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LINK EXPERIENCES

Link Experiences is a specialized tour operator focused on crafting bespoke itineraries with the highest service standards throughout Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands.

Link Experiences offers authentic and off the beaten path experiences, working with local communities and carefully selected partners in the country.

We take care of all the arrangements and details at the destination, while having access to curated experiences, like exclusive hikes at beautiful trails or some gastronomic adventures, just to mention some of them. All these is complemented with upscale treatment for our guests, with perks like an express VIP reception at the airport.

LINK EXPERIENCES is part of the following groups: Ecuador Travel Agents, Galapagos Islands Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for LINK EXPERIENCES

Anthony put together a once in a lifetime exp...
Galapagos Islands | Sep 21 - Sep 30, 2025

James
James L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2025
Anthony put together a once in a lifetime experience for me. He covered it all with carefully thought out detail and stayed diligent in communicating with great frequency. Anthony’s knowledge of the Galapagos was amazing. Both land and underwater, everything was perfect.
Arriving for an overnight stay in Guayaquil and then the next morning off Santa Cruz was simple. Jorge with Link greeted me on my arrival at the airport, escorted me to the hotel, picked me up the next morning and escorted...
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Anthony put together a once in a lifetime experience for me. He covered it all with carefully thought out detail and stayed diligent in communicating with great frequency. Anthony’s knowledge of the Galapagos was amazing. Both land and underwater, everything was perfect.
Arriving for an overnight stay in Guayaquil and then the next morning off Santa Cruz was simple. Jorge with Link greeted me on my arrival at the airport, escorted me to the hotel, picked me up the next morning and escorted me back to the airport. Jorge stayed with me through the many steps required to gain proper entry to the Galapagos. Upon my return to Guayaquil, Jorge was right there waiting for me. Again, back to the hotel and a pick up the next morning for my final journey back to the USA.
On my arrival to the Galapagos, I was greeted by Rubin with Link. Once through baggage check, a short bus ride and water taxi, we arrived on Santa Cruz Island. A taxi transport and we were off to the Highlands for lunch, that was followed by an incredible tour through the national park that protects the giant tortoises. Rubin, a biologist and naturalist, narrated the incredible history of how the these gentle giants arrived in the Galapagos.. His knowledge was endless, I felt like I was back in college with an inspiring professor. Back to the taxi for our trip to my hotel, but Rubin wasn’t done as he guided me up to the tortoise Darwin research foundation center where my education continued. If you have chance to ask for Rubin, don’t think thing twice, just do it.
Next was my dive experience, all set up by Anthony with Scuba Iguana. I went the morning before my first dive to be outfitted with all my dive gear. Conveniently located , a short 45 second walk from my hotel, Blu Galapagos. The staff was excellent, quickly checked me in and fitted me with all the equipment I needed for the next five days of diving.
The next morning I arrived at 7 AM for a daily briefing and met dive master Santiago Insuasti who would be my guide for 5 consecutive days of 2 dives per day.
Then a taxi to the dive boat where we met the captain and crew. Each dive had its own unique personality and variety of sea creatures that makes the Galapagos a very special place. Sticking with Santiago was a sure thing, as he was first to notice sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, schools of barracuda, octopus, eels and heavy schools of colorful small fish. Videos captured all the days treasures. Everyday underwater can be a good day. Luckily, we had an outstanding dive on Friday, Our dive at Daphne was the best I’ve had in 20 years. It started with 2 white tip sharks laying at the bottom, quickly followed by 2 playful sea lions zooming around us starring in our mask then flipping around and taking off. Then turtles and stingrays, to many to count. An octopus tucked in a rock opening and a green eel sticking his head out. The grand finale was a huge very dense school of small fish, so thick you couldn’t see through them. The kind of dive you didn’t want to end. After all our dives, Santiago patiently helped transfer numerous videos to our phones. Honestly, I’ve never had a master diver like him.
The next morning, it was time to say good bye to Santa Cruz and Galapagos. I was greeted by Gandhi with Link who escorted me via taxi back the airport and made sure all my details were correct for my return to the Ecuador mainland, Guayaquil.
Finally, Anthony with KimKim set all this in motion and it was a flawless execution, exceeding all my expectations.
Thank you Anthony with KimKim and the Link organization.
A special thank you to Santiago Insuasti with Scuba Iguana, who made my underwater experience so captivating.

