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Authentic Ecuador

We specialize in the Ecuadorian territory and the Galapagos Islands. The focus is on immersive experiences with a mix of classic attractions in an innovative way and off-the-beaten-track destinations and activities.

Our goal is to convert our travelers from passive consumers into active participants. Yes, you’ll also see the highlights of the country, but you will immerse into its nature, interact with its people, taste its flavors, and experience some adrenaline-loaded adventures if you wish to!

We would like you to capture the essence of Ecuador in all its facets, mixing main attractions with off-the-beaten-track experiences, which makes each trip unique and avoids over-tourism. Join us on an unforgettable trip and expect the unexpected!

Authentic Ecuador is part of the following groups: Ecuador Travel Agents, Galapagos Islands Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Authentic Ecuador

Every expectation and desire was met!
Ecuador | Nov 20 - Dec 2, 2024

Liz
Liz C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2024
I am a kimkim employee traveling with family, and Paola went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of, and every one of our needs were met! She set us up with a knowledgeable driver/guide who showed us all the best places and introduced us to authentic food choices and experiences. We couldn't have asked for anything more. Read more

I am a kimkim employee traveling with family, and Paola went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of, and every one of our needs were met! She set us up with a knowledgeable driver/guide who showed us all the best places and introduced us to authentic food choices and experiences. We couldn't have asked for anything more.

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

Great location, safe, clean, nice accomodations

Authenticity & Character
Location
very centrally located
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Celebrity Flora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Quito City Tour - Middle of the World
Quito City Tour - Middle of the World
Quito

This activity was so interesting and informative. It was worth the drive south.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Airport transfer to Quito City
Airport transfer to Quito City
Ecuador

Nice clean car with safe driving!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano
Quito

We enjoyed the hike, the swing, and the views from the cable car.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Dec 05, 2024

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It was a pleasure helping you and your family have the best experience here in Ecuador. I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that the guide was able to show you all the amazing spots and introduce you to authentic local experiences. It means a lot to me that you felt well taken care of!

Wishing you and your family many more incredible adventures in the future :)

Warmly,
Paola

Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as...
Ecuador | Nov 2 - Nov 18, 2024

J
James C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as was Gabriel at le selva I enjoyed the rides and service from Sebastian and getting information about Ecuador Read more

Andrea’s at the cloud forest was fantastic as was Gabriel at le selva I enjoyed the rides and service from Sebastian and getting information about Ecuador

Hotel Reviews
Piripe Lodge
Pacto

Very peaceful place

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Very clean and great service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pululahua Crater
Pululahua Crater
Quito
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Great bike ride and am viewing of birds

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maquipucuna Reserve
Maquipucuna Reserve
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bicycle Tour through the Cloud Forest
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Yasuni National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scuba Diving - Day Trip from Santa Cruz
Scuba Diving - Day Trip from Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
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
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 26, 2024
Dear James,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, especially the tours with Andreas and Gabriel—the guides we work with love sharing their passion for Ecuador's incredible nature. It is also great to hear that Sebastian’s service and insights made your journey even more memorable. I'm also glad you found Piripe Lodge peaceful and had a fantastic birdwatching experience in the cloud forest - the variety of birds there is truly...
Read more

Dear James,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, especially the tours with Andreas and Gabriel—the guides we work with love sharing their passion for Ecuador's incredible nature. It is also great to hear that Sebastian’s service and insights made your journey even more memorable. I'm also glad you found Piripe Lodge peaceful and had a fantastic birdwatching experience in the cloud forest - the variety of birds there is truly incredible.
Your positive feedback about the Hotel Galapagos Suites and the other hotels and excursions is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back to Ecuador someday!
All the best and safe travels,
Linda

Ecuador vacation
Ecuador | Nov 2 - Nov 18, 2024

R
Rita C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024
This was a great trip Linda did a great job planning everything! The drivers were wonderful loved the Carrera family they were always on time picking us up and dropping us off. They went above and beyond teaching us about Ecuador and what we needed to know. Guides were also amazing Andreas in cloud forest, Gabriel in ran forest were both my favorites! I can not express my gratitude enough we will definitely use KimKim again! Read more

This was a great trip Linda did a great job planning everything! The drivers were wonderful loved the Carrera family they were always on time picking us up and dropping us off. They went above and beyond teaching us about Ecuador and what we needed to know. Guides were also amazing Andreas in cloud forest, Gabriel in ran forest were both my favorites! I can not express my gratitude enough we will definitely use KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Great hotel Douglas made us feel right at home! He made great scrambled eggs too,🤣

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance from downtown!
Staff
Douglas
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Yasuní National Park

Rooms were nice! Food was very good!

