Kimkim Trip Reviews for Galapagos Islands

I had an INCREDIBLE trip to the Galapagos, with major MAJOR thanks to Daniel (and his colleague Alvaro). They took the time to understand me and what I wanted to do (they knew I liked to swim, wanted to see animals, and would be a solo traveler so would need support with logistics, etc) - and then organized an itinerary that solved for all of this. Daniel was always available to help me answer questions and ensure I was set for the next day, and really made me feel welcome. He even left a welcome package for me at the hotel the first night I arrived, with some gifts and a welcome message (and an incredible hand drawing he did himself). My final day I had a 6 hour layover in the airport, so Daniel and Alvaro actually came and picked me up and took me out to dinner as well. I even had an incident where clothes in my suitcase got wet in the rain one day in the Galapagos during transport, and a local person came and picked up my clothes, dried them, and brought them back the next morning. Overall the entire experience was so wonderful, hassle-free, and really nice - I always felt safe, taken care of, and relaxed when it came to thinking about the trip. I had a great time in both Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil (Isabel island was really amazing), and also on all the side trips where I benefitted from Daniel's recommendations (e.g., Bartolome Island). The best part is that Daniel made all of this happen on incredibly short notice - I asked to book the trip just one week before I traveled. I'm super SUPER grateful to Daniel, Alvaro, KimKim, and all of the local partner agencies, and I can't wait to meet Daniel and everyone again sometime in Ecuador. Thank you thank you :)

Hotel Review

La Casa de Marita

Puerto Villamil

Really loved this hotel. The staff were INCREDIBLY nice, the food at the restaurant was amazing, and the location right on the beach was perfect to take a swim any time of day. Perhaps the only downside was that the roof had a leak so on a rainy night I had to put a towel on the floor where the roof was leaking, but I think this will be fixed. Overall, really happy to have stayed here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island

Puerto Ayora

Day trip to Bartolome island was amazing, highly recommend!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had the best trip to the Galapagos Islands with Jackeline's help! She helped us decide between a few types of trips and was always available to answer questions. We picked an 8-day cruise through the Galapagos and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Jackeline called ahead to let the crew know it was a special trip for us. Our cabin on the boat was upgraded and the chef baked us a surprise cake (no easy task on a small yacht!). We realized we needed a covid test to re-enter the states and Jackeline had someone meet us at the airport to administer. It was so easy and seamless - we had results within one hour. I highly recommend Jackeline, KimKim and the Galapagos Islands for future travel!!

Planning my trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands was a daunting task. Luckily I found kimkim and especially Mathias to guide me on a fantastic journey. Mathias worked closely with me to customize the perfect itinerary for all the things I wanted to do and see. Not only this, but Mathias gave me great advice ranging from packing lists to to restaurants to how to split up my time across locations. He also scheduled things like airport/hotel pickups, taxi boat fees and Covid testing which made my life so much simpler. It’s also great that kimkim has a chat tool that let us communicate throughout the whole process.

What put Mathias and this service beyond 5 stars is that after booking, the support didn’t stop. We had frequent communications each day of the trip, ensuring I had a good time on the excursion and was ready for the next day. And each event was top quality, often with private guides!

I was beyond impressed with Mathias and the kimkim service. I 100% recommend the use of the service for a complicated trip like Ecuador and the Galapagos.

Hotel Review

Tambopaxi Cotopaxi Lodge

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras

Galapagos Islands

So great to get some exercise in the kayak and explore where a boat cannot go. Swam with marine iguanas and sea lions, and saw penguins too!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Planning a visit to a “bucket list” location like the Galapagos can be daunting…especially if you are a working parent on a budget. Whereas many people will tell you that you need to go via a “got you covered, take you everywhere and serve your every need” cruise, that just wasn’t in our budget…and quite frankly, isn’t our style either. We’ve traveled to 5 continents and doing it on our own – getting local flavor – that’s the way we’ve planned all of our trips…But to do the Galapagos right, (in a pandemic!)..well, we were beyond thankful to have KimKim (and Daniel specifically) on our team.

Originally planned to go in December 2020, we needed to postpone during the pre-vaccination Covid days. So, we punted a year – and rejiggered our thoughts. We shared what our interests were…hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling...and a little down time. We shared our budget. We shared our needs and wants. And KimKim came up with several options for us to look through and decide between. Once we were a go, we felt great about our itinerary – and even got hotel confirmations to help us feel like we for sure had a place to go (something we worried about a little since we’d never done business with KimKim before.).

