Alya

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 146 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Nicole C 
 
24 June 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Wonderful trip
We were so taken care of by Surtrek on a recent family trip to Equador and the Galapagos (travelers ages 8-77). Our Surtrek guide Maite worked with us to design a trip that focused on the items we wanted to be sure to see, and our timeframe and budget. Local guides and the boat tour she outsourced were wonderful. We felt so comfortable every step of the way for what would have otherwise been confusing travel. We definitely would recommend this company to others!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Journey12963557311 
 
25 February 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Unforgettable sensitive experience.
Excellent!!!An unforgettable journey accompanied by the cordiality and professionalism of the company.Highly recommended, willing to repeat!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Edgardo Marcelo M 
 
25 February 2025
 
 
 Verified 
Beautiful experience. Wonderful places. Very well explained by guides of admirable training.
All very well. There are no details to improve. The absolute good disposition and kindness were unbeatable. Makes you want to return soon
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Elsa M 
 
25 February 2025
 
 
 Verified 
A dream trip
The views was amazing. I took a lot of photos. Never seen animals, dream landscapes, amazing sea color. Luxury hotels, in Isabela by the beach, just steps from my room!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Nick V 
 
17 December 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Ultimate fun, minimized hassles, amazing tour operation and travel agency
I've had several people ask me what the highlight of our Quito, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands trip was, and frankly it's hard to pinpoint anyone thing so I tend to tell them: all 8 days! Our trip started with being greeted and picked up by our amazing travel agent, Maite. She was delightful from start to finish. Easy to communicate with via email, phone, and whatsapp. Maite consistently made sure we had what we needed. Surtrek supplied our driver, Christian, and our tour guide in Quito, Juan. Christian was a great driver. He knew the roads inside and out and we always felt safe. Juan probably knows everything about Ecuador -- and interestingly also Chicago! The time in Quito was fabulous. We enjoyed seeing the sites of the city and the cloud forest nearby. We ate delicious food and really had a treat with great weather. Maite and Christian got us to the airport for our trip to Galapagos and made sure we were smoothly through security. I've never had such personal service!Our time on the Horizon was fabulous. The staff onboard were top to bottom great. From the tour coordinator to the housekeeping to the culinary to the guide and of course the folks who drove the dinghys that got us to and from every activity. The food was top knotch with a lot of variety. The activities were fun and not overly strenuous, but also not lethargic. A nice balance.I was pleasantly surprised that in November there were no bugs, so no need for bug spray. Of course plenty of need for sun screen still! But the temps were great. High 70's and low 80's Fahrenheit. We saw basically everything in the Galapagos: penguins, blue and red footed boobies, frigate birds, owl, land and marine iguanas, sea lions everywhere, and of course the giant tortoises! During snorkeling we had [small and hammerhead] sharks in the water with us, sea lions in the water, schools of brilliant fish, and 1 amazing encounter with a sea turtle only feet away from my mask. It was breathtaking. Some folks say later in the summer is the best time because the water is clearer, but in our case the water was still quite clear and the animals were much closer to the surface, so it worked great. And the crew provided us with wet suits, so that helped with buoyancy and with warmth. After Galapagos we were shocked to have Maite and Christian back with us at the airport. We expected since our planned activities with Surtrek were done that we wouldn't see them again, but no they were there to meet us again and make sure we transited to our final hotel for a few hours sleep before the final trip home. It was a very pleasant surprise, and frankly just made it so much simpler than being "on our own".The coffee, the chocolate, the hummingbird sanctuary, all the beautiful sites. Dessert all the time. Just a really great trip!I'd go back to Ecuador in a heartbeat, and Surtrek is absolutely how I'd organize my trip to make it hassle free!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 TravelerPatch 
 