Authenticity & Character
Location
In the Amazon rainforest
Staff
Always had a clean room
Cleanliness & Comfort
Piripe Lodge
Pacto

Nice rooms in the cloud forest staff was very accommodating food was great also!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Laguna Galapagos
Puerto Villamil

Hotel was nice breakfast was good! It was not as nice as the other hotels and was noisy at night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Loved this hotel located in downtown Quito. Liked that every room we stayed in was decorated differently

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pululahua Crater
Pululahua Crater
Quito
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk in the Cloud Forest
Night Walk in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Gabrielle was great we saw a lot of different things at night

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We were able to see an hear different things at night in the rain forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Optional Activities in the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

Hike to the waterfall for a swim at piripie lodge was great along with the tour of the grounds learned about different fruits etc Also hike to waterfall in Mashpi was wonderful also if you like to hike along the way Andreas should us different birds frogs and plants loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bicycle Tour through the Cloud Forest
Ecuador

I did have a good time riding bikes in cloud forest but felt it wasn’t the best place to ride! It was all up hill for a little while but Andreas was right there with the truck to help the down hill was a little scary but had fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andreas was great!
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Observation Tower, Garza Cocha Lake & Night Walk
Yasuni National Park

Saw a lot of birds it was great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Ecuador

These birds are very beautiful and we were delighted we got to see a few and video them

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Maquipucuna Reserve
Maquipucuna Reserve
Ecuador

Loved learning about this reserve would visit again. The hike and guide were ok lunch was very good lots of hummingbird loved there organic garden

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Parrot Clay Lick, Indigenous Community & Jungle Hike
Yasuni National Park

Never saw anything like the clay lick before! Also, loved the indigenous community it was very interesting

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Last rainforest activities, Transfer to Coca & Arrival to Quito
Ecuador
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Loved the land turtles and lava tunnels!

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

The research center was ok we did learn about all the turtles and George! I thought there would be more about Charles Darwin also would have liked to be able to change it was chilly in Quito so I wore jeans and a light sweater by the time we got to the research center it was pretty warm!

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

Bartolome hike was beautiful at the top definitely worth doing! Snorkeling was amazing there also visibility was great!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Visit the Flamingo Lagoon
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Loved the kayaking again saw some amazing things penguins watch blue footed boobies dive, sea lions pelicans guide was really good I don’t remember her name but she was good 👍

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Best snorkeling ever! Sea turtles,sea horses, sharks, mana rays it was wonderful

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands

It was a good long hike the guide was very enthusiastic the crater and lava flows were great to see very interesting! This was another place were it was rushed right after this we were picked up to go back to Santa Cruz we were so dirty and dusty we just wanted to take a shower but I am glad we did the hike even if it meant we had to be really grimy for a couple hours.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 26, 2024
Dear Rita,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you had such a memorable trip and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the hotels, drivers, and guides—and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with the Carrera family, Andreas, and Gabriel. They’ll be delighted to know they made such a positive impression on your journey!
We appreciate your honest feedback about the timing after the Sierra Negra hike and will...
Read more

Dear Rita,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you had such a memorable trip and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the hotels, drivers, and guides—and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with the Carrera family, Andreas, and Gabriel. They’ll be delighted to know they made such a positive impression on your journey!
We appreciate your honest feedback about the timing after the Sierra Negra hike and will take it into account to enhance future experiences - the same goes for your comments about your hotel on Isabela Island.
It was a true pleasure helping you plan your adventure in Ecuador, and we're happy we could help make these memories possible.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience with KimKim in the future!
All the best,
Linda