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano
Anthony
Anthony Zambrano
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Oct 01, 2025
Hi Jim, Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review! Reading your words truly made my day. It means a lot to know that the journey not only met but exceeded your expectations, both on land and underwater. I’m so glad that Jorge, Rubén, and Gandhi from our Link team were there to take such good care of you every step of the way, and that Santiago and the Scuba Iguana team made your diving experience so memorable. Daphne sounded absolutely... Read more

Hi Jim,

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review! Reading your words truly made my day. It means a lot to know that the journey not only met but exceeded your expectations, both on land and underwater.

I’m so glad that Jorge, Rubén, and Gandhi from our Link team were there to take such good care of you every step of the way, and that Santiago and the Scuba Iguana team made your diving experience so memorable. Daphne sounded absolutely incredible!

It was an absolute pleasure to plan this adventure for you, and I’m so happy that every detail came together seamlessly. Your trust in me and in KimKim + Link Experiences is deeply appreciated.

From all of us here in Ecuador and the Enchanted Islands, thank you again, Jim.

We’d be honored to welcome you back anytime for another adventure!

With much gratitude from the Middle of the World and a big hug!
Anthony :)

Best experience ever :) Incredible service :)
Ecuador | Aug 8 - Aug 13, 2025

Z
Zhenya S.
Bulgaria | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

We need to express our deep thankfulness about your great job. Amazing organisation, logistics and of course the brilliant tour guide- Havier. Thanks to him we learned so much of your beautiful country. All of you guys are excellent. It is a great pleasure to communicate with Havier knowing so exhaustive information about your country. We’ve been to 85 countries globally and can confirm you do the job very well and professionally. Tourism in Ecuador must soar due to people like you. We wish you health and good luck
Thank you

Georgi and Mariana
BULGARIA

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano
Anthony
Anthony Zambrano
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Aug 21, 2025
Dear Zhenya, Mariana, and Georgi! Reading your message truly made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I’m so happy to know that everything went smoothly and that you felt well taken care of throughout your trip. Your kind words about Javier mean a lot. He loves what he does, and I know he’ll be touched to hear how much you appreciated his knowledge and company. Travelers like you make his work so meaningful. Hearing this from such experienced travelers, who have... Read more

Dear Zhenya, Mariana, and Georgi!

Reading your message truly made my day. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I’m so happy to know that everything went smoothly and that you felt well taken care of throughout your trip.

Your kind words about Javier mean a lot. He loves what he does, and I know he’ll be touched to hear how much you appreciated his knowledge and company. Travelers like you make his work so meaningful.

Hearing this from such experienced travelers, who have explored more than 85 countries, is special for us. It’s an honor that you chose Ecuador, and that we could help you discover a bit of its magic.

From all of us here: thank you again for trusting us with your journey. We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime for more adventures in Ecuador.

Wishing you both health, happiness, and many more amazing travels!

Warmly,
Anthony & the Link Experiences Team

Top notch travel agency
Galapagos Islands | May 6 - May 14, 2025

A
Amy S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 17, 2025
Kimkim and Link Experiences planed a trip to the Galapagos for is in May 2025. Everything about their service was top notch. They planned our air from Quito to Santa Cruz, all our transfers, ferries, hotels and excursions. When our US flight was delayed by a day due to weather they immediately changed our Quito flight, all transfers, hotels and excursions. They made everything so painless for us. They had a representative waiting for us any time we traveled or did an excursion. They even... Read more

Kimkim and Link Experiences planed a trip to the Galapagos for is in May 2025. Everything about their service was top notch. They planned our air from Quito to Santa Cruz, all our transfers, ferries, hotels and excursions. When our US flight was delayed by a day due to weather they immediately changed our Quito flight, all transfers, hotels and excursions. They made everything so painless for us. They had a representative waiting for us any time we traveled or did an excursion. They even helped us through the complexity of checking in at the Quito airport. We stayed on Santa Cruz for two nights and Isabella for three nights. On Santa Cruz we had a private guide (Reuben) who was so knowledgeable and friendly. He took us to a local ranch to see the giant tortoises and have a nice lunch then to the lava tunnels. It was fantastic. The next day we snorkeled and swam at Tortuga Bay. There were iguanas everywhere. It was beautiful. Then again a nice lunch at a local restaurant then the Charles Darwin research station and more snorkeling nearby. We stayed at the Blu Galapagos hotel which was very nice. Then in Isabella we stayed at the Iguana Crossing hotel which was also very nice. We did a shared group Tintoreras tour with some nice snorkeling. Then the next day a shared group Los Tuneles tour which was unbelievable. We saw two blue footed boobies doing their mating dance not more than 3 feet from us. We snorkeled with penguins and lots of sea turtles, also saw some sharks and sea horses. Then on our last day we had another amazing guide (Julio). We did a very informative nature walk to the giant tortoise breeding center. We also saw flamingos in their natural environment. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer. Travel from San Diego was two days on either end of the trip and with the weather delays in Dallas our travel days were almost as many as our vacation days. In all our future trips we will always look for kimkim, they just made everything so hassle free. And they planned all our excursions, I just vaguely gave advice that we wanted to see wildlife and do some snorkeling and they made sure we hit all the best spots. They even checked us in to our hotels to make sure all was in order. And on days we were traveling or doing an excursion early they made sure we had a box breakfast at the front desk. We LOVE kimkim and Link Experiences.

Local specialist: María Belén Villacrés
María Belén
María Belén Villacrés
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on May 20, 2025
Dear Amy & Rocco, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words — we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It makes us incredibly happy to know that your trip to the Galápagos was so memorable and that everything went smoothly, even with the unexpected flight delay. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the company of our guides, Rubén and Julio, and that you had the chance to witness the incredible wildlife and beauty of the islands. It was a real pleasure to... Read more

Dear Amy & Rocco,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words — we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It makes us incredibly happy to know that your trip to the Galápagos was so memorable and that everything went smoothly, even with the unexpected flight delay.

We're thrilled that you enjoyed the company of our guides, Rubén and Julio, and that you had the chance to witness the incredible wildlife and beauty of the islands. It was a real pleasure to assist you throughout this adventure.

Sending you both a warm hug from Ecuador — we’ll be here for you whenever you’re ready for your next journey!

Warm regards,

María-Belén & the Link Experiences Team

AMAZING GALAPAGOS
Galapagos Islands | Apr 22 - Apr 28, 2025

Doug
Doug C.
Murray, UT | Reviewed on May 05, 2025
Las Tintoreras near Isabela Island was the highlight of the trip where we saw a large number of penguins, blue footed boobies, and a large shark all at the same time. The number of iguanas, sea lions, and pelicans on the way to the boat was amazing and the marine life from there was also spectacular. In general, the Galapagos is a natural wonder that offers a unique experience in both the variety and abundance of animals in their natural habitat. It was a great trip and your team helped us... Read more

Las Tintoreras near Isabela Island was the highlight of the trip where we saw a large number of penguins, blue footed boobies, and a large shark all at the same time. The number of iguanas, sea lions, and pelicans on the way to the boat was amazing and the marine life from there was also spectacular.

In general, the Galapagos is a natural wonder that offers a unique experience in both the variety and abundance of animals in their natural habitat. It was a great trip and your team helped us make the connections to put it all together.

There was quite a bit of moving about from place to place. I don't know if a live-in boat would have been better to reduce that part of it.

Hotel Reviews
Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Galápagos

Amazing view of the ocean. Steps to the beach. Comfortable bed. Excellent!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Good location, walking distance to town and pier.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Tababela

Nothing special. Airport hotel, meh.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Discovering Bartolome a full day yacht experience
Discovering Bartolome a full day yacht experience
Isla Santa Cruz

Wonderful snorkeling around the island of Bartolome

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santa Cruz Highlands, Lava Tunels and Charles Darwin Research Station
Santa Cruz Highlands, Lava Tunels and Charles Darwin Research Station
Isla Santa Cruz

Enjoyed our guide Ruben, the giant tortoises and definitely the Darwin Center

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tintoreras and highlands
Tintoreras and highlands
Isla Isabela

The best part of the trip, loved it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tunnels & Cabo Rosa
Tunnels & Cabo Rosa
Isla Isabela

good

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja

This is our second time using KimKim to plan ...
Ecuador | Mar 3 - Mar 6, 2025

Dana
Dana C.
Singapore | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2025
This is our second time using KimKim to plan a big international trip for a couple or small group. We appreciate the individualized care and service given right from the start by agents online. It is easy to customize your itinerary based on budget, activities, and timing. During the course of this trip, we encountered a third party guide who did not meet our expectations in the service or interactions provided. When we provided feedback about this experience, our KimKim agent was quick to... Read more

This is our second time using KimKim to plan a big international trip for a couple or small group. We appreciate the individualized care and service given right from the start by agents online. It is easy to customize your itinerary based on budget, activities, and timing. During the course of this trip, we encountered a third party guide who did not meet our expectations in the service or interactions provided. When we provided feedback about this experience, our KimKim agent was quick to respond and help to make changes so that the remainder of our trip was not negatively impacted. We appreciated the time and effort this took. The rest of our trip, activities, and guides were superb, allowing us to enjoy the wonder and beauty of the Galapagos while feeling truly listened to and taken care of. We continue to hold KimKim in high regard and would use their services again in the future to help in planning a memorable trip.

Hotel Review
Hotel Villa Laguna
Puerto Ayora

This was a mid-range hotel. Upon arrival, we were told that the owners were away, so certain options, like a boxed breakfast were not available, until they returned. This was also apparent in the quality of the served breakfast on the first morning. Some other small details made the hotel seem unprepared for guests. For example, they had only one small slip of paper with the wifi information on it, which could not be taken to your room, as their was only one copy and this information was not printed anywhere else. Additionally, we had 2 matrimonial rooms, however, one of the rooms was clearly larger and with a bigger bed than the other one. We were told the rooms were the exact same when asked to move the smaller room to a bigger one. Breakfast on Day 2 and 3 were much better (maybe the owners were back?). There were a lot of beatles on the floors of the rooms and all over the hotel. The rooms were fine, air conditioning worked well and cleaning services arrived and tidied rooms daily. Location was off the beaten path, so was quiet, if that's what you like. It was also across the street from 2 very nice cocktail bars and a 10 ten minute walk to town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
If there were bikes to rent, it would make it quicker to get into town to explore restaurants and shops.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja

Quito and Galapagos Islands
Ecuador | Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025

J
Joel C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025
This trip to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands was now my third trip planned with Kim Kim and they did not disappoint! The recommendation to cruise on the Legend rather than stay on one Island was great. We were able to see multiple Islands and a ton of wild life (Sea lions, tortoise, sea turtles, blue footed booby, red footed booby, nazca booby, flamingo and land and marine Iguana. Since Quito was our landing point, we used it as an opportunity to tour attractions near the city including the... Read more

This trip to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands was now my third trip planned with Kim Kim and they did not disappoint! The recommendation to cruise on the Legend rather than stay on one Island was great. We were able to see multiple Islands and a ton of wild life (Sea lions, tortoise, sea turtles, blue footed booby, red footed booby, nazca booby, flamingo and land and marine Iguana. Since Quito was our landing point, we used it as an opportunity to tour attractions near the city including the Center of Earth Musuem and various churches in the city. Javier was a great guide and very knowledgeable. We ended our trip with an excursion outside of Quito to Cayambe to a Rose Plantation (Rosadex) / Hacienda, which was beautiful. A great Trip!

Hotel Reviews
Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars
Irlanda
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location! Safe area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutique Expedition Legend
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were not conditioned well.
Activity Review
PM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve and “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center
PM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve and “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center
Cruise Ship
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja
Pilar
Pilar Albuja
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Mar 09, 2025
Dear Danna, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We truly appreciate your kind words about the personalized service and care you received while planning your trip. It’s wonderful to hear that, despite the challenge with one of the guides, we were able to step in quickly to ensure the rest of your journey went smoothly. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help create a memorable experience for you. The Galapagos is such a special... Read more

Dear Danna,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We truly appreciate your kind words about the personalized service and care you received while planning your trip. It’s wonderful to hear that, despite the challenge with one of the guides, we were able to step in quickly to ensure the rest of your journey went smoothly.

Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help create a memorable experience for you. The Galapagos is such a special place, and we’re delighted that you were able to fully enjoy its beauty.

We look forward to assisting you again in the future whenever you’re ready for your next adventure!

With warm regards,
Pilar

Knowledgeable, prepared, kind guides, and amazing experiences!
Galapagos Islands | Jan 3 - Jan 8, 2025

T
Teri B.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 15, 2025

We loved our visit to Santa Cruz Island, including all of the guided tours and the hotel stay. The outings were informative, interesting, well-planned, and enjoyable. Thanks for all the help planning our trip! We'll always remember the fun we had.

Local specialist: Pilar Albuja
Pilar
Pilar Albuja
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Jan 15, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you loved your visit to Santa Cruz Island and enjoyed the guided tours and hotel stay. It’s wonderful to know the outings were informative, interesting, and well-planned—it sounds like you had an amazing time!

It was a pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so glad it will be a memorable experience for you. If you ever want to plan another adventure, I’d be happy to assist again.

With warm regards,
Pilar

The trip planned by Pilar at KimKim was great...
Peru | Jul 31 - Aug 7, 2024

Stephie
Stephie F.
Newport News, VA | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2024
The trip planned by Pilar at KimKim was great. All local guides and tours were perfect! We got to see everything we wanted. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime. For all future travelers, altitude sickness in Cusco is real. For the first day, either do a Cusco city tour or the Sacred Valley. On the second day, do the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. On the third day, do Machu Picchu or Ollantaytambo. Ollan is at a higher elevation than Cusco, so stay hydrated. Go from lowest elevation and... Read more

The trip planned by Pilar at KimKim was great. All local guides and tours were perfect! We got to see everything we wanted. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime. For all future travelers, altitude sickness in Cusco is real. For the first day, either do a Cusco city tour or the Sacred Valley. On the second day, do the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu. On the third day, do Machu Picchu or Ollantaytambo. Ollan is at a higher elevation than Cusco, so stay hydrated. Go from lowest elevation and work your way up.

Hotel Review
Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado

There is no better place to stay than Refugio Amazonas! The local guides are built for knowing where and when the wildlife will come. We got to see all different types of monkeys, capybaras, macaws, caimans, frogs, turtles, snakes, and tons of insects! Thanks to the efforts of the biologists, we got to see the very rare crestled eagle nest. You will absolutely need good hiking boots, flashlight or head lamp, bug repellant, and binoculars. Light long pants and long sleeved shirst are essential. Get ready for the time of your life! The food offered was delicious and refreshing! It fueled our bodies for the hikes and adventures. At night, the bar offered all sorts of drinks and coffees. The beds were protected by elegant mosquito nests, so we slept peacefully to the sounds of the rainforest. The shower was so tranquil and relaxing. They even offer massages!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tour in Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Maras, Temple of the ten windows (Shared)
Tour in Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Maras, Temple of the ten windows (Shared)
Cusco

This is an amazing tour. You get to see all of the amazing Incan structures and learn about their way of life. It is an authentic experience at your comfort level. You want this tour!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival in Cusco with tour (shared)
Arrival in Cusco with tour (shared)
Cusco

Our arrival in Cusco with tour was to Ollantaytambo. This is NOT recommended on the first day!!! 1 in 5 people experience elevation sickness and it is real! The reason this got 4 stars is because the tour is incredible and the guide was so knowledeable. If I had not gotten elevation sickness, it would be 5 stars. The guide gave me local medicine to ensure I was comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day 3 Puerto Maldonado at Refugio Amazonas- departure to  Lima
Day 3 Puerto Maldonado at Refugio Amazonas- departure to Lima
Puerto Maldonado

Refugio Amazonas made sure our departure was stress-free and easy. We got to enjoy a nice breakfast and off we went in the boat. The porters take care of the baggage, so you can focus on spotting the last bit of animals. The boat trip down the Amazon gives you time to reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime stay. I would come back in a heart beat!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day 2 Puerto Maldonado at Refugio Amazonas
Day 2 Puerto Maldonado at Refugio Amazonas
Puerto Maldonado

I cannot say enough about the staff and guides! I love the leave-no-trace mentality in order to preserve and save the Amazon. Refugio Amazonas will make sure you are taken care of and are having a great time! We got to see a variety of different animals, to include monkeys, macaws, turtles, frogs, capybaras, insects, and so much more! This is the only place to experience the Amazon as it really is!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day 1 Puerto Maldonado at Refugio Amazonas
Day 1 Puerto Maldonado at Refugio Amazonas
Puerto Maldonado

