First time in Ecuador
Ecuador
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May 1 - May 10, 2024
![Cooky](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/3526f582f795fc3511d495ceba28c2faba465408/original-ca5449f0c3f89c6c5bc8ebd5b95b8790.jpg)
Alvaro put together a comprehensive itinerary for my first trip not only Ecuador but to the continent of South America. I normally do my own research and planning but figured I would give this a try this time. Alvaro had very good suggestions on what I was looking for and after numerous discussions - he was able to adjust and modify the itinerary that suited my wants/needs. Alvaro was very responsive to my messages and did his best to accommodate my requests for additional services. Belen, my local contact in Ecuador, was also great to work with. Even with the initial problem upon my arrival that was stressful at the time - Alvaro and Belen worked promptly to resolve the issue of my airport to hotel transfer. I really enjoyed my time in Ecuador and would recommend using Kimkim to anyone.
Hotel Reviews
Nice and spacious rooms. The noise from the outside varies based on the location of the room. I found that the rooms on the upper floors tended to be noisier. Food was ok. The hotel was located within walking distance of Plaza Fochs, where there were many restaurant options to choose from.
Rustic experience in the jungle. I think one has to manage their expectations when staying here. The rooms are nice and comfortable - no air conditioning but a fan is available. Even with screened windows, it's still not unexpected to find insects inside the room like moths or small ants. Power outage is also par for the course - especially with the unpredictable weather that could go from sunny and humid, to a deluge of rain. The staff were amazing - they made the experience totally enjoyable.
Activity Reviews
![Nature and Hike Quilotoa (Shared Trip )](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/f8deade03a4141c391e9da7d48fe1d836c68eff5/medium-7eb87b37fbbb4692b17ba495e36d557a.jpg)
The views of the crater lake were amazing. The 2 stops before Quilotoa (local market and visiting an indigenous household) were ok.
![Horseback Riding Day at Cotopaxi National Park (Shared Trip)](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/7651e7d02c1c3b6a4e8f5f3382d51524efe33be5/medium-bedc7ade10bb9d203accd5e4a0b0e165.jpg)
Probably the most memorable experience for me during this 10-day trip. I was the only one taking the horseback riding tour amongst my group, so I lucked out with getting a private tour with my guide. It was a my first time horseback riding and I was very grateful to have a docile horse. The ride was challenging - involving flats on the plains surrounding Cotopaxi, some hills and valleys, and water crossings. The weather went from cloudy, to rainy and cold. As challenging as it was, I felt privileged to be able to experience it all.
![Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/14c4b1d9c843d8e829881d4ab4c78e3abcc8ee3a/original-49ba51f300a81e41241ecdaee3004c89.jpg)
Great place for rest and relaxation.
![Welcome to the Gateway to the Amazon – your portal to an extraordinary adventure!](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/4962a910a9cccdf2660d1c7899c94e4362a26bbd/original-ec962125169bd6918942566c7d7d29db.jpg)
![Amazonian Delights: Wildlife, Culture, and Serenity Along the Napo River](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/f79b35b1cfe838d53610f20fdcd7e865f741f6e8/original-9dcce737828ce3a50be49262b64e8c26.jpg)
Challengingly unique experience. This whole experience was even made more special because of my guide Carlos. He truly looked after my safety while providing a fun cultural experience.
![Morning Chocolate Crafting and Tasting Experience - Return to Quito](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/d39930e1b83a5d7608542d5217e1fa26d22d7c96/original-b1686dd9eb5ca62de4fb0bcaf67a90e5.jpg)
![Discovering Colonial Quito on 2 Wheels!](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/6ffabc44dd986c2f2cbacdffe0d291661124f3d0/original-99cbc9cfbafc47756c2e298ee832f0fb.jpg)
Great way to see the sights in Quito. Thank you Jhonatan and Daniel! You two are great ambassadors for the city of Quito.
![Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/45a3508802b626f74f016b45899fce66925139d6/original-c9c4adc73e87e02899e209cd04c3488d.jpg)
Driver was on time. Car was nice and clean.
![Alvaro](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/09efd9cf9302c17a8366b15c0d2b9d3c343df69b/original-a09cfc88c8879dceac67f919ab17e1c9.jpg)