words. 🐢

Whenever you’re ready to plan your next adventure, we’ll be happy to help!

Warmly,
Paul, your friend from Ecuador

4 Girls' escape to Ecuador and Galapagos
Ecuador | Mar 30 - Apr 10, 2026

S
Shirley N.
Hong Kong SAR China | Reviewed on May 22, 2026
Firstly, a heartful thanks to Paul - the trip wouldn’t have been as amazing without Paul’s help especially with us being 15+6 hours of flights away. You made the trip so much easier and end-to-end smoothly, so everyone could relax and enjoy the vacation, knowing everything was taken care of. Also, a special thank you to Jeannin, our guide in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest. She shared rich local insights and historical background with real passion and experience, helping us understand... Read more

Firstly, a heartful thanks to Paul - the trip wouldn’t have been as amazing without Paul’s help especially with us being 15+6 hours of flights away. You made the trip so much easier and end-to-end smoothly, so everyone could relax and enjoy the vacation, knowing everything was taken care of.

Also, a special thank you to Jeannin, our guide in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest. She shared rich local insights and historical background with real passion and experience, helping us understand Ecuador and its culture in the best possible way, rather than just simply a tour in lecture style. We had a good time spending time together like sisters and this would be one of our unforgettable moments of the trip <3

For anyone planning a trip to Ecuador, highly recommend Authentic Ecuador. Just share the attractions you would like to see (if you already have a few in mind), they will take care of the rest and everything’s set up for you!!

Hotel Review
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 22, 2026

Hi Shirley!

I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed visiting our country and that everything went smoothly. Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and for recommending our services. I’ll make sure to share your message with Jeannin and the rest of the team.

I truly hope that in the near future you can visit us again and continue exploring more of Ecuador.

A big hug to you, Stella, Cally, and Celeste! 🤗

Warmly,
Paul

Our trip to the Galapagos was very well plann...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 6 - Apr 17, 2026

S
Stephanie S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026
Our trip to the Galapagos was very well planned. We enjoyed our few days on land ,interacting with the local culture.
Our cruise on the Treasure was fabulous. The Staff and Captain were excellent ,educational including a delicious variety of snacks,drinks and meals.
Thank you Paul Read more

Our trip to the Galapagos was very well planned. We enjoyed our few days on land ,interacting with the local culture.
Our cruise on the Treasure was fabulous. The Staff and Captain were excellent ,educational including a delicious variety of snacks,drinks and meals.

Thank you Paul

Hotel Reviews
M/C Treasure
San José de Conocoto Quito
Hotel La Laguna
Puerto Villamil
Hotel Fiesta
Puerto Ayora
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Great staff, wonderful spat with an excellent esthetician. The rooms were comfortable and the restaurant was delicious

Authenticity & Character
Location
closer to the city
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Napo Cultural Center
Quito

Very comfortable, clean and well maintained. A very nice dinning area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Our guide, Rodrigo, was excellent and happy to share his knowledge. He was very well-spoken and eager to show us all the Amazon has to offer.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 28, 2026

Hi Stephanie,

I’m so glad to hear that you had a great time visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos. Thank you very much for your feedback about the hotels and activities, as well as your overall experience.

It was a pleasure planning this adventure with you, and I hope that you and Jeff can visit us again in the future. 🤗

Wishing you all the best,
Paul

Great Trip! Lots of fun and very interesting...
Galapagos Islands | Feb 11 - Feb 17, 2026

Lindsey
Lindsey B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026
Great Trip! Lots of fun and very interesting. We had a wonderful time in the Galapagos. Our guides Vivienne and Ricardo were very nice and informative. Our guide for the snorkeling trip was very good as well but I can't remember his name. We saw lots of wildlife both on land and sea. Our accommodations at Blu Galapagos were perfect. This is my 2nd trip through Kim Kim and it is really been a pleasure having the trips tailored to what you want. Paul was a great local specialist, very... Read more

Great Trip! Lots of fun and very interesting. We had a wonderful time in the Galapagos. Our guides Vivienne and Ricardo were very nice and informative. Our guide for the snorkeling trip was very good as well but I can't remember his name. We saw lots of wildlife both on land and sea. Our accommodations at Blu Galapagos were perfect. This is my 2nd trip through Kim Kim and it is really been a pleasure having the trips tailored to what you want. Paul was a great local specialist, very responsive and answered all of my questions in a timely fashion.

Hotel Reviews
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge
Puerto Ayora

We had a corner room with a balcony and a hot tub. Amazing view of the harbor. Very spacious. Breakfast was great. A bit bummed that the restaurant was closed for maintenance. Had access to fresh drinking water just outside our door with ice downstairs.

Authenticity & Character
Cute hotel.
Location
Very close to downtown and the Darwin Research Center. Easy to walk everywhere.
Staff
Very nice staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and spacious room.
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Really nice hotel. Easy to check in and out. Food was great. Rooms were clean and spacious. Only a couple of minutes to and from the airport.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty hotel. Nicely decorated.
Location
A few minutes from the airport.
Staff
Very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and spacious rooms.
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Feb 23, 2026

Hi Lindsey,

I’m so happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip to the Galapagos! It’s great to know you saw so much wildlife and that your guides did an excellent job helping you discover the islands. 🤗

Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting Kimkim once again. It truly means a lot. I really hope we can help you plan many more adventures in the future.

