Quito and the Galapagos
Lily at Jacada Travel arranged a flawless journey for my daughter and I. From the meet and greet at the airport on arrival, to all our accommodations, tours, and transfers, everything went perfectly. The Santa Cruz11, Lily’s recommendation, was the perfect way to explore the magic of the Galápagos Islands. Thank you to everyone who made this a trip of lasting memories! Jacada and Lily have my highest recommendation!
Marcia
18th April 2018
Galapagos adventure
Had a great time and everything went smoothly. Ocean Spray was a great boat for the tour. There were 15 guests, 1 guide and 11 crew on board. There was great attention to detail and the needs of passengers.
Jeff
11th March 2017
A "Spectacular" Adventure!
Donna Alexander
06th March 2017
Great trip to the Galapagos
I needed some late season planning for a Galapagos trip - a destination I was at a loss to know where to begin. George quickly brought me up to speed, educating me as to my options, and then just as quickly put together a wonderful trip. He and his team held our hands throughout, making sure all went as smoothly as possible. Would recommend Jacada for anyone looking for assistance with their vacation travel plans.
Paul
15th April 2017
Tailor-Made Luxury Travel
Sandra Bloomberg
04th April 2017
Beyond expectations
Beyond expectations! Work with George and Susann and you will have no worries! My wife and I live in the USA and needed someone to coordinate our trip to The Galapagos Islands, Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu, and an Amazon River Cruise. Our trip was flawless and a guide was holding our hands at every juncture. Go with Jacada for an incredible journey!
Thanks for the opportunity to applaud these good folks.
James
James
04th April 2017
Perfect three-week tour of Peru and Ecuador
We just returned from a three-week trip to Peru and Ecuador arranged by Jacada. While we normally schedule our own travels, we wanted to see Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos and knew we needed help. After reviewing several companies, we decided on Jacada because of its experience, positive reviews, and responsiveness. We found Jacada to be outstanding in all regards, from planning to execution. Our representatives were Emily and Suzann who were very knowledgeable about South America and who provided detailed information on transportation, guides, hotels, restaurants, and excursions. They also were exceptional in helping us determine a budget and offering options that would meet it. For example, we really wanted to stay at the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu and have a suite for our Galapagos cruise (both pricey) and were perfectly happy to stay at a Marriott or Hilton in other cities at a lower cost. Both Emily and Suzann kept in constant touch during the planning process, responding immediately with emails or phone calls. They even got us restaurant reservations in Lima at Central and Maido (5th and 8th in the world, respectively). The trip turned out to be perfect in every way. Our tours were fantastic, and our drivers and guides were outstanding, always prompt, very friendly, and helpful. This was particularly important during challenging times, such as the 6-hour delay from Machu Picchu due to a landslide on the train tracks; Adrianna and Antonio were there waiting for us and smiling and got us to Cusco at 2am! Emily and Suzann also kept up with us during the trip with small notes at the hotels and a lovely gift of alpaca scarves. Because of the attention to details and overall quality of the trip, we would not hesitate to book with Jacada again and highly recommend it.
Bonnie Pettersen
02nd May 2017
South American Family Holiday
Jacada Travel arranged our family holiday in South America , including the Inca Trail and
Galápagos Islands. The arrangements were faultless and much exceeded our expectations
A T Yusef
15th May 2017
South American Adventure
We traveled for two weeks in South America. Starting in the lovely historical city of Quito, we knew we were in for a treat. Jacada handled every detail of our travel, pick-up, hotel, touring, restaurant experiences, etc. flawlessly. They transferred us to the next part of our trip, the Galápagos Island cruise without a hitch. We enjoyed five days on the Santa Cruz II, which offered superior service, excellent accommodations, as well as wonderfully prepared
food, and well educated, knowledgeable guides. You could not ask for more.
Once we retuned to land we were back in Jacada's capable hands as we flew to Peru. We continued to explore the land and history of the Inca people. Everywhere we visited, each hotel we stayed in, each guide who lead us was exceptional. I have traveled extensively in my life but have never felt so worry free on a trip before this time. I would not hesitate to recommend Jacada to any traveler looking for a first class experience, worry free, on their vacation. I would give them 6 stars.
Darlene
13th June 2016
Fantastic trip thanks to Jacada Travel!
Had a wonderful trip which was well organized by George. The accommodations were first class as were the tours and tour guides. We were so well taken care of by everyone associated with this company. Always felt safe and looked after. Would highly recommend it.
