Kimkim Trip Reviews for Galapagos Islands

4.8
Based on 148 ratings
Read 148 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Galapagos Islands on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

My dream trip to the Galapagos Islands!
Galapagos Islands | Mar 17 - Mar 27, 2023

L
Lili R.
Clovis, CA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023
This was my dream trip and it waited too long in my bucket list. I enjoyed Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The hotel Sol y Mar was lovely; enjoyed visiting Darwin Station and Chato Ranch. The Millenium catamaran was a nice boat to see the islands and the cabin was very comfortable and clean. The crew was friendly and our guide Javier Picaza G. was very knowledgeable. The food was not so good; everything served except the shrimps, was overcooked.Loved the scenery and landscape of all the islands we... Read more

This was my dream trip and it waited too long in my bucket list. I enjoyed Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The hotel Sol y Mar was lovely; enjoyed visiting Darwin Station and Chato Ranch. The Millenium catamaran was a nice boat to see the islands and the cabin was very comfortable and clean. The crew was friendly and our guide Javier Picaza G. was very knowledgeable. The food was not so good; everything served except the shrimps, was overcooked.Loved the scenery and landscape of all the islands we visited:Santa Cruz, Isabela(the biggest), Fernandina and Santiago.My favorite was Punta Espinoza in Fernandina.It was heaven on earth. Truly magnificent.We did wet and dry landings and saw those blue footed boobies, iguanas, turtles, sealions,whales,sharks, pelicans, cormorants, penguins, finches, flamingoes, and amazing volcanoes. If at day time we saw all these plus beautiful sunrises and sunsets, at night time we were able to see the whole Milky Way plus other galaxies;literally you could see stars all the way to the horizon where the sky touches the water.Indeed it was epic and loved the fact that there was no phone connection as it made it a true vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Solymar
Galápagos

Loved this hotel, the food, the rooms, the location.And the gardens plus amazing views from my balcony.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was near everything!
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfy.
M/C Millennium
Ecuadors, Galágados, Peru

The catamaran was very nice and clean; the cabins were comfortable and had a balcony where you could enjoy the sunrises. Wonderful terrace in the top deck and another terrace in middle deck. The crew was friendly and helpful, unfortunately the chef was not the best. The food was overcooked (chicken, beef , pork and fish) making it impossible to enjoy. The shrimp (one time only) was fine though.Had they had a better chef, I would have given this catamaran 5 stars. But food is an important part of any vacation and when in five nights only one meal was good and the rest mediocre, it takes away a lot. Specially because this was a pricey vacation for any pocket.

Authenticity & Character
It was a nice looking catamaran.
Location
I had cabin # 1 with a nice balcony; very comfortable and plenty of room.
Staff
They were friendly and helpful in every way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Patio Andaluz
Quito

My flight was super delayed so in essence couldn't enjoy as much, but this hotel was lovely and the food was excellent.

Authenticity & Character
It was very colonial looking.
Location
Nice neighborhood.
Staff
Very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely rooms and comfy beds.
Activity Reviews
M/C Millennium (6D): Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) - Tagus Cove (Isabela)
M/C Millennium (6D): Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) - Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Cruise Ship

This was my favorite! Truly loved Punta Espinoza! Divine!

Quality of Experience
Food
Get another chef at the Millenium.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival to Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station
Arrival to Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station
Puerto Ayora

It was interesting visiting the Darwin station and strolling along in beautiful Puerto Ayora.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boarding M/C Millennium (6D) - Highlands of Santa Cruz
Boarding M/C Millennium (6D) - Highlands of Santa Cruz
Cruise Ship
Quality of Experience
Food
Need to change chef in the Millenium.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Puerto Villamil : Tintoreras / Wetlands / Breeding Center / Wall of Tears or Sierra Negra
Puerto Villamil : Tintoreras / Wetlands / Breeding Center / Wall of Tears or Sierra Negra
Cruise Ship

This was a long hike, but worth every effort. the views were fabulous and though it was pretty warm, the rain afterwards made things cooler.

Quality of Experience
Food
Sandwich was awful, but we had time to eat in Puerto Villamil and I had an exquisite lobster served with asparagus soup, rice and lentils, patacones , mixed veggies and salad plus a glass of mora juice. All that for $12.00! Amazing!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
M/C Millennium (6D): Punta Moreno (Isabela)  -  Punta Mangle (Fernandina)
M/C Millennium (6D): Punta Moreno (Isabela) - Punta Mangle (Fernandina)
Cruise Ship

The bluefooted boobies were everywhere! It was divine!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
M/C Millennium (6D): Puerto Egas (Santiago) - Chinese Hat
M/C Millennium (6D): Puerto Egas (Santiago) - Chinese Hat
Cruise Ship

Incredible landscape. The views were wonderful!

Quality of Experience
Food
Change the chef.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
M/C Millennium (6D): Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) - Baltra Airport
M/C Millennium (6D): Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) - Baltra Airport
Cruise Ship
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Apr 01, 2023
Dear Lili,
Thank you so much for your valuable review, it serves as an excellent insight for our future travelers and we can't be grateful enough.
I am happy to know you enjoyed the majority of your trip/cruise; the wildlife encounter, the catamaran itself, its staff and your cabin, the hotels in Quito and Puerto Ayora before your cruise and your rooms there, and the related services were up to our expectations.
Nevertheless, it is a personal disappointment to me to learn that an important...
Read more

Dear Lili,
Thank you so much for your valuable review, it serves as an excellent insight for our future travelers and we can't be grateful enough.
I am happy to know you enjoyed the majority of your trip/cruise; the wildlife encounter, the catamaran itself, its staff and your cabin, the hotels in Quito and Puerto Ayora before your cruise and your rooms there, and the related services were up to our expectations.
Nevertheless, it is a personal disappointment to me to learn that an important part of your 6-Day cruise, which is food on board, wasn't at all to your liking! Especially after all the efforts I made to help you make it on time to the Galapagos after the one-day delay in the AA flight to Quito! I wanted everything to be perfect! I will make sure to convey your feedback literally to the M/C Millennium management, and I will follow up on this personally and let you know of their response.
Again, I am happy you enjoyed your days in the charming Galapagos islands, its fantastic nature always exceeds our wildest imagination :)
Best,
Tamer

THANK YOU!
Galapagos Islands | Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2023

B
Brooke C.
Morristown, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 16, 2023
We cannot thank you enough for the time and effort that you put into making this trip so successful and wonderful! All of our experiences, hotels, excursions and guides were truly exceptional. I loved that we were able to be in communication with one another the entire trip and knowing that we could reach out to you at any time was comforting and so important to us. Tamer's personal connection and attention to detail went beyond our expectations. Our 14 day trip was seamless from the... Read more

We cannot thank you enough for the time and effort that you put into making this trip so successful and wonderful! All of our experiences, hotels, excursions and guides were truly exceptional. I loved that we were able to be in communication with one another the entire trip and knowing that we could reach out to you at any time was comforting and so important to us.

Tamer's personal connection and attention to detail went beyond our expectations. Our 14 day trip was seamless from the beginning of the planning to arriving home. Thank you for everything! We are looking forward to planning another extraordinary experiential trip soon!

Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 17, 2023
Dear Brooke :) Since our first interaction and phone call, I felt how privileged I am to be paired with you and John, and to be part of the planning of this special experience for you and the beautiful students of Forman School, our Lions, and Lionesses :) I can't be grateful enough for this great opportunity of meeting you, John, and the kids in person, and for the beautiful gifts that I hold dear :) and for how wonderful you are and were throughout your trip, It fills my heart and those of... Read more

Dear Brooke :)

Since our first interaction and phone call, I felt how privileged I am to be paired with you and John, and to be part of the planning of this special experience for you and the beautiful students of Forman School, our Lions, and Lionesses :) I can't be grateful enough for this great opportunity of meeting you, John, and the kids in person, and for the beautiful gifts that I hold dear :) and for how wonderful you are and were throughout your trip, It fills my heart and those of my colleagues here in KimKim with extreme joy knowing how much you enjoyed your time here in Ecuador and the Galapagos islands, and I, on behalf of our KimKim team, promise you nothing less than perfection for your next year's trip that we already started working on.