Wishing you all the best,

Paul, your friend from Ecuador

The guides in Amazon rain forest were amazing...
Galapagos Islands | Jan 28 - Feb 7, 2026

S
Sudha N.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026
The guides in Amazon rain forest were amazing , very caring and helpful throughout. Read more

The guides in Amazon rain forest were amazing , very caring and helpful throughout.

Hotel Reviews
M/C Treasure
San José de Conocoto Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Napo Cultural Center
Quito

The food was amazing . The items that were served were never repeated . Staff was very courteous

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The facility was very clean
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival in Quito - Transfer to Your Hotel
Arrival in Quito - Transfer to Your Hotel
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Feb 17, 2026

Hi Sudha,

I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed your adventure exploring the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. I hope you’ll share your experience in Ecuador with your friends and family so they feel inspired to visit too. 🐢🐒

Sending my best wishes from Quito to you and Gopi!
Paul

An outstanding trip to highland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador | Jan 17 - Feb 1, 2026

Chris
Chris B.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2026
We had a superb trip to Ecuador, organized by local specialist Paul. We began in Quito and traveled to Cuenca, seeing the Andes and rural areas in between. The hotel accomodation and food was varied and excellent, particularly the colonial style hotels in the larger towns. We were particularly interested in seeing traditional weaving, and our guide/driver David Galarza went "above and beyond" to track down weaving communities for us. We were able to try our hand at weaving and dyeing in a... Read more

We had a superb trip to Ecuador, organized by local specialist Paul. We began in Quito and traveled to Cuenca, seeing the Andes and rural areas in between. The hotel accomodation and food was varied and excellent, particularly the colonial style hotels in the larger towns. We were particularly interested in seeing traditional weaving, and our guide/driver David Galarza went "above and beyond" to track down weaving communities for us. We were able to try our hand at weaving and dyeing in a couple of places (Otavalo and Gualaceo) and we would absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in traditional crafts. The national park at Cotopaxi is also a wonder. We finished our trip with a few days in the Galapagos islands, which live up to expectations with wildlife and much else to see. Thank you David and Paul!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cucuve
Puerto Ayora

A fine little hotel in an excellent location near to the main street, within easy reach of shops and restaurants. Friendly, informal service and spacious, clean rooms

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Santa Lucía
Cuenca

A wonderful Spanish colonial hotel in the central part of Cuenca, a charming city. Food, decor, location and service are all excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Spanish colonial decor, with great nearby bars and restaurants, near to the main square and cathedrals
Location
In the heart of old Cuenca
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inti Sisa
Guamote

A great hostel in Guamote, a place that is well worth a visit for its market. Basic rooms, good food and friendly service, interesting decor, activities for travelers. Recommended, especially for independent travelers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Guamote does not have a lot of hotels, this is perhaps the only one catering to international visitors
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hosteria La Andaluza
Riobamba

Quirky, over-the-top colonial style decor. Fascinating place and well worth an overnight stay. Good food and friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
The hotel houses the owner's large collection of memorabilia, from old gramophones to radios and beyond
Location
Staff
Great service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Patio Andaluz
Quito

A wonderful Spanish colonial hotel in the heart of Quito, with excellent food, rooms and service. Recommended.

Authenticity & Character
Spanish colonial architecture and decoration
Location
In the center of the old town
Staff
Excellent service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Exploring Cuenca
Exploring Cuenca
Ecuador

Cuenca is a wonderful city with a Spanish colonial heart, great bars and restaurants as well. Lots to enjoy, but the Negroni rooftop bar with spectacular views of the old cathedral is a highlight.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Villages Around Cuenca
Discover Villages Around Cuenca
Cuenca

We visited the shawl weaving workshop at Gualaceo (about 40 mins drive from Cuenca), where they make traditional shawls (macanas), with ikat designs and macrame fringes. You can see the whole process, and the visit is fascinating. Recommended. We also visited a weaver (Mama Rosa) in Saraguro district. She is about 3 hours drive from Cuenca, and absolutely charming and welcoming. If you are interested in weaving you should also definitely visit her for demonstrations of natural dyeing and weaving on a backstrap loom. Your guide should contact her and her family in advance to arrange.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador

A spectacular, high-altitude park, underneath the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi. If the weather is on your side, take the walk around the lake (1-1.5 hours)

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

The old town is beautiful and full of historic churches. A must-see for visitors to Ecuador

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paul Cisneros
Paul
Paul Cisneros
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Feb 02, 2026

Hi Chris,

I wanted to thank you for your kind words about David’s guidance, our services, and our country. I’m very happy to hear that you and Sandra had a great time visiting Ecuador and that you had the chance to visit weaving artisans and learn about their techniques. I’m sure you’ll share great stories with your colleagues. As you mentioned, it’s a wonderful experience for anyone visiting Ecuador to learn about these traditions.

I look forward to seeing the pictures you took. I’m sure there are some great memories to share! 🤗

Wishing you all the best,
Paul, your friend from Ecuador