Authentic Ecuador

Our trip to the Galápagos was truly unforgettable, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, Tamer and our local contact, Ariel, went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Traveling with a 12-month-old daughter could have been challenging, but they personalized the trip in such thoughtful ways that we always felt comfortable, supported, and able to enjoy ourselves fully.

The islands themselves are breathtaking—spectacular views, dramatic landscapes, and incredible wildlife everywhere you look. The activities were seamlessly organized and offered just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. Snorkeling was a highlight, with crystal-clear waters and amazing marine life, while the hike up Sierra Negra was an awe-inspiring experience we’ll never forget.

Thanks to the care and professionalism of the team, we were able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip without stress. I would highly recommend both Kimkim and this wonderful team to anyone considering the Galápagos.

Our mountain guide, Camilo, was exceptional. He made us feel very safe and helped 2 of us summit Cotopaxi. You should use him whenever you get a chance. I can't say enough about how fun, knowledgeable and capable he is. He managed our acclimitization hikes perfectly helped us in so many ways.

I would spend some time refining the "gear list" you recommend. There were things we had at home that didn't show up on the gear list that were required. This resulted in us spending a few hundred dollars rebuying gear we already own.

We LOVED our experience with KimKim!
Paul made the planning process very easy and catered to all of our very specific requests. Our tour guide Robert was so personable and very knowledgable, which made our tours educational and fun. We felt like it was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, sight-seeing, and experiencing new things. There were also some surprises included that made our trip even more special. We would definitely recommend traveling through kimkim!

Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Quito

Quito

This hotel was perfect for us! It was clean, safe, and comfortable.

Napo Cultural Center

Quito

We loved staying here! It was such an incredible experience to be able to stay with members of the Kichwa community. We felt very well taken care of during our stay.

Activity Reviews

Quito City Tour

Ecuador

So fun to learn about the history of Quito and to get to experience the food and culture!

Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake

Quito

Amazing!

Visit the "Middle of the World"

Ecuador

I loved how interactive this was. We learned a lot!

Hot Springs of Papallacta

Ecuador

Very relaxing, we really liked spending time here.

Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike

Ecuador

Parrot clay lick - Indigenous community - Observation Tower

Yasuni National Park

Indigenous community - Canoe ride - Night walk

Yasuni National Park

The canoe ride was incredible!! We saw so much wildlife and had so much fun.

Wayusada - Transfer to Coca - Flight to Quito

Ecuador

Day trip to Mindo

Quito

Feeding the hummingbirds and holding the butterflies was beautiful!

Absolutely amazing experience right from the start! Paola was extremely responsive and generated a trip capturing everything I wanted for a last minute trip. In Ecuador we had the best tour guide we have ever had- Sebastian. This was an adventure packed, yet stress free trip all because of these two amazing people!

Everything worked out very smoothly. Great communication, putting something together for us. Last minute was pretty miraculous. Highly recommend! Beautiful place and saw and did almost everything we wanted to do..

This trip experience was one of the best handled we have ever had. Linda was very helpful and listened to what we thought we wanted to do and then discussed it with us. Ariel was also a great help. I was very surprised that Ariel actually showed up at the hotel our first morning to make sure everything was OK. Our guide, Sebastian Carrera was easily one of the best guides we have ever had on any of our trips outside of the US. He was like traveling with a member of our family who just happened to be VERY knowledgable about Ecuador and seemed to know everyone we came across. He did a wonderful job coming up with an itinerary on the fly because the E20 was closed due to landslides which meant we had to go the long way down near Archidona. On the way back to Quito we stopped in a few different places. Sebastian also assisted us with getting all our electronic paperwork submitted properly for getting to the Galapagos. One really nice thing to note was when we were dropped off at the airport to fly out to the Galapagos we recieved white glove service where we were escorted over to bag inspection while our guide went with our passports and got our boarding passes and bag tags. they then walked us over to the bag drop and then over to security. It made the whole process stress free and seamless. When we got out to Galapagos we were met by Daniella who again was wonderful. Marcello, our driver was great also. after leaving the airport, we drove out on Santa Cruz and hiked around for a bit observing the giant tortoises. We also made it to the Charles Darwin research center and Daniela was very knowedgable about everything. The following day we walked down to the bus stop and took a bus back to the port to take a boat out to Isla Bartolome. One thing to note here is that the itinerary listed the trip out to Isla Bartolome was on a "modern yacht". The boat we were on was a 68 foot sailboat. While this was not an issue for us because the crew was great, the food was great, the whole experience was great, some others might take issue as i am not sure if I would classify it as a modern yacht. Its more of a "classic sail boat" which we enjoyed fully. The trip out to Bartolome was fun and out guide on the boat was Candi. She guided us around the island all the way up to the top. Bartolome is a little bit of a hike. Getting off the zodiac, we had to step over a sea lion on the steps while the Blue Footed Boobies watched us. There are alot of stairs so if you have difficulty walking this is something you may want to consider before going. After spending some time on Bartolome we went Isla Santiago and snorkeled for a bit after seeing penguins, sea lions and sea turtles. The snorkeling was like swiming in a fish tank, there was fish, the occasional penguin, and other wildlife everywhere. The following day Daniela met us at our hotel and we went out to Tortuga Bay for the day. on the walk out we saw sea lions and the swimming iguanas. The bay is very peaceful. there werent alot of people there and we easily found a spot under a tree in the sand. Our trip back to the airport was handled by Marcello. He picked us up at our hotel and was with us all the way out to the airport to fly home. Again, it was white glove service all the way. he handled out bags from the hotel all the way to taking them off the bus at the airport. This was the first time we used KimKim and based on this experience, it wont be the last. KimKim will easily be our first choice moving forward when looking at countries we are traveling to where having a currated, guided experience is desired.