Every guide, driver, and those who've been in contact with you here during your trip send you big hugs from Ecuador, and I'll make sure to convey your beautiful feedback to them :)

Until we meet soon :)
Yours,
Tamer

An experience we’ll never forget to the Galapagos!
Galapagos Islands | Feb 9 - Feb 20, 2023

B
Brian G.
Stoneham, MA | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023

We were completely satisfied with our experience! Alvaro made everything perfect, was always accessible, helped with last minute questions and changes and even set up our last day with a very unique Ecuadorian agave tasting! As the cherry on top, Alvaro wrote us a hand written note, drew us an amazing picture of Galapagos blue footed boobies and gave us a champagne and chocolate strawberry send off completed with rose petals and towel swans on the bed. We couldn’t have asked for more from our birthday and engagement celebration. Thank you kimkim and especially to Alvaro!!

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 27, 2023

I´m so happy that the experience was great!
Warm hugs from your local friend

Family Trip to the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands | Feb 5 - Feb 19, 2023

Keith
Keith F.
West Friendship, MD | Reviewed on Feb 25, 2023
Our family of four went to Ecuador and visited the Amazon basin and the Galapagos Islands from Feb 5-20, 2023. Our local trip specialist was Tamer Obeid. Tamer was there for us the whole time. He was a text away and always responsive if we had a problem or a question. Special thanks to Tamer for providing us with dinner and a cake on my son’s 26th birthday. Tamer is an asset to KimKim, and we greatly appreciate his help and support. In the Amazon basin, we visited the Napo Wildlife Center.... Read more

Our family of four went to Ecuador and visited the Amazon basin and the Galapagos Islands from Feb 5-20, 2023. Our local trip specialist was Tamer Obeid. Tamer was there for us the whole time. He was a text away and always responsive if we had a problem or a question. Special thanks to Tamer for providing us with dinner and a cake on my son’s 26th birthday. Tamer is an asset to KimKim, and we greatly appreciate his help and support.

In the Amazon basin, we visited the Napo Wildlife Center. Our guide was Remy, and he was incredible. He grew up in the local community and was aware of all the animals and made many of their sounds. Perhaps the highlight of our visit was seeing the Giant River Otters up close and spending time with the Kichwa Añangu Community. We also climbed to the treetop canopy, visited the parrot clay licks, hiked trails, and did lots of wildlife watching from the canoe.

In the Galapagos Islands, we stayed on Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal and had different guides each day for our excursions. Perhaps our favorites were Joel and Lambo. They went out of their way to help us get good photographs and provided their GoPro photographs from our excursion.

Joel pulled two non-swimmers wearing life preservers while he was leading our group. He would occasionally dive down to take photographs of sharks and rays at Pinzon, our best snorkeling trip. Lambo would also dive deep and show us where an object was, like a seahorse, to photograph. He led us around the Tunnels to see enormous sea turtles.
The best place we stayed in the Galapagos was at the Iguana Crossing Hotel on Isabela. The view from the hotel was gorgeous and the service was excellent.

Note that everything on our trip did not run smoothly. We had some transportation problems, and three of us had stomach issues during our travels that lasted many days. Having said that, it was still the trip of a lifetime and one that we would gladly do again.

Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 26, 2023
Dear Keith,
There aren't enough words to thank you for your detailed review and your testimony; your feedback about my personal performance, and this of kimkim in general, means the world to us. Our invaluable reward is no doubt knowing that you and the family have enjoyed the overall experience with us.
I apologize again for the transportation problems that we had; I talked and continue to talk with the relevant hotel to guarantee the improvement of their shuttle service. It was also a pity...
Read more

Dear Keith,
There aren't enough words to thank you for your detailed review and your testimony; your feedback about my personal performance, and this of kimkim in general, means the world to us. Our invaluable reward is no doubt knowing that you and the family have enjoyed the overall experience with us.
I apologize again for the transportation problems that we had; I talked and continue to talk with the relevant hotel to guarantee the improvement of their shuttle service. It was also a pity that you had those stomach issues, it had cost us skipping the Española's trip in the Galapagos that I really wanted you to enjoy. Nevertheless, Keith, reading your words and knowing how you, Annette, Zach, and Sierra have enjoyed the majority of your trip makes me so happy. I will make sure to convey your positive feedback to the corresponding guides :)
I hope to welcome you again in Ecuador and to continue to be in touch with you and the family.
Best wishes,
Tamer

Great trip: your reps in Guayaquil & San Cris...
Galapagos Islands | Feb 3 - Feb 17, 2023

P
Pat M.
Saratoga, CA | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2023
Great trip: your reps in Guayaquil & San Cristobal were on-time, knowledgeable & flexible, which turned out to be a big plus when our return flights on Cabo Air became a major snafu. Of course the boat was top-notch, and we'd recommend others take the 8-day cruise but not necessarily the 4-day one (100 points vs 75, let's say). All guides were knowledgeable about the history, the science & other facts like populations of both humans & other animal species. Their daily plans worked. One... Read more

Great trip: your reps in Guayaquil & San Cristobal were on-time, knowledgeable & flexible, which turned out to be a big plus when our return flights on Cabo Air became a major snafu. Of course the boat was top-notch, and we'd recommend others take the 8-day cruise but not necessarily the 4-day one (100 points vs 75, let's say). All guides were knowledgeable about the history, the science & other facts like populations of both humans & other animal species. Their daily plans worked.

One suggestion: when booking clients on any boat do warn them to prepare ahead of time for being seasick unless they KNOW FOR SURE they will not suffer from that. On both of our trips we had fellow "sailors" unable to eat, or participate in the things they came to do: out of only 14-16 pax there was always someone out of commission! They had not been warned by anyone it seemed!

The day trip around San Cristobal was excellent to include. The harbor-front hotel there was perfect, although for most 80-yr-olds its not having an elevator would have been a bad surprise; we are, thankfully, not most 80-yr-olds. The Guayaquil hotel was adequate & for $100/night incl breakfast & some drinks a "good buy". We even had dinner there every evening. Overall, in spite of knowing a lot about what makes those islands so special before we arrived, we came home knowing so, so much more

Hotel Reviews
SeaSide Hotel
Galapagos
Grand Hotel Guayaquil, Ascend Hotel Collection
Guayaquil

The Guayaquil hotel was adequate & for $100/night incl breakfast & some drinks a "good buy". We even had dinner there every evening

M/Y Grand Majestic
Galapagos
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 23, 2023

Hello Pat!

I am so happy to read your review, arranging a one of a kind journey through the Enchanted Galapagos Islands.

Rest assured that your feedback will be conyed to future travelers as well!

All the best!
Alvaro

9 glorious days in the Galapagos
Galapagos Islands | Feb 9 - Feb 20, 2023

Taryn
Taryn C.
Stoneham, MA | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2023
We had such a fantastic trip in the Galapagos (and a few days in Quito too!) planned by Alvaro. Seeing the islands was a life dream for both of us, and we really feel like we got a fully immersed experience. We let Alvaro know a few different things that we knew we wanted to do, and solicited his help and feedback to fill in around those. We went back and forth many times on the itinerary until it felt perfect, and then we were off! There are lots of transfers and moving parts when visiting... Read more

We had such a fantastic trip in the Galapagos (and a few days in Quito too!) planned by Alvaro. Seeing the islands was a life dream for both of us, and we really feel like we got a fully immersed experience. We let Alvaro know a few different things that we knew we wanted to do, and solicited his help and feedback to fill in around those. We went back and forth many times on the itinerary until it felt perfect, and then we were off! There are lots of transfers and moving parts when visiting the islands, and everything was handled seamlessly. Our local guides were fantastic, and the experiences were unparalleled. We saw so much wildlife, got to experience the islands from land and sea, and feel like we left having gotten the absolute most out of our trip. We also really enjoyed the accommodations Alvaro helped us pick.

10/10 we would recommend Alvaro and kimkim when planning a trip to the Galapagos, and we really look forward to working with kimkim again for our next vacation!

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 22, 2023

Hello Taryn!
Thank you for such a kind review.

I'm so happy to read that every detail of your trip was great and that you enjoyed Galapagos so much!

Warm hugs from your local friend
Alvaro

Astrid was a terrific local guide and so know...
Galapagos Islands | Jan 24 - Feb 2, 2023

S
Stuart K.
Apopka, FL | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2023
Astrid was a terrific local guide and so knowledgeable.
The various islands were great choices.
Read more

Astrid was a terrific local guide and so knowledgeable.
The various islands were great choices.

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Golden Bay Galapagos – Specialty Boutique Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Tababela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Receptionist was a bit abrupt. Also, we got bumped from the snack room because they had a large party.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mathias Onisseit
Mathias
Mathias Onisseit
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 25, 2023

Mary and Stuart,

It was a pleasure planning and organizing your vacation to the Galapagos Islands, so thank you very much for your feedback! I'm glad to hear that you liked the excursions and accommodations we picked together, and of course we'll take your suggestions into account to make future trips even more enjoyable!

I wish you the best and a lot more amazing journeys in the future!

Best wishes
Mathias and the employees of Authentic Ecuador

Fabulous trip and experience in the Galapagos...
Galapagos Islands | Jan 24 - Feb 2, 2023

Mary
Mary K.
Philadelphia, PA | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2023
Fabulous trip and experience in the Galapagos.
mathias planned a great trip and we loved every excursion. Our hotels were really nice, guides knowledgeable, and boats to islands were terrific. Truly a beautiful experience!
Read more

Fabulous trip and experience in the Galapagos.
mathias planned a great trip and we loved every excursion. Our hotels were really nice, guides knowledgeable, and boats to islands were terrific. Truly a beautiful experience!

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

Boutique and great location!

Authenticity & Character
Ccharmibg boutiwue hotel.
Location
Perfect location!
Staff
Warm and welcoming!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely and comfortable!
Golden Bay Galapagos – Specialty Boutique Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal

Amazing and beautiful. Accommodations were terrific. Views were beyond beautiful with seals and sunsets!

Ikala Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Nice hotel with large rooms. pool is really pretty and dining room on top level was beautiful!!

Location
view from dinjj in g room.
Cleanliness & Comfort
lsrefr rooms and really comfortable, but no views.
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Tababela

better than expected! but concierge floor had a dinner for a group, do we did not get to enjoy the concierge space,

Local specialist: Mathias Onisseit
Mathias
Mathias Onisseit
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 25, 2023

Mary and Stuart,

It was a pleasure planning and organizing your vacation to the Galapagos Islands, so thank you very much for your feedback! I'm glad to hear that you liked the excursions and accommodations we picked together, and of course we'll take your suggestions into account to make future trips even more enjoyable!

I wish you the best and a lot more amazing journeys in the future!

Best wishes
Mathias and the employees of Authentic Ecuador

First rate service for independent travelers
Galapagos Islands | Dec 17 - Dec 29, 2022

Allison
Allison C.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023
Alvaro was a super specialist! We've never worked with a planner before and always did our own travel planning. Ecuador and the Galapagos seemed a little daunting to us, so we enlisted some help. Alvaro's help expanded from just Galapagos to our entire trip. He was always available to answer questions, make suggestions, follow up, check in with us, and send messages along the way as we geared up for our trip. We loved having a virtual call so we could go over what activities we enjoy doing... Read more

Alvaro was a super specialist! We've never worked with a planner before and always did our own travel planning. Ecuador and the Galapagos seemed a little daunting to us, so we enlisted some help. Alvaro's help expanded from just Galapagos to our entire trip. He was always available to answer questions, make suggestions, follow up, check in with us, and send messages along the way as we geared up for our trip. We loved having a virtual call so we could go over what activities we enjoy doing the most and then Alvaro making suggestions and worked on a few revisions to make sure it was perfect.
I was not prepared for the level of support! We had tour guides at every junction guiding us to our next hotel, our flight, greeting us, and helping us check in. Our guides and drivers were all knowledgeable, friendly, and must be the best in the business! I would highly recommend any traveler, even a very experienced traveler, to use Alvaro and the Kimkim team to plan a memorable trip to any locale.
Our favorite places and memorable guides:
Napo Cultural Center, Yasuni National Park--Canopy tour, guide Sergio
Quito City tour--guide Christian, Cooking class at Alta Mira hostel with Chef Karen
El Provenir Hacienda--Cotopaxi hiking with guide Christian
Galapagos--Los Tuneles tour and snorkeling

Hotel Reviews
Hacienda El Porvenir
Machachi
Authenticity & Character
love the cozy fireplaces and the natural setting near the mountain
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
hot water bottles at night, exceptionally clean
Napo Cultural Center
Quito

Wonderful activities to do and explore with your guide just outside your door...viewing wildlife, canopy tour, night hike. The food was wonderful and the staff working here show tremendous pride in what they do and care immensely in a guest's experience, while also fostering a caring atmosphere and family for staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
incredibly attentive to all details and showing so much pride in their work and staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had all the comforts of home, just in the Amazon river basin!!
Activity Review
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands

Our guide was fantastic--Peter. He was very invested in making sure we saw wildlife and we were safe in the water. Super engaging and made the trip enjoyable and time go so fast!

Quality of Experience
Food
Transport
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 17, 2023

Hello Allison!

I must say that it was truly fantastic to work together on crafting a one-of-a-kind journey for you, there is something so special about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands that you have taken with you, and I am so happy that you were able to experience such a unique time in the Enchanted Islands.

Warm hugs from your local friend!
Alvaro

Exceptional service, exceptional vacation!
Galapagos Islands | Dec 9 - Dec 22, 2022

Barb
Barb M.
Forest Hills, MI | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2023
We could not have been happier with the service we received from the kimkim team! Lucia and Angel responded immediately to our questions before and during our travel. Every possible effort was made on their part to ensure we had a safe and exciting vacation with exceptional guides at every turn. Our time in Peru was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We had an amazing tour of Lima (thank you Juana!), an educational Sacred Valley tour (thank you Henry!). Lucia and Angel reserved Andre as... Read more

We could not have been happier with the service we received from the kimkim team! Lucia and Angel responded immediately to our questions before and during our travel. Every possible effort was made on their part to ensure we had a safe and exciting vacation with exceptional guides at every turn.

Our time in Peru was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We had an amazing tour of Lima (thank you Juana!), an educational Sacred Valley tour (thank you Henry!). Lucia and Angel reserved Andre as our Machu Picchu guide and he was perfect for us. Andre taught us about Incan culture and history as well as the integration of Incan beliefs into everyday Peruvian life. This was a highlight of our stay in Peru.

Juan Carlos led an exceptional excursion in Cusco and we can personally recommend his services. There were extenuating circumstances during our Cusco stay but Juan Carlos and the kimkim team made sure that we remained comfortable and cared for without interruption.

Off to Ecuador where we were treated like royalty by Angel and Sebastian in Quito. The next morning, we flew to the Galapagos and the attention from the kimkim staff did not disappoint. Rita was attentive to our every need (drivers, boat transfers, flights, ferries) --- she could not have done more for us! Julio (our guide for nature hikes) was knowledgeable, humorous and energetic.

Definitely take the snorkeling trip to the uninhabited island and try to secure Ricardo as your guide. He and the boat captain went above and beyond to create a memorable experience for everyone. The food and staff on board the Nautilus were friendly and accommodating in every detail.

Our final stop was at the Middle of the World where Marco provided an interesting and amusing tour. We truly enjoyed our time with him. Before we boarded our flight home, Angel took the time to meet us personally at the airport and share much-deserved hugs and farewells.

Because of an unexpected event in Peru, we were unable to meet our daughter on the Galapagos Islands as stated on our original itinerary. Lucia and Angel not only ensured that she was able to participate in the activities as planned, they also rescheduled events for us back in Peru until we could join her. We were never concerned for her safety and she even got one-on-one tours from the guides on the Galapagos Islands.

A final observation: You will not be disappointed with the service provided by this kimkim team. Lucia and Angel managed everything: meals, tickets, transfers, taxis, luggage transport, tours, entrance fees... the list is lengthy! You will be well taken care of and can be secure knowing that your agents are on top of every activity, hotel, and transportation need.

No one could have asked more from Lucia and Angel. We recommend them --- and the tour they created for us --- without reservation!

Happy travels to Peru and Ecuador, everyone!
Barb and Dan

Hotel Reviews
Union Hotel Cusco
Cusco

Great food, excellent and attentive staff. Fun location near the mercado and a short walk from the plaza.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arawi Miraflores Prime
Lima

Location in a funky part of Lima: short walk to Larcomar and Miraflores park.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent breakfast buffet!
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
Urubamba

Gorgeous setting, fabulous food, great staff. The room itself was basic, but we were outside most of the time. Beautiful setting near mountains and the river. The town of Ullantaytambo is not remarkable, but it's lively and interesting!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Maritza was a lot of fun. We enjoyed everyone, but she was very kind and friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kitu Hotel
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Definitely a boutique hotel. We were on the 4th floor (walk up) and our drive and guide carried our heavy bags all the way up for us!!
Location
Beautiful night time view from the balcony
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Villa Laguna
Puerto Ayora

Great pool!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to the piers and the nightlife and the music and the plaza and the restaurants!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isamar Hotel
Puerto Villamil, Isla Isabela

Sea breezes lulled us to sleep!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on the beach. Nice.
Staff
Stored our luggage, put out a great breakfast buffet, provided extra towels: they couldn't have been nicer or more attentive!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Highlights of Lima-  City Tour
Afternoon Highlights of Lima- City Tour
Lima

We had a unique experience due to political upheaval --- our guide kept us safe and informed!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Juana was excellent
Maras & Moray Tour
Maras & Moray Tour
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu - Cusco
Galapagos Islands

We were blown away by Andre and our experience at the citadel. Mystical, practical, humorous, intelligent... an indescribable experience.

Quality of Experience
Everything was ready for us: train tickets, bus tickets, knowledgeable tour guide. It was perfect.
Food
We ate at Toto's. Good lunch buffet. Avoid the drink "Machu Picchu" unless you like toothpaste or mouthwash!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andre was amazing!
Transport
Cusco - The Sacred Valley
Cusco - The Sacred Valley
Galapagos Islands

We enjoyed an amusing and educational tour of the area and the peoples of Cusco!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument
Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument
Quito

Marco was hilarious and was a good sport while we practiced our Spanish and asked him to take photos.

Quality of Experience
Great tour on site; the woman was humorous and intelligent
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Thank you Marco!
Transport
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

We were unprepared for the amazing the boat ride! Schooner to the island, hike to a spectacular view, snorkeling with penguins and sharks and sea lions. And they never stopped feeding us on the boat!! Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, snack. Lovely voyage!

Quality of Experience
I love boat rides. That was enough for me. The hike and snorkeling were extras. :)
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ricardo crushed it! Concerned about the environment, intelligent, worked well with the entire group.
Transport
Woohoo! Sailboat!
Dinner by the Sea
Dinner by the Sea
Galapagos Islands

Delightful night time boat shuttle to an adorable restaurant.

Quality of Experience
The food was exceptional, great cocktails, loved being near the water
Food
We upgraded to lobster. Worth it!
Transport
Short ferry ride and you're there
Isabela Island's Treasures: Exploring the Breeding Center & Wetlands
Isabela Island's Treasures: Exploring the Breeding Center & Wetlands
Galapagos Islands

One of the highlights of the islands! If you want to see tortoises, take this tour!

Quality of Experience
This was a must-see for us. LOTS of tortoises to see.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Julio showed us flamingos, Darwin finches, different flora and fauna of the Galapagos. We arrived when the tortoises were being fed and that was a bonus for sure!
Transport
Well, we walked.
Local specialist: Lucia Cazar
Lucia
Lucia Cazar
Local specialist in Ecuador | Replied on Jan 16, 2023
OMG Barb and Dan, this is such a beautiful review, just like you guys!!
I am really happy that you had a wonderful experience with us :)
it was lovely meeting you guys I will appreciate those memories forever, especially your day of arrival in Quito and that perfect dinner night!!!
I hope you can come back soon since Amazon is waiting for you, I know the next time you will be speaking Spanish that will enhance the experience in a memorable way!
It's hard to put in words everything I felt...
Read more

OMG Barb and Dan, this is such a beautiful review, just like you guys!!
I am really happy that you had a wonderful experience with us :)
it was lovely meeting you guys I will appreciate those memories forever, especially your day of arrival in Quito and that perfect dinner night!!!
I hope you can come back soon since Amazon is waiting for you, I know the next time you will be speaking Spanish that will enhance the experience in a memorable way!
It's hard to put in words everything I felt reading this, I am really grateful to have this job where I can Meet travelers like you who become close friends!
Thank you for being so kind and nice all the time!
PS: Pictures are amazing I love them!

Warm regards, and come back soon,
Lucia and Angel.

Amazing Galapagos vacation
Galapagos Islands | Dec 21 - Dec 26, 2022

Rahul
Rahul N.
Johns Creek, GA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2023
Alavaro did a great job with organizing our much awaited trip to the Galapagos. He took the time to understand our wish list before recommending options and patiently worked through multiple iterations that better fit our family’s interests.
We stayed on Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal and visited Espanola; we were amazed by the biodiversity on all these islands and the difference between each of them.
Viviana on Santa Cruz Island was very knowledgeable. She picked us up from Baltra... Read more

Alavaro did a great job with organizing our much awaited trip to the Galapagos. He took the time to understand our wish list before recommending options and patiently worked through multiple iterations that better fit our family’s interests.
We stayed on Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal and visited Espanola; we were amazed by the biodiversity on all these islands and the difference between each of them.

Viviana on Santa Cruz Island was very knowledgeable. She picked us up from Baltra airport and took us to a lava tunnel, private reserve, and Charles Darwin Foundation.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fiesta
Puerto Ayora
La Casita de la Playa
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Opuntia Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Staff were helpful. Breakfast was great. Hotel room was not maintained (bugs, ants, mosquitoes, lizard in the room, bathroom ceiling is open to the room, bathroom door was stuck and housekeeping/maintenance didn’t address the issue, air conditioner stinks when turned on, extremely expensive laundry (charged $4/kg while the laundromat actually charged $1.5/kg).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island:  Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Breeding Center & Wetlands of Isabela Island
Breeding Center & Wetlands of Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Galapagos Islands

There was confusion with the guide about the itinerary and we ended up visiting the Interpretation Center on the final day of our stay on San Cristobal.

Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island
Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island
Isla San Cristóbal
360° Tour of San Cristóbal Island: Highlights, Beaches & Marine Life
360° Tour of San Cristóbal Island: Highlights, Beaches & Marine Life
Isla San Cristóbal
Free morning on San Cristobal until Departure
Free morning on San Cristobal until Departure
Isla San Cristóbal

We ended up visiting the Interpretation Center on the final morning since there was confusion with our itinerary on the arrival day.

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 05, 2023

Hello Rahul & Deepti!

Thank you so much for your detailed review and feedback, it is truly valuable to know about the experience you had in the Galapagos Islands, and keep assured that the feedback will be conveyed to the local providers.

Warm hugs from your local friend in Ecuador!
Alvaro

Checked all of the checkboxes!
Galapagos Islands | Dec 12 - Dec 17, 2022

Hillary
Hillary P.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
All of our local guides and experts were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to respond with help and recommendations. In our relatively short trip, we felt like all of our major interests were planned out and we didn't feel like we missed out on anything at all. Plenty of snorkeling, hiking, and sight-seeing, with just enough downtime to check out the towns and local digs. We don't normally travel with so much hand holding, but for the Galapagos where so much is protected and must... Read more

All of our local guides and experts were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to respond with help and recommendations. In our relatively short trip, we felt like all of our major interests were planned out and we didn't feel like we missed out on anything at all.

Plenty of snorkeling, hiking, and sight-seeing, with just enough downtime to check out the towns and local digs. We don't normally travel with so much hand holding, but for the Galapagos where so much is protected and must be visited with a National Guide anyway, this process and itinerary were perfect!

The lodgings selected for us were also right up our alley--quaint and boutique with a local touch, while still providing respite and privacy.

We had one morning with miscommunicated tour times, but it was not a big deal and it just meant we had more time for breakfast!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Photos don't do this place justice, honestly! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with lovely balconies equipped with hammocks. Run by a mother/daughter dream team, we felt so welcomed and comfortable every night we stayed!

Authenticity & Character
Location
A close walk to local restaurants and shops while still off the main road enough to be quiet.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casita de la Playa
Puerto Villamil

Incredible location and very helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands

We were nervous in the morning that the overcast and misty weather would keep us from seeing the caldera, but it was actually a blessing in disguise to keep us covered and cool from the sun on the first half of the trip. By the time we were out and back from Chico, we had a wonderfully clear view and made it home without too much sunburn. Easy hike, but long with the amount of stopping and sight seeing along the way.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands

Our guide, Astrid, was incredible. So knowledgeable and insightful--she made all the difference to our experience of what was already fantastic sight seeing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Best snorkeling of the trip in my opinion. Wide, open cove with very clear waters that don't get too sandy or crowded. You're able to see a lot of sea life without too much hard work or feeling rushed by the group.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our tour didn't actually include kayaking, which is fine in retrospect as it was the last day of our trip and I probably would have been more tired!
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

I would have liked a bit more time here, but our guide, Astrid, was extremely knowledgeable and it was so great to see the babies.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

A full day on the boat! A fairly large group, but accommodations were adequate (and lunch was so good!) and we got a bit of everything--light hiking on North Seymour with plenty of wildlife sightings, snorkeling in clear coastal waters, and beach time to relax and swim.

Quality of Experience
Would have been nice to see the boat's sails in its full glory, but not a big deal! A pretty big group, which means more chances that people are late/slow/affecting the overall experience. Really not a deal breaker at all, but we ended up preferring some of the smaller group activities. I just wish we saw more flamingos!
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Great guide who shared photos and videos after (love that!), but really a crowded location that made it hard to see all of the wildlife. Felt a little rushed. Everyone in the group seemed to have very different levels of swim skill, so it was really hard to stay focused on a given area for sea life spotting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Isabel Pérez
Isabel
Isabel Pérez
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 05, 2023
Hi Hillary,
Thanks for sharing your trip with us! It sounds like it was an incredible experience in the Galapagos. I'm happy to hear that everything went smoothly and you were able to do all the activities and see all the sights you hoped to. I'm glad the hotels were to your liking, they're are just great, especially Galapagos Suites! I apologize for the miscommunication with the last tour pick-up time, but I'm glad it didn't impact your trip overall. Thanks for choosing us for your adventure...
Read more

Hi Hillary,
Thanks for sharing your trip with us! It sounds like it was an incredible experience in the Galapagos. I'm happy to hear that everything went smoothly and you were able to do all the activities and see all the sights you hoped to. I'm glad the hotels were to your liking, they're are just great, especially Galapagos Suites! I apologize for the miscommunication with the last tour pick-up time, but I'm glad it didn't impact your trip overall. Thanks for choosing us for your adventure in the Galapagos, I hope to work with you again in the future so you can explore more of the wonderful landscapes Ecuador has to offer.

Best,
Isabel

The Galapagos Island Tour
Galapagos Islands | Nov 18 - Nov 27, 2022

Parveen
Parveen I.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
First and foremost a big thank you to our travel agent Linda. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and great to work with. All the tour guides were excellent. Read more

First and foremost a big thank you to our travel agent Linda. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and great to work with. All the tour guides were excellent.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fiesta
Puerto Ayora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Katarma
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vieja Cuba
Quito

Only drawback at this hotel was there were no elevators - we had to drag our bags 4 stories up.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

The water was very cold even with wet suits.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Guide was excellent. Research center was worth the visit.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Junco Lagoon & Puerto Chino Beach
El Junco Lagoon & Puerto Chino Beach
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 03, 2023

Dear Parveen, thank you so much for your kind words and your review! It was a pleasure to help you and your children plan this trip to Galapagos. I am happy to hear that you've enjoyed your time on the islands. Hopefully you can come back one day to explore other parts of Ecuador as well!
All the best,
Linda

Galapagos Adventure Review
Galapagos Islands | Nov 12 - Nov 27, 2022

J
Jessica K.
Phoenixville, PA | Reviewed on Dec 14, 2022
Most Memorable places: Las Quilotoa in Ecuador, Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock, Charles Darwin Research Center, El Rancho in Santa Cruz, Bartolome Island (this boat crew and company offered fantastic service and the lunch on the boat was amazing!), Hike at Sierra Negra Volcano in Isabela Island, Snorkeling in Isabela Island, Kayaking in Tortuga Bay with Turtles and Sharks
Tour guides that were awesome and I would recommend for future trips: Daniel, Wilson, Enrique
Thank you to Alvaro and...
Read more

Most Memorable places: Las Quilotoa in Ecuador, Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock, Charles Darwin Research Center, El Rancho in Santa Cruz, Bartolome Island (this boat crew and company offered fantastic service and the lunch on the boat was amazing!), Hike at Sierra Negra Volcano in Isabela Island, Snorkeling in Isabela Island, Kayaking in Tortuga Bay with Turtles and Sharks
Tour guides that were awesome and I would recommend for future trips: Daniel, Wilson, Enrique
Thank you to Alvaro and Daniela for all of your help during the trip and being quick and responsive to our inquiries.

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Great Breakfast, friendly service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa de Nelly
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Very nice outdoor area where we could spend time together, there was a picnic table and hammocks. This hotel was in walking distance to the restaurants and shops which was very convenient!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Isla Hotel
Puerto Ayora

View from this hotel is awesome. Only negative was that we frequently did not have hot water to shower in

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casa de Marita
Puerto Villamil

Spacious rooms, good breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Great shuttle service, delicious buffet for dinner

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument
Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument
Quito

Daniel was an awesome tour guide. Great to see all of this in one day

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking Adventure: Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon and Resting in Cotopaxi
Kayaking Adventure: Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon and Resting in Cotopaxi
Galapagos Islands

View was awesome! Great trip. It is better for this hike to be at least two days after landing in Quito because of the elevation difference

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Galapagos Islands

Seeing the seals so up close was beautiful, the snorkeling was amazing and enjoyable, I loved learning about the history at the Interpretation center. Wilson was a fantastic tour guide!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Treasure of Galapagos: Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock
The Treasure of Galapagos: Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock
Isla San Cristóbal

Beautiful, great location and trip

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Scuba Diving guide was very knowledgeable, patient, and informative. He explained everything thoroughly and I recommend him for future trips
Transport
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Loved learning about the turtles and history

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Tour on Isabela Island
Wildlife Tour on Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to Los Túneles
Excursion to Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

This snorkeling was amazing and is a must see! Seeing the sharks so close was incredible

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Spend the Day like a Local! Leisure Day in Isabela Island
Spend the Day like a Local! Leisure Day in Isabela Island
Puerto Villamil

Much needed day off!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sierra Negra volcano - Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Sierra Negra volcano - Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands

This was an amazing but challenging hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch could have more protein for such a strenuous hike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay & Afternoon Bay Tour of Santa Cruz Island
Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay & Afternoon Bay Tour of Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Ayora

Kayaking in Tortuga bay was an awesome experience. The hike is a nice walk through the forest and on the water, we were able to see turtles and sharks swimming so closely. Enrique was a very knowledgeable and fantastic tour guide! I recommend him for future trips! I do not know if I would recommend the bay tour of Santa Cruz, the tour showed us animals we have seen on other excursions and information we have learned from other guides or trips. Snorkeling was the best part and very enjoyable. The salt mine was also interesting to see. Maybe this tour would be better through a different company, the staff was a little unprofessional on the boat.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

We went to Bartolome Island and this trip was incredible. The views were beautiful, snorkeling was amazing and the lunch on the boat was absolutely delicious. Definitely a must see on this trip and one of my favorites. I recommend that everyone goes here!

Quality of Experience
Food
Chef on board was amazing, delicious lunch that I could eat every day!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Professional, kind, great speedboat company and staff, I recommend them for future tours
Transport
Boat was comfortable, had option to sit outside or inside
Farewell Dinner by the Sea
Farewell Dinner by the Sea
Puerto Ayora

Many items from the menu were not available for us to choose, the weather was very cold to be sitting outside. It might be better to give groups the option to eat on their own this evening or choose a less expensive restaurant that has all options available on the menu such as (1836 or The Rock and Roll restaurant).

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Service was extremely slow here and our waitress forgot many of the items we ordered, we had to ask for our drinks multiple times
Transport
Thank you for having someone walk us to the restaurant so that we know where to go!
Day at leisure until departure (Quito)
Day at leisure until departure (Quito)
Quito

It was very nice to be able to relax and rest but if there are connecting flights available, it might be more convenient to fly home the same day. The hotel was not located near any attractions so there is not much else to visit this evening. Buffet dinner at this hotel was delicious and filling

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Dec 14, 2022

Hello Jessica!
So excited to read such a wonderful review about a magnificent experience in the heart of the world: Ecuador!

It warmed my heart so much each one of your words and keep assured that all of your feedback is so valuable to better our service for future travelers; I'm extra happy that your adventure ended beautifully and I truly hope to see you in the near future to yet again plan a new adventure, this time: The Amazon!

Warm hugs,
Alvaro

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We are so...
Galapagos Islands | Nov 12 - Nov 27, 2022

Patricia
Patricia K.
Bensalem, PA | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2022
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
We are so glad we found kimkim to help book our trip to the Galapagos Islands. I have only great things to say about Daniel, Alvaro, and Daniela who made our trip such a success. Initially, we provided them information regarding our budget, timeline (two weeks), and level of activity and preferences, and they worked diligently in creating a detailed and personalized itinerary that worked best for our group of four. Our trip began in Quito and then had...
Read more

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
We are so glad we found kimkim to help book our trip to the Galapagos Islands. I have only great things to say about Daniel, Alvaro, and Daniela who made our trip such a success. Initially, we provided them information regarding our budget, timeline (two weeks), and level of activity and preferences, and they worked diligently in creating a detailed and personalized itinerary that worked best for our group of four. Our trip began in Quito and then had stops in the islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela. Alvaro and Daniela ensured that everything about our travel arrangements was absolutely seamless! It was so nice not to worry about transportation. All of our taxis, boat transfers, entrance tickets, travel guides, and hotel stays were taken care of. Every single excursion and activity the kimkim team planned for us was an amazing experience, we loved all of our snorkeling trips! All of our tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly, and provided us with detailed information about the islands and the animals. Daniela and Alvaro also kept in touch with us during our entire trip and were available in case we had questions or concerns, we were very grateful for their quick responses and consistent communication! Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is an amazing place to visit. I loved being so close to all of the animals, seeing such different plants and landscapes, eating all of the food (trying the seafood is a must!) and meeting all of the welcoming and friendly people. We had the trip of a lifetime and I would definitely book my next trip with kimkim because of our positive experience. Thank you!! :)

Hotel Review
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Great location and awesome breakfast. The front desk staff was very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kayaking Adventure: Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon and Resting in Cotopaxi
Kayaking Adventure: Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon and Resting in Cotopaxi
Galapagos Islands

Such a beautiful place, the view is incredible. The walk down to the lagoon is fairly easy, however the walk uphill is a bit strenuous, you may want to consider renting a mule for $10 a person :)

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Daniel was a great guide!
Transport
Sierra Negra volcano - Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Sierra Negra volcano - Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands

The views are worth the long walk, it was so neat seeing the crater of a volcano and the various lava formations. It looked like you were walking on the surface of the moon!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

The best snorkeling experience of my life! We got to swim with a Galapagos penguin!! The trip was on a beautiful and comfortable boat with a chef who prepared a delicious lunch for our group. The location for snorkeling was absolutely ideal. It was the best day on our trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for breakfast, and fish, rice, pasta, and beet salad for lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Dec 05, 2022

Hello Paty!

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review and it warms my heart to know that you created everlasting memories discovering the Enchanted Islands.

Getting to meet you in person and laughing was great too! I truly wish that you and Rob can make a little bit of time on your agenda next year to visit other great Ecuador destinations!

Warm hugs,
Alvaro

A Fantastic and Unforgettable Trip to Ecuador
Galapagos Islands | Nov 12 - Nov 27, 2022

Michal
Michal G.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2022
Alvaro, Daniela, and Daniel did an outstanding job with the planning and execution of our trip to Ecuador (Quito and the Galápagos Islands). They were available (even checking up on us during the trip!) and willing to go above and beyond to make our experience the best it could be.
They connected us with very knowledgeable and passionate guides like Daniel in Quito, Wilson in San Cristobal, and Enrique in Santa Cruz.
I especially enjoyed the hike down to the Quilotoa Lake, the unforgettable...
Read more

Alvaro, Daniela, and Daniel did an outstanding job with the planning and execution of our trip to Ecuador (Quito and the Galápagos Islands). They were available (even checking up on us during the trip!) and willing to go above and beyond to make our experience the best it could be.
They connected us with very knowledgeable and passionate guides like Daniel in Quito, Wilson in San Cristobal, and Enrique in Santa Cruz.
I especially enjoyed the hike down to the Quilotoa Lake, the unforgettable and breathtaking views from Bartolomé Island, and the hike to the expansive crater of Volcano Sierra Negra.
We also loved all the animals we found along the way on land and in the water. The trips to los tuneles and las tintoreras allowed us to get extremely close to blue-footed boobies and whitetip reef sharks. We snorkeled as much as we could and were even joined for a swim by a couple of playful sea lions! It was an amazing experience. The free snorkel experience at Concha de Perla on Isabela Island was also well worth it - we saw sea turtles and sting rays!
Our hotel hosts were also very kind and the food provided at breakfast was delicious. Shout outs go to Casa de Nelly in San Cristobal, Hotel La Isla in Santa Cruz, and Casa de Marita on Isabela.
Overall it was a 5/5 star experience in every way. With quick communication, connections and transfers from airports to hotels to boats made easy the trip went as smoothly as possible. Thank you for your hard work and for making this such an amazing experience!

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Great location and delicious food!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa de Nelly
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Very kind host who made us delicious meals and provided towels for snorkeling!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Isla Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Amazing hotel and kind staff and beautiful rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Casa de Marita
Puerto Villamil

Loved the access to the beach and views from the second floor breakfast area!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Very nice hotel with a great option of buffet style dinner that is available until late - great for travelers coming in late. Don’t be fooled, the food is amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kayaking Adventure: Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon and Resting in Cotopaxi
Kayaking Adventure: Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon and Resting in Cotopaxi
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Treasure of Galapagos: Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock
The Treasure of Galapagos: Scuba Diving at Kicker Rock
Isla San Cristóbal

Loved the trip to Kicker Rock. Our dive guide Michael was awesome and he showed us how to navigate around the rock and currently safely.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sierra Negra volcano - Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Sierra Negra volcano - Speedboat to Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands

Awesome views of Sierra Negra volcano are well worth the strenuous hike. The weather cleared up quite a bit on our hike which made it all that much better.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion to Los Túneles
Excursion to Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Awesome way to get up and close and swim with sea turtles and whitetip reef sharks! Let’s not forget the seahorse and penguins!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

Really awesome and breathtaking views from Bartolome Island. Highly recommend the snorkeling with hundreds of fish surrounding the area.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Spend the Day like a Local! Leisure Day in Isabela Island
Spend the Day like a Local! Leisure Day in Isabela Island
Puerto Villamil

Snorkeling at Concha de Perla was a great way to spend some free time on Isabela Island.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Tour on Isabela Island
Wildlife Tour on Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands

Loved getting up and close with the animals in las Tintoreras.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Dec 05, 2022

Hello Michal!

So happy to read your review and thank you so much for trusting us to craft and put together an amazing journey. I will make sure to share with all my local providers your kind words, and I hope that you can come back to the Middle of the World!

Warm hugs from your local friend in Ecuador,
Alvaro

The Galápagos Islands Trip of a Lifetime
Galapagos Islands | Nov 1 - Nov 15, 2022

stephanie
stephanie c.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 04, 2022
The Galapagos islands were my number one travel destination, but the idea of planning and organizing a trip was a bit complicated so I reached out to KimKim and got paired with Tamer. I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have him as my agent.
Right from day one of us talking, he really put me at ease and gave me lots of ideas for the trip and options, and we worked together on things that I had heard of and wanted to do, and paired them with some things that I would never have known about...
Read more

The Galapagos islands were my number one travel destination, but the idea of planning and organizing a trip was a bit complicated so I reached out to KimKim and got paired with Tamer. I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have him as my agent.
Right from day one of us talking, he really put me at ease and gave me lots of ideas for the trip and options, and we worked together on things that I had heard of and wanted to do, and paired them with some things that I would never have known about without him. He took my budget and got us the most out of what we wanted to spend, and really personalize the experience for us.
When we got closer to the trip, he also sent lots of information for us on what we should be packing and what to expect when we got to Ecuador and the islands so that we were fully prepared.
Arriving in Ecuador, we were amazed at how organized the trip was, and Tamer had even gone ahead of us to the hotel to make sure it was up to our standards and leave us a little gift. Everything was so easy we knew exactly when we were getting picked up and where we were going and what to expect on each day trip we were taking. He definitely took all the guess work out for us and while we were in Ecuador, we even got to meet Tamer for lunch. I was beyond excited to meet him because I had been speaking with him daily for months, organizing the perfect trip, and I really felt like we had become friends over this time.
Every day on the trip, he would check on us and how we were doing and how we enjoyed each excursion or day that he had planned for us. I couldn’t have planned a more amazing trip without him.
I highly recommend if people are thinking about going to the islands to reach out and get someone to help plan that knows all of the amazing day trips, and different places you can go.
This was definitely the trip of a lifetime and one I will never forget.

Hotel Reviews
Swissotel Quito
Quito

This was a beautiful hotel, and the staff were so helpful and kind. Very clean, and a great location. Also, the restaurants in this hotel were amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Isla Hotel
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful, small hotel. The location was wonderful. The only downside is I prefer a separate room for a washroom for a little more privacy and these ones just had a half length door off of the main room but other than that the staff was great and the hotel was clean and well cared for

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

Nice staff and clean hotel. Good breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Opuntia Galapagos Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Love the location of this hotel. You walk down the stairs and you are right at sea lion beach, which I love just to watch every morning when I would wake up.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

We were only here for a very short time, but the room was beautiful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full-Day to The Middle of the World Monument - Catequilla Hill & Pucará de Rumicucho
Full-Day to The Middle of the World Monument - Catequilla Hill & Pucará de Rumicucho
Quito

The guide that we had for this trip was amazing. So knowledgable and made it such a fun day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

So much wildlife to see on land and in the water. The guides were very personable and enjoyable to be around.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Wildlife Encounter at Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa)
Galapagos Islands

This was one of my favourite days on our trip. We saw so much from sharks and rays to blue footed boobies and sea lions. We were even lucky enough to see some penguins on this trip

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
360° Tour of San Cristóbal Island: Highlights, Beaches & Marine Life
360° Tour of San Cristóbal Island: Highlights, Beaches & Marine Life
Isla San Cristóbal

I loved the 360 tour because we got to see a lot of different parts of the island. However, if I could’ve done just a Kicker Rock I would have. If I went back, I would want to spend more time there. I can’t even explain the beauty of the coral underneath the water. I was shocked when we went snorkelling there. We saw hammerhead sharks here as well as turtles and sea lions. It was the most amazing snorkelling I did in the Galapagos.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island
Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island
Isla San Cristóbal

This island was another one of my favourites as far as day trips went while we were on our vacation. So many baby sea lions were here and we saw lots of birds, and even baby albatrosses. The guide we had this day was one of my favorites, and made the trip so enjoyable. Food on the boat was great and this island was one of my favourites for sure.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Dec 04, 2022
Stephanie, I can't thank you enough for this detailed review, it means a lot to us here at KimKim. It was a great pleasure of mine working with you on this special journey, meeting you and Adam in person here in Quito, and being in touch with you throughout this trip that I still remember each n every detail of it :) I am so glad to read that you and Adam had a spectacular time with us and that all our services, tours, and hotels were up to your expectations (I took note of your remark... Read more

Stephanie, I can't thank you enough for this detailed review, it means a lot to us here at KimKim. It was a great pleasure of mine working with you on this special journey, meeting you and Adam in person here in Quito, and being in touch with you throughout this trip that I still remember each n every detail of it :) I am so glad to read that you and Adam had a spectacular time with us and that all our services, tours, and hotels were up to your expectations (I took note of your remark regarding La Isla). I really hope to see you here again, a promise is a promise :) Best regards from your forever friend in Ecuador. Tamer :)

Amazing experience
Galapagos Islands | Nov 3 - Nov 13, 2022

Silvia
Silvia S.
Rochester, NY | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022
Alvaro booked a series of wonderful tours for me. With one exception, the Galapagos partners and guides were reliable, knowledgable and personable, with a true interest in sharing their knowledge of the island and its wildlife and ecology, willing to share of themselves and make a personal connection, as well as get me to and from destinations safely and on time. Particular standout guides were Danny (for the introduction to the Island), Solange (everyday assistance and San Cristobal... Read more

Alvaro booked a series of wonderful tours for me. With one exception, the Galapagos partners and guides were reliable, knowledgable and personable, with a true interest in sharing their knowledge of the island and its wildlife and ecology, willing to share of themselves and make a personal connection, as well as get me to and from destinations safely and on time. Particular standout guides were Danny (for the introduction to the Island), Solange (everyday assistance and San Cristobal Highlands visit), Christian (for Espanola), Patricio (for Santa Cruz), Freddy and the crew of the Nautilus (for Bartholome), Rita (Santa Cruz), for getting me to and from places on time and helping me search for my phone, and the crew of Wreck Bay Adventures.
Best trips, in my opinion, were Espanola and Bartholome, with the service and comfort on the Nautilus exceeding all expectations. Occasional miscommunications did occur, but the overall experience was wonderful.

Hotel Review
Isla Azul Eco Hostal
Puerto Ayora

This hotel was a good fit for me. I like a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a nice common areas, but don't need much in terms high luxury. The rooms were clean and nice and the owners and staff were very interesting to chat with and very accommodating to my dietary needs. overall I had a wonderful stay at Isla Azul.

Authenticity & Character
I liked the use of wood in the rooms and the building, it made it very cozy and pleasant to sit in. There is a semi-outdoor common area/lobby that was very comfortable and stocked with books. The owners had interesting stories to tell
Location
It's an average location, felt safe, some stores and bars nearby, about 10 min walk to the "strip"
Staff
Very helpful and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
rooms were cleaned daily, water refilled every other day.
Activity Review
Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island
Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island
Isla San Cristóbal

This was a fantastic trip -- the amount of wildlife we saw was mind-blowing and Christian was a wonderful guide. The crew on the boat was very personable and even found my lost waterbottle! Should have brought a better wetsuit for the snorkeling. The water was really chilly!

Quality of Experience
All of it
Food
The food was good. I liked the fresh fruit. Overall the boat lunches are so -so, but they always have rice, so great for gluten-free dietary needs.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
So helpful, communicative, and personable. The guide knew a lot!
Transport
We were lucky with the ocean not being too choppy that day. The boat can be a little crowded for longer trips
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Nov 16, 2022

Hello Silvia!

I am so happy that the Galapagos Islands exceeded your expectations!! 🥳

The wildlife and landscape of the Archipelago are truly phenomenal and you got a beautiful experience.

