Ecuador Galapagos Travels

Our kids gave the trip a 9.5/10 which is a huge win. This was our first time using a travel service and Kimkim and our overall experience was fantastic. Alvaro helped us plan the initial logistics and create an itinerary that covered a lot of ground in Ecuador. Sebastian was super helpful at coordinating all the logistics on the ground and even came to meet us in Quito. We were so lucky to have Christian as an incredible tour guide for the first week. He felt like part of the family and even watched World Cup games with us. He has an incredibly kind heart and is a pleasure to be around and really cared for every detail of the trip. He is also a foodie and took us to some delicious meals and always had great recommendations. He did great with our teens as well. Lastly, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of birds, flora and fauna and I wish we had done the cloud forest or the jungle with him but he still managed to share a ton of info. Our itinerary was aggressive from a driving/distance traveling standpoint and we could not have done it without the input of our guides/team. We started in Quito, went to Mitad del Mundo then Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, before heading to Baños for a few days (so fun!) then drove down to Cuenca where we sadly said goodbye to Christian. Genaro took over guiding duties and he was delightful as well- very knowledgeable, interesting, kind and did a great job. We especially loved our Cajas hike with him and were very grateful he was the driver in the descent to Guayaquil! Finally, Carolina helped Sebastian with the arrangements in the Galapagos and all of our guides helped make transit easy. We stayed on Santa Cruz for a few nights but Isabela stole our hearts! Hotel Abermarle was perfect.
Overall, we had a great experience and I would recommend using Kimkim for an Ecuadorian adventure. Thank you Alvaro, Sebastian and all involved!

All our guides were very good and we had a great experience. My daughter joined the trip later after we had already made most of the reservations but Alvaro made all the last minute adjustments to the bookings and trips. We visited three islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Floreana) and had a great time in all of them. Since our Spanish was not good, we really appreciated that there were always a KimKim representative who made sure that we were on the correct trip/bus etc. We had a good time.

Hotel Reviews

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn

Santa Cruz

This hotel was on the waterfront and by location it had amazing views. The rooms were small but comfortable. Our rooms had a balcony which was also a pleasant place to sit and take in the wonderful scenery. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They were very helpful in giving us a good idea on what to expect from the trips that we had booked. Their restaurant and breakfast was also excellent.

Authenticity & Character

This was an older historical hotel and they have maintained the history very well. However, the rooms were still modern. Our rooms however did not have any TV.

Location

On the waterfront with great views

Staff

Always friendly and ready to help in any they could. Helped us with our heavy suitcases. We left our larger suitcases in storages when we went to San Cristobal. In addition to storing our suitcases, they also had our rooms ready with the suitcases in the rooms when we checked in. That was very thoughtful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

All the rooms were clean.

SeaSide Hotel

Galapagos

The Rooms were large and spacious. There were TV in the room . The breakfast was good but basic.

Authenticity & Character

This was a modern style hotel - good for the stay.

Location

There was a good view from the rooms but it was not on the waterfront.

Staff

Very friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Visit Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station In Style

Puerto Ayora

Morning Hike to Tortuga Bay & Free Afternoon

Puerto Ayora

We set off early. The day was hot and not knowing the details of what to expect. There was a pretty breach at the end of the hike. Thinking this was a hike, we had hiking clothes and shoes. The beach at the end would have necessitated us to bring a whole change of clothes which seemed too much to carry. On hindsight - this was not a true hike but a short walk. People were dressed for swimming - slippers/sandals was all we needed.

Quality of Experience

It was hot and we did not get to swim since we didn't know exactly what to expect from the hike.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The dude explained the history of the place in English.

Transport

No transportation involved

Speedboat to San Cristobal Island

Galapagos Islands

The boat was fast and the outboard motor was very noisy. But that's to be expected. Otherwise the trip was ok.

Quality of Experience

Fast and noisy

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Helped get us on and off the boat which can be tough with the waves.

Transport

El Junco Lagoon - Galapaguera Colorado Hill - Puerto Chino Beach

Galapagos Islands

Angie was our guide took us to the highlands to see the crater of the extinct volcano. She did a very good job in explaining the history and geology of the area. This was a nice short uphill walk which was very pleasant for all of us. Then we went to lunch to a local farm house and it was delicious.

Quality of Experience

The hike was comfortable and we had a chance to understand the geology of the area.

