Ecuador Travel Agents

Karla did a great job putting together an itinerary for our one week Ecuador trip. Transfers, hotel check ins, and activities were all well coordinated. We enjoyed a large variety of activities and a combination of private and group day trips, as the itinerary encompassed highlights of the central part of the country. If you are excited to travel, but not about the planning, Kim Kim is a good choice!

Majo was extremely responsive and provided excellent advice while planning our Mother-in-Law/ Daughters-in-Law trip for 4. She revised the itinerary until we had exactly what we wanted and to fit within our budget. A few highlights to note/share: El Barranco hotel was wonderful, couldn't recommend enough, will stay there when I return. Great location right by the pier near tons of shops and restaurants, wonderful staff, great food and drinks too! North Seymour Island on the Finch Bay yacht was probably my favorite day. The yacht was gorgeous, our guide was great, we saw so much wildlife and it welcomed us with a wow day for sure! The morning bay tour was pretty good, less fancy, but still a wonderful day, and it allowed us to splurge a few other days/times. The walk down to Las Grietas was on lava rocks so comfortable shoes are necessary. Trapiche and Garrapatero Beach with kayak was another awesome day. Our guide for the day, Erickita, was my favorite guide of the trip. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Trapiche was a cool stop and the owner of the farm, Adriano, was kind and funny! Garrapatero Beach was beautiful and we kayaked a bit there. The snorkel experience in Punta Cormorant/ Champions Islet on Floreana was amazing. A sea lion was swimming in circles around and with us. This wasn't as fancy of a yacht but I was told only certain boats/yachts had permits for specific places. It was fine, just not as luxurious. It was a rough 2.5 hour ride there then also back. My party did fine with it but numerous others on the boat did get sea sick so while the destination was definitely worth it for our group, don't add it if someone in your group easily gets sea sick. The best place to sit is the middle of the boat so you can get some fresh air and don't smell the bathrooms or kitchen but also so you're not in the back baking in the sun getting sprayed by water. We spent our final day doing the Santa Cruz Highlands, an artisan woodworking visit, and a cooking class. Our family always adds some kind of art/craft and also some kind of cooking class on our trips so I'm glad they were added but the cooking class did go rather long (numerous hours) and the craft class wasn't really a full class and I don't think they're setup to accommodate that. Majo did deliver on all of our requests and planned a wonderful farewell dinner at Eloise, a cool waterfront restaurant you take a brief water taxi to and see lots of little white tip Galapagos sharks at the dock and along the journey. A few of my favorite restaurants were Bahia Mar, Midori, and Art Coffee. Darwin + Wolf was my favorite shop. We went to the Darwin Research Station on our own and I suggest doing the same because they have their own tour guides anyway. The wildlife was amazing and the animals get so close to you because they're protected so nobody bothers them and they aren't scared of us. It was beyond crazy how much we saw and how common it was. I'll definitely go back when my son is old enough to snorkel because he would love the wildlife. We also visited Siluet Derm Spa on our own and if you like massages, you should definitely fit that into your Santa Cruz visit! Our guides were all wonderful. The communication was immediate. Thoughtful extras were included like assistance in airports, etc. HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU BOOK THIS!

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

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

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

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.

Majo was so amazing, patient and helpful with our trip. It was an incredible trip !

Hotel Review

El Barranco

Santa Cruz

Incredible hotel and staff. Best location. We almost chose a more expensive hotel, but when we got to the area we realized we made the better choice. 10 out of 10. Walkable to shops, the main pier for water taxis, restaurants. Honestly you could eat and drink at the hotel because the food was incredible. Gorgeous view and pool!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Central to EVERYTHING

Staff

Garamija makes the best drinks and brings the fun

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Free day to explore

Isla Santa Cruz

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Morning Bay Tour & Afternoon at leisure in Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Snorkel Experince in Punta Cormorant / Champions Islet - Floreana Island

Puerto Ayora

Ericka was such a wonderful guide!! She made this whole day even more special!

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Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Santa Cruz Highlands & Artisan Experience with Coocking Class

Puerto Ayora

The chef was wonderful! The food was so good, and more than we could possibly eat. There were turtles all over the area. We got fresh food from the farm before we made our food.

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Food

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Trapiche & Garrapatero Relax Tour with Kayak

Ecuador

The owner of trapiche and his son made the day! They were so fun, and welcoming. A true highlight

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Yacht Cruise to North Seymour Island

Puerto Ayora

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Delicious Dinner by the Sea

Ecuador

Beyond food and drinks being some of the best I've had...we saw four baby sharks, sting rays, turtles all from our table. A true highlight

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ariel was great to work with, and he made it very easy to plan this somewhat complex three-week trip, spanning almost the entire length of the country, including a week in the Galapagos Islands. His attention to detail was much appreciated as well as his perfect English language skills. We did all of the planning quite easily through email communications and the kimkim ap. We eventually were able to meet him in person in Quito on our first day. Authentic Ecuador was the in-country tour company that contracted with our personal guide on the mainland, Sebastian, who also turned out to be a fantastic host. He was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, friendly and fun, and a very skilled and safe driver. He really helped us to better understand and truly appreciate our Andean adventure. The week in Galapagos was more self-exploration and joining up with other tourist groups for snorkeling and boating activities to view wildlife. Park sanctioned guides were also very well trained and knowledgeable.

Hotel Reviews

Vieja Cuba

Quito

Clean. comfortable and quiet!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge

Isinliví

This is a great place to stay and probably our favorite of the entire trip. Not super fancy but overall perfect.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Floresta

Baños

Good location to walk around town and even had a view of the waterfall.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mansion Santa Isabella

Riobamba

Would have preferred to be more on the outskirts of town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hostal Posada Del Angel

Cuenca

Good location to walk around town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hostería Paraíso Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba

Very nice garden and vibe. Staff were excellent, especially Franklin.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport

Guayaquil

Pretty standard fare for a big city airport hotel. We didn't spend much time here, but breakfast was good and we were able to walk to the airport for our Galapagos flight.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lava House Galapagos

Puerto Ayora

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very noisy on the street side so would suggest requesting a more interior room.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel La Laguna

Puerto Villamil

Great to be on the lagoon and so close to the beach. Staff was very accomodating.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Estalien was helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Quito City Tour - Middle of the World

Quito

Very touristy and not as interesting as the historic Quito City tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hiking around Isinliví

Isinliví

We adjusted this hike to better fit in with a visit to the Zumbuhua market. Did a hike in Isinlivi the following day which worked out well.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, Transfer to Baños

Ecuador

Do not bypass Quilotoa, a absolutely gorgeous spot.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Explore Baños

Baños

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Chimborazo Volcano

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Cuenca City Tour

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Bay tour

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Explore Cajas National Park, Transfer to Guayaquil

Ecuador

Cajas hike was very nice and a good leg stretcher.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Hiking Mandango Mountain

Vilcabamba

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Explore Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Transfer to Guayaquil Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz

Ecuador

Viviana was our sanctioned guide who met us at the airport and David was our driver on Santa Cruz. Lunch was great and the tortoises were amazing. Lava tubes were interesting.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano

Ecuador

Good to experience the volcanic zone.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Snorkel at Los Túneles

Galapagos Islands

A nice adventure even in the rain. Darwin was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide and boat crew was great.

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station

Puerto Ayora

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras

Galapagos Islands

Saw lots of wildlife on this activity. Micheal was a good guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake

Quito

Actually preferred visiting the market in Zumbuhua as it was more authentic and less commercialized. The hike at the Cuicocha Crater Lake and stop in Cotachi for leather shopping were good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cuenca to Vilcabamba

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport