Ecuador Galapagos Travels

Our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands was amazing and all thinks to Karla! She was able to tailor a custom experience for our family of 5. We have a 5 year-old and up and people with varying levels of interests and abilities and Karla was able to craft the perfect blend of adventure, animals and culture. She was also extremely responsive along the way. Anything we needed to know or figure out and she was able to get it answered immediately. I highly recommend working with her and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

Maria José with Kim Kim deserves an 11 out of 10. Logistics for our trip where we went to four islands in four days were extensive and it went off without a hitch. Any question we had she was on what’s app replying immediately. Our flights, boats, tours and transfers were always great and always on time.

Also in the planning part of the trip we told her what we wanted and in two emails had the perfect trip where she really helped us cover all of the activities, all of the islands and all of the animals we wanted to see — and because of her we were able to fit it into four nights without sleeping on a cruise ship.

We’d never used Kim Kim before and didn’t know what to expect, but as extensive world travelers MaJo’s work was so impressive and it was at a very reasonable price. Don’t risk your once in a lifetime Galapagos trip - use MaJo!!!!

Hotel Reviews

Plaza Luna Suites

Puerto Ayora

Clean, great service, and so well kept…best of the three hotels we stayed in during our trip.

Authenticity & Character

Owner lived on the grounds her entire life and treats it like she cares about the property and guests!

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spotless and up to date!

Albemarle

Puerto Villamil

The hotel we stayed at on Isabela Island was awesome, mainly due to its location right on the water. Although it's a bit weathered from being so exposed to the elements, it offers an amazing view which we really appreciated.

Activity Reviews

Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure

Isla San Cristóbal

Amazing snorkeling and great lunch on the boat. The guide was great. Hammerheads, turtles, blue footed boobies, Red Frigate birds (inflated!), rays and seals that came and played with us!

Quality of Experience

Food

Food was fine but that wasn’t what I was focused on

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to San Cristóbal – Kayak at the Port & Darwin Bay Snorkeling

Isla San Cristóbal

Amazing. Greatest sea lion experience ever! They are so fun and playful. Snorkeling was great too. The private guide with the kayaking and snorkeling was the best way to start the trip so we could get the focus and attention we needed given we were doing group snorkels the next three days. The pictures say it all

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Isabela Island – Wildlife Encounter at Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa)

Galapagos Islands

Awesome. Got a selfie with a penguin, saw multiple rays, swam within a foot of 10 different giant turtles, and up close and personal with blue footed boobies! Great ceviche too!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Santa Cruz – Highlands & Bay Tour Experience

Galapagos Islands

The Santa Cruz Highlands & Bay Tour Experience was not our favorite. It was a bilingual group, and we were the only English speakers, so we didn't get as much engagement. It paled compared to the other tours, especially being our fourth day there.

Alirio was incredible. Being with him was like traveling with a family member who is an expert guide. Jacquie did a great job at planning out our trip. Valentina greeted us and presented us with wonderful gifts. First part of our tour was mainland where we experienced diverse experiences such as rainforest , mountains, lagoon, animals, volcanoes, equator line, caves, and new foods. Second part was tropical paradise in Galapagos with incredible experiences with nature and animals, beaches etc! Our guides were kind, helpful and experienced.

We had an amazing trip to Peru! We loved how the trip felt catered to our interests and what we wanted to see during our time in Peru. Some of our favorite sites were Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Rainbow Mountain. Our tour guides were all very friendly, great, and knowledgeable. Enrique was our tour guide for the Inca Trail; he made this hike an incredible experience. We felt very taken care of on this trip and were frequently checked in on, especially by Yael. We have been on several trips now with KimKim, and Peru has been top notch as far as satisfaction goes. I would recommend this trip to any friends and family, and would feel very comfortable having them book with Alvaro and interact with the same tour guides. Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip truly memorable!

