Jackeline Valarezo

Jackie was a complete delight to work with. She was knowledgeable, professional, enthusiastic, and totally engaged with us as clients. We had booked a Galapagos cruise directly with a cruise tour operator, pre-Covid, and then worked with Jackie to set up a land portion for us at various haciendas in the highlands. We ran into numerous cancellations with the cruise, including one that happened *while we were in transit* to Ecuador. Although it was not her problem to solve, Jackie took the time... read more

Jackie was a complete delight to work with. She was knowledgeable, professional, enthusiastic, and totally engaged with us as clients. We had booked a Galapagos cruise directly with a cruise tour operator, pre-Covid, and then worked with Jackie to set up a land portion for us at various haciendas in the highlands. We ran into numerous cancellations with the cruise, including one that happened *while we were in transit* to Ecuador. Although it was not her problem to solve, Jackie took the time to talk with the less-experienced agency now in charge of that, and it was *only* through her intervention and advice that we had a Galápagos experience on par with the one we had originally booked with a now-defunct company. Her initiative to help us with the very stressful cruise situation showed a level of professionalism and client engagement that was truly above and beyond the call of duty. Our driver and guide for the land portion, Dario, was exceptional — his knowledge was simply remarkable. We particularly liked the Hacienda Cienega (truly superb) and Hacienda Pinsaqui. Jackie arranged for a several surprises that were memorable for different reasons, including a visit to an indigenous community and an opportunity for horseback riding at another hacienda. In closing, we came to feel a great sense of trust in Jackie as someone who had both the experience and empathy to make our Ecuador experience quite remarkable. And when arranging things from far away, trust in the person you are working with locally is paramount.

Hotel Reviews

Hacienda La Cienega

Cotopaxi

Hacienda La Cienega is simply a stunning place. Steeped in history. Amazing staff and food. I would recommend staying more than a single night (we didn’t wish to leave!) and using it as a base to explore the area.

Authenticity & Character

Words cannot describe how utterly stunning it is.

Location

Convenient for day trips out, with a driver.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

San Jose de Puembo Quito Airport, an Ascend Hotel Collection

Puembo, Quito

We stayed here for two nights to recover from a vert long trip down, and because we we’re starting a tour of the highlands (so it didn’t make sense to stay in Quito at that time). Recommended by Jackie, our Kimkim agent. We felt delighted in the Ecuadorian feel of the common areas, rooms, and grounds. Its atmosphere belies the notion that it is an “airport hotel” — it was originally something else and its property includes adjacent farms land., which guests can walk through. The immediate property had stunning gardens, complete with a few wandering llamas on the grounds. I it was a magical place to experience upon arriving. If your immediate plans are to explore regions outside of Quito, we *highly* recommend staying here.

Authenticity & Character

The Ecuadorian feel of the common areas and rooms, gardens and the paths for guest through the adjacent farm and pasture lands. A fantastic place to land upon arrival in Ecuador.

Location

Outside of the city and therefore convenient for immediate arrival in Ecuador, especially if arriving late and/or taking off for explorations outside of Quito.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hacienda Pinsaqui

Otavalo

This is a lovely hacienda with exceptionally lovely gardens, and a walking path through them and property at large. The common areas were especially nice. Although we were there just as a couple, we were invited to attend welcoming receptions for larger groups (10 or so) that were also staying there. The reception included music from a local Ecuadorian group, Ecuadorian drinks and snacks, and a bit of history about the place. Recommend getting the largest rooms or suites available.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Useful for excursions planned by our kimkim agent.

Staff

Management was very engaged and approachable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hacienda El Porvenir

Machachi

My husband liked it well enough, but I didn’t. The road to get there is horrible and long—-the end result was simply not worth it. The food was not that good and yet more expensive than more upscale haciendas. ; extra charge for eggs with breakfast. I unwisely ordered a salad — forgetting that any greens wouldn’t necessarily be washed with purified water and I guess they weren’t. I got quite ill for days afterwards. The rooms are rustic at best. Granted, it’s a farm kind of hacienda. But it’s a very arduous and uncomfortable drive for a not very remarkable experience. I saw some nose-to-tail horse riding in the cold mist going on. It was clouded in, so any advertised amazing views of Cotapaxi weren’t going to happen. Cotapaxi views are more easily had anywhere else. So even without the getting-sick experience, I just would not recommend this place.

Authenticity & Character

It’s character is what it is — a very remote farm.

Location

Such a long and uncomfortable drive to get to. Nothing to be changed about that.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nothing can be changed I think, given the structures they are working with.

Activity Reviews

Limpiopungo & Roses farm

Ecuador

The roses farm was jaw dropping. I didn’t expect it to be. I didn’t even have a concept of a ‘rose farm’. This was a real highlight of our entire 2 week stay in Ecuador. The Laguna de limiopunga was also lovely. Allocate enough time there if your schedule (and weather) allows to do more walking around.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide, Dario, seemed to know so much about everything fro. Geology to history to medicinal plants.