At the last minute – weeks before our trip – we asked to add a new option to our plan. Again, KimKim came through. In the end, we were able to explore four islands and had a really wonderful understanding of the geography, endemic animals, and saw every bird, reptile, amphibian, and mammal on our list more than once. We’re an active family – we were genuinely very happy with how busy our days were but that we also had evenings and sometimes afternoons to do a little swimming in the ocean and enjoy local flavors.

We had guides meet us at every point, helping us navigate tricky things like the boats between Santa Cruz and Isabela…if we needed dinner ideas or reservations, they were there. And if a guide was running behind, we had Daniel on WhatsApp always willing to check things out and ensure we had what we needed in real time. As we were there over the holidays, we also appreciated Daniel explaining local traditions to us so we weren’t operating as ugly tourists (and also knew to buy some grapes to bring in the new year!)

In short, we cannot recommend KimKim / Daniel highly enough.

This was Eileen’s dream trip. In March of 2020 we came one question away from booking our trip with another company when COVID-19 stopped the world.

At the beginning of June 2021 we started talking to KimKim and they connected us with Daniel Larrea, their Ecuadoran expert. They could not have found anyone better. Three different itineraries came to us in a couple of days. They were all good, but one was really on target for us. We asked, and Daniel answered a lot of questions over the next few months. A number of tweaks to the schedule were not a problem. We booked and waited for October.

At every step, Daniel was superb and a pleasure to speak with from the “middle of the world” as he likes to say. Responses to our questions came within hours.
They always contained an amazing level of detail, whether on hotels, guides, pickups, or transfers. Everything was well planned.

He even came to meet us at the hotel the day we landed!

We got home on November 4th and it could not have gone better. Everything Daniel arranged worked out like clockwork. The guide, David, in Quito was a true professional. He has an amazing level of knowledge on everything from history to the flora and fauna we saw along the way. After we expressed interest he rearranged the whole 5 day schedule so that we could participate in the Sunday Quito bike ride. The bonus to that was being able to hike at Cotopaxi on Monday with almost no one else there.

Once we transferred to the Galapagos, the ship the Integrity, was luxurious and beyond our expectations. The staff was outstanding. Having a stateroom with a kingsize bed, a private balcony, and only 16 other guests certainly helped add to the level of luxury and attention provided. 8 days flew by in a blur of hikes, snorkeling, kayaking led by the expert naturalists on board. All of the meals were delicious and varied and they accommodated a dietary restriction perfectly .

Another terrific choice by Daniel was our guide in Guayaquil. Francisco provided us with a wonderful city tour in the morning and early afternoon. He then came back to get us at the hotel at 11 PM to drive us to the airport and walk us through every aspect of airport check-in up until we said our goodbyes at the entrance to security.

We are happy to give top marks in every category for Daniel and all the folks he lined up to take care of us. The KimKim model of using local experts certainly worked for us and we wholeheartedly recommend the company and its chosen experts!

Peruvian Soul is amazing!! They crafted a truly unique dream vacation to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. Nicholas and the entire team navigated the challenges of Covid in the most exceptional ways and took all the stress away to experience a dream vacation of a lifetime. Julio is a world class guide who lead our trip through Peru. We got to see the sunrise over the Temple of Sun near the solstice and we got to see the full effect and connect with the ancient Incas through this shared experience. The Galapagos was also amazing, and the team took care of the intricacies of traveling there so we could enjoy swimming with Penguins worry free! Truly remarkable, I highly recommend Peruvian Soul.

We had a wonderful trip to the Galapagos! the trip went smooth and we always had a guide to meet us at different islands upon arrival. Our guides were helpful and great at rectifying situations. For instance, my boyfriend and I were going to go on a snorkel/dive session. He was going to dive while I snorkeled, but we were going to be on the same boat. For some reason, I was instructed by one of the boat companies to go on a different boat. I assumed we were meeting together but thought it was odd. Our guide Darwin recognized this and called the guide on my boat and asked them to turn around so we could be on the same boat. Darwin was great at looking out for us! Our flight also got delayed and he was able to change his schedule so that we could walk around the island more instead of wait for several hours in the airport. Also, I had left my phone charger on a different Island and Karina, our guide from that Island, had it sent to Darwin! I figured it was gone forever! All in all, the Galapagos is a wonderful place and we would love to return!

