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Introducing Ecuador

Ecuador has it all. Between the Andean peaks, the Amazon rainforest, and the beautiful white sand beaches, travelers have a myriad of experiences to pick and choose from to suit their level of adventure and comfort.

When is the best time to visit?
Ecuador is a year-round destination. There’s no real summer or winter season, and with its varied geography, weather patterns are more dependent on location than the time of year. In the mountains, don’t be surprised to experience four seasons in one day. The Andes are a little drier from June through September. The best time to visit the beaches of Ecuador is, surprisingly, during the rainy season from December to May, when the weather is pleasantly warm, with rains usually limited to afternoon showers. Learn more

Where to go in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers a compelling mix of outdoor experiences and culture. Experience one of the most amazing national parks in the world at the remarkable Galapagos Islands, soak in the scenery and rural way of life in the Andes Mountains, tour the Amazon Rainforest with local guides, and enjoy the photographic colonial plazas of Quito and Cuenca.

How many days do I need?
Spend as few as 3 days and as many as 16 days in Ecuador. With as much as there is to see and do in this adventurer’s paradise, really the answer to this question is as many days as possible. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Ecuador Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Tiny tortoises of the Santa Cruz breeding center
Map of Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 8 Days
Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 8 Days

See contrasting sides of Ecuador on this eight-day islands-and-city adventure. Discover the astonishing biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, where you'll meet playful sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises during stays on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz. The country's capital, Quito, sandwiches your island time—your springboard to discover Indigenous and colonial culture and the surrounding volcanic Andes.

Countryside near Riobamba
Map of Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days
Best of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 7 Days

Traverse the very best of the Ecuadorian highlands on this 7-day itinerary. Starting and finishing in the capital, Quito, you will encounter bustling markets, awe-inspiring volcanoes, centuries-old colonial towns and Inca ruins. There's great hiking along the way in terrain ranging from glaciers and high-level plateau through to forests and waterfalls.

Enjoy the beaches of Ecuador
Map of The Real Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon & Galapagos - 14 Days
The Real Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon & Galapagos - 14 Days

Experience the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Ecuador over the course of two weeks. From the urban sprawl of Quito to the serene shores of the Galapagos and everything in between, this tour will span several diverse regions and truly open your eyes to one of South America's most fascinating countries.

The road leading to Cotopaxi
Map of Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days
Trekking Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes - 8 Days

This eight-day trekking adventure delivers the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes as you explore stunning landscapes, secluded villages, and the famous peaks along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Hike along narrow mountain trails in the heart of the Andes as you make your way up the Quilotoa and Chimborazo volcanoes. Swim in the icy waters of Lake Quilotoa, then relax in the natural hot springs at Baños.

Ziplining toward a waterfall near the town of Baños
Map of Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days
Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days

This action-packed seven-day tour of Ecuador is perfect for travelers searching for adventure, culture and spectacular scenery all within a few hours' drive from the capital Quito. The trip begins with a thrilling bike ride down an active volcano and continues with hikes in the cloud forest, a climb up a waterfall and visits to an indigenous community. There will be plenty of opportunities to unwind too, with stops at hot springs and a quiet, mountainside hacienda.

Cordillera Occidental Andes Central Ecuador
Map of Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days
Ecuador: Amazon, Andes, and the Coast - 16 Days

Explore the best of Ecuador in this 16-day tour through the Amazon, Andes, and Coastal regions. You'll visit beautiful colonial towns, indigenous communities, and experience ways of life both ancient and modern in this diverse country.

Make the Most of Your Time in Ecuador

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Quito in the foreground with an erupting Cotopaxi volcano in the distance
How Many Days to Spend In Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that packs enormous diversity into a small area, so it's ideal to visit for a short trip. You can spend a long weekend exploring Quito and the mountains,...

Highly active marmoset monkeys can be spotted on trips into the Ecuadorian Amazon
Map of 1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spend a week in Ecuador exploring the country's diversity, from volcanoes to the rainforest. Each trip starts in Quito, with tours of the UNESCO-designated historic city and a...

