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A sublime travel agency that keeps its word. Before I start talking about the tour, I will talk about the unexpected, my tour was shared with strange tourists, but these tourists canceled the tour at the last minute. The travel agency did not cancel the tour with me and I would even... read moreBefore I start talking about the tour, I will talk about the unexpected, my tour was shared with strange tourists, but these tourists canceled the tour at the last minute. The travel agency did not cancel the tour with me and I would even understand that it would not be their fault. CarpeDM Adventures didn't even call to let me know that the others just wouldn't show up, the guide Daniel Alirio arrived at the agreed time and told me that it would be a private tour with a private guide at no extra cost. WOW!

***The tour is incredible. Quilotoa Lagoon is a thousand times more beautiful than the photographs.

Saw many volcanoes on this journey and I understood why this region is so called the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Stunning landscapes made my trip unique. Mountains and green pastures was my companions on this trip. Little by little I discovered different cultures and customs. Visited a local market was part of the itinerary in order to discover new fruits, tubers and vegetables from the inter-andean region. My eyes were attracted by extensive plantations of barley, potatoes, turnips, oats and on the way I dared to savor a delicious and exotic dish like the guinea pig. Finally, the lagoon with soul of a princess gave me the welcome to start a special connection with nature.

A full day from Quito city to explore the timeless beauty and Quilotoa crater located at 3,800m asl (12,467 ft). I could be as active or relaxed as I liked. Enjoyed the Ecuador’s famous volcano, with its commanding view of lagoon in the Andes mountain range, the remnant of an ancient volcano. Quilotoa offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose: hiking, kayaking, photography or just enjoy this peacefull place. On the way to Quilotoa I enjoyed an scenic view about different elevations and volcanoes. Learned more about Ecuadorian Kichwa communities, local markets and customs, then got a taste of local flavors in one of the restaurants.

My guide Daniel Alirio is a wonderful, professional and attentive person. He has a deep knowledge of his country. A zealous and careful driver. As photography is important to me, he didn't mind showing the best angles of the ride and constant stops on the road. I gratefully identified myself with the intelligence and fidelity of this wonderful human being.

PS. CarpeDM Adventures has a wonderful hostel (Casa CarpeDM) one block from the travel agency. The owner of both ventures is loved by everyone read less

Epic day- Cotopaxi active volcano. Paul helped us coordinate an amazing private tour within 24 hours notice and our guide Andreas was awesome. His knowledge of the area, nature and his craft made our day something we'll never forget. These guys get service and professionalism.
I'll use them again... read morePaul helped us coordinate an amazing private tour within 24 hours notice and our guide Andreas was awesome. His knowledge of the area, nature and his craft made our day something we'll never forget. These guys get service and professionalism.
I'll use them again for sure! read less

In Ecuador during Corona I went to Ecuador & Galapagos in the beginning of March 2020. Corona was far away and in Europe still in the very beginning.

I started my trip in Quito and spent the first day 'shopping' for daytours like Amazone and off... read moreI went to Ecuador & Galapagos in the beginning of March 2020. Corona was far away and in Europe still in the very beginning.

I started my trip in Quito and spent the first day 'shopping' for daytours like Amazone and off course Galapagos. My last stop was Carpe DM and that was the best partner for me. They offer good prices, the staff is really friendly, patientle, helpful and professional, and they offer all kind of great tours.

I booked the following tours with them:
1) Free Walking Tour: you should do this! It is very entertaining, even when you have a jet lag. Very good info and professional guide!
2) Amazone trip (Caiman Lodge): everything is arranged from A to Z. Perfect location, very professional guide and the surrounding is amazing!
3) Quilotoa Lake: first it didn't seem possible to book this tour on the day I wanted (I wanted to go on a day without visiting markets). But they've made some calls around to find more travellers willing to go an that specific day, while I was in the Amazone, and it worked out with a group of 4 persons! Super!
4) Galapagos: Dorian was a big help finding the right cruise for me. Very patient, explained all details and providing me good advice. Also with the flight tickets! Unfortunately, the cruise was cancelled due to Corona and he informed me immediately.

