Ecuador- 2 weeks of stunning beauty and unforgettable activities
Galapagos Islands | Feb 6 - Feb 21, 2025

Christine
Christine P.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Ecuador has so much to offer- from the sights of Quito- with amazing walking tours and dining experiences, to hiking Cotopaxi volcano, trekking through Diablo waterfall and the beauty of the cloud and rainforests…..and then topped off with the Galápagos Islands. Paola at Authentic Ecuador executed our 2 weeks flawlessly choosing wonderful hotels (GO Hotel and Kuyana Lodge were particular highlights) and paired us with an exceptional guide (Danny was attentive, knowledgable, friendly and anticipated our every need). They ensured that we were well prepared for our upcoming activities and were intuitive about the cadence of our day, ensuring the itinerary fit our needs and preferences perfectly. We experienced great dining, stunning photo ops, and activities that spanned breathtaking hikes, soaks in hot mineral springs and heart stopping swinging out over rocky cliffs! Many thanks to Paola…… From the initial planning process to our last day (where she quickly adjusted to changes in our departure plans) we felt well informed and supported. I will cherish this Ecuadorian experience for years to come!

Hotel Reviews
Go Quito Hotel
Quito

Well appointed hotel with friendly and professional staff. Room is large and comfortable. Breakfast buffet is exceptional along with the ground floor restaurant (excellent Ecuadorian food with generous portions). The neighbourhood is safe with walking options day or night.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful new hotel- not a character location
Location
Nice area for walking.
Staff
Really good staff- front desk and porters very friendly; security on site; waitresses prompt and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was very well appointed and clean.
Holiday Inn Quito Airport, an IHG Hotel
Tababela

Good hotel very close to the airport with comfortable rooms, nice restaurant and charming pool area. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Exceeded my expectations.

Location
Close to airport…nothing to do outside of the hotel as on a highway to the airport
Staff
Great staff….all interactions were positive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Samari Spa Hotel
Baños

Large room with comfortable bed and large bathroom/shower. The grounds are beautiful with fruit trees, colourful gardens and a wonderful pool and spa area. Breakfast was good and friendly staff with a welcome traditional beverage on arrival. We stayed on election day, so the atmosphere was very quiet during our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Room was very charming and huge.
Location
Beautiful grounds and spa area.
Staff
Friendly and professional
Cleanliness & Comfort
No concerns…..
Kuyana Amazon Lodge
Archidona

This was a wonderful and unique experience. Our accommodations (individual unit) was well appointed with floor to ceiling views of the rainforest and the sounds of nearby water. The grounds are stunning with a lovely pool area, lit pathways and gorgeous gardens mixed in with the local natural rainforest. Sitting on our patio offered us views of butterflies, rainforest birds and a delightful Wooly monkey, who has a residence on the property. The activities (night walk, rainforest boat tour to local indigenous group, and chocolate making class) were informative and great fun! Meals are healthy, fresh and delicious. The staff were attentive.

Authenticity & Character
Breathtaking location within the rainforest
Staff
Professional and attentive staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful and comfortable accomodations
La Casona de La Ronda
Quito

Nice hotel in excellent location filled with character. Good restaurant onsite with many options including international and Ecuadorian cuisine. Breakfast offered a variety of options. Our room was very large and charming. The hotel is quiet and visually appealing.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful hotel with a lot of charm.
Location
Very close to landmarks in central Quito. Follow the maps and advice of the staff to ensure you stick to secure routes.
Staff
Informative and attentive staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable.
Local specialist: Paola Vera Feijoo
Paola
Paola Vera Feijoo
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Feb 25, 2025
Dear Christine, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It truly makes me so happy to hear that you had such an incredible time in Ecuador. From exploring Quito’s lively streets to hiking Cotopaxi and soaking in the beauty of the rainforest, it sounds like you embraced every adventure to the fullest. Danny will be delighted to hear your praise—I’ll be sure to pass it along! I loved curating an itinerary that matched your style, and it’s wonderful to know that the balance of adventure,... Read more

Dear Christine,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It truly makes me so happy to hear that you had such an incredible time in Ecuador. From exploring Quito’s lively streets to hiking Cotopaxi and soaking in the beauty of the rainforest, it sounds like you embraced every adventure to the fullest.

Danny will be delighted to hear your praise—I’ll be sure to pass it along! I loved curating an itinerary that matched your style, and it’s wonderful to know that the balance of adventure, relaxation, and great dining made for an unforgettable journey.

Wishing you and Joseph many more amazing travels, and if Ecuador ever calls you back, I’d love to help you plan another unforgettable adventure :)

Best wishes,
Paola