Marine Iguana, Galápagos Islands
Map of 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Ecuador gives plenty of time to enjoy all three of the country's main ecosystems—Amazon, Highlands, and Galápagos—or focus on one to fully immerse yourself in the...

Ecuador Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Cotopaxi
Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador

On the northwestern side of South America, straddling the equator, Ecuador contains a remarkably diverse range of landscapes, altitudes, and climates. Despite their great...

Trekking along the Quilotoa Loop is an Ecuador highlight
Best Things to Do in Ecuador

Ecuador boasts a remarkable range of landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems from the Amazon to the Andes and straddling the southern and northern hemispheres. From raucous...

The mountains surrounding Guaranda, an off-the-beaten-path town in Ecuador well worth visiting
Going Off-The-Beaten-Path in Ecuador

Even with the tourism boom in Ecuador, there are still plenty of enticing destinations that remain under the radar, offering travelers the chance to explore architectural gems,...

One of the Ecuador's dramatic train rides, the Naríz del Diablo
Options for Touring Ecuador

By South American standards, Ecuador is a fairly small country. Most major destinations — with the exception of the Galápagos Islands — are within a day's drive of each other....

Ecuador Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Ecuador Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito
Wyndham Quito Airport
4.9
(23)
· Upscale
Wyndham Quito Airport is a convenient hotel for travelers arriving and departing from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. You'll be almost within the airport, so it's especially ideal for early departures or late arrivals. And though you're very close to the terminal, there's a free 24/7...
Photo courtesy of Termas de Papallacta
Quito
Termas de Papallacta
5.0
(11)
· Upscale
Termas Papallacta is a resort spa nestled in the Andean highlands, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You'll stay within a national park and a stone's throw away from the Papallacta Church and the Antisana Ecological Reserve. From the resort, you can easily...
Archidona
Kuyana Amazon Lodge
4.9
(14)
· Upscale
Kuyana Amazon Lodge is situated in a privileged area, surrounded by nature and offering a unique experience in San Pablo de Ushpayacu. Its location on a river provides easy access to nearby attractions such as Jumandy Caverns, Jumandy Monument, Latas Waterfall, and Sanctuary of the Virgin of...

Our Latest Ecuador Content

Search for wildlife while staying at a luxury lodge in the Galápagos (photo courtesy of Galápagos Safari Camp)
Map of Luxury Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days
Luxury Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

Spend 11 days discovering Ecuador's diverse landscapes, from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Start with a night in Quito, learning how to make cocktails before venturing into the pristine rainforest. Here, you'll stay at the luxurious Sacha Lodge to explore private jungle trails, observe wildlife, and take canopy walks. Next is the Galápagos, where you'll visit uninhabited islands, see giant tortoises, and marvel at the volcanic landscapes while staying in a safari tent.

See the bucket-list sites of Ecuador and Peru on this two-week tour, including blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos.
Map of Best of Ecuador & Peru with the Galápagos & Machu Picchu - 14 Days
Best of Ecuador & Peru with the Galápagos & Machu Picchu - 14 Days

Cross multiple items off your bucket list during this two-week adventure through Ecuador and Peru. Start in the Galápagos for snorkeling, island-hopping, and a plethora of unique animal sightings. Back on the mainland, explore Quito, climb the Cotopaxi volcano, soak in hot springs, then head to Lima to sample ceviche and pisco sours. Fly to the ancient Inca city of Cusco, bike through the nearby Sacred Valley, and end your trip at the epic ruins of Machu Picchu.

Discover Ecuador's incredible natural diversity, from Andean volcanoes to the uninhabited islands of the Galápagos
Map of Jewels of Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galápagos - 13 Days
Jewels of Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galápagos - 13 Days

Experience Ecuador's world-famous biodiversity during this far-reaching 13-day adventure. Start high in the Andes in the capital of Quito, then head down to Cuenca for ancient Inca ruins. Hike along the Chimborazo volcano, swim in waterfalls and hot springs in Baños, make chocolate in the Amazon rainforest, and spot exotic birds in the cloud forests of Mindo. End your trip in the incredible Galápagos archipelago, following in the footsteps of Darwin and other intrepid explorers (and travelers!).