Thank you Edwin for organizing the perfect experience in the Galapagos for us. Our guide Karla was the best! She was knowledgeable about all aspects of the island and very sensitive to our needs. We had a great time and would highly recommend Karla as a guide!

Hi Linda was the most wonderful source and seemed to tune in to our
particular needs.
The guides were wonderful. Christian did a great job in Quito with our
two excursions..even took Bob to a shop for him to buy a coat. Impressed with
his knowledge and driving in difficult conditions...rainstorms.
Carlos in Santa Cruz took us to a great beach where we were the only people for an hour or so and we loved that...great swimming.
The ships crews were just amazing...great food and terrific outings..was
impressed by all the activities that were offered.
We liked all the hotels especially liked our stay on Santa Cruz Island and woul
have stayed there for one more day and one less day in Quito.
I loved the atmosphere of the hotel in Quito, but it was very noisy ...with
dogs barking and the cars so sleeping for me was difficult.
Truly a wonderful trip for two seniors that suited us perfectly.
Well done Linda and her associates!
Pat and Bob Yaccato

I can’t remember all of the guides names but they were all very good. The entire trip was incredible.

My family just came back from our Christmas trip to Galapagos and it was wonderful. Since I booked the trip too late (even it was 6 months ahead), I couldn't find a cruise that would fit our schedules. So I turned to my old friend Kimkim. They once again did a good job arranging our 8 day trip among the three islands. The whole trip went smoothly and we were in good hands at each step, all the tours and guides we had were very good as well. We will never forget the experience of swimming with sea turtles, it was surreal. Thank our local specialist Edwin for being patient with my while designing the trip and also his speedy help during the trip. Especially thanks for our guide Nelly (The lady who lead our Tuneles tour on the Christmas day), she encouraged and helped me (since I had an injured arm) to complete the snorkeling which turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
If I have to say one thing to improve, it would be that the instruction should emphasize the entrance fees etc. can only be paid by cash.

I cannot say enough about Iveth and her team. They were absolutely phenomenal. Our trip to the Galapagos went off without a hitch. And given the fact that there was a countrywide shutdown of transportation and its providers, it was a miracle that none of our plans were changed. They were quick on their feet, responsive and- most of all- protective of us and of our experience. The tours that Iveth arranged in the islands were informative, fun and adventurous. A few times we had personal guides that provided one-on-one insight into the Galapagos and its amazing inhabitants. We saw every animal we wanted to see! The hotels that we stayed in were all good to great with hot showers and comfortable beds (true necessities after a day of exploring!).
Iveth was truly lovely and she made sure that we were taken care of every step of the way. She knows her territory and she loves her country and its people. Her enthusiasm shows through in her attention to detail and her ability to put the right guide with the right people. When we return to Ecuador, which we have promised Iveth we would, we will definitely use her services again.

Trip was wonderful overall, and Parque Hotel was exceptional. Receipt of itinerary details could have come earlier. Also, itinerary should include address and phone number of Hotel (some confusion since several hotels have similar names in Guayaquil). Katie was very pleasant and responsive .

We had a most memorable trip. From our conversations via message with Edwin, who answered all my queries, to Karla who met us at the airport and then guided us through her Galapagos. Her passion and knowledge for the Islands was evident and she was patient in explaining all the different flora and fauna. She was so accommodating with me when we had to do the 3x 3 hour boat trips as I can get sea sick and also helped out a complete stranger who was really sick on one of the trips. We enjoyed having our own free time and Karla’s suggestions for dinner.
I was great to have someone who spoke Spanish and knew the ways to get tickets, where o go and the best places to sit.
The different activities were good but I would suggest offering to be able to bike ride the wetlands on Isabela Island so that the wall of tears could be reached as well. Also just something a bit different as we enjoy bike riding. Or maybe offer it as something that could be done on the free afternoon.
Taking into account where we were, I felt the first stay on San Cristobel was just adequate. Santa Cruz’s Hotel was lovely but Isabela Island hostel was very basic. Our room was next to a generator that constantly went off. The ‘taxi driver’ was the son of the hotelier. He was not friendly, drove like he was on a car rally and totally did not understand his clients.
That was really the only down side to an otherwise memorable trip to the Galapagos!! Thanks kimkim

Ps- other that me losing my necklace that will hopefully be at one of the hotels!!
Raeanne and Colin McLean

Bob and I truly enjoyed our time on the Yacht Anahi. The staff was warm and very helpful. Any request was immediately attended.

Our cabin was spacious and comfortable. We were surprised to find that it was bigger than the hotel room we had in Quito! We had all of the amenities and then some! Couldn’t have been happier.

Our guide, Gallo, was extremely knowledgeable, organized, efficient and funny 😄. He was informative on all aspects of the Galapagos - flora, fauna, birds, reptiles, sea life...we left this trip with a lot more than we bargained. We can’t wait to return and visit the other islands that weren’t part of this trip.

The food was delicious. Karen is a great chef and produced wonderful meals each day. My only suggestion is to offer snacks that are readily available to the guests...like a bowl of fruit. Snacks were available when the crew put them out after an occasional excursion, not all excursions, and were in the form of a bowl of potato chips or pork rinds. Things we don’t normally consume. No real options.

Lastly, the jacuzzi on the second level was not utilized. Twice I requested turning on the unit and was met with a “later” excuse that never materialized.

Overall, it was an amazing experience. Truly a trip of a lifetime. We are very grateful to the crew, our guide Gallo and Gabor at Kimkim.

We enjoyed our 5 days of sailing in the Galapagos aboard the Fragata. Our guide, Roberto, was entertaining and knowledgeable about the islands. We especially enjoyed our interactions with the crew, namely Ramon and Jordan. They made our time aboard the boat fun by joining us for games. It was great to get to know them.

Overall, we had a great experience.

One suggestion is about snorkel gear rental. The Fragata website is not clear about cost of rentals. It lists a price for snorkel equipment. What is not clear is that this price is for either snorkel and mask OR fins. If you want the full package, it is double the cost.

I am so glad I found this site. I was able to describe our interests, and Isabel put together a very nice itinerary that hit all our interests and maximized the use of our limited time, but still had some down time built in. Having a local "shepherd" us, first from the airport onto the bus/hotel, and then each morning to the group activity, took so much stress off of us (standing in line, buying tickets, wondering where the meet point was, etc.). We have traveled in many countries, but this by far was maybe the smoothest and best thing I've ever done -- all the comfort of a local who speaks the language without the constraints of being tied to the same group/same activities each day. Once in Puerto Ayora, Karina checked us into the hotel and explained the itinerary for the coming week, including what activities, recommended footwear, etc. Karina was both personable and efficient - always on time to the minute, with the taxi right on time as well - no stress at all. The group tour (hiking and snorkeling - our two favorite things) with Fausto on Santa Cruz was a big highlight - great tour!

Linda was absolutely amazing and put together the ideal itinerary for us which turned out to be the trip of a lifetime! Not only was she there for all the preparation and planning but when we arrived she was a total star in sorting out lost luggage, making sure we were ok, and even tracking down a lost pair of glasses that caught up with us by high speed boat just before we were about to leave. 5 stars is just not enough, Linda really was a life saver! I highly recommend Linda and Kim Kim, absolutely brilliant!

There were some slight variances from the descriptions but some were lacking while others were above and beyond expectations! Fernando was so great we felt as though we were leaving a friend after out short stay in Quito. Richard in Galápagos was very knowledgeable and clearly proud of all that he has learned. The day tours in Galápagos are not really as described although we enjoyed them thoroughly. I suggest contacting the excursion companies and request updated information.
When I look back at my trip I can only think how very perfect and wonderful it was! I will highly recommend Kimkim to friends.

Overall the trip was absolutely amazing. It was also very easy to organise the trip through Kim Kim.
Two things to note were that on one day we sat on the boat stationary for 6 hours without a guide and weren't able to do anything as we waited for others to arrive.

Secondly, on our itinerary it was different to the itinerary the boat had for us on the last day. We had to go off by ourselves to see the tortoises and meant we were additionally out of pocket to go see this site as another place was planned for the others. This was our last chance to see them so we had to do it at this time. The people on the boat said this was an issue with the people who made our booking.

Other than that, was a great trip.

Thanks for everything.

Ben