Hotel Review

Terra Andina Mansion Colonial

Cusco

We loved this hotel! The staff members were extremely friendly, personable, and helpful. The breakfast and restaurant was amazing, and it was conveniently located near the heart of Cusco.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu

Enrique was our tour guide for this portion of our trip, and he was nothing short of amazing! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I could not have asked for a better experience to such a memorable part of our trip!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Just returning from an incredible 10 day family trip to Ecuador and Galápagos Islands.
Our planning for this trip started with Alvaro, who worked tirelessly planning a trip that would appeal to all ages and abilities.
The communication with so many “moving parts” , was outstanding!
A short time before our trip was going to start, Alvaro introduced us to Ibeth, who was our contact person until we touched ground back in Canada. I’m not sure if she actually sleeps, because she responded instantly with all questions and requests! We met her on a video call before leaving which was very helpful for all.
Our guides in each and every stop were knowledgeable, kind and extremely flexible with our requests. True professionals!
Matteo, in Quito, communicated to Fabricio in San Cristobal that our youngest granddaughter was showing signs of altitude sickness, so that he was aware and offered a stop at a pharmacy if needed.
Fabricio was so passionate and knowledgeable at the breeding station.
Gabriel, on Isabella Island was the very same when it came to our snorkeling adventures as well. Gabriel was also able to obtain a missing suitcase for our 11 year old- so she didn’t miss out on our snorkel trip - he really came through for us!
As you can see, there is a theme here- kudos to James, Phillipe and Andreas as well!
Our accommodations were perfect for our family- small, family run hotels, with good breakfasts in the am and locations to restaurants, beaches, etc, were excellent.
Thanks to all that made this a once in a lifetime trip for our entire family!

Hotel Reviews

SeaSide Hotel

Galapagos

This was a quaint hotel - very quiet - perfect location to local beach and to town as well. It was perfect for a family stay with a small pool outside our door. Breakfast was home cooked and the “honour” fridge was really convenient with soft drinks and beer.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to local Beach and restaurants and stores, but secluded.

Staff

Provided towels and bag breakfasts for early morning trips.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The air conditioning worked well

EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito

Quito

Relaxing, accommodating hotel! We spent three nights total and we found that staff were very helpful and professional! We were able to store a bag for our return and they found an e-book that was left in the safe! Their complimentary breakfast was 5 Star! My only criticism would be the lack of a wine list - very little choice, considering the abundance of South American wines.

Authenticity & Character

I wouldn’t say it’s authentic decor- but the local roses in the lobby were unbelievable!

Location

Good location for airport - not great for exploring around unless with a taxi.

Staff

Covered in initial review

Cleanliness & Comfort

Albemarle

Puerto Villamil

The picture…is exactly the way it looks outside our room - but I would recommend requesting an exterior room. That being said - all the rooms were spacious and clean.

Authenticity & Character

The small pool and gardens were lovely and the rooftop pool view was stunning!

Location

Perfect- on a quiet sandy road - steps away from town!

Staff

Excellent- because of the island holiday celebrations, she warned us of noise/music that would go on quite late and offered ear plugs proactively!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beach towels and robes provided

Plaza Luna Suites

Puerto Ayora

This is a gem!! Lovely, quaint accommodations, locally owned and with a history to go with it! Rooms were perfect with amenities well thought out. Breakfast on the terrace was a lovely way to start the day. Beach towels provided, unlimited filtered water and location couldn’t be better

Authenticity & Character

Authentic- but updated so well!

Location

Right on the Main Street, but you didn’t know it until you walked out of the high gate - all right there!

Staff

Delilah (owner) greeted us in a very personal way, learning about her family and their role in th Galápagos Islands. Us

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lovely- even a small communal kitchen area where we used the dishes for a take out dinner one night.

Activity Reviews

Wildlife Encountering at Lobos Island - Family Activities

Isla San Cristóbal

This involves a boat ride and a stop at Lobos where we hiked about an 1 1/2 hours - we couldn’t believe our eyes being able to see the male frigate birds with their red expanded breasts hoping to be picked by a female. Also, blue footed boobies, iguanas, baby frigates.