Because this was a unique situation, I will never forget it. All the people living in Ecuador are so nice and willing to help, but in this time I needed it more than ever. Information on shutting down tours and eventually the country was very mixed. The border was closing and I needed to get home safely. I did luckily, but I paid the Galapagos cruise which is a big part of my trip and coul never enjoy it. CarpeDM did everything they could to transfer the money back and it worked out well! Even though they didn't know if they would receive a refun fromd the cruise operators.

Besides the refund they took great care of, I would directely go back to CarpeDM and book the Galapgos trip once I go back to Ecuador. They are so friendly, willing to think with you and professional, wouldn't spend time on any other operator! I've been travelling around for quite some years, so that says a lot!

Thank you Paul, Dorian and all other staff! Stay safe & healthy! read less

Caiman Lodge Really good trip. Guide was excellent - very knowledgeable and was able to answer all questions (and he was entertaining also). Saw lots of wildlife - particularly enjoyed the night walk. It was beautiful falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest each night.

Amazon tour and Galapagos trip - unbelievable!! We visited this tour company in summer 2016. We were so impressed with the honest, helpful approach this company took, we wanted to visit the Galapagos and had heard you could get good last minute deals and as we were travelling at the time... read moreWe visited this tour company in summer 2016. We were so impressed with the honest, helpful approach this company took, we wanted to visit the Galapagos and had heard you could get good last minute deals and as we were travelling at the time we had some flexibility. They recommended we tried the week after we visited for better tour quality and prices and didn't try and push anything on us.
And we were not disappointed - we went on The Beluga for an 8 day tour - I can only describe it as one of the most unbelievable experiences. The wildlife, the boat, the tour guide (I could not believe his level of knowledge!), the on board team - everything was fab (and we got this for half the price of booking in advance so well worth hunting around if you have the flexibility!)
We also took a trip in to the amazon - slightly more basic on amenities, but its the Amazon so we weren't there for luxury! Again, well organised day/night/river tours and of course plenty fo wildlife
Overall would highly recommend! read less

Recommend CarpeDM We did the Quilotoa Crater tour with CarpeDM and we highly recommend it. A great guide, driver and our experience exceeded expectations. We stopped at a private cafe for coffee and also a private home enroute to the crater. Time allocated at the crater... read moreWe did the Quilotoa Crater tour with CarpeDM and we highly recommend it. A great guide, driver and our experience exceeded expectations. We stopped at a private cafe for coffee and also a private home enroute to the crater. Time allocated at the crater was perfect - never felt rushed. Knowledgeable guides, comfortable pace, and a small group. Thank you CarpeDM. Note - our travel is not an option given by Trip advisor so I picked the proper month but not year for this review. read less

Trip to the jungle Our trip to the jungle was a once in a life time experience. All the staff were incredible and made our experience very special. We especially enjoyed drifting along the river in the boat taking in the beautiful scenery and animals, the pink dolphins... read moreOur trip to the jungle was a once in a life time experience. All the staff were incredible and made our experience very special. We especially enjoyed drifting along the river in the boat taking in the beautiful scenery and animals, the pink dolphins and monkeys. The sunset swims were definitely another highlight! I have recommended this tour to many people. read less

Carpe Diem tours Quito - Amazon and Galapagos Wonderful time with a helpful and transparent tour company. Informative and affordable. We had a great time on our Amazon tour and our Galapagos islands cruise.

4 day Amazon tour in Siona Lodge We had an amazing experience with CarpeDM Adventures in Amazon for four days. Our guide (Luis) was great, we saw a lot of animals (including a big anaconda, wooow), we had good food and a well-equiped lodge (Siona Lodge). You have to go by... read moreWe had an amazing experience with CarpeDM Adventures in Amazon for four days. Our guide (Luis) was great, we saw a lot of animals (including a big anaconda, wooow), we had good food and a well-equiped lodge (Siona Lodge). You have to go by boat to the lodge and at this route, Luis already showed us many animals, we felt in paradise. Communication went well, especially important because we wanted to leave for the Amazon when a national strike an protests occurred. We couldn't leave and since it was already late CarpeDM offered us a discount on a stay in their hostel. Later, when things were more quiet again, we could leave for the Amazon and everything was arranged well by Paul and his team. read less