Paul Cisneros

Kim Kim and its local partner Authentic Ecuador planned and implemented a seamless extremely well run 17- day mostly private tour of Quito, the Galapagos, Lima and Machu Picchu. The hotels they selected were top of the line and first-rate with excellent rooms and wonderful breakfasts. Most importantly, all of the guides ( and support personnel, such as drivers) were wonderful. The trip organiser Paul did an exceptional job keeping abreast of every detail. He made a special visit to our hotel in Quito to personally meet and greet us. Special mention should also go to our guide in Quito (Jose)m Jacome who was very helpful in showing us this beautiful City, to Julio Quispe in Cusco (and Machu Picchu) who was an exceptional guide in every respect and went way beyond the call of duty in assisting us with a health issue, to Bosco Villene who made sure our time in Lima and our flight to Cusco went very well, and to all of the guides and local contacts in the Falapsgos including but not limited to Astrid Freire who were both extremely knowledgeable and competent at their jobs and dedicated to their beautiful well-preserved islands.

We had an absolutely wonderful time on our trip to Ecuador and Paul was a big part of making it so special and memorable. Everything from the airport pickups/dropoff to checking in at the hotels and airports was effortless for us. They helped us pick out wonderful hotels, lodges and cruises. Our tours were fun and informative and they even suggested a cooking class which was one of the highlights.

Paul met us at our hotel in quito, gave us a welcome gift of coffee, chocolate and wine, and was always available for any questions. He even picked up the phone on a saturday morning when we thought we missed a pick up but we actually missed the time change going to the Galapagos.

I would absolutely recommend Kimkim for a trip to Ecuador. Ask for Paul!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Mama Cuchara

Quito

We loved this hotel. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. We had a few early mornings and if we couldn't make the buffet and they gave us a to go breakfast. Although I would try to make their breakfast. It was delicious. There are treats left in your room every night. They even left gluten free versions. The bar/restaurant on the roof is wonderful with views of the city, great food and drinks, heaters and they'll bring you out a poncho if it's chilly. The hotel is beautiful with an interior covered courtyard. You can walk to old town or get a cheap uber.

Authenticity & Character

It is such a beautiful hotel. I loved the courtyard and rooftop bar.

Location

walking distance to historical center/old town

Staff

They were so great. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sacha Lodge Yasuní

Quito

what a beautiful place. The journey to get there is kind of crazy - flight, boat, hike and canoe, but it was absolutely worth it. Our guide, Fausto, was from the area and knew so much - plants, animals, birds, bugs and snakes. The food was delicious. They were so accommodating with our dietary restrictions (gluten free) and walked us through the buffet and dinner menus. They even made gluten free versions. The rooms and shared space were clean and inviting. Days included walks, canoe rides, chocolate making, animal spotting. There were also places to just sit and listen to the birds, watch the monkey and enjoy the experience.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Fausto was an amazing guide. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Quito Cooking Class

Ecuador

This was one of the highlights of our trips. I'm so glad it was suggested. We met the chef in a amazing restaurant that had a side kitchen set up. The chef made the class fun. The food we cooked was amazing - coconut shrimp, soup and chocolate and fruit for dessert. All the ingredients came from the market that morning. We had a bowl of 10+ different types fruit to choose from. We only recognized the bananas and strawberries. The rest of the fruit was a tasty mystery. Do this!