Ecuador Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Ecuador: 5 Suggested Itineraries
10 Days in Ecuador: 5 Suggested Itineraries
View article
Map 7 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 4 Unique Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ecuador
Travel specialist Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
active 1 day ago

Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca

Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...

read more...
Travel specialist Alvaro Pereira
active 4 hours ago

Alvaro Pereira

Born and raised in the vibrant country of Ecuador, I am the ideal person to craft a unique and unforgettable trip within my homeland. My passion for travel and exploring new and exciting places...

read more...
Travel specialist Mathias Onisseit
active 1 day ago

Mathias Onisseit

Originally from Germany, in 2010 I set out to explore South America and soon fell in love with the super-diverse country named Ecuador (and its neat little attachment Galapagos). What fascinates me...

read more...
Travel specialist Linda Schulz
active 2 days ago

Linda Schulz

Originally from Germany, I have traveled around the world and lived in Australia, Bangladesh, and finally Ecuador. Ecuador is such a diverse and beautiful country, so I soon fell deeply in love...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Ecuador

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Caring, attentive and professional- thanks Majo!
Ecuador | Oct 7 - Oct 30, 2025

Amy
Amy J.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2025
Majo was excellent to work with! She helped us create our own private itinerary of Peru and Ecuador and was available all the time throughout the trip - she even helped us book an uber from her home one evening when my family were out for dinner without cell service. She stayed on the line with the driver until we got to our destination. That is just an example of her exceptional service and care she puts into her clients and their experience. Our guides each day were similarly helpful and... Read more

Majo was excellent to work with! She helped us create our own private itinerary of Peru and Ecuador and was available all the time throughout the trip - she even helped us book an uber from her home one evening when my family were out for dinner without cell service. She stayed on the line with the driver until we got to our destination. That is just an example of her exceptional service and care she puts into her clients and their experience. Our guides each day were similarly helpful and knowledgeable.
We had an unforgettable trip to Peru and Ecuador thanks to the careful planning and continued support throughout from Majo!

Hotel Reviews
Ilatoa Lodge
Quito

Absolutely beautiful hotel with incredibly caring staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Excellent for a close location to the airport!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava House Galapagos
Puerto Ayora

A great hotel with large comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast and just minutes to the main downtown

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Princesa Toa
Quilotoa

Clean and comfortable with attentive staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Suchipakari Jungle Lodge
Puerto Misahuallí, Tena Napo

A beautiful hotel in the jungle!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful and secluded for a memorable Amazon experience
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla de Baños Hosteria y Spa
Baños

Beautiful rooms! Lots of space for families!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cuello de Luna Mountain Lodge
El Chasqui - Pastocalle

Charming hotel with lovely staff and the friendliest dogs around

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vieja Cuba
Quito

This a charming and beautiful hotel. Nikki at the front desk was so helpful and pleasant to work with!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not very close to the historic centre but a good area and easy enough to get to other areas
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mamasara
Cusco

Lovely, clean hotel with spacious room close to the historic central part of Cusco

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Ecuador

Our driver and guide, Christian, is so helpful and attentive. He got us to the airport on 2 occasions and each time in a way that was stress or worry free. The day we spent at the middle of the world was so fun as well!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Christian is great!
Transport
Free Morning Until Departure
Free Morning Until Departure
Ecuador
Discover Pinzon Island & La Fé
Discover Pinzon Island & La Fé
Puerto Ayora

Our tour didn’t actually end up following the itinerary. It was amazing nonetheless! We started snorkeling at Daphne island then went to Pinzon after lunch. There was no fishing experience. Other guests were able to request their meal for lunch but we were not invited to do so or it was not mentioned ahead of time to us. It was a bit of a problem for me but the staff improvised on the boat and got me a meal that was safe for me to eat due to a medical condition. That was appreciated!

Quality of Experience
Food
Ensuring all participants are given the chance to pre-order meals
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Bay Tour & Afternoon at leisure in Santa Cruz
Morning Bay Tour & Afternoon at leisure in Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora

We got to see nesting Blue footed Boobies! Definitely the highlight of the day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploring The Charles Darwin Research Station
Exploring The Charles Darwin Research Station
Ecuador

Loved being here to see all the research and projects going on to protect this amazing archipelago

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Embracing Nature's Giants: Exploring Santa Cruz Island's Highlands
Embracing Nature's Giants: Exploring Santa Cruz Island's Highlands
Ecuador

So cool to see these creatures up close in their natural habitat

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival to Santa Cruz Island  & Afternoon at Leisure
Arrival to Santa Cruz Island & Afternoon at Leisure
Puerto Ayora

We had a great first day just exploring the town ourselves

Discover Mindo: Full-Day Tour Bus with Hummingbird Reserve, Waterfalls & Chocolate Tasting
Discover Mindo: Full-Day Tour Bus with Hummingbird Reserve, Waterfalls & Chocolate Tasting
Mindo

Very cool to see so many hummingbirds so closely!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Josh was excellent!
Transport
Otavalo Day Trip by Tour Bus: Markets, Waterfalls, and More
Otavalo Day Trip by Tour Bus: Markets, Waterfalls, and More
Otavalo

This had to be canceled due to the protests in Otavalo

Amazonian Adventure: Exploring Mystical Caves, Waterfalls, and Kichwa Culture
Amazonian Adventure: Exploring Mystical Caves, Waterfalls, and Kichwa Culture
Archidona

Due to communication confusion, we were just driven from our lodge in the Amazon to Quito. We inquired before leaving about seeing the waterfalls and caves but were told we were only being driven to Quito. Thankfully we reached out to Majo at lunch and still managed to go to the Thermals at least.

Quality of Experience
Food
Gina’s restaurant was delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was nice and helpful where he could be but he was not told of the urinary we were supposed to have
Transport
Chocolate Workshop and Farewell: A Sweet Ending to Your Amazon Adventure
Chocolate Workshop and Farewell: A Sweet Ending to Your Amazon Adventure
Archidona

A cool learning experience to understand the chocolate making process

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amazon River Adventure: Wildlife, Kichwa Culture, and Traditional Crafts
Amazon River Adventure: Wildlife, Kichwa Culture, and Traditional Crafts
Archidona

So busy! It’s a long day but very interesting and worthwhile

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Klever was a great and enthusiastic guide 👍
Transport
Welcome to the Jungle: Hike, River Adventure, and Wildlife
Welcome to the Jungle: Hike, River Adventure, and Wildlife
Archidona
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Swing at the End of the World & Waterfall Route in Baños
Swing at the End of the World & Waterfall Route in Baños
Baños

So much fun!!! Loved it

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon
Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon
Ecuador

We loved it here. We enjoyed the kayaking and the breathtaking views both from the beauty and the altitude!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Francisco was so fantastic to travel with!
Transport
Horseback Adventure Through Cotopaxi National Park
Horseback Adventure Through Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi

We were caught in a huge thunderstorm with rain, hail and lightning. We decided to keep our ride short because we were getting cold but the ponchos provided by the riding centre were very appreciated

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador
Food
The restaurant Francisco took us too was delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Francisco was awesome! So much fun, informative and took care of us like we were old friends.
Transport
Quito Tour Bus: City Highlights, Teleférico, Panecillo & Middle of the World in One Day
Quito Tour Bus: City Highlights, Teleférico, Panecillo & Middle of the World in One Day
Quito

The tour we went on, the City tour hop-on-hop off was good but we never actually went to the Middle of the World or the Teleferico as described.

Quality of Experience
Crown Jewel of Peru: Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Crown Jewel of Peru: Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Ecuador

Truly a must see! As good as everyone says it is… and more!

Quality of Experience
Food
Loved the restaurant over looking the river
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Richard was fantastic - very knowledgeable and a talented phoyographer as an added bonus! We got wonderful pictures and videos of our visit from him!
Transport
Pisaq Market & Ollantaytambo Adventure
Pisaq Market & Ollantaytambo Adventure
Ecuador

A wonderful tour with lots to see and do.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Raul was an excellent guide and took extra time to teach my daughter to play her new flutes she bought. He was very knowledgeable about the history and local areas.
Transport
Exploring The Salt Mines of Maras & The Ruins of Moray
Exploring The Salt Mines of Maras & The Ruins of Moray
Cusco

Adriel our guide took us for another amazing tour day! The mines literally made me say ‘wow’ when we first saw them. Morray was so impressive to see.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Superb and friendly! Adriel is excellent
Transport
Uncover the Rich History and Vibrancy of Cusco
Uncover the Rich History and Vibrancy of Cusco
Cusco

We learned so much about Cusco and the Inca during this trip. Our guide Adriel was exceptional

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Adriel was so vibrant, knowledgeable and passionate!
Transport
Local specialist: Maria Jose Jaramillo
Maria Jose
Maria Jose Jaramillo
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Nov 01, 2025

Hi Amy,

Thank you so much for your beautiful words. those mean a lot to me! I’m so happy to know that you and your family had such a memorable experience in Peru and Ecuador. It was a real pleasure helping you bring this trip to life and being part of your adventure.

I’m really grateful for your trust and kindness throughout the process, travelers like you make my job so special. I hope our paths cross again soon for another amazing journey!

Warm regards,
Majo

Johanna and Kristy, a great team!
Ecuador | Oct 11 - Oct 18, 2025

Ajay
Ajay P.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
Johanna was great helping through the various iterations of our plans. We had to postpone in 2024 due to medical issues, then in 2025 due to the Machu Picchu protests and split Peru part away. Johanna patiently helped guide us through all the changes and made all the arrangements according to our wishes. Kristy was great in the operational aspects transitioning from planning to the actual trip and providing prompt support during the trip through WhatsApp chats. Weather and local scenes can... Read more

Johanna was great helping through the various iterations of our plans. We had to postpone in 2024 due to medical issues, then in 2025 due to the Machu Picchu protests and split Peru part away. Johanna patiently helped guide us through all the changes and made all the arrangements according to our wishes. Kristy was great in the operational aspects transitioning from planning to the actual trip and providing prompt support during the trip through WhatsApp chats. Weather and local scenes can raise unpredictable challenges; Kristy helped us through it all. Great team!

Hotel Review
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Kitchen staff, particularly Luis, went out of their way to cater to our vegan needs both at breakfast and dinner with special preparations. Charming rooftop dining with ocean view and open as well as covered seating with a wide breakfast buffet spread with a lot of choices. Astrid, our guide, and the hotel staff warned us about the tap water being brackish and not suitable for human consumption. The hotel gave us a big jug of water every day for drinking, brushing teeth, washing eyes etc. In addition we bought 1-3 liters of water bottles from the nearby Proinsular market.

Authenticity & Character
Quad setting with pool in the middle and buildings secluded from the road. Charming rooftop dining with ocean view and open as well as covered seating with a wide breakfast buffet spread with a lot of choices.
Location
On the western end of town away from many restaurants but near the supermarket, Proinsular market and the restaurant Galapagos Deli that had a vegan sandwich. It is also close to and multiple souvenir vendors and the jetty with a promenade that had a stall selling fresh coconut water. Great for all we needed.
Staff
Great kitchen staff who went out of their way. Office staff did their job but nothing noteworthy
Cleanliness & Comfort
3 separate beds and a sofa set made a comfortable setting. Bathroom was big enough for all the needs; sink separate from the toilet/shower area allowed multiple people to get ready. The sockets were behind the beds and not on the side making it difficult to charge electronics.
Activity Reviews
Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Quito
Quito

Our flight landed late, close to midnight. We reached the hotel well past midnight. The hotel, Patio Andaluz, was in the historic city center. The driver took us there safely and made sure we got into the hotel safely; pointed out areas along the way where we should be careful at night.

Guayaquil City Tour
Guayaquil City Tour
Guayaquil

Lilian was an awesome guide. She arrived on time, stayed long enough to cover everything we wanted to do and did not rush us. She walked with us to all the places on our list and had the cards for the Aerovia cable car to make it easy to purchase the tickets. She told us about which places were safe and kept us away from places that were not safe. She even took us to a great souvenir shop and helped us with the shopping. She went out of the way to recommend vegan restaurants we should try! She also told us of a safe walking route to go see the giant monkey statue (Estatua Del Mono Machín) within walking distance of the hotel but in the median of the Juan Javier Marcos y Aguirre road on the way to the airport.

Quality of Experience
One word - Lilian!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
One word - Lilian! Highly recommend her as a tour guide!
Transport
The driver had a hard stop due to a trip to the highlands but otherwise she was supportive of the extra time and taking us back and forth to the souvenir shop, as we requested, after we agreed to pay extra.
Fly to Santa Cruz Island & Tour Charles Darwin Station
Fly to Santa Cruz Island & Tour Charles Darwin Station
Galapagos Islands

Astrid was awesome! She was full of experience and information; very patient and willing to share her knowledge, answer any questions. Astrid picked us up at the airport on the first day. She was our guide to Darwin station; she dropped us back on the last day and was ready with the fares needed for the ferries and the Darwin station. The pleasant and informative interaction with her made the travel time back and forth from the airport to the hotel breeze by!

Quality of Experience
The boat chef made sure to give us vegan food both days.
Food
Pleasantly surprised that the boat crew catered to our vegan preference.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Both days we had the Narel boat crew - Sebastien the captain and Armando the chef. The guide to both the islands was also the same, Roberto. They were all great. The first day we had no other guests, so we got all of Roberto's attention; the second day it got divided.
Transport
Smooth sailing, safe driving
Welcome to Guayaquil: Free day to explore
Welcome to Guayaquil: Free day to explore
Guayaquil

We arrived too late in the evening so had just enough time to get to our hotel for relaxing that night. Wyndham Santa Ana is a great place, right on the Malecon.

Depart Quito
Depart Quito
Ecuador

Kristy was very supportive on this last day where we traveled from Galapagos to Quito AND took a midnight flight back to the US - a very long day! The taxi stand at the Quito airport was very supportive to help us with a quick visit back to the city for our dinner. There are no places at or near the airport with vegan options for food. The driver of the taxi that the airport staff arranged spoke no English so it made for an interesting 1hour each way to the city with our broken spanish and google translate. Luckily the driver's ecletic liking in music helped as we listened to the variety.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito & Equator Full Day Tour
Quito & Equator Full Day Tour
Quito

Javier, and his wife Fatima, took us to the Intinan museum in the morning and dropped us off at the and the Mitad del Mundo museum, the monument erected by the western surveyors. We visited the Panecillo in the afternoon. Javier and his wife were very helpful at all places.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Speed Boat to Puerto Ayora & transfer to Baltra Airport
Speed Boat to Puerto Ayora & transfer to Baltra Airport
Ecuador

On the airport drop off day, we were driven in a van and then a ferry, similar to on the arrival day like on the arrival day, but in reverse. There was no speed boat! Astrid was great again! She stayed back at the airport till we were through security and at the gate, making sure we were in good hands. She stayed in touch with WhatsApp till we reached Quito. Very caring person!

Exploring Tortuga Bay Beach
Exploring Tortuga Bay Beach
Puerto Ayora

Did not do this; instead did 2 islands - Bartolome and North Seymour. All comments combined on the Darwin station, 1st island review

Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island
Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island
Ecuador

We visited 2 islands - North Seymour and Bartolome instead of 1 island and the Tortuga bay. See the review for Darwin station and the 1st island for all the comments which apply to all 3 days.

Local specialist: Johanna Fabian

Incredible trip!
Ecuador | Aug 23 - Sep 1, 2025

E
Eric F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2025
This vacation was wonderful from start to finish. Alvaro was fantastic to work with - he was incredibly responsive and designed a trip that was perfect for our family (2 adults and two rambunctious 4 and 9 year old boys). He even ensured that we would have a car seat for our 4-year old. Jacquie, who was our point person once we arrived in Ecuador, was also great. She met us at the hotel to make sure we were settled and was very responsive our entire trip. She even helped us plan a... Read more

This vacation was wonderful from start to finish. Alvaro was fantastic to work with - he was incredibly responsive and designed a trip that was perfect for our family (2 adults and two rambunctious 4 and 9 year old boys). He even ensured that we would have a car seat for our 4-year old. Jacquie, who was our point person once we arrived in Ecuador, was also great. She met us at the hotel to make sure we were settled and was very responsive our entire trip. She even helped us plan a last-minute trip to see an Ecuadorian soccer match in Quito, which was a highlight for us. Our guide in Quito, Marco Herrera, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with our kids, answering all of our (many) questions. He worked with us on the best times to visit each attraction to make the most of our visit, made sure our kids could handle all of the planned activities, and recommended some great restaurants. Our visit to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon is an experience we will never forget. From the minute we arrived at the Quito airport, Sacha made sure we were perfectly taken care of. The lodge itself is absolutely stunning. We had two cabins connected by a short walkway - one for us and one for our kids. We were even able to see monkeys from the deck outside our cabins. The food at Sacha was wonderful, and the staff was able to accommodate our picky eaters. Jose, our guide, was fantastic. He also was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all of the kids' questions. He was able to spot so many species and let the kids look through his telescope from the canopy and treehouse. He helped our older son to catch a piranha while fishing, something he was incredibly excited about.

Until now, we had not ever used a travel agent when traveling as a family, but KimKim made everything so easy. There were a lot of logistics involved in this trip for us, and we were incredibly impressed that everything went off without a hitch. Our kids are already asking to return to Ecuador and saying how this was the best trip ever. We would definitely recommend traveling through KimKim!

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Sep 26, 2025
Dear Eric, Beth, Michael, and Noah, For Alvaro and me, it was truly a pleasure to make this journey such an incredible experience for your family. Reading your review brought back so many memories of your trip, and we felt so much joy seeing the Ecuadorian experiences you lived through the wonderful photos you kindly shared with us. We are especially happy that the small details, like arranging the car seat for Noah and helping you experience the excitement of a local soccer match in Quito,... Read more

Dear Eric, Beth, Michael, and Noah,

For Alvaro and me, it was truly a pleasure to make this journey such an incredible experience for your family. Reading your review brought back so many memories of your trip, and we felt so much joy seeing the Ecuadorian experiences you lived through the wonderful photos you kindly shared with us.

We are especially happy that the small details, like arranging the car seat for Noah and helping you experience the excitement of a local soccer match in Quito, which we are so glad was one of your highlights, added to your adventure. I can just imagine Michael and Noah’s curiosity exploring Quito with Marco, asking their endless questions, and discovering the city at the perfect pace. He will be delighted to know how much you appreciated his patience and knowledge.

Your time at Sacha Lodge sounds truly magical: spotting monkeys right from your cabin deck, fishing for piranhas, climbing the canopy towers, and learning from José about the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. Those are exactly the kinds of moments that make Ecuador unforgettable, and it makes me so happy that you enjoyed them to the fullest as a family.

It means a lot that you trusted Kimkim for your first family trip planned this way, and I’m delighted to know everything went smoothly from start to finish. The fact that Michael and Noah are already asking to return is the best compliment we could ever receive.

Thank you again for trusting us and giving us such a special vacation. We’ll be more than happy to welcome you back whenever you’re ready for your next Ecuadorian adventure or to explore the rest of South America!

Warmest regards,
Alvaro, Jacquie, and the Responsible Travel Team

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