I cannot say enough about the staff and guides! I love the leave-no-trace mentality in order to preserve and save the Amazon. Refugio Amazonas will make sure you are taken care of and are having a great time! We got to see a variety of different animals, to include monkeys, macaws, turtles, frogs, capybaras, insects, and so much more! This is the only place to experience the Amazon as it really is!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Machupichu full day tour (Shared)
Machupichu full day tour (Shared)
Cusco

Machu Picchu was amazing. We did Circuit 2 and it was perfect. Our team got to see everything and learn so much. It is a lot of stairs, so please stretch and stay hydrated. It is well worth it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja

An 6-day trip to Peru for adult couple
Galapagos Islands | Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2024

J
Jerry S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Feb 11, 2024
This is a review of an 6-day trip to Peru for an adult couple from the United States. Summary ratings:
Travel specialist (Pilar): 5/5
KimKim platform: 4.5/5
Adherence to Itinerary: 5/5
Quality of local guides: 5/5
Lodging: 5/5
Overall Value: 5/5
As you can see from the ratings, we had a very positive experience with our trip arranged by KimKim. We used to plan our own trips and made our own itineraries to places like England, Greece and Japan in the... Read more

This is a review of an 6-day trip to Peru for an adult couple from the United States.

Summary ratings:
Travel specialist (Pilar): 5/5
KimKim platform: 4.5/5
Adherence to Itinerary: 5/5
Quality of local guides: 5/5
Lodging: 5/5
Overall Value: 5/5

As you can see from the ratings, we had a very positive experience with our trip arranged by KimKim. We used to plan our own trips and made our own itineraries to places like England, Greece and Japan in the past. We really enjoyed that ability to do what we wanted to do but it was a lot of work. We decided to try out a service like KimKim to see if we can still get a "personalized" itinerary but let someone else do the hard legwork.

Overall, the KimKim platform was very good. We filled out a detailed survey which helps them gauge what the traveler's preferences are and that helps them plan an itinerary to suit the individual traveler. They then come up with a proposed itinerary. We also did a little research and came up with a couple of places not on the original itinerary, and they were very flexible and easily incorporated our requests into the itinerary. The only drawback on the KimKim platform was when there were a couple of changes made and the platform did not keep up in a timely manner, which led to a little confusion. Our travel specialist was very helpful in clearing up any confusion arising from the website platform.

Our travel specialist Pilar did an excellent job working with us to personalize our travel experience. Our original plan was to visit the Galapagos Islands, but schedules did not work out with what we wanted to do, so Plan B was to explore Quito, the highlands of Ecuador, Cotopaxi and then fly to Cusco and make our way to Machu Picchu. However, a national emergency in Ecuador made us change our plans again, and we then made the trip exclusively for Peru as Plan C. On short notice, Pilar worked tirelessly with us to come up with a new itinerary that suited our needs. She was very responsive to questions, and readily available by phone or email.

We spent 3 nights in Cusco and visited the city, the local ruins in Sacsayhuana, the surrounding salt terraces of Maras and the agriculture terraces of Moray. Absolutely loved the city and all of the tours. Our guide Carlos was very informative and engaged, and sprinkled his discussions with lots of history and little bits of politics. At our request, Carlos took us to a local's market where we saw what the local population ate, wore, and shopped for. We saw stalls with over 20 different potato varieties, different exotic fruits and salted alpaca meat. The shopping was cheaper and better than in Lima. I bought an alpaca sweater and my wife purchased a couple of beautiful jewelry pieces at probably half the price we would have paid in the US.

We also visited Machu Picchu (MP) on a full day tour (i.e. - 4 hours). Since the pandemic, the Peruvian government has limited the amount of time visitors can spend at the site. We took Circuit 2, which is the longest circuit and the one that is probably the most comprehensive of all of the 4 or 5 circuits available to tour. Our guide Antonieta was fabulous. So very informative and with a dry sense of humor. She was also an excellent photographer, and we got pictures that we would never have gotten if we did not have her knowledge and help. MP certainly lived up to its billing as one of the new Wonders of the World. Just an impressive archeological site and with an equally fascinating story. Would recommend to anyone with interests in history, engineering, and the outdoors.