Next time: The Ecuadorian Amazon! haha 😁

Warm hugs from your friend in the middle of the world!
Alvaro

Vacation Planner Extraordinaire!
Galapagos Islands | Oct 13 - Oct 22, 2022

Dan
Dan H.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Nov 08, 2022
From the first interaction with Tamer through KimKim, we were blown away by his excellent customer service, kindness, and professionalism. We really hadn't done much research on the Galapagos and so he had his work cut out for him. He came up with an outstanding itinerary for our 10 day adventure across Quito and the Islands of Santa Cruz (with a day tour to Bartolome), two day stay on Isabela, and another two days in San Cristobal. Prior to our departure, we had several phone calls with... Read more

From the first interaction with Tamer through KimKim, we were blown away by his excellent customer service, kindness, and professionalism. We really hadn't done much research on the Galapagos and so he had his work cut out for him. He came up with an outstanding itinerary for our 10 day adventure across Quito and the Islands of Santa Cruz (with a day tour to Bartolome), two day stay on Isabela, and another two days in San Cristobal. Prior to our departure, we had several phone calls with him verifying the hotels, tours, etc, and he truly managed to make us even more excited than we already were about our trip. He also touched based with us each day of our journey to check in and re-verify pick up times, itinerary, and what we needed for the next day ahead. The entire experience was seamless, and we were throughly impressed with the way we were handed off and taken care of during the periods of transition to ports and activities. The tour guides he set us up with ( Viviana, Philipe, Eduardo, Wilson, and Sebastian just to name a few) on the different islands and mainland were incredibly knowledgable, hospitable, and so very friendly! We elected for the luxury accommodations and it was definitely worth the extra expense as it made us feel safe and well taken care of. On our adventures, we were able to see many blue footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions with brand new pups, giant land tortoises, and snorkeled with sea turtles, and white tip sharks! The Galápagos penguins had migrated to a part of Isabela island that we weren't able to visit, but this was truly the only animal we wanted to see that we weren't able to for the time of year we traveled. This honestly was a trip of a lifetime, but in no way would we have been able to plan it on our own. Tamer even took the time out of his day to meet us for coffee in Quito which was just another testament to what it was like to work with him in planning this incredible journey. Thank you for everything, Tamer! We highly recommend working with him and his company to plan your adventures!

Hotel Reviews
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito

Great choices at the hotel buffet, comfortable beds and great view of the Andes. Prime location for early or late flights is a perk.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Solymar
Galápagos

Great location on the Harbor. Right on the main strip with access to great restaurants and shops. Great food and drinks at the hotel restaurant too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

This hotel was an amazing experience with great views of the sunset, friendly and hospitable staff and very clean accommodations. Be sure to grab a local beer from the lobby and enjoy the rooftop terrace at sunset! You might even catch a local soccer game if you are lucky!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Golden Bay Galapagos – Specialty Boutique Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal

By far the most beautiful room of our stay. Watching the sea lion pups on our balcony and off the hotel property was incredible. Eating at the hotel restaurant MUYU is a must!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure
Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure
Isla San Cristóbal

Great snorkeling adventure! The tour guide and boat crew were wonderful and we even had a champagne toast at the end of the day to celebrate new friends and a wonderful day on the water.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Nov 08, 2022
Dear Dan & Cristina :) I don't even know where to begin! It has honestly been a privilege of mine to get to meet you in person, and to have had this valuable opportunity to help plan your trip and to work with you closely during that phase, which was uniquely smooth and brought such happiness to me each time we communicated. I won't act surprised now, knowing that you enjoyed your tour, but to read your words and the details about each day trip, the hotels, and the guides (which I promise you... Read more

Dear Dan & Cristina :) I don't even know where to begin! It has honestly been a privilege of mine to get to meet you in person, and to have had this valuable opportunity to help plan your trip and to work with you closely during that phase, which was uniquely smooth and brought such happiness to me each time we communicated. I won't act surprised now, knowing that you enjoyed your tour, but to read your words and the details about each day trip, the hotels, and the guides (which I promise you that I'll pass your kind words to every one of them) and your tips to other fellow travelers just fills my heart with incredible joy as this is exactly what we aspire to offer :) and I so appreciate your review. You and Cristina are so special and you simply deserved a special tour. I hope our paths cross again; organizing another trip for you, Cristina, and the girls next time where you'll be able to spot penguins seem intriguing :) Nevertheless, we will remain in touch as 'friends', I hope :) Thanks a million, Tamer.

Galápagos Trip 2022
Galapagos Islands | Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2022

Susan
Susan H.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2022
The trip was organized extremely well and each day transitioned seamlessly. Every guide was so pleasant an knowledgeable. Each activity was memorable from snorkelling, kayaking to hiking the volcanos. The animals, so unique to the Galapagos, are such a fabulous experience to see. The giant tortoises, sea turtles, ubiquitous sea lions, marine iguanas, and of course the blue footed boobies! Daniel is such a great guy and was always readily available which was so reassuring. The guides,... Read more

The trip was organized extremely well and each day transitioned seamlessly. Every guide was so pleasant an knowledgeable. Each activity was memorable from snorkelling, kayaking to hiking the volcanos. The animals, so unique to the Galapagos, are such a fabulous experience to see. The giant tortoises, sea turtles, ubiquitous sea lions, marine iguanas, and of course the blue footed boobies!

Daniel is such a great guy and was always readily available which was so reassuring. The guides, drivers, and contact escorts were all lovely, prompt and knowledgeable. We highly recommend using Kimkim. We did all the activities we had wanted to do.

Hotel Reviews
Vieja Cuba
Quito

Such a quaint hotel with friendly, helpful staff. Great location in walking distance to parks and restaurants. We walked to the Old Town which took about an hour.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Galapagos Sunset Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Authenticity & Character
The roof top breakfast nook was great.
Location
Right on the water front, with a beautiful view of the harbour.
Staff
Friendly and courteous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable, it would have been nice to have a couple of comfortable chairs instead of 2 beds. The cupboard and drawers were a bit musty. Otherwise the room was very clean.
Hotel Deja Vu Galapagos
Pto. Ayora
Authenticity & Character
We stayed in two different rooms, each one very unique. The breakfast room was nicely laid out.
Location
Staff
Very helpful and accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
A lovely court yard with swimming pool and eating area.
Location
Our room faced the beach which with a view of the palm trees, sand and turquoise water. Beautiful!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room and bed were very comfortable. The only suggestion would be to have more comfortable chairs or cushions for the poolside area.
Activity Reviews
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería
Galapagos Islands

Our tour guide, Solange was lovely and very knowledgeable. It was obvious she loves her work. The Interpretation Center provides a detailed history of the islands. It was the perfect place to start our arrival to the Galápagos. Tijeretas Hill gives you a great view and no shortages of sea lions!

Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure
Kicker Rock: A Snorkeling Adventure
Isla San Cristóbal

Great views of fish and tortoises. Spectacular view of Kicker Rock o the boat ride out. Impressive stop for lunch in a quiet bay and opportunity to walk a near by beach.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

The opportunity to learn so much about the tortoises and be able to get a couple of meters close to them. Who knew tortoises and cattle live side by side! The volcano lava tunnel was impressive and so educational. The conservation efforts for the tortoises is impressive and the guide was very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
History and Nature: Full Day to Floreana Island
History and Nature: Full Day to Floreana Island
Puerto Ayora

We did not visits Floreana, but rather Bartolome.

Speedboat to Isabela Island - Las Tintoreras (Kayak)
Speedboat to Isabela Island - Las Tintoreras (Kayak)
Galapagos Islands

We really enjoyed the kayaking and seeing the sea turtles, sting rays, pelicans and blue footed boobies. The hotel accommodations we beautifully situated across from the beach with the view of the turquoise water. The walk up to the volcanos was one of my favourite activities.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Daniel Larrea
Daniel
Daniel Larrea
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Oct 25, 2022

Hola Susan!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so glad that after such a long wait you were finally able to enjoy Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! Each and every one of us worked carefully and put our hearts into this trip to give you and William a truly fantastic and unforgettable experience!
I am so glad you got to adventure, relax, and learn from all activities, and of course, do everything you wanted to do!
I wish you two the best vibes ever, and once again a very special Happy Birthday!

Your local friend from the middle of the world,
Daniel :)