Quality of Experience

The mating Frigates!

Food

Local restaurant - great food!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Very helpful, but there was really no alternative to not have to walk on the unstable rocks.

Transport

Visit Intiñan Museum

Quito

Great guides - super experience!

Quality of Experience

The guide!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide!

Transport

Good driver

Exclusive Experience at The Agave Route in the Middle of the World!

Quito

This was our second time to visit - bringing family this time…very cool experience for all ages - during the tasting, our 11 and13 yr old in the group was able to participate as well - with non alcoholic agave tastings.

Quality of Experience

The bartender was the same person as last year and he makes it all very fun during the cocktail making.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

As stated

Transport

Safe and prompt

Unforgettable Day Trip to Bartolome Island

Puerto Ayora

Our last full day in Galapagos and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable! Our family of 8 and 6 others gave us lots of space on a lovely cabin cruiser - with great staff and a delicious lunch!

Quality of Experience

Our skipper was skilled and the ride was smooth and relaxing

Food

A delicious full hot lunch! Very tasty- with a cash bar !

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Philippe was a wealth of information! And for those that did not want to walk up to the top, a zodiac ride around the island - pointing out a baby penguin, baby sea lions and many varieties of sea birds!

Transport

Safe and relaxing

We enjoyed our trip a lot. Our guide Alejandro was great. The only negative parts of the trip were the flights from Quito to the Galapagos were not a direct flight. It would have been better to use a different airline if needed to not have the 5 hour layover on the way. The other thing would have been to not have the long ride to go and see crater lake on the last day. That would have been an interesting day trip all by itself, but should never be added onto a another stop.
Otherwise thank you for a great trip.

Hotel Reviews

Margarit Boutique Hotel

Mindo

This was a great comfortable hotel in Mindo. The food was wonderful. The view from the dining area allowed for watching birds and even bats at night. There was easy access into town to shop and eat. It was a delight to stay there.

La Isla Hotel

Puerto Ayora

This was our favorite hotel on our trip. We could see the sunsets from the hotel. Everything was clean and well run. It was very close to the the waterfront and we could walk to the piers for trips and easily walk to the shops and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Adventure at Tambo Cóndor: Birdwatching, Hiking & Nature Exploration

Ecuador

This was the best day for birdwatching to see the Condors. the Carunculated Caracaras, Andean gulls, and a variety of the other birds. The variety of higher altitude hummingbirds was impressive. Also enjoyed seeing the fox and deer.

Valentina and David were exceptional. Very caring and concerned about our health and well being. Our only slight issue was more not enough communication prior to the trip about our departure time. We were checked into the Ilatoa Lodge on the evening of February 11, to then check out at noon on the 12th, although our flight was not until 1145pm. The lodge accommodated us at a cost of another night and offered to take us to a rose greenhouse, which was very thoughtful, but the cost was $35 a person, not paid to the greenhouse but directly to Marcelo. Thought that was pretty pricey. Marcelo did take us to the airport while also encouraging us to call him if we were ever interested in another trip to Ecuador. I would not…..I am very pleased with kimkim and would feel comfortable trusting further travel organized through you.

Hotel Reviews

Swissotel Quito

Quito

Very nice hotel. Fabulous breakfast !

Authenticity & Character

Location

N

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hacienda El Porvenir

Machachi

Authenticity & Character

Location

N

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ilatoa Lodge

Quito

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Antisana & La Mica Lagoon: A Day of Andean Wildlife & Scenic Beauty

Ecuador

Lunch stop was the best

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito - Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador

David went out of his way to make sure we saw Cotopaxi volcanoes it all her glory

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon

Ecuador

Kayaking was not fantastic, kind of lame equipment but understandable. Not worth the effort. Should encourage the rim hike.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hiking Fuya Fuya Volcano - Quito

Ecuador

Very muddy trails plus I was not feeling well

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport