Valparaiso to Santiago tour

[Nalla]

Has anyone used Hector's Tour Service for a private tour from Valparaiso to Santiago? We are considering him but would like some feedback before committing. Thanks.

[Leonid]

Another company you might research is Santiago Adventures (http://www.santiagoadventures.com). We're doing BA to Valparaiso in 12/2008 and will probably use them. If I remember their web site, they have an 800 number in the US.

[Nalla]

Thanks. I'll check their site. However, I still would like to hear from anyone who has experience with Hector.

[greatam]

Thanks. I'll check their site. However, I still would like to hear from anyone who has experience with Hector.

 

Never heard of them, but I did look at internet info. Couple things I didn''t like (and I do a lot of business in Chile).

 

Prices were posted in Chilean pesos (if you are selling to Americans, why post prices in Chilean pesos)

 

Taxes are FREE (directed at South Americans)

 

Tips are not included (a direct hint for tips. Should have used the word "gratuities" also)

 

Appeared to me that "Hector" was trying to corner both the local market and the US tourist market. And IMHO, that is a no go. You either lean towards locals or you lean towards US/European tourists. There are differences in culture, style and UNDERSTANDING. And when those differences collide, it can make for a miserable experience for everyone.

 

I personally would not book with someone who has a "contradictory" style.