Ecuador, One of the most beautiful places in the world!
Ecuador | Oct 9 - Oct 15, 2026

Denise
Denise C.
Clinton, Clinton Township, MI, USA | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2026

I must say that Ecuador has been one of my most memorable experiences in my travels. Kimkim taylored the trip in such a way that it exceeded my expectations. In working with Ariel on the specifics of my desire have cultural experiences was the beginning of my amazing journey. My tour guide Jeannin made it the most safe and enlightening glimpse of Ecuador. I am physically challenged and did my 1st solo trip with KimKim. The country was breathtaking, the indigenous communities in Quito, San Antonio, Otavalo, Cuenca and their free expression of their artistic expressions through murals, music, hat making, wood carving, weaving traditions of wool and alpaca created masterpieces were just a few of my awesome experiences. As an African American, it was important for me spending a day of having lunch with a successful Afro Ecuadorian female artist and goat farmer from the Afro Ecuadorian community in Mascarilla. I learned how they live as African descendants in the area using the fruit of the land, goats farming and artistic creativity to create carve out a living in the middle of the mountains. I went to Mindi, the mountains in the clouds, and I fed hummingbirds and butterflies! I learn about the Amazon! Kimkim heard my heart and delivered a safe and unforgettably rich week in Ecuador from the moment I landed until my departure. Jeannin, thank you! I will be back. Ecuador- One of the most beautiful places in the world!

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

This hotel was so very clean, warm, cozy and hospitable in every way. From the security to the front desk. I loved my time in this place tucked away in the city of Quito.

Authenticity & Character
The decor is very authentic and each room has its own personality.
Location
It’s in the heart of the city. You have access to the city amenities and there is a fantastic restaurant right next door!
Staff
The staff are very accommodating and thoughtful in servicing your needs without you having to ask for assistance. As a physically challenged person, I appreciated that more than anything.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy room and sitting areas!
Hotel Otavalo
Otavalo

This hotel is stunning!!!! The hidden paradise in plan view is how I can best describe it. The wall art and statue pieces along with interesting relics will have you awestruck if you love art and museums. The music and onsite very exquisite atmosphere along with the hotel restaurant will leave you feeling the taste of luxury intended.

Authenticity & Character
From the service to the architectural design inside out, this hotel has character and is indeed very authentic. It’s like a hidden treasure tucked away in a vibrant community with tons of personality!
Location
I have never experienced something like this before and I travel luxury on vacation. This place is an experience!
Staff
The staff is amazing from the front desk to the restaurant waiters. Everyone is committed to giving guests a superb experience.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The place is immaculate!
Activity Reviews
Visit an Indigenous Comunity and a Traditional Botanical Garden
Visit an Indigenous Comunity and a Traditional Botanical Garden
Ecuador

I learned so very much and loved the tour! She was wonderful and well informed. John was great also assisting Jeanin who was also well informed on botanical garden items introduced.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Cultural Afro Mascarilla
Tour Cultural Afro Mascarilla
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Oatmeal soup! Never experienced that before. I loved sitting in Betty’s kitchen eating what she prepared for us. It was an honor.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
The huge statue of Mary with wings stood out to me and the Spanish’s reasoning for creating the statue in that location at that magnitude overlooking the 4 corners of Quito.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Leaning was well informed and taught me a great deal about Equador, it’s history and the driving factors behind the eye witness of its beauty and progress.
Transport
Jeanin was great company and ever teaching about what was before me.
Local specialist: Ariel Chasi
Ariel
Ariel Chasi
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Oct 22, 2026

Dear Denise,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It was a pleasure working with you to create a trip around the cultural experiences that mattered most to you. I'm especially happy to know you felt safe and supported throughout your first solo trip and that you were able to connect so deeply with Ecuador's people, traditions, and landscapes.

I'll be sure to share your kind words with Jeannin, too. We'd love to welcome you back whenever you're ready to discover more of this beautiful country!

Warmly,
Ariel