Perfect vacation of not young couple in Galapagos and Ecuador.
Galapagos Islands | Oct 18 - Oct 27, 2024

Tanya
Tanya G.
Israel | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2024
We are not young couple, that decided to visit Galapagos islands and Ecuador for our annual vacation.
I want to thank our local specialist, Isabel, for the perfect organization of this vacation. The positive experience started from a mutual planning of the trip, half a year before the vacation: Isabel was sensitive to every word and wish and we changed and adjusted the plan a number of times, until we were absolutely pleased.
In our case, I preferred to book the hotels and flights by...
Read more

We are not young couple, that decided to visit Galapagos islands and Ecuador for our annual vacation.
I want to thank our local specialist, Isabel, for the perfect organization of this vacation. The positive experience started from a mutual planning of the trip, half a year before the vacation: Isabel was sensitive to every word and wish and we changed and adjusted the plan a number of times, until we were absolutely pleased.
In our case, I preferred to book the hotels and flights by myself, however, most of the hotels were selected according to Isabel's recommendation and they answered our expectation and even, in two locations (in Isabella Island and in Quito), exceeded them.
The trip was organized in a way that we were followed by a guide or a driver most of the time. So, we could feel relaxed and enjoy the scheduled activities. Everything worked according to the plan, on time and without unpleasant surprises. It happened that by mistake, we took a wrong car to the airport and had to pay for it. Although it was our mistake, the agency returned us the price of this trip that was pre-paid.
The ongoing communication with Isabel continued by WhatsApp during the entire trip, which was very comfortable. However, the internet in Galapagos is poor in some places and not always the connection was possible.
The English of local guides in Galapagos was not always clear, sometimes it required effort to understand, but they were patient, and we normally repeated the question and understood the answer.
In Galapagos we selected the option to stay in hotels rather than at yacht, and it was a good choice for us, because we were free to go around the island anytime and performed snorkeling, kayaking and hiking to the extend we wanted. The only detail that was not properly addressed was the size of the wet suit for my husband: he is unusually big person, so, in one place we could not get a suit for him. I would recommend addressing this information in advance.
In continental Ecuador we were accompanied by a local guide, Rodrigo, who took us to Banos, Cotopaxi and Quito. Rodrigo was a very informal, calm and knowledgeable guide, and we learned a lot about the country, its history and nature, both are fields of our interest. The country is amazing and rich in resources and nature!
Although, we encountered, unexpectedly, the electricity shutdowns in the continental Ecuador (I hope, temporary), the vacation could not be better!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Las Plazas
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport
Guayaquil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Cally Galapagos
Puerto Villamil
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla de Baños
Baños
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Transfer to Guayaquil Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Guayaquil Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

We visited there at the end of the long day and were tired. The guide was hard to understand and sometimes we gave up.

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

The trip was amazing and interesting, all the explanations were clear. We went to Bartolome Island; the landscape is breathtaking. Recommended!

Quality of Experience
Food
Unbelievable, but the food prepared on the ship was tasteful and of good quality!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide (Martin) was very good, we had amazing discussion.
Transport
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands

Kayaking-the waves because higher during kayaking and at the end we were a bit nervous, but the guide was very professional , so we did it! My husband did not snorkel that time, because there was no XXXL wetsuit to rent in this company.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
For snorkeling the guide trained us in detail, because we had no experience, and then hold my hand most of the time to cause me to feel secure. It was very helpful, because next day I was able to snorkel much better.
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands

Waw! the sharks were my highlights! :) And they had XXXL wetsuit, so we both could snorkel. At the end the photos of the underwater animals and fish were available, made by the guide-the places we sow by our eyes.