Ruth
02nd June 2016
Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos Trip
Outstanding vacation! Everything went extremely smoothly, Jacada representatives were with us every step of the way, accommodations were outstanding, and tour guides were superb. This was a vacation with an aggressive itinerary that went flawlessly. All of the tour guides were top notch and Jacada was able to secure reservations at the top places for us. We would not have changed a thing and highly recommend Jacada for complex travel arrangements. No detail was overlooked. We very much enjoyed our two days at Machu Picchu, hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu, and the scenic train ride. We spent a few days aboard the Delfin I in the Amazon and very much enjoyed the intimate small boat setting. Our Galapagos cruise aboard the Santa Cruz II was also amazing. Overall, fantastic trip!!!
Dewitt
12th May 2016
Top-notch company from start to finish!
We would highly recommend Jacada Travel. They were thorough and thoughtful. We were taken care of from morning until night each and every day of our trip. Attention to detail was exceptional. All of our guides were knowledgeable and kind. We had a fabulous holiday thanks to Jacada Travel's trip designers. Many thanks and cheers to our trip designers, guides and drivers!!
Deborah Passey
04th May 2016
South American trip
Ashley V
06th July 2016
Jacada Travel....Listened to everything we said...
Leslie
25th October 2016
A Professional Experience
Jacada took the time to ascertain our priorities when it came to designing a package for our trip to Ecuador and the Galapogos Islands. Everything went off without a hitch. The guides were excellent and their choice of accommodations was first-rate.
Grant Davidson
06th January 2017
Marvelous experience
Lily at Jacada Travel did a wonderful job planning our trip to Peru and Galapagos.
Teresa
13th December 2016
Impeccable service with attention to detail
I came across Jacada travel researching a trip to Galapagos Islands and after speaking with a consultant over the phone, they prepared an itinerary suggestion for our trip. From this point on, it really was the attention to detail that set Jacada apart. Rather than a simple itinerary, we were sent a link to a personal website that had our itinerary set up, with photos of the places we'd stay, the things we'd see. It was easy to tweak the itinerary to adjust for our preferences, and the price was competitive with booking each component of the trip myself, without any of the hassle.
When we arrived in Ecuador, we were greeted at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The next day, the same guide and driver picked us up at the hotel and took us on a half day city tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, spoke excellent English, and was greeted with hugs and kisses at every site we visited - it felt very much like we were on a VIP tour.
At every hotel, there was a hand written note from Jacada, personally addressed and wishing us a pleasant stay.
My only criticism is that you can't book bits and pieces through Jacada - it was an all or nothing service. We'd booked accommodation in Mendoza separately and I would have loved to have Jacada organise our local tours whilst we were in the area, but on inquiry, that wasn't an option, which was disappointing. I can understand why they wouldn't want to solely arrange tours as a service, but given we'd spent a considerable amount with Jacada on the Galapogas itinerary, I would have expected them to extend the same level of service to the rest of our itinerary, irrespective of whether the accommodation was booked through Jacada or not.
Having said that, we are planning our next vacation and I will definitely see what Jacada can offer for our trip to Europe.
Natalee
21st January 2017
Galapagos with a 6 year old son.
Absolutely incredible! Makes me kick myself for not using Jacada or a travel agent before. Every detail was taken care of, making it incredibly relaxing for my son and me. Jen was very attentive and the special little personal gifts made the trip extra special. International travel can be stressful, especially with children, but private pick-up at the airport and guides handling all the little details is worth gold. This really is a first-rate personal travel service. Thank you Jacada!
Taylor
09th January 2017
Very well run, great value for trip organization and selections
Wonderful trip to Galapagos and Quito. I would have liked to have spent more time in Otavalo but had no clue about its charms. The tour guide in Quito did not make much effort in friendliness. Was she not compensated enough? Perhaps Westerners are all similarly treated with some disdain which is entirely understandable. Jacada was always in contact with me during the planning and all expectations were met. I would definitely use Jacada again for my next extraordinary vacation.
Leslie Duval
22nd January 2014
Using Jacada Travel is what made "the trip of a lifetime" into "The Trip of a Lifetime!"
I consider myself lucky to have found Jacada to plan our trip to the Galapagos Islands. We could not have been more pleased every step of the way. They exceeded our expectations and I can recommend them highly and will absolutely use them again!
Fredda Mcdonald
21st January 2014
Jacada did an amazing job of setting up our entire trip - everything went very smoothly.
I recommend Jacada highly to anyone - our trip was perfectly planned - all of our guides were great, our hotels were great, the itinerary was well thought out. We will use Jacada again when we next travel abroad. Jen, our agent there, thought of every detail and had the trip highly organized. Thanks to the thoughtful planning, we had an incredible family trip!