Food

Authentic farm house food c- - home cooked meal

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Angie did a great job

Transport

The taxi ride was comfortable

Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island

Galapagos Islands

Fast and noisy

Quality of Experience

Fast and noisy

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Very helpful to get us off and on the boat

Transport

Yet Another Day on an Uninhabited Island!

Galapagos Islands

Diego came and picked us up from the hotel at 6:30 for the water taxi ride to the mainland. Then we went on a bus to the other side of the island to catch Galápagos Shark - our boat for the tour. It was a 2 hour sometimes rough ride to the island. On board our guide for the day explained the day’s itinerary very clearly I appreciated. They started the trip with some snacks of bananas and crackers. On Bartolome island our guide took us on the hike to the topmost point of the volcanic island. On the way he provided us with a very good overview of the history and geology of the island. About 1 hour. We came back to the boat and then the boat took us to a sheltered cove where my daughter and others snorkeled. Since my husband and I didn’t snorkel- we stayed on the boat and had a pleasant time observing the views and chatting with a couple of others who didn’t snorkel either. This was a much better experience for us. We had lunch after the snorkeling was over and it was good with fish/ veggies/ salad and a dessert. After lunch we started our way back. Just before we reached home dock - the boat provided us with Champagne and another dessert to commemorate a successful day at sea.

Quality of Experience

The trip was a combination of hiking and snorkeling and we enjoyed the hiking while my daughter enjoyed both.

Food

There was snacks when we embarked. Lunch was simple but delicious. They even served us Champagne and/or juice before we disembarked to celebrate a successful trip.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Diego was very helpful and made sure we were on the correct trip. The guide and staff on the boat were also very helpful.

Transport

Puerto Ayora Departure Transfer: Farewell to the Galapagos

Puerto Ayora

Diego picked us up from the hotel and helped us with our luggage. We took a water taxi to the mainland, then a taxi the pier to the other side of the island. He helped us transfer our luggage on the boat which took us to Baltra island. There we got on a bus which took us to the airport. At the airport he helped us check in our luggage and made sure that we had everything we need for our journey. He was very helpful.

Quality of Experience

Diego knew the process so we didnt have to get in line or ask questions. This was helpful since we don't speak Spanish.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Boat Trip to Discover an Uninhabited Island

Puerto Ayora

Quality of Experience

The lunch at a small local restuarant was tasteful. The guide did a very good job in narrating the history and geology of the island.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

When we told our guide that we dont snorkel, He dropped us off at a beach closeby so we could relax and enjoy the sights. He even asked a local shopkeeper to keep an eye on us and give us water or snacks if needed.

Transport

History and Nature: Full Day to Floreana Island

Puerto Ayora

Trip to Floreana This was a very good trip. Diego picked us up and took us on the water taxi to the mainland where he showed where to get on the trip. In Floreana we first went on a hike to the highlands where our guide gave us an excellent explanation of the history and geography of the island. We followed the footsteps of the pioneers of the island and then the first Germans who made their way to what they claimed at that time and is still true day “the last peaceful earth” After a yummy lunch in a local restaurant my daughter went off on a snorkeling trip. Since my husband and I don’t snorkel our guide offered us to drop us off at the beach where we could relax and watch the sea lions and marine iguanas. That was very thoughtful of him.

Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure

Isla San Cristóbal

We were added with a group of divers in this tour. My husband and I don’t do water sports which we had already mentioned. My daughter however snorkels so we said we don’t mind doing this tour where my daughter will get to snorkel. I don’t understand why we were put in a group of 9 divers. The boat was small and the guides on the boat were diving guides. One guide was available for my daughter to snorkel and he was very good and helpful with her. He also took us on a small circle around the Kicker rock to show us some of the best features from the boat but that was all he could do. Lunch on the boat was provided after the diving activities were over. Lunch was ok.

Quality of Experience

Its a good thing that we like to watch birds - because this trip was very boring for us. This was for the divers. However my daughter enjoyed since she could snorkel.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The snorkeling guide was very helpful and showed us some of the sights. It was evident that he as well as the other staff on board knew we were in the wrong place and felt bad for us. However, they were kind and helpful.

