What an epic adventure
Ecuador | May 7 - May 15, 2022

B
Breann B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on May 16, 2022

What an epic adventure. Daniel made our trip one of the best we have ever experienced! He planned everything and made any adjustments where we wanted. He created such a beautiful experience tailored specifically to us. Not having to think about scheduling anything on our own, or getting taxis when we needed, or worrying about keeping track of flight tickets or time frames made this trip feel so luxurious. We started in Quito and had the best day ever riding around with Danny! Danny took us to the equator, a private cooking class, the statue of Mary, and walked us through multiple places in the historic district. He also stopped alongside the road to buy us yucca bread just because he loved it so much and wanted to share it with us. We then flew to Coca and took a motorized canoe down the Napo to the Napo Cultural Center. Mari, the general manager was so lovely and helpful. She explained how the eco lodge works and answered any questions we had. Venancio was beyond perfect as our guide while we were there. He loves sharing the culture and knowledge he has about his people, the birds, and teaching the native language to us. He was incredibly flexible and would take us anywhere we wanted to go, see anything we wanted to see, and spend as much time as we wanted enjoying the rainforest and giving us his time. He is so selfless and has a heart of gold. We got to see spider monkeys, golden tamarinds, and the howler monkeys put on a show right in front of our eyes while on the canoe trip. The birds are so beautiful and diverse. It was so special to see them and learn about them from Venancio. He makes sure to get you the best photos through his telescope. Living amongst the Kachiwa people was an experience I will never forget. The chefs were incredible! Feeding us gourmet meals three times a day! The fresh juices and cold towels made for a super refreshing end to any adventure we had for the day. Our bartender Lenin was great as well! He was so happy to share his knowledge of local beverages and culture as well. He helped teach us some phrases in the native language also. The housekeeping staff and our boat drivers were the best! I will definitely be back to Napo and Quito in the future. Daniel made sure that this trip was perfect, and he created such a special place in our hearts for Ecuador. 10/10 would recommend!!!

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

I love the Ikala Hotel! It is super clean, the rooms are so diverse and comfortable, the staff is super helpful and friendly, it’s quiet, and I would love to stay again!

Tips for future travelers

Definitely book your stay here. You will be happy to have the wonderful places to walk to and the staff are always willing to get you a quick taxi to anywhere you want to explore!

Authenticity & Character
The style and decor
Location
Being close to Mercando El Camino, Tres Gatos, and Abysma.
Staff
Clean rooms and shared spaces with great character and light
Cleanliness & Comfort
Firm beds, great water pressure, cleanliness, and balcony
Napo Cultural Center
Quito

The Napo Cultural Center is breathtakingly beautiful. The staff are the very best. We were so comfortable in our room and everywhere we went! I loved being able to live amongst the Kachiwa people and learn about the culture! I also loved stepping outside and viewing wildlife.

Tips for future travelers

Drink water! Use bug spray! Be thankful and appreciate all of the people and wildlife. You won’t regret this trip. It’s one in a million.

Authenticity & Character
You’re staying in a village. You’re surrounded by culture, history, and wisdom.
Location
The culture, the wildlife, the beauty of it all, how remote it is
Staff
They were are so great
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was comfortable and clean
Activity Reviews
Quito - Coca - Napo Cultural Center
Quito - Coca - Napo Cultural Center
Ecuador

Venancio was the best guide! I loved exploring the rainforest and seeing all the wildlife!

Quality of Experience
The culture, the wildlife, and the beauty of the environment
Food
Gourmet meals and drinks!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everything! They are perfect!
Transport
Timely, skilled, and friendly
Colonial City Tour, Cooking Class & the Middle of the World Monument
Colonial City Tour, Cooking Class & the Middle of the World Monument
Quito

Karen was amazing. We cooked with her in a treehouse amongst a beautiful garden of local ingredients. The food was incredible and we learned so much!

Quality of Experience
Local ingredients
Food
Empanadas, local fruit, and chocolate!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Karen and Danny were wonderful!
Transport
Local specialist: Daniel Larrea
Daniel
Daniel Larrea
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on May 24, 2022
Hola Kyle and Bree! I am insanely hyped about this review! Thank you so much for these amazing words! Your pictures had me saying "WOW" the whole time! I am so glad this was a unique experience that surpassed your expectations in our lovely country. I am so glad everything went well and that you felt support before, during, and even after your trip with us.
Thank you for letting us give you this magical experience!
Remember, Ecuador isn't going anywhere, so if you wish to return, you know... Read more

Hola Kyle and Bree!

I am insanely hyped about this review! Thank you so much for these amazing words! Your pictures had me saying "WOW" the whole time! I am so glad this was a unique experience that surpassed your expectations in our lovely country. I am so glad everything went well and that you felt support before, during, and even after your trip with us.
Thank you for letting us give you this magical experience!

Remember, Ecuador isn't going anywhere, so if you wish to return, you know who to contact ;)

I have a theory that your vibe always attracts the best experiences and wildlife encounters, and this is the perfect evidence of it!!

Best regards and best vibes from the middle of the world,
Daniel :)

Ps: Snowboarding in Colorado is still on my bucketlist haha!