My daughter and I spent two weeks making memories for a lifetime in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. The folks at Kimkim provided a fabulous itinerary that allowed us to experience so many different aspects of this wonderful country and its people. Perhaps the best thing they did for us was to find a superb driver and guide, Cristobal Cabezas, who accompanied us throughout our journey and offered valuable historical and cultural insights along the way. He introduced us to many gastronomical specialties--such as guinea pig (cuy), and (more to our taste) local ice cream and chocolate. Cristobal took us places that most tourists would never see, and helped us appreciate the many beautiful and interesting places we went in Ecuador. Some highlights included taking a cable car up to Pichincha, one of the volcanoes that surround the capital city of Quito. The views from the top are spectacular, and it was fun to dangle over the valley on a swing that is a short way up the mountain, available to all who are willing to climb a bit in the oxygen-depleted air. Another highlight was the cooking class that was arranged for us. We tasted fruits that we didn't know existed and learned how to make some traditional--and delicious--food that we can enjoy again back at home with the recipes from our meal. One of our favorite spots was Maquipucuna Reserve, a lush, verdant, privately controlled preserve in the cloud forest that made us feel like we were in a different world. Our only regret was that we were able to spend so little time there--it would have been nice to be able to explore the maze of pathways longer and relax in the beautiful lodge. We got to bird watch in Mindo, where we caught glimpses of toucans, parrots, and many other brightly colored species of birds. In Mindo we also went on a night hike with a knowledgeable guide who pointed out numerous critters of various shapes and sizes and genuses--scorpions and fireflies and other insects, as well as nocturnal birds and mammals. After spending a couple of days in the cloud forest, we spent a morning at the vibrant, colorful market in Otavalo, which featured every indigenous handicraft imaginable of exquisite quality--blankets, scarves, jewelry, ponchos, tablecloths, clothing, and more. Again, we wished we had had more time to spend there. We easily could have spent a full day wandering the stalls and inspecting the artisanship and skill of the artists and vendors there. As wonderful as all of our excursions in Ecuador were, the Galápagos Islands offered an entirely different and even more spectacular adventure. On our various expeditions we learned about the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, penguins, sharks, sea turtles, iguanas, sea lions, and of course, the giant tortoises that inhabit the islands. The islands abound in wildlife of countless varieties, and none of the amazing creatures that we saw seemed to be afraid of humans. We were cautioned to not touch, but they paid little attention to us as we gawked and marveled at the abundant flora and fauna on these amazing islands. Overall, we had a fabulous adventure, thanks to the excellent care of our Kimkim hosts!

Hotel Reviews

Vieja Cuba

Quito

Pleasant and clean, although the rooms were quite small (cozy). Very friendly staff.

Sisakuna Lodge

Mindo

The rooms were spacious, but the shower was not even lukewarm, and I don't think the sheets were clean.

Hotel Acoma

Otavalo

Small room and bathroom with the worst shower imaginable, alternating scalding and frigid water. One plus was that it was very quiet.

Capitan Max B&B

Puerto Ayora

Lovely rooms and host. Clean, comfortable, and great location.

Hotel La Laguna

Puerto Villamil

Located right across from a lagoon where flamingoes hang out, it is a lovely, comfortable, clean hotel with a friendly, helpful staff. Enjoyed this hotel more than any other on our trip!

Activity Reviews

Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras

Galapagos Islands

There was no kayaking, but the snorkeling was interesting, and we saw some beautiful and fascinating animals.

Papallacta Hot Springs & Spa

Ecuador

The hot springs are great, but the best part of this excursion was walking one of the beautiful paths up to a waterfall, through some of the most stunning landscape imaginable. Lovely!

Quito Cooking Class

Galapagos Islands

Our cook and teacher, Dennis, was fabulous. We loved the food, which was plentiful, and the instruction was accessible and fun. One of our favorite activities!

Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano

Quito

Wonderful view of Quito and beautiful trail up to the volcano (although we didn't go the whole way). Loved swinging on the swing at the top!

Maquipucuna Reserve

Ecuador

Paradise on Earth. Not to be missed! Such a beautiful place! The trails were delightful, the lodge was gorgeous, the food was delicious, but the best part is the story of the couple who started acquiring land for this exquisite preserve. One of the most beautiful and tranquil places we have experienced anywhere.

Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz

Galapagos Islands

Daniela, our guide, was so kind and informative. The tortoises were everything we had imagined they would be! A fascinating excursion that brought to life everything we had read about the Galápagos.

Excursion to an uninhabited island

Galapagos Islands

Nesting season for the blue-footed boobies--they were everywhere! We were able to get quite close to them, and they seemed quite unbothered by our presence. Amazing!

Snorkel at Los Túneles

Ecuador

Wow! Otherworldly terrain and extraordinary access to amazing sealife while snorkeling. Definitely a highlight of our trip!

Night Walk in the Cloud Forest

Ecuador

We had an excellent guide who could find nocturnal critters in the darkness that were absolutely amazing!