Hotel Reviews

Patio Andaluz

Quito

When traveling to other countries I like to immerse myself and not be in a chain hotel. This hotel is absolutely wonderful. Its based around an old colonial home and has TONS of character. The staff are all extreemely friendly and always willing to assist if you need it. I arrived late at night and technically the restaurant was closed but the staff offered that we could sit in the bar area and there were some things that they could make us if we were hungry. This was totally unexpected and appreciated. The breakfasts were also great and there was always more than enough. T

Authenticity & Character

The hotel is technically a historic colonial home. The restaurant is technically in one of the courtyards. The hotel itself is beautiful, its not your typical hotel like a holiday inn.

Location

his hotel is about 1 1/2 blocks away from the main plaza in Quito and only a few more block away from San Francisco square. The Basílica del Voto Nacional is a little bit further but technically walkable also.

Staff

Everyone at the property were always ready to assist if we needed any help.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kuyana Amazon Lodge

Archidona

If youre looking for a place to stay in the Amazon where you are immersed in the environment, this is your place. The staff were all very friendly and the meals were amazing. We were in family unit 2 overlooking the pool. The room was spacious and clean. The grounds are well kept and theres a creek on the property which kept my son busy when we got back on site after our excursions. Be sure to say hello to Ramona if you go (the resident spider monkey)

Authenticity & Character

The hotel was built to blend into the jungle.

Location

The location is far away from anything, at least it seems that way.

Staff

Santi was always there in the dining area if we needed anything. I dont remember the two ladies in the kitchen but they were great also. Santi and the kitchen staff made us a birthday cake to celebrate a birthday in our group complete with a palm crown and headbands for the rest of us. Santi also went out and found some grubs and grilled them up for us! The staff are all wonderful at Kuyana Lodge

Cleanliness & Comfort

Acacia Galápagos Boutique Hotel

Puerto Ayora

The location of this property is perfect. its about a block away from the main street where all the shops and resaurants are. The staff here were always super friendly and ready to assist if needed. when you are registering for travel out to the Galapagos the hotel in the list is actually in the drop down list as "Galapagos House" and not Acacia Galapagos Boutique Hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

its a block off the main street which is very close to the nightlife but far enough away that you dont hear anything.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Transfer Quito - Rainforest Lodge in Archidona

Ecuador

Sebastian made the best of the situation as the E20 was closed due to landslides. we had to take the long way to the lodge. we stopped at a lot of places along the way to sightsee and do some fun activities like Casa de Arbol, a few waterfalls, and Devils Cauldron.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amazon Safari

Ecuador

Sebastian got us to Ahuana la Punta where we boarded a river boat and went down river to AmaZOOnico and had a guided tour all throughout the property. After that we got back in the boat and went to Wankuriska Ayllu Canelos and spent some time with a Quechua family and learned about making ChiCha as well as pulling fibers out of plants to make string and rope. We then ventured to another location where there was a pond with cayman. After that we went to Cesars home (our boat captain) and we were taught how to use a blowgun and alsowere walked through the whole cacao/chocolate process. we even roasted our own beans, shelled them and ground them. We then made our own chocolate sauce for a fondue. Everyone we came across on this adventure were warm and welcoming.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the "Middle of the World"

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Excursion to an uninhabited island

Galapagos Islands

We chose to go to Isla Bartolome. We were advised that this island has less wildlife typically but the landscape is more inspiring because of pinnacle rock. We were fortunate enough to be greeted by a sea lion which we had to step over to get on to the island as well as blue footed boobies on the cliff. The rest of the island is a little bit of a hike along a wooden pathway with numerous steps up to the top of the island.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito City Tour

Ecuador

Sebastian was absolutely wonderful. He was very knowledgable and seemed to know everyone! He was able to get us into some things that were seemingly closed after having a chat with folks at some of the sites we went to.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Hike to Tortuga Bay

Galapagos Islands

Daniela was our guide for this and was amazing. She picked us up at our hotel and we walked out to Tortuga Bay. you have to go out through the preserve along a path (a few miles to the actual bay). As you come out of the preserve you arrive at a beach with white sand, black volcanic rocks and bright blue water. There is no swimming allowed at this beach so you turn right and walk down the beach. after a while you cut through another tree line and it opens up into a calm serene bay. There are plenty of places for shade under the trees at the edge of the beach to lay down under.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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!

Was a very nice trip experience, easy communicate before the trip, tour well planned and professional guide, we recommend Kimkim's hard works! if any suggestion maybe tour bus can update newer.

Sofia Wen

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!