Quality of Experience
Food
the food was simple.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was perfect, he took care of everything and everyone.
Transport
Biking to Pailón del Diablo
Biking to Pailón del Diablo
Baños

Waw again! So beautiful views of Ands! The guide for the biking (Roberto) was energetic and enthusiastic. Our main guide, Rodrigo, followed us with the car, which contributed to the secure biking, since part of the road passes on the side of the local highway. We also visited with Rodrigo the Casa del Arbol, the swings, which was amazing experience. For the launch Rodrigo took us to the restaurant of the artist, the food was good and also the place is very interesting, with paintings and a studio and the green was everywhere!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Explore Cotopaxi National Park
Galapagos Islands

We hiked around the lake with birds and received explanations about the volcano and the park. There is a small visiting center before approaching the hiking routes. The volcano resembled Fugi in Japan :) The route is situated at about 4000m, we tolerated the altitude rather well, however, we had to move slowly to breath normally.

Quality of Experience
Food
After the hiking in the park, on our way to Quito, the guide, Rodrigo, brought us to the restaurant located in the former Markise palace, the portions were very-very good!!! Unfortunately, I do not remember the name :(
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
My husband requested to drive, so he did it in the park, which was also interesting experience. To drive you need an international license.
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Galapagos Islands

Quito guided tour and artisan market. The city tour included churches, general explanations, city viewpoint on the hill, vising of artisan chocolate shop (recommended!) and - at the end, the market where we purchased souvenirs and presents for the family. Rodrigo, the guide, accompanied us in every activity, so the shopping was easy and pleasant. Before the market, we visited, per our request a leather shop in the historical part of Quito and bought bags of beautiful local design. In order to maximize the potential of this tour (we had only half a day in Quito before the flight), Rodrigo brought a driver, so we were free to go with him by foot and by car, as needed, without interrupting the tour for parking and waiting for pickup.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Isabel Pérez
Isabel
Isabel Pérez
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Nov 12, 2024

Tanya, thank you so much for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear about your experience in Ecuador and the Galapagos. I’m so glad that together, we created a trip that met all your expectations.

I love to hear that Rodrigo’s guidance enriched your time on the mainland and that, despite the outages, your vacation was everything you hoped for. It was a pleasure to be a part of your journey, and I hope to welcome you back soon to explore even more of our beautiful country!

Best,
Isabel

Quito and the Galapagos - Equador 2024
Galapagos Islands | Aug 13 - Aug 22, 2024

caitrinad@yahoo.co.uk
[email protected] A.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2024
We had a fantastic trip to Ecuador - Quito and the Galapagos- and will treasure the memories forever. Angie at KimKim worked closely with my husband and myself both in terms of organising our trip but also keeping in touch during our trip to make sure everything was perfect. Our hotels were perfect for our family and the trips - boat trips and land based adventures - were fabulous. We were looked after and provided with lots of information which really added to our wonderful trip. Read more

We had a fantastic trip to Ecuador - Quito and the Galapagos- and will treasure the memories forever.

Angie at KimKim worked closely with my husband and myself both in terms of organising our trip but also keeping in touch during our trip to make sure everything was perfect.

Our hotels were perfect for our family and the trips - boat trips and land based adventures - were fabulous. We were looked after and provided with lots of information which really added to our wonderful trip.

Hotel Reviews
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

This was a lovely hotel. Great location, wonderful building and fab staff.

Authenticity & Character
Had a wonderful feel to the hotel and we loved it
Location
Very central to old town and a cheap taxi/Uber to other locations. Very easy to walk to keep sires
Staff
Always helpful - nothing was a problem
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable beds, clean shower and towels- all lovely!
Galapagos Sunset Hotel
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Great location and facilities were all perfect for our family. Front desk staff were very helpful too - restaurant recommendations and activity suggestions 😊

Authenticity & Character
Modern and not much character - but clean, perfect location, comfortable and safe
Location
Perfect - close to pier and all restaurants
Staff
Always helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Acacia Galápagos Boutique Hotel
Puerto Ayora

We loved everything about the hotel - it was fab!