20 November 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Oh, were there to be Six Stars to give!
My friend and I were looking to do a boat-based Galapagos trip, as well as a few days in and around Quito. Normally, I don't much use tour companies, preferring to plan the trip mostly on my own. However, for a few reasons, and after some research, we ended up working with Maite at Surtrek to plan this trip. It was, simply, fantastic.From the start (and all the various questions over email) to the end (meeting us at the airport as we were headed back to the U.S., Surtrek (and, specially, Maite - and our guide, Juan and driver, Christian) was 100% top-notch, full recommend, no-doubt-about-it wonderful.Assuming you can book a flight to and from Quito, the rest you will not have to worry about one bit. They will work with you to tailor a trip exactly to your liking (we had a grand time doing just what we hoped to do) and, while on that trip, you'll have a blast. The enthusiasm and passion with which Juan lead the tours was unsurpassed. Christian was a great driver and, also, such fun. Maite was a true joy with which to work.I know this sounds a bit over the top, but it's also accurate. I fully recommend - trust me - you won't be disappointed.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Laura M 
 
9 November 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island!
Everything about this trip was absolutely amazing. Surtrek arranged and organized everything for us - it was one of the best travel experiences we've had. We had guides and drivers who took very good care of us and made sure we got to see and do absolutely everything. I would HIGHLY recommend Surtrek for any South American travels!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Sangeetha M 
 
21 October 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing honeymoon trip to the Galapagos!
We loved our trip with Surtrek! We worked closely with Fernando to plan our honeymoon to the Galapagos. We didn't know exactly what we wanted to do; whether it was a cruise or a land tour. But, we knew we needed to plan it relatively soon or the opportunity would slip through the cracks as we got busy with work travel and the holiday season that was approaching. Fernando provided several options to choose from with a combination of cruise and land options; all within our budget. He provided his insight and suggestions along the way, which was much appreciated! We ultimately chose a 7-day, 6-night luxury yacht with an additional 3 nights on the island to explore by ourselves. It took a little more than a week from the time I contacted Surtrek to the time we finalized/booked the trip, There was always someone to guide us every step of the way, which was also appreciated as neither of us spoke Spanish. All the logistics worked out perfectly. 10/10 would recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Donalyn R 
 
28 September 2024
 
 
 Verified 
The trip of a lifetime!!
We just had the most amazing adventure and it was all thanks to Maite at Surtrek! She patiently listened and crafted the very best experience for my husband and I! We visited Mindo, Cotopaxi, Baños, the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, and took a cruise around the Western Galapagos islands. From start to finish, Maite was so kind, so patient, and attended to my every question and concern. This was to be a celebratory vacation for many reasons, but principally our 25th wedding anniversary. Maite shared this with some of our hosts and we experienced beautiful celebrations at the restaurants and hotels we stayed at. It was the trip of a lifetime and we were so well cared for. When I expressed concerns regarding the reported unrest in Ecuador, Maite was able to reassure me that all would be well and that we would be very safe. We always felt very secure and comfortable. The private transportation and guides, the beauty and nature we witnessed, everything was amazing!! I cannot recommend Surtrek highly enough. We came home with over 1,800 pictures! Absolutely incredible! While you may be able to find cheaper options for travel, the quality of our experience with Surtrek was absolutely worth the price. If you want a quality experience, Surtrek is a fantastic choice!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Trail777667 
 
21 July 2024
 
 
 Verified 
Surtrek is Awesome
When my wife & I were planning a trip to Galapagos and Peru, we contacted 3 or 4 different travel agencies. I found Surtrek to be the most helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and offered competitive pricing. I dealt directly with Ligia at Surtrek and cannot find enough words to describe the friendly and superior services she provided us. We had specific cities and sights we wanted to visit and Ligia mapped out an excellent itinerary for us, including hotels, flights, restaurants and sightseeing. We visited Quito, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, in addition to an 8-day luxury cruise of the Galapagos islands. All arrangements, including flights, cruise, hotels, ground transportation, sight-seeing and guides were arranged by Surtrek. We were met at each arrival city by an expert guide and driver and the guide also helped us check in for our on-going flights at the end of each city tour. The guides were very knowledgeable, experienced and friendly, treated us very well and catered to our every need. Surtrek even helped secure reservations at high end restaurants in Lima, which are difficult to get unless booked well in advance. Surtrek made us alternate arrangements when one of our flights was canceled for mechanical reasons. Our trip lasted 18 days and all arrangements were flawless.To add a personal touch, Ligia treated us to a very nice lunch on our arrival in Quito. Thank you, Ligia, for making our Ecuador/Galapagos/Peru trip such a memorable, enjoyable and stress free one. I look forward to contacting you at Surtrek for our future South America travels.