Transport

Panoramic visit to Quilotoa Lagoon

Ecuador

This is a spectacular crater lagoon and another example of Ecuador’s natural beauty. But as important, the area is home to indigenous people who have adapted to and taken responsibility for this locale. The ability to see Quilotoa Lagoon as an example of this, and the chance to visit an indigenous family in a remote area were both profound and thought provoking experiences.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I loved our trip to Quito! Our guide, Dario, and our driver, Ivan, were excellent and took good care of us. Jacqueline went above and beyond to help us have a safe and memorable trip. read more

I loved our trip to Quito! Our guide, Dario, and our driver, Ivan, were excellent and took good care of us. Jacqueline went above and beyond to help us have a safe and memorable trip.

Our trip to Ecuador was amazing! Jackie in Ecuador was just incredible to work with.

We faced serious challenges in our trip when a general strike was called throughout Ecuador by CONAIE, an association of indigenious people. This involved roadblocks and protests throughout the country.

Jackie and the guide she hired, Dario, did an absolutely incredible job of working around these conditions to ensure a wonderful experience, even though this meant rearranging our itinerary and... read more

Our trip to Ecuador was amazing! Jackie in Ecuador was just incredible to work with.

We faced serious challenges in our trip when a general strike was called throughout Ecuador by CONAIE, an association of indigenious people. This involved roadblocks and protests throughout the country.

Jackie and the guide she hired, Dario, did an absolutely incredible job of working around these conditions to ensure a wonderful experience, even though this meant rearranging our itinerary and schedule completely.

When our Ecuadorian Ballet Folklorico performance was cancelled, she arranged a private performance in a beautiful hotel.

When the city of Banos was blocked off, Jackie and Dario suggested Mindo insteady - a gorgeous nature destination with hummingbirds, ziplines and river rafting.

It was a hit and we were safe and well cared for throughout the trip.

In my last day relaxing in the thermal baths at Papallacta, I couldn't recommend KimKim enough to the travelers around me. Thank you!

Activity Reviews

Project at School in Otavalo

Otavalo

Quito - Cotopaxi National Park

Ecuador

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I would like to say thank you to Jacky, who has arranged my family trip to Ecuador from 13 - 25 Apr 2022. We have a fantastic trip and I am so thankful for all your arrangement. From Ittenary, Accomodation , and local guide. We particularly enjoy our trip in Cuya Beno, Amazon rain Forest, and Galapagos islands.
Jacky is very responsive if we asked something over the phone. She always stand by for response. Its make us worry - free during our trip. Once again , thanks Jacky for all your help.... read more

I would like to say thank you to Jacky, who has arranged my family trip to Ecuador from 13 - 25 Apr 2022. We have a fantastic trip and I am so thankful for all your arrangement. From Ittenary, Accomodation , and local guide. We particularly enjoy our trip in Cuya Beno, Amazon rain Forest, and Galapagos islands.
Jacky is very responsive if we asked something over the phone. She always stand by for response. Its make us worry - free during our trip. Once again , thanks Jacky for all your help. We definely will refer you to our friends back to our country.

Hotel Review

Mercure Alameda Quito

Quito

Staffs are friendly, and we made this hotel as our base. So that we can leave our luggages at the hotel, during our trip to Amazon rain forest and galapagos island.

Authenticity & Character

Staff

Activity Review

Adventure in the Amazon

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Rom , the local guide is very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I cannot give a high enough review for kimkim. Our local specialist Jackeline went above and beyond for us in every way and was always there when we had a question or needed something. Our super adventurous and knowledgeable guide Diego made our whole week so fun, exciting, and educational. Our other guide, Alex, was also amazing and so fun to visit Cotopaxi with. We were truly blessed in the team from kimkim that helped us make this trip the best we have ever had. We cannot wait to return to Ecuador.

Using kimkim was such a breeze! Our travel agent Jacky and tour guide Diego could not have been a more perfect match for us. Both spoke very good english and were amazingly patient with me trying to test my Spanish skills. Jacky set everything up so we could just enjoy our trip and was so sweet even with all of our questions. Both truly made our trip an unforgettable experience.

We had the best trip to the Galapagos Islands with Jackeline's help! She helped us decide between a few types of trips and was always available to answer questions. We picked an 8-day cruise through the Galapagos and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Jackeline called ahead to let the crew know it was a special trip for us. Our cabin on the boat was upgraded and the chef baked us a surprise cake (no easy task on a small yacht!). We realized we needed a covid test to re-enter... read more

We had the best trip to the Galapagos Islands with Jackeline's help! She helped us decide between a few types of trips and was always available to answer questions. We picked an 8-day cruise through the Galapagos and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Jackeline called ahead to let the crew know it was a special trip for us. Our cabin on the boat was upgraded and the chef baked us a surprise cake (no easy task on a small yacht!). We realized we needed a covid test to re-enter the states and Jackeline had someone meet us at the airport to administer. It was so easy and seamless - we had results within one hour. I highly recommend Jackeline, KimKim and the Galapagos Islands for future travel!!

Everything about the trip was well-executed and wonderful! From the beginning planning stages with Jacky to the days with our guide Dario, we really had an amazing experience. You can tell that both of these individuals love their country and have a passion for what they do. I don't think we could have had quite the experience without the proper planning. The lodging was incredible and Dario took us out to places we wouldn't have even thought of. I'm really glad my husband and I took a chance and booked through kimkim. It was our first trip with them but won't be the last!