First Class Service Every Step of the Way
Ecuador | Jan 23 - Feb 6, 2020

M
Mary Ellen G.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2020

We have so much to share regarding the start to finish adventure that Isabel planned for us. I know she was there in the background managing every leg of the trip and I only wish we could have thanked her in person. Planning with Isabel was easy with 2 way back and forth communication. She listened to what we wanted and delivered completely with perfect guides, transportation, top notch hotels and tours. This was the first time we have used a travel service such as Kimkim and it made the trip so easy with everything coordinated and booked for us. Special mention goes to David Carrion, who met us at Quito airport and became our friend and guide for the next several days. He was professional and knowledgable about his home country and city with many excellent suggestions. Thank you Isabel for suggesting cooking class and market tour with Chef Edwin of Altamira Restaurant which was one of our highlights. Second guide, Marco Herrera took over for the next leg to take us on a beautiful tour of Cotopaxi and Banos. He took very good care of us and was excellent driver through 2 torrential downpours and travel company for my chatty husband. We absolutely fell in love with Hotel Luna Volcan and wish we had booked for 2 nights. The trip then moved to Amazon and Napo Wildlife Centre. I think Isabel picked the best ecolodge in the area and would recommend this one over all others. Three days of exploring the jungle and river with our guide, Juan was perfect. We then switched gears to travel to Galapagos. We were happy Isabel suggested staying on land using boat tours to uninhabited islands during the day. Huge shout out to Isabella Island hotel, Iguana Crossing which was the nicest hotel on the island. We enjoyed exceptional service and upgraded accommodation. Again we wish we had a second night to enjoy this beach paradise. Another mention needs to be given for honest island residents. My husband dropped his passport by accident when we were out for dinner. By the next morning, there was a tourist news feed broadcasting a picture of his passport and asking where he was staying so it could be returned. Not really the way to become famous but we sure appreciated all the care and concern. Our tour guide, Julio and his lovely young daughter, Mia were absolutely fantastic and took us on a couple of amazing tours. Then we taxi boated back to Santa Cruz for 3 night and again had a lovely oasis hotel, Ikala Hotel close but away from the hustle and bustle. 2 boat snorkelling and island hikes were similar in structure but gave us a wider perspective of different species on each island. We sadly had to say goodbye to Galapagos and fly back to Quito. Tour ended with David meeting us and a very special and private tour of a rose farm close to the airport. What a treat that was! The last hotel Isabel chose was EB Hotel close to the airport for an early morning flight. They even offered to pack us brown bag breakfasts because buffet was not open that early. It was a quiet and lovely way to end a very busy and exciting tour. When I say this was a trip of our lifetime, I am not exaggerating. Thank you Isabel for all your background planning and coordination! I am not exaggerating when I say this is the lady to talk to for your Ecuadorean tour!

Local specialist:
Isabel
Isabel P.
Ecuador | Replied on Feb 26, 2020
Dear Mary and Richard, thank you very much for your lovely and very detailed review, this will surely help other travelers! First of all let me tell you that I will keep in mind your feedback regarding Baños and Isabela, both places are really great (Not to mention the hotels!) but sometimes time can be tight so I will explain that spending a little bit more time will be worth it! I'm glad to hear that you made precious memories here, hope you have many pictures to show friends and family!... Read more

Dear Mary and Richard, thank you very much for your lovely and very detailed review, this will surely help other travelers! First of all let me tell you that I will keep in mind your feedback regarding Baños and Isabela, both places are really great (Not to mention the hotels!) but sometimes time can be tight so I will explain that spending a little bit more time will be worth it!

I'm glad to hear that you made precious memories here, hope you have many pictures to show friends and family! We could not meet in person but it was a real pleasure to plan this trip with you, hopefully, in the future you will come again to explore different regions of Ecuador!

Kind regards,
Isabel