Ellen Niven
21st January 2014
Service beyond Expectations
I could sense that the Travel Designer (Jennifer) is somehow tracking our every move and always communicating with the people on the ground that on the needs to have her clients be looked after well. Our journey was tight with many early flights to catch (new year's day at 4 am). Assistance to ensure breakfast is available at check out desk at early hours; guide in attendace to ensure assistance on check in in crowded and non english speaking airline ground staff is taken care off are some of the small things that makes the difference in our travel experience. Of course getting the best rooms at the best hotel/resort repeatedly is another crown to Jacada! I think it is not only about money that you paid but the extra effort that you could feel that makes the difference. In my view in areas where they have control, they have done exceptionally well. Highly recomended and thanks to Jennifer!
Francis S Lay
23rd January 2014
Best holiday I've ever had!
Alan Bull
04th February 2014
Luxury Travel with Personalized Service
My family and I have travelled with Jacada Travel twice now to South America - Peru and Ecuador/Galapagos. Both trips have been at the top of our bucket list for years, and Ciara at Jacada made sure that the trip met every one of our high expectations! Ciara and the team at Jacada helped tailor the accommodations and tours to our style, taste and budget, including a luxury camping trip along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, and a wonderful cruise with my 10-year old daughter in Galapagos.
Jacada ensures every detail is taken care of, arranges all your transfers and tours, truly allowing you to have a car free vacation. Everything is first class and better than you expected. Jacada and their local guides also helped arrange a flight back from Peru when my grandmother fell ill while we were away.
We are working on a trip to South East Asia with Jacada next!
Jennifer, Vancouver Canada
23rd April 2014
My visit to the Galapagos Islands was one of the best experiences of my life and I have travelled around the world.
I dragged my husband on a vacation he didn't want to take even though he was the one to arrange it through Ciara in Jacarda Travel. He eventually had to admit that he loved the trip as much as I did. He has always been a keen photographer and the Galapagos' are a photographers dream. I was happy to be his equipment carrying assistant. We had the benefit of meticulous planning by Ciara. We relied heavily on her recommendations and they all turned out perfectly. She was cheerful, efficient and good humoured as well as extremely knowledgable about her specialist area. I think she thought we might end up lost as she kept in touch frequently until we were safely on board the Grand Odyssy and then again afterwards until safely on the plane home. I suppose any complaint would be that we could have stayed longer. The smaller boat, the Grand Odyssy suited us much better than a large ship. The accommodation was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. The captain and crew did their best to make us feel at home and we did. Our Naturalist guide, Jamie ruled our days like a military commander. He was determined we should made the most of our visit but in a gentle and patient way. He gave us enough information without making it seem like a school outing. Our fellow passengers turned out to be an enjoyable crowd and we all got on well together as we shared and laughed about 'wet' and 'dry' landings!
Altogether a five star experience and we would not hesitate to travel with them again. I can highly recommend Jacarda Travel. We met other people on our trip who had arranged their vacation with Jacarda and they were as impressed as we were.
Enid and David
11th April 2014
Ecuador and Peru perfect from the very beginning ....
When our intention to visit the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu became more concrete, I started to search the internet for travel agencies and stumbled across Jacada. After I sent an e-mail on a Sunday afternoon, neither did I expect to receive a first call only hours later, nor a complete first draft itinerary few days later. What followed were very professional communications with the Jacada representative, great advise and suggestions upon hotels and sight seeing options to get everything we wanted on our schedule, but even more we could imagine. Being a critical customer, after that perfect start with planning, I was very curious how the promises would be turned into delivery, which in my opinion is the only thing that counts. Now after having returned from a 3.5 weeks trip I can confirm: All promises were kept and our high expectations on a luxury travel provider were fully met! Top hotels everywhere, a great cruise through the Galapagos Islands, experienced and knowledgeable guides in Ecuador and Peru, and the feeling of being taken care 100% every day of our tour made the difference for us. Having met other many other travellers with problems with the altitude in Peru, we really appreciated the sequence Jacada put together for us (Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titikaka), so we could enjoy every moment at these places. Personal letters and individualised additional suggestions for visits restaurants etc. at each of our stops just topped all the selections. Honestly, I was a little bit sceptical about travelling with a tour itinerary only and not the usual booklet with a number of tickets and vouchers (which in our case with all the different hotels, transfers and visits would have been rather thick), but everything was prepared optimal; we did not have to care about anything. Well, as a summery: When ever we will be travelling to places Jacada is represented, they will be our only service provider.
