Paola Vera Feijoo
Born and raised in Ecuador, I´m the second of four sisters. I love to make people´s dream vacations come true. Helping travelers to be the happiest is my big desire and, so far, one of my favorite achievements.
Since I was younger, I have always liked to travel and learn more about the places I have visited, such as many of the provinces in Ecuador and other countries like Colombia and Peru. I also lived in the Galapagos Islands for two years and in Montana in the US for one year.
Ecuador has my heart and soul, but I also embrace the beauty of every city and country I´ve been to.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I love tailor-made trips to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon, including trekking or climbing tours in the Andes. I will curate adventurous excursions and am willing to show you the best of our culinary and cultural experience."
How did you get involved in travel?
"Since I was six years old, I have taken vacations or holidays as a chance to visit other cities in Ecuador. How? You may ask because I was a kid. Luckily, I have family in most of the provinces in Ecuador, so it was easy for me to just pick a city and be welcome.
As an adult, I took some of my adventures further, like traveling alone to Peru or even moving to the United States with my cat, Gordi.
Sharing with people of different ages, countries, and cultures has taught me much about myself and the world.
"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"On one of my trips, I spent a week in the deep jungle in Arajuno. That was the most open-eye experience I ever had. I crossed the river, a two-hour walk soaked in water, admiring the tall trees and the monkeys jumping. I first-hand experienced the day-to-day activities of the Amazon kichwa community, like harvesting, fishing, and hunting. The Amazon definitely leaves a mark on your soul."
Paola's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Ecuador is a year-round destination, but the sweet spot is June to September, when drier weather and cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the Andes, wildlife viewing...
The Galápagos are great to visit year-round, as you'll always enjoy warm weather and exciting wildlife and activities. Its climate is characterized by a rainy season...
With 15 days in Ecuador, you can visit 5-10 destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights on the Discover Ecuador or the Andes & Galápagos Islands tour. Groups will...
Family itineraries
With 10 days in Ecuador, you and your family can visit at least three regions. Families keen on wildlife and watersports should head for the Pacific coast or the Galápagos....
You can cover four to five Peru destinations traveling with kids in tow. First-timers will want to hit the highlights of Lima and Cusco, while more active families can add the...
Luxury itineraries
Honeymoon itineraries
Ten days in Peru is an excellent amount of time to enjoy a well-rounded introduction to the country's highlights on a tour featuring Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon,...
With 10 days to spend in the Galápagos Islands, you could opt for a land-based tour of the archipelago's natural highlights. Or choose a cruise tour that takes you around the...
Recent trip reviews for Paola
We booked our Galapagos trip with Paola throu...
Galapagos Islands
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Feb 22 - Mar 3, 2026
Danny greeted us at the airport in Quito and guided us through the city. He knew exactly what we wanted to see and do.
In Santa Cruz our naturalist guide was full of knowledge on the history of the island, the turtles and the volcanic tunnels. We visited the Charles Darwin Centre and again he... Read more
Hi Sharon, thank you so much for the lovely review! I’m so happy to hear you had such a wonderful time in Quito and the Galápagos and that you enjoyed the itinerary. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Danny, Diego, Julio, and the rest of the team. And thank you for sharing the beautiful photos — they’re amazing! As a cat lover myself, I especially loved the one from Isabela ;) It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this trip, and I’d love to help again whenever you’re ready for your next adventure. Warmly, Paola & the Authentic Ecuador Team
Galapagos Trip
Galapagos Islands
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Mar 3 - Mar 8, 2026
Our trip to Quito and The Galapagos was terri...
Galapagos Islands
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Jan 29 - Feb 9, 2026
Hi Margaret, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m truly happy to hear how much you enjoyed your trip to Quito and the Galápagos! It sounds like an incredible journey full of adventure, wildlife, and special moments. I’m especially glad our guides made everything smooth, safe, and memorable. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with them. Thank you again for trusting me with your travels. It was a pleasure planning this for you :) Wishing you and Michael many more travels. Warmly, Paola & the Authentic Ecuador team.
The perfect rebooot
Ecuador
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Feb 4 - Feb 17, 2026
Glenn, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! Working together since last year and finally meeting you in person was truly special for me. Reading your reflection on Ecuador, its people, and the way the experience touched your spirit honestly moved me. This is exactly why I love what I do: creating journeys that connect people deeply with a place and with themselves. Ecuador will always welcome you back with open arms :) It was a real privilege to be part of your journey, and I hope this is just the beginning of many more adventures. Warmly, Paola & the Authentic Ecuador Team
Highly recommend
Galapagos Islands
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Jan 17 - Jan 24, 2026
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for your lovely review. This truly means a lot to me. I’m so happy to hear you had an amazing trip and that the guides went above and beyond to make it special. It was a pleasure helping you plan this experience, and I’m wishing you and Melissa many more wonderful adventures ahead. Warmly, Paola :)
great service and thoughtful tour guides
Ecuador
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Jun 21 - Jun 27, 2025
Hi Michael! Thank you so much for your review. We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed the service and found the guides thoughtful — that means a lot to us. It was a pleasure helping with your trip, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime for another adventure :)
Warm greetings from Quito,
Paola
Paola did an excellent job
Galapagos Islands
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Oct 21 - Oct 29, 2025
Hi Eswara. Thank you so much for your review! I’m so happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience on your tour. Jairo will be thrilled to know his care and enthusiasm made the trip so special for you. It was a pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in Ecuador someday :)
Warmly, Paola
Thank you KimKim and Paola for making our dream come true!
Galapagos Islands
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Oct 17 - Oct 21, 2025
Dearest Sue,
Thank you so much for your beautiful words! Your message truly touched my heart! It was such a joy planning this trip for you and Andy, and I’m thrilled to know it suited your needs and birding goals perfectly. I’ll be sure to share your lovely comments with Alexis and both Nicholases; they’ll be so happy to hear them.
I can’t wait to welcome you back to Ecuador someday. Wishing you both many more wonderful adventures ahead :)
Warmly,
Paola
Mountain Summits
Ecuador
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Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2025
Our mountain guide, Camilo, was exceptional. He made us feel very safe and helped 2 of us summit Cotopaxi. You should use him whenever you get a chance. I can't say enough about how fun, knowledgeable and capable he is. He managed our acclimitization hikes perfectly helped us in so many ways.
I would spend some time refining the "gear list" you recommend. There were things we had at home that didn't show up on the gear list that were required. This resulted in us spending a few hundred dollars rebuying gear we already own.
Dear Nik,
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re delighted to hear that Camilo made such a positive impact on your Cotopaxi adventure.
We also really appreciate your feedback about the gear list. It’s very helpful, and we’ll take the time to refine it so that future travelers are better prepared. Your input will definitely help us improve.
It was a pleasure to host you, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Ecuador.
Wishing you all the best,
Paola
Absolutely amazing experience right from the ...
Ecuador
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Aug 9 - Aug 15, 2025
Absolutely amazing experience right from the start! Paola was extremely responsive and generated a trip capturing everything I wanted for a last minute trip. In Ecuador we had the best tour guide we have ever had- Sebastian. This was an adventure packed, yet stress free trip all because of these two amazing people!
Hi Tara,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m thrilled to hear that everything went smoothly. I’ll be sure to let Sebastian know how much you appreciated his guidance :)
I’m so glad you were able to enjoy an adventure-packed, stress-free experience—exactly what we aim for! It was wonderful working with you, and I hope we get the chance to plan another adventure together in the future.
Warmly,
Paola