We ended our trip with a night in Lima and a city tour the following day. Lima is a bustling city of 11 million people. We stayed in Miraflores, which is the touristy (and safer) part of Lima. We strolled around the Larcomere shopping center, which reminded me of a high-end shopping mall in the US. We enjoyed the city tour comprising tours of the Lima Cathedral, the Aliaga house and the Larco Museum (lots of Inca and pre-Inca artifacts).

The hotels arranged by KimKim were all excellent. Our local tours and guides were provided by Lima Tours.
Transportation pickups were punctual, and the vans were clean and air-conditioned, which was a necessity in hot and humid Lima in February. It was such a pleasure to be picked up and dropped off at various sites and not have to worry about arranging transportation.

The food in Peru was excellent and above my expectations. We had breakfast buffets at the hotels and then usually had lunch or dinner on our own. The breakfast buffets are all full buffets, and on par with what you expect at 4-star hotels in the US. On our own, we tried the local fare like Andean trout, lomo saltado, alpaca tenderloin and yes, even cuy (sorry, squeaker). My wife still raves about the quinoa salad and Andean soup from Chull's in Cusco, and I had the alpaca tenderloin there (would rate 9/10). People talk about how Peruvian food is ascendant on the world stage, and I would wholeheartedly agree.

Overall, we had a fabulous time in Peru, and owe much of that to the itinerary and arrangements made through Pilar, Lima Tours and KimKim.

This was the first time we used KimKim, and we were impressed by the experience and will definitely use them again on our next adventure.

Local specialist: Pilar Albuja

Kimkim will be on repeat!
Ecuador | Dec 23 - Dec 30, 2023

lalitha
lalitha t.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2024
I typically create our itineraries and was not sure how it would be using an agency. Booking our trip to Ecuador with Kimkim was a breeze because the communication was clear and timely. Pilar took into account our needs and desire when creating the itinerary. All plans were thoughtful and executed well. Thanks to Pilar, we saw and experienced so much in the time we had in Ecuador. Read more

I typically create our itineraries and was not sure how it would be using an agency. Booking our trip to Ecuador with Kimkim was a breeze because the communication was clear and timely. Pilar took into account our needs and desire when creating the itinerary. All plans were thoughtful and executed well. Thanks to Pilar, we saw and experienced so much in the time we had in Ecuador.

Hotel Review
Kuyana Amazon Lodge
Archidona

Ivan and Lou have created a wonderful space in which to experience the rainforest. Their staff is hospitable, responsive and caring. Leo, our guide for all our adventures was phenomenal. As a vegetarian, I was blown away by the preparation and p\resentation of the meals.

Authenticity & Character
The space was designed to integrate with its natural surroundings and not to dominate it. You can appreciate the respect for the rainforest.
Location
It was accessible (as opposed to the other lodge we considered which required a flight into the jungle)
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day 2 Kuyana Lodge
Day 2 Kuyana Lodge
Archidona

trek ino the jungle to a 2 tier waterfall and lagoon where we could swim

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kuyana Lodge Day 1- Arrival Day
Kuyana Lodge Day 1- Arrival Day
Archidona

it was so creative - the guests were asked to put on a little holiday show for the other guests. wealso decorated xmas cookies before feasting on an incredible meal.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pilar Albuja
Pilar
Pilar Albuja
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Jan 03, 2024
Hi Lalitha, I hope this email finds you well!
I'm thrilled to hear that your experience with Kimkim and Link Experiences, was such a positive one. It's always our goal to ensure that our clients have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
I'm delighted to hear that I was able to create an itinerary that met your needs and desires. It If there's anything else you'd like to share, please feel free to let us know. We truly appreciate your input as it helps us continually improve our... Read more

Hi Lalitha,

I hope this email finds you well!
I'm thrilled to hear that your experience with Kimkim and Link Experiences, was such a positive one. It's always our goal to ensure that our clients have a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

I'm delighted to hear that I was able to create an itinerary that met your needs and desires. It

If there's anything else you'd like to share, please feel free to let us know.

We truly appreciate your input as it helps us continually improve our services.

Thank you once again for choosing Kimkim and Link Experiences and we hope to assist you with your future travel plans!

Best regards,
Pilar