Transport

The boat was uncomfortable

Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería

Galapagos Islands

There was a mechanical problem with the morning boat so we went on the afternoon boat. Jose was very helpful and informed us about this problem the night before. He booked us seats on the afternoon ferry and also rearranged some of the trips that were scheduled on that day. We reached San Cristobal around 5. Angie met us on the dock and accompanied us to the store where Saveri got fitted on a wet suit and snorkeling gear. She then dropped us off at the hotel. She was very efficient. She explained what we were going to be doing on San Cristóbal for the next three days. This included when we would be picked up, who would pick us up and what we would be doing on the trip. That was very helpful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jose informed us about the change in scheduling the night before and rearranged our trips so in the end we experienced everything we were supposed to.

Transport

Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island & Free time

Puerto Ayora

AM interpretation center, beach and lunch at local restaurant. This was the rescheduled trip to accomodate the change in boat ride the day before. PM - speed boat back to Santa Cruz Christian picked us up and took us to the interpretation center where the history of the island as well as the contribution of Darwin was shown. He explained everything to us as we walked from one exhibit to another. This is what I would have expected from Enrique on Day 1. He also explained the natural history of the island very well. The walk to the beach was very interesting and we spent some time there but did not swim or snorkel. After lunch at the local restaurant (which was excellent) we were dropped off at the pier and took the boat back to Santa Cruz

Quality of Experience

Christian gave us a very good overview of the history and geology of the place. His knowledge of Darwin's journey in the area was also very good.

Food

The lunch at the local restuarant was very good.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Local taxi's were used

We had a wonderful experience working with Responsible Travel Agency in Ecuador, and we're very happy we chose them to organize our trip.

The mainland Ecuador itinerary was orchestrated beautifully. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring Quito, the Andes, and our unforgettable Amazon experience. Every destination was thoughtfully planned, and everything flowed smoothly. A very special thank you goes to our guide and coordinator, Andres. He was knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and genuinely passionate about Ecuador. His enthusiasm, organization, and attention to detail made our mainland experience exceptional, and we truly enjoyed traveling with him.

We would also like to thank Belen Ana for putting together and coordinating our entire itinerary. Planning a complex trip like this is no small task, and we truly appreciate all the work that went into making it happen.

The Galápagos portion of our journey was also very enjoyable, although we believe there is still room for improvement. We especially want to thank Alvaro, who accompanied our group throughout the Galápagos. While he was not our guide, he was always available to resolve any issues that arose, answer questions, and ensure we could continue enjoying our trip. His support was greatly appreciated. Of course, it would have been even better if some of those issues had not arisen in the first place, but we were grateful to have someone so responsive and dedicated to helping us throughout the journey.

One thing that truly impressed us was the overall logistics. Coordinating flights, buses, boats, hotels, guides, and tours across mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos is an enormous undertaking, yet everything ran remarkably on time. It was amazing to see how well the agency managed such a complicated itinerary.

That said, we do have a few constructive comments. Some of the hotels in the Galápagos were only average and did not quite match the quality of the rest of the trip. We also would not recommend traveling between the islands by speedboat. We understand that this is the standard mode of transportation and not something the agency controls, but we found the rides to be physically exhausting and quite uncomfortable.

We would also encourage future travelers to be aware that visiting the Galápagos requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility. Boarding and disembarking often involve stepping or jumping between moving boats and docks, which can be challenging. Travelers with limited mobility or certain health conditions should carefully consider whether this portion of the trip is right for them.

Overall, our experience was overwhelmingly positive. Responsible Travel Agency demonstrated excellent organizational skills, reliable communication, and a genuine commitment to making our trip successful. We would gladly work with them again and are already looking forward to planning future Latin American adventures for our nonprofit organization, Jookender. We highly recommend Responsible Travel Agency to anyone looking for a professionally organized and memorable trip to Ecuador.