Paul checked in almost everyday and also booked a last minute tour for me. Franklin was my guide to Mitad de Mundo and was amazing. He even followed up the following day. My stay in Galapagos booked by Paul, was perfect. I has 3 guides, Astrid, Tamara, and Yuliana all very friendly. My transport driver Angel was on time and accompanied me all the way. This Ecuadorian Team is outstanding and highly recommended!!! Thanks Paul

Hotel Review

Acacia Galápagos Boutique Hotel

Puerto Ayora

Great location, fresh breakfast every day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Located one block off the main street centralized

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

100%

Activity Reviews

Kayaking at Garrapatero Beach

Ecuador

Current was high and I chose not to Kayak as I am not experienced enough. We did other things and the guide and I went for an authentic local place and had encebollado.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Angel and Yuliana were both very accommodating. Love them

Transport

Angel prompt and interactive with me

Excursion to an uninhabited island

Ecuador

Enjoying touring with a small group. Boat staff was very accommodating

Quality of Experience

Sea life

Food

Tuna again. Delicious

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fluent in English and spanish

Transport

Shuttle

Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz

Ecuador

These tortoises are amazing animals . I had lunch at the restaurant, the freshest albacore tuna

Quality of Experience

Loving the nature

Food

Freshness

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Astrid was very knowledgeable and answered all questions

Transport

Angel was prompt

We had a fabulous trip hiking in Ecuador, including Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Chimborazo, Cajas National Park, and Ingapirca with our great guide Milton. It included collaborative planning; when a landslide blocked the road to one of our hotels, the team quickly found a new hotel that we could get to. I cannot say enough positive things about Milton; truly a great ambassador for all Ecuadorians.

I contacted kimkim to help craft a custom itinerary with a guide spend almost a week hiking in the Ecuadorian Andes. The kimkim staff was professional and responsive. Most importantly, they contracted an independent local guide who spoke excellent english and specialized in hiking trips.

During the trip we had to adjust the itinerary based on road conditions after a very strong storm closed the road to one of our our planned overnight stay locations. Alternative accommodations were made seamlessly, and it was great to see that the kimkim folks and our local guide were on the same page and kept us in the loop.

My one change would probably be to find a location closer to Chimborazo outside of Riobamba instead of staying in town. The town is not terribly clean and fairly noisy. While our time there was completely fine, l would suggest this improvement for the next group interested in doing a trip similar to ours.

Lastly, I can't say enough good things about our local guide Milton. He really made our trip special and we will treasure our time together for a long time.

Hotel Reviews

Mansion Santa Isabella

Riobamba

While the Andalusian style is nice, the staff was only moderately helpful and the room overlooking the street was very noisy.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The weekend staff was not terribly friendly or helpful. It didn't seem like they enjoyed their job very much.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Santa Lucia House - Forum

Cuenca

Wonderful staff, great location, and a lovely interior. Our room was situated at the front of the hotel, so we heard som street noise, but the large sitting room just outside our room more than made up for it. Breakfast was good. We really appreciated they adjusted their breakfast schedule to accommodate us leaving early in AM on two different occasions.

Authenticity & Character

Lovely traditional Andalusian style.

Location

Less than 5 minutes to the town center.

Staff

Everyone we met was friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Explore Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador

We totally lucked out to see the mountain. Great hikes to the Rifugio and around the lake.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We used a local driver for the last part of the drive.

Explore the Quilotoa Lagoon

Ecuador

The hike around the crater is terrific. There is some steep vertical in the first quarter of the hike going counterclockwise, so be ready for that.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Milton recommended going counterclockwise, which was totally the right call.

Transport

We made a decision the night before to stay in Chugchilan instead of Isnilivi. Not only were we closer to the lake the next day, but we luckily avoided a major landslide that would have kept us from getting to Quilatoa at all.

Cuenca City Tour

Ecuador

Cuenca is a special town. We were fortunate that our guide Milton was from there, so we totally benefitted from having a local experience.

Quality of Experience

Meeting our guides family.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Milton's family was awesome.

Transport

Cajas National Park

Ecuador

Who knew Scotland was in Ecuador. This is a very special place to hike.

Quality of Experience

We lucked out on the weather. Go early!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport