First time in Ecuador
Ecuador | May 1 - May 10, 2024

Cooky
Cooky G.
Kearny, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 09, 2024

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
Ikala Quito Hotel
Quito

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
noisy when on the upper floor, even past 10pm
Suchipakari Jungle Lodge
Puerto Misahuallí, Tena Napo

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.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Nature and Hike Quilotoa (Shared Trip )
Nature and Hike Quilotoa (Shared Trip )
Quito

The views of the crater lake were amazing. The 2 stops before Quilotoa (local market and visiting an indigenous household) were ok.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Riding Day at Cotopaxi National Park (Shared Trip)
Horseback Riding Day at Cotopaxi National Park (Shared Trip)
Ecuador

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta
Ecuador

Great place for rest and relaxation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to the Gateway to the Amazon – your portal to an extraordinary adventure!
Welcome to the Gateway to the Amazon – your portal to an extraordinary adventure!
Archidona
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amazonian Delights: Wildlife, Culture, and Serenity Along the Napo River
Amazonian Delights: Wildlife, Culture, and Serenity Along the Napo River
Archidona

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.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Chocolate Crafting and Tasting Experience - Return to Quito
Morning Chocolate Crafting and Tasting Experience - Return to Quito
Archidona
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discovering Colonial Quito on 2 Wheels!
Discovering Colonial Quito on 2 Wheels!
Quito

Great way to see the sights in Quito. Thank you Jhonatan and Daniel! You two are great ambassadors for the city of Quito.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (Departure)
Ecuador

Driver was on time. Car was nice and clean.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jun 10, 2024
Dear Cooky! Thank you so much for your kind and honest words in your review, we are so happy to know that you had a wonderful time during your stay in Ecuador, that you enjoyed the hotels and the activities, and that the most memorable experience of your visit was the Horseback riding in Cotopaxi. Each experience we designed was especially for you and it's great to know that it met your expectations. Our guides on the biking tour are exceptional, and we’re delighted that you found them... Read more

Dear Cooky!

Thank you so much for your kind and honest words in your review, we are so happy to know that you had a wonderful time during your stay in Ecuador, that you enjoyed the hotels and the activities, and that the most memorable experience of your visit was the Horseback riding in Cotopaxi. Each experience we designed was especially for you and it's great to know that it met your expectations.

Our guides on the biking tour are exceptional, and we’re delighted that you found them knowledgeable, charming, and great ambassadors for the city of Quito. I hope we can have another opportunity to plan an amazing journey for you again.

Thank you once again for choosing kimkim for your travel adventure. We look forward to helping you with more memorable trips, perhaps next time to the Galapagos Islands or Peru!

Best!
Alvaro