Authenticity & Character
Modern but had character and was very tasteful. Definitely 5 star!
Location
Perfect as not on sea front but not too far away from anything - we loved it!
Staff
All amazing - helpful on every level!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We all loved it - comfy beds, lovely sheets, clean and lovely
Activity Reviews
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands

We did this trip on our own as the guide instead took us to the beach to see the Sea Lions and to the only lake in San Cristobal- El Junco

Quality of Experience
Lots of information and detail provided by the guide
Food
We had lunch at a local restaurant before setting off on the trip - hard to avoid meat but not bad!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was very helpful, chatty and good company
Transport
It was on time, fit us all in and waited at each location
360° Tour
360° Tour
Isla San Cristóbal

The snorkeling was great at all locations and our guide was brilliant- taking photos and videos of everything which he shred. Boat crew were great too despite the return journey being very bumpy! Wet suit definitively needed, which we had been advised about.

Quality of Experience
Food
Food on board was very good and snacks were also provided
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide and boat staff were fab - very helpful throughout our trip.
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

We loved it all - a great start to our Santa Cruz expedition. Giant turtles were amazing

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch at the venue was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

This didn’t take too long but was an interesting and informative visit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We walked with our guide from the hotel - nice to stretch our legs.
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

We loved it all - whilst we didn’t see too much when snorkeling the walk around the island looking at the nesting birds - blue footed Boobies and Frigate birds were amazing. Also the marine iguana 😊

Quality of Experience
Journey, boat, crew, guide and wildlife all amazing. As was the company of other guests.
Food
Fabulous!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to another uninhabited island
Visit to another uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands

A long trip but the same boat and crew as our previous day trip to North Seymour. The snorkeling whilst colder was amazing. We saw penguin’s, black tipped reef shark, anchovies, rays and loads of colorful fish. 🐠

Quality of Experience
Crew, guide and boat all fantastic
Food
Great food again - snacks, cakes and champagne
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Angie Maldonado
Angie
Angie Maldonado
Local specialist in Quito - Ecuador | Replied on Sep 03, 2024
Dear Caitrin, Thank you so much for your kind words! I am absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a fantastic time in Ecuador and the Galapagos! It was a true pleasure working with you and your husband to create a memorable adventure, and I'm glad everything went smoothly. I’m delighted that the hotels, boat trips, and land-based adventures were perfect for your family. It’s wonderful to hear that you felt well taken care of and that the information provided added to... Read more

Dear Caitrin,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I am absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a fantastic time in Ecuador and the Galapagos! It was a true pleasure working with you and your husband to create a memorable adventure, and I'm glad everything went smoothly.

I’m delighted that the hotels, boat trips, and land-based adventures were perfect for your family. It’s wonderful to hear that you felt well taken care of and that the information provided added to your experience!

Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and I hope to have the pleasure of helping you plan another incredible journey in the future!

Wishing you all the best,
Angie

Two-week Trip to Peru and hiking the Inca trail
Peru | Jul 20 - Aug 3, 2024

Victoria
Victoria C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 10, 2024
This is the third time we worked with Mathias, and it was as always, a great trip. Mathias worked with us to personalize our 2-week trip to Peru with 4 day/3 night Inca trail hiking. With several modifications, we finalized our trip to include visits to Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and hiking the Inca trail. The entire trip was very well organized with every step taken care of: pick up, drop off, day to day itinerary and local contact person. We didn’t have to worry about anything, just showed up... Read more

This is the third time we worked with Mathias, and it was as always, a great trip. Mathias worked with us to personalize our 2-week trip to Peru with 4 day/3 night Inca trail hiking. With several modifications, we finalized our trip to include visits to Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and hiking the Inca trail. The entire trip was very well organized with every step taken care of: pick up, drop off, day to day itinerary and local contact person. We didn’t have to worry about anything, just showed up with at the airport. It’s super easy and we feel well taken care of.

Our local contact guide in Peru was Renato Diaz from AllPeru. He is super friendly and responsive to all our questions during the trip. It was most helpful that Renato sent us the boarding passes when we flew between cities. During the trip, there was a misunderstanding of the drop off in Cusco city, Renato arranged a complimentary dinner and show for us as an apology, which was very professional.

Overall, we are very happy with Mathias, Renato, and Kimkim for planning yet another amazing trip for us.

Hotel Reviews
Del Pilar Miraflores Hotel
Lima

Location of the hotel is great. Friendly staff. However, hot water was a problem when taking showers. Water was lukewarm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casona Plaza Hotel AQP
Arequipa

Hotel was fine. But the water for shower was unstable: it swings between hot and freezing with no warnings. Not a very pleasant experience.

Authenticity & Character
No
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Killawasi Lodge
Yanque

This lodge was super awesome. We loved the little town it is located and the room was spacious and comfortable. Really enjoyed the stay. We went to the hot springs near the hotel and it was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Terra Andina Mansion Colonial
Cusco

Hotel was fine. But hot water was an issue for taking shower. The water was lukewarm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camping

Our hiking trip was amazing!!!!! We were with https://x-tremetourbulencia.com/our-porters-2/ and our tour guide was Joel. The hiking was 4days/3 nights. We had a small group of 9 people. The porters and guide were amazing people, without them, it would have been impossible to hike the Inca Trail.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu
Machu Picchu

This hotel was awesome! It had a jacuzzi in the room which was amazing for our tired body after hiking the Inca trail for 4 days!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero tour
Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero tour
Cusco

This tour was the least favorite of ours. I felt it was not necessary after hiking the Inca trail. Too much driving (all day, 7am to 6pm) with occasional breaks to see the sites. Could do without.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mathias Onisseit
Mathias
Mathias Onisseit
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Aug 21, 2024
Hi Victoria & Sen, Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us for the third time with your travel plans! It’s always a pleasure to work with you, and I’m happy to hear that your Peru adventure, especially the Inca Trail hike, was an unforgettable experience! Personalizing your itinerary was a collaborative effort, and I’m glad it all came together seamlessly. It’s great to know that you felt well taken care of and that even when there was a minor issue, it was handled in a... Read more

Hi Victoria & Sen,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us for the third time with your travel plans! It’s always a pleasure to work with you, and I’m happy to hear that your Peru adventure, especially the Inca Trail hike, was an unforgettable experience! Personalizing your itinerary was a collaborative effort, and I’m glad it all came together seamlessly.

It’s great to know that you felt well taken care of and that even when there was a minor issue, it was handled in a way that added to your experience.

I wish the two of you many more unforgettable trips in the future. Safe travels always, and thank you again for your fantastic feedback!

-Mathias & the Authentic Ecuador team

Not sure how to rate this but we lost a whole...
Galapagos Islands | May 1 - May 13, 2024

D
DEBBRA A.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Jun 18, 2024
Not sure how to rate this but we lost a whole day practically because one Of our guides in Ecudor Was very insufficient. She didn't have the right change for the pain.When she picked us up and then when she took us to Cuenca she kept getting lost. Before we left, we had to stop so she could have breakfast cause she didn't have anything to eat.At her mother's house before she left that morning. Also she did not know anything about the national park that we stopped at. She could not answer our... Read more

Not sure how to rate this but we lost a whole day practically because one Of our guides in Ecudor Was very insufficient. She didn't have the right change for the pain.When she picked us up and then when she took us to Cuenca she kept getting lost. Before we left, we had to stop so she could have breakfast cause she didn't have anything to eat.At her mother's house before she left that morning. Also she did not know anything about the national park that we stopped at. She could not answer our questions. When we finally got to our destination, she had promised us.We could go to a spot there to get rid of this sress from the day and that did not work out either. I would not consider her a safe driver either. That was one of the reasons for the stress and then being jerked around all over the place From her driving. We were supposed to have a different guide to begin with. And actually he turned out fine. Except he dished us at the airport when he drove his back to Guayaquil Ecuador. Our plane didn't leave till 1130 that night and he dropped us off at the airport.About 330 in the afternoor it might have been earlier. Kim did get back with this about an hour or so later and line up another guide Who was a very good person but we ended up giving two people tips that day or the day instead of just one so that was an extra Twenty dollars from each of us for the guides. We found out later that the guide that was good and dropped us off at the airport.Check another client.So I had to get back to quinca instead of staying with us like he was supposed to. The whole thing made it's very uneasy. The rest of the trip especially the calypso boat was wonderful.

Hotel Reviews
M/Y Calipso

Everything about this boat and crew is absolutely fantastic.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Santa Lucía
Cuenca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Guayaquil
Guayaquil
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jun 24, 2024
Hi Debbra, thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip to Ecuador! I am happy to hear that all in all you have enjoyed your vacation, especially the Galapagos cruise and the hotels we selected for you, and I am truly sorry about the issue you encountered during your trip. I would like to apologize again for the insufficient service provided by the guide in Guayaquil and Cuenca, as well as for the inconveniences that ensued. We will definitely address this matter with the... Read more

Hi Debbra,

thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip to Ecuador! I am happy to hear that all in all you have enjoyed your vacation, especially the Galapagos cruise and the hotels we selected for you, and I am truly sorry about the issue you encountered during your trip.

I would like to apologize again for the insufficient service provided by the guide in Guayaquil and Cuenca, as well as for the inconveniences that ensued. We will definitely address this matter with the guide in question and take appropriate actions to prevent such issues from happening in the future. Our goal always is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests, and I regret that we did not meet your expectations in this part of your trip.

On your last day in Guayaquil, I tried my best to arrange for a new guide immediately, and I am glad to hear that the new guide provided a better experience for your last hours in Ecuador. Additionally, I hope the dinner provided as compensation was enjoyable for you!

Thank you once again for bringing these issues to our attention. We greatly appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve our services.

All the best for you and Lynn, and always safe travels,
Linda

Being looked after by trustworthy guides and drivers every step of the way.
Galapagos Islands | Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024

Ora
Ora Y.
Florence-Graham, CA | Reviewed on May 01, 2024
My son and I just returned from a trip to the Galapagos islands planned and arranged by kimkim.com. It was an amazing and wonderful experience made easy and worry-free by Isabel Pérez's diligent planning and responsiveness to our requests and force major causes requiring changes in the itinerary.
Our guides were prompt, knowledgable and friendly: Andrei and Christian in Guayaquil, Solange in San Cristóbal, Danielle in Santa Cruz as well as the crews of the boats to Kicker Rock and North...
Read more

My son and I just returned from a trip to the Galapagos islands planned and arranged by kimkim.com. It was an amazing and wonderful experience made easy and worry-free by Isabel Pérez's diligent planning and responsiveness to our requests and force major causes requiring changes in the itinerary.
Our guides were prompt, knowledgable and friendly: Andrei and Christian in Guayaquil, Solange in San Cristóbal, Danielle in Santa Cruz as well as the crews of the boats to Kicker Rock and North Seymour island. The hotels Ibis in Guayaquil, Miconia on San Cristóbal and Galapagos Suites on Santa Cruz were clean and accommodating with a friendly and courteous staff.
We will definitely recommend the kimkim company to family and friends who are thinking of the Galapagos islands as a trip destination.
Sincerely,
Ora Yadin & Gil Benezer
Manhattan Beach, CA
USA

Local specialist: Isabel Pérez

KimKim is the Perfect Way to Set Up Travel
Galapagos Islands | Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2024

Marcia
Marcia J.
Redmond, WA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim! 5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour. Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are... Read more

Linda was beyond fabulous- knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating. Keep this woman happy, she is a wonderful asset to KimKim!

5 Stars: Ikala Hotel, Hotel Galapagos Suites, Highlands of Santa Cruz and our guide Daniela, Excursion to Seymour Norte and our guide, our guide Fabricio in Quito and his surprise add-ons to our Quito tour.

Special 10 stars to driver Alejandro and Casa Playa Mann for the biggest hearts and sincerest souls, as well as doing their job excellently. They are wonderful ambassadors for their country.

4 Stars: Kicker Rock. Best suited for true snorkel enthusiasts, which is not us- we are vacation snorkelers. Choppy and cloudy water, some strong currents that really took work to navigate, and while it was cool to see a few hammerheads, not much else to see. Honestly, perhaps the best part of the trip was the spectacular closeup views of the Galapagos birds. Great guide.

Our only neutral-to-negative outing was the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill. These two sites definitely do not need a guide and would have been far more enjoyable exploring on our own. Karen, our guide, was not a good storyteller, and told us little that I hadn't already read in the guidebooks; perhaps if she had turned the walk up Tijeretas Hill into a nature walk, but she made few comments as we walked up this paved and well-signed path. But the truly negative experience was the snorkeling. There was a yellow flag out, and the entrance to the water is on sharp rocks, difficult for nonlocals to negotiate- during our time there, two tourists had to be saved from the big waves/currents and helped back onto the rocks. Karen gave no instruction, but after verifying that we could all swim, jumped in the water and began snorkeling. Only one of the four of us decided to try snorkeling, as the other three felt it too dangerous. My husband lost a flipper, and waited back on the rocks as Karen managed to retrieve the flipper (good for her), but then continued to snorkel as we all waited for her. While pleasant during her guiding, Karen seemed bored with this excursion and I think would be better suited to aquatic excursions only, as this seems to be her true love.

Hotel Review
Casa Playa Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Lovely place run by a lovely and sincere family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Galapagos Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more? Ask for guide Daniela!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quito City Tour
Quito City Tour
Ecuador

Much better experience with a guide than exploring on one's own. Ask for Fabricio!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our transport dropped us off at one end of Old Town and picked us up at the other end, so no backtracking!
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Snorkel at Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
Galapagos Islands

Everything about the day was great- transport, guide, the excursion to a remote beach- except the cloudy snorkeling itself is only worth it for the interesting experience of seeing hammerhead sharks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Islands

Tortoises everywhere, need I say more???

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to...
Read more

Hi Marcia,
thank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful and helpful review with us! I am pleased to hear that you were more than happy with all the hotels. I will also make sure to forward your compliments to Fabricio, Daniela, and Alejandro!
I really appreciate your feedback about your time on San Cristobal Island; we will take your experiences and recommendations into account for future tours.
If you decide to return to Ecuador one day (there's still so much more to see!), please don't hesitate to reach out, we would love to welcome you and your family again!
Always safe travels,
Linda

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed...
Galapagos Islands | Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2024

Mariela
Mariela G.
Costa Rica | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024
Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip. Read more

Our trip was perfect, everything was designed so we just has to worry about enjoying our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

Very nice hotel. Both times we stayed there was no electricity and that meant no internet, no hot water and no food. Besides from that, very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pillows
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora

Beautiful cozy hotel. Very friendly staff. Breakfast is continental but good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackout curtains since there is a lot of light coming in from the street
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

Great hotel and has a pool which made it so much better

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Transfer to Quito Airport, Arrival to Galapagos & Highlands of Santa Cruz
Ecuador

Our host Astrid was very nice and helpful. She was patient with us and answered all our questions. Lunch in the highlands was delicious.

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

Learned lots of stuff, very interesting and Astrid our guide was very nice.

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

We went to Barrolomé. We had a stop first with a little walk, it was at noon and there is no shade. The guide was making stops along the way to explain things but climbing steps at noon with no shade was terrible. Would be better if they explained on the boat so we could do the walk without stopping. The snorkeling part was amazing, wish we could have had more time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Bigger portions
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Ecuador

Best tour we had on our trip. The views are amazing, nice guide he even took photos and gave them to us. Captain even let me drive the boat for a while.

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

Nice activity. The guide was not very helpful though, wouldnt explain much and seemed king of mad. Beatifil views though and the penguins were amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Apr 27, 2024
Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife...
Read more

Mariela,
thank you so much for your feedback about your trip! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the activities and hotels, and I am sorry that you were affected by the current power outages here in Quito! Hotels, restaurants, etc. are getting prepared as best as they can to handle the situation, and we hope that soon everything will be back to normal.
Looking at your photos, I can see that the four of you have spent a few memorable days on the islands, with lots of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and laughter :)
Hopefully, you can return to Ecuador one day to explore other parts of the country as well!
All the best for you, María José, María del Carmen and Laura!
Warm regards,
Linda