Hotel Reviews

Mercure Alameda Quito

Quito

An excellent hotel and a very tasty breakfast

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Isla de Baños Hosteria y Spa

Baños

Great hotel, especially if you're traveling with a group. A great way to save, booking fewer rooms, because each room has 5-8 beds

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Suchipakari Jungle Lodge

Puerto Misahuallí, Tena Napo

An excellent choice! great accomodations, clean, and friendly. Excellent Tour guides and boats. Highly recommended

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Arena Blanca

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

An awful choice. Far from most hotel and tourist areas. Water is always cold, and sometimes, no water at all. Toilets don't work properly. The personnel are extremely unfriendly. The featured buffet actually counts the pieces and does not allow refills.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Las Ninfas

Puerto Ayora

A great Hotel, right in the middle of tourist attractions! Great rooms, tasty breakfasts, friendly personnel. Highly Recommended!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Casa de Marita

Puerto Villamil

A great hotel with its own private beach. An excellent location to relax and do nothing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

City Tour Quito - Mitad del Mundo - Teleferico

Quito

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Baños & Pailón del Diablo Waterfall

Baños

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to the Amazon - Amazon Encounters: Kichwa Community and nigh walking - Suchipakari Lodge

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Parrot Clay Lick and more Amazon exploration - Suchipakari Lodge

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wildlife Encountering at Lobos Island

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Expedition to El Junco Lagoon - Galapaguera Colorado Hill - Puerto Chino Beach

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Isabela Island's Treasures: Exploring the Breeding Center & Wetlands

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Chocolate Experience & Farewell from the Amazon - Suchipakari Lodge

Puerto Misahualli

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Galapagos Cooking Class by the Sea

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Speed back to Santa Cruz

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring The Charles Darwin Research Station

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cultural Treasures of the Andes: Cayambe, Otavalo & Cuicocha

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

History and Nature: Full Day to Floreana Island

Puerto Ayora

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Puerto Ayora Departure Transfer: Farewell to the Galapagos

Puerto Ayora

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin! (Transportation Service)

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nature's Spectacle: Cotopaxi Volcano and Lake Limpiopungo Adventure

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Return to Quito before Galapagos adventure!

Galapagos Islands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

About a year ago, I began planning a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for my family (my wife and myself, my son and daughter-in-law, and our two grandchildren, ages 10 and 13). After looking at options with a number of different tour companies, I discovered KimKim. I had never heard of them before, but all of the reviews I found online were excellent. I soon got in touch with Maria Jose, and after explaining what we were interested in doing, she put together an amazing 10-day itinerary at a remarkably affordable price. The six of us just got back from the trip none of us will ever forget. We spent two days sightseeing in and around Quito and stayed at the beautiful JW Marriott hotel. We then flew off to the islands where we spent four nights aboard the Legend cruise ship. We visited four islands and enjoyed spectacular hikes and snorkeling every day. The accommodations were lovely and the food was great. The ship can have up to 100 passengers but for our trip there were only 58. We then spent two nights at the lovely Hotel Ikala in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. From there we enjoyed a wonderful day trip to Bartolome Island where we took the accompanying photo and snorkeled with the sharks and sea lions. The Galapagos Islands are a truly magical place and Ecuador has done a remarkable job protecting them for now and the future. The iguanas, sea lions, tortoises, and birds have all been protected for over a hundred years and as a result are totally unafraid of humans. All of the KimKim team members and all of the local guides we met were fantastic. If you are interested in an extraordinary custom made trip anywhere in the world I would strongly recommend checking out KimKim

This is a third trip with Kimkim (first to South America) and Kimkim delivered a great itinerary as usual. All I have to do is tell Kimkim what we'd like to do and they setup everything, suggesting adventures that often prove the highlight of our trip. Hotels were always nice and within walking distance of town centers, both on the Islands and in Quito. We also requested a 4-day island-hopping cruise where we were meters from free roving animals such as giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies doing a mating dance right on our trail, and other wildlife. In the water we, swam with countless colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea snakes, sharks and penguins. We were offered and tried traditional cuisine: fish-head soup and guinea pig. Some of our favorite memories came from swimming in a hidden beach with large waves. At night, sharks would circle our boat, sometimes having a feeding frenzy for all the flying fish attracted to lights. Sea Lions sometimes hopped on the back of our boat. Un unforgettable adventure.

I was not involved in the planning of the trip but felt that things could not have gone better. I am just beginning the travel portion of my life so I don’t have much to compare this trip to but I thoroughly enjoyed each and every hotel, meal and excursion we did. David set the standard for guides and it will be hard for any other guide to equal his efforts with our group. His communication and coordination of things with such a large group was fabulous. His love and knowledge of Ecuador shone through in everything we did.

David was amazing and explained everything and was very knowledgeable and informative. I would highly recommend him to everyone. Saul was an amazing guide in the rain forest. Everything in the Galapagos was also great.