Rudolf Vogl
26th September 2014
Wonderful, hassle free experience...
Everything turned out as planned and outlined by Jacada. Arrangements for airport pick ups/drop offs, hotel rooms, mini tours and guides were excellent.
Vijay
11th August 2014
SuperbTrip!
everything about the planning and execution of our trip organized by Jacada
travel was truly superb! Six of us went and all are of the same opinion that it was wonderful. we highly recommend them for travel plans.
Rich Beyer
16th October 2014
An extraordinary family trip that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Ciara, our travel consultant at Jacada, was outstanding. She helped create a fabulous itinerary, with great hotels, memorable experiences and excellent logistics and coordination. No detail was missed, and everyone in our family had a great time. It was very clear that much thought had been given to every aspect of the trip.
Mark
08th January 2015
Ecuador/Galapagos Honeymoon
We used Jacada travel for the first time when we decided to use them to book our honeymoon. Overall, we had a very great experience! Jen (our travel designer) did a really great job of listening and choosing the perfect itinerary for our dream honeymoon to Guayaquil, Galapagos, Quito and Otavalo. Throughout the trip there were extra details that made us feel special. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I would've liked to have more details up front, such as the exact times we would be meeting up with our guides or the times of our flights to and from the Galapagos. It was my understanding that we would receive a complete packet with this information when we met our first travel guide. As the vacation progressed we would only receive details for the following day the night before. If you are Type A personality my suggestion would be to get more details up front...
Samantha
12th April 2015
Peru and Ecuador
Jacada are simply outstanding. From the first call right through to the end of your trip and beyond. The level of customer service is breath-taking. We dealt with Ciara and she could not have been more helpful. Her level of knowledge was excellent leading to a very relaxing, thoroughly enjoyable holiday. On first glance they may appear to be quite expensive, however it soon becomes apparent Jacada are outstanding value for money once you experience the end result. We could not hold them in higher regard nor recommend them enough. We will definitely book our next big trip through them again
Sam
12th August 2015
Galapagos Trip on the Oceanspray
Our trip to the Galapagos Islands was one of our top trips that we have taken. Everything was amazing! The boat and service was top notch. Once there everyday life is forgotten and you are in paradise with wildlife that you will not encounter so closely anywhere else.
Working to schedule the trip with Jacada was so easy and they had the answers we needed. From beginning to the end of booking our trip, we felt it was going to be one of a lifetime and it certainly was. In the future, we would book another trip through Jacada.
Scott
11th August 2015
Jacada is one of the best companies we have had the privelge to work with.
From the very first communication Ciara and Susanne were a delight to work with. Our initial inquiry was for a 3 week trip to Peru and the Galapagos. The proposed program submitted to us was the right length, and it took two revisions to set the quality and standard of accommodation we wanted. The Galapagos offers a variety of ships. Wanting something larger we settled on the Silver Galapagos which offered a range of creature, that met our needs. From our arrival in Lima until our departure from Quito we were met by fantastic guides, and drivers. The knowledge of the guides and service provided everywhere was terrific. Every hotel booked was far better than expected, and the service everywhere was perfect. Little things like receiving a personal note at every hotel from Ciara with personal recommendations of things to see and do, and local restaurants to visit was an added bonus, and a great welcome everywhere we went.
Personal service and detail is something Jacada have perfected. Our travel experience was nothing short of amazing. Everyone wants that dream vacation. Dream vacations have, however to be first created. Ciara, Susanne and the Jacada team did that for us. "Brilliant"
David and Debra DeHaan
05th June 2015
Fantastic service throughout from Jacada
We found Jacada Travel to be extremely helpful and accommodating throughout the planning process and booking of our recent holiday to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands. Ciara, who were predominantly dealing with, was always very prompt replying to any queries and answered every question we had, however trivial! we received a lovely travel pack, were expertly handled throughout our various journeys and couldn't fault any part of the service we received. An excellent company to deal with.
Jason and Belle Morris
19th November 2015
Galapagos and machu pichu
Our entire trip was extremely well coordinated, we had many change/transfer points and they well all done timely and by highly professional folks
Martin
19th February 2016
Excellent service, congenial people, reliable.
Our trip was a major outing of our entire 17 member immediate family to the Gallipolis Islands, all arriving from different locations, and with slightly different prior event itineraries.
Working with Jacada was a pleasant experience from start to finish. The trip was a smashing success with no missteps or difficulties encountered. What more is there to ask for?
Charlie Bodenstab
05th February 2016
