| Mario Tapia Meza (Chino) | ||||||||||||||||||
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Customer ReviewsChloe Waters (recommender) (10 / 10)reviewed 14/05/07 21:16
Chloe Waters spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).  DescriptionMario took my dad and I on caballos del paso to Pumamarca, beautiful isolated ruins on the way to Willoc. Then in the afternoon he took us in taxi to the ruins of Moray and the town of Maras, known for its portadas, or fancy doorways.Best bits: I absolutely loved riding through the valley on horses. Mario shared so much about the history with us. It had been a long time since I had been on a horse, so I was a little timid to start off, but I felt very safe and had a wonderful time. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Worst bits: The worse part was leaving Ollantaytambo!
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
Jenny van Mens (8 / 10)reviewed 30/10/07 00:28
Jenny van Mens spent 5-10 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionEco tour in Lares planting trees with the local community and school childrenBest bits: Playing cards, Mario´s original ideas and genuine thoughtfulness
Worst bits: Cold and altitude sickness
RatingsOverall experience: 8 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments: Mario is a fantastic and enthusiastic tour guide. He is a genuine person who cares greatly about his customers and will do anything to ensure their safety and well being.
Janice Kendall (10 / 10)reviewed 08/11/07 23:07
Janice Kendall spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionI spend a great week camping in Cuncani valley with Mario, and also with Domingo and Louis. They really looked after us well. Mario speaks good English has a great sense of humor. He is very helpful and will do his best to solve any problems you may have. He is very perceptive and trys to make you time in Peru as comfortable as possible. The mountains were amazing and the people really lovely. Mario is a great advocate for Peru, he is proud of his country, his heritage and knowledgeable about the history. Mario is a great guide and I would highly recommend him. He is also fun to play cards with especially when you win.Best bits: meeting the locals with Mario
Worst bits: the cold
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 8 / 10
Comments: i haven't read it yet
Michelle Singler (10 / 10)reviewed 14/11/07 13:22
Michelle Singler spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionThis was my second trip with Chino. We spent 3 days and 2 nights hiking to the thermal baths at Lares. The hike was breath-takingly beautiful with views of glaciers and glacial lagoons. We passed local villages and llamas and alpacas.Best bits: The views, the hike, the thermal baths. Making it to the top!!
Worst bits: Getting out of the thermal baths!
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments: I would really recommend the Lares Trek to people who want to do a few day hike, but either don't want to do the Inca Trail for economic reasons or because it's so busy. We only saw 2 other tourists the entire trip. It wasn't an easy hike--need to be fit and accustomed to the altitude, but it was worth it and wonderful. Chino was great. Our second day I couldn't carry my pack, so he had a horse carry it for me. The fresh cooked meals were delicious!
Jody (10 / 10)reviewed 22/01/08 23:27
Jody spent 5-10 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWe found Chino here on LL and he guided us with excellent English through the towns and ruins of Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac, Maras, Moray, Cuzco and more. Along the way he explained to us the history and culture, showed us how to get about as locals do, and introduced us to his friends. He arranged hikes, horseback riding, and for us to rent a dirtbike for a side trip. We thoroughly enjoyed his company and spent most of our down time hanging out with him. Our honeymoon was fantastic with his help! Thanks Chino!And please give our regards to Jose, who helped us around Cuzco. Best bits: Chino went out of his way to help make our trip enjoyable.
Worst bits: Going home.
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
kelly fleischer (10 / 10)reviewed 06/03/08 22:15
kelly fleischer spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionChino took us horseback riding and to several ruins in the Ollatatambo areaBest bits: he was very informed, fun to be with, helpful
Worst bits: nothing needed improvement
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 5 / 10
Comments:
mariola katryniok (10 / 10)reviewed 16/05/08 02:01
mariola katryniok spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). Descriptionhorseback riding from Moray to salt-mines of MorasBest bits: his knowledge, his enthusiasm, everything was perfect
Worst bits: none
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 5 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 8 / 10
Comments:
pascal tremblay (9 / 10)reviewed 18/06/08 19:46
pascal tremblay spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). Descriptionwe visited in his company the sacred valley. Ollantay tambo, pisac, cusco, chincheros etc.Best bits: flexibility, friendship, allways whit a smile and a good humor
Worst bits: my stomach reaction to some peruvian food.... 8)
RatingsOverall experience: 9 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments: I would say that Mario is a very special person. He love is contry and pass that feeling to you. Whit him you feel safe and in good hand. He has a lot of patience to explain and he is very flexible to your need. When I think of the 4 days me and my wife spend whit him it makes me wish we were back there.
Bernhard Boser (8 / 10)reviewed 29/07/08 04:47
Bernhard Boser spent 5-10 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionTreking and sight-seeing (sacred valley)Best bits: scenery, Andean life
Worst bits: none
RatingsOverall experience: 8 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 7 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
Wendy Chen (10 / 10)reviewed 16/10/08 03:30
Wendy Chen spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWe spent a day with Mario horseback riding through the Sacred Valley and visiting the Inca agricultural terraces in Moray and the town and salt mines of Maras. We also visited a chicheria after our ride. The day was the highlight of our trip—hands down. Mario planned the day to perfection. We particularly enjoyed hearing about the area’s history and culture from him. He has a great perspective because he grew up and still lives in Ollantaytambo. And more than anything, he was super nice and super cool. We would recommend working with him without hesitation or reservation.Best bits: We loved his stories.
Worst bits: We were very sore.
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments:
Dejan Duzevik (10 / 10)reviewed 11/12/08 17:45
Dejan Duzevik spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionMet up in Cusco, had drinks at a local nightspot in Ollantaytambo, went to Moray, Maras, and the Inka sites around Ollantaytambo. We also went horse-back riding, and drank Chicha in a traditional house.Best bits: It felt like hanging out with a friend rather than a guide
Worst bits: None
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
Sarah Bowman (10 / 10)reviewed 31/12/08 23:17
Sarah Bowman spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWe traveled around the Sacred Valley, from Yucay to Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu to Pisaq and then to Cusco, visiting ruins and exploring local culture.Best bits: Everything!
Worst bits: Nothing.
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 5 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments:
raven (10 / 10)reviewed 31/03/09 01:12
raven spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWe met Chino for the first time on a hot afternoon in Ollantaytambo. My first impression told me right away that we had picked the right guy. He was smiling and totally cheerful. Chino gave us a quick summary of our day to come and all in perfect English. We rode off and throughout our voyage Chino showed us many sites and was happy to answer any questions. On our arrival to Pumamarka, he gave us an inside look to how the locals lived and made us feel really welcome. Chino is very knowledgeable and a total comedian. He’s a total joy and is guaranteed to give you an experience you will never forget.Best bits: seeing the suspended pyramid, and visiting wih the locals
Worst bits: leaving...
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
Bruno M (10 / 10)reviewed 11/05/09 20:05
Bruno M spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionMy partner and me went on a tour of Ollantaytambo and also on a one-afternoon horseback riding tour near Ollantaytambo that offered scenic views and a truly unique experience. Chino was a friendly, knowledgeable, generous, and all-around awesome guide. Later on we hang out with him in Cusco, and he also recommended a friend of his that was our guide trekking to Machu Picchu.Best bits: The horseback riding tour was an amazing experience. His knowledge of the history of Ollantaytambo and his fun stories were great.
Worst bits: I wish I had had more time to hang out with him in Ollantaytambo!
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
emily (9 / 10)reviewed 13/05/09 00:37
emily spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). Descriptionchino picked us up in cusco, along with a driver and gave us a tour for the afternoon of pisac ruins, pisac market and back to ollaytantambo. the next day he gave us a full day tour of ollayanta ruins, chincheras, maras, moray,salineras, urumbamba and back to ollantaBest bits: excellent knowledge of history of area/ excellent english/ very friendly
Worst bits: none (could have gotten a driver with a newer taxi!
RatingsOverall experience: 9 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments: none.. i would recommend chino to anyone! (my kids are thinking of making the same trip and will definitely get in touch with chino..) thanks for a great trip! emily and marc lerner
Leap Winners (10 / 10)reviewed 19/05/09 14:49
Leap Winners spent 2 hours or less with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionThis is not a typical review – it is an opportunity to identify Mario as a winner of Leap Local's competition to reward good local guides and services. The best bits and worse bits are a snippet from our judges’ comments. More details about the competition are on our site.Best bits: Really respect him striving for self improvement by further studying to be a guide. (Kirsten) Like the fact that he is going solo, and I’ve met him too and he’s a lovely guy. Good language skills, flexibility, knowledge, alternative sites etc. Some wonderful reviews of Mario.
Worst bits: He should be encouraged to set rates – even if it says rates are negotiable.
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Not sure
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
Karissa Pearson (10 / 10)reviewed 24/05/09 07:09
Karissa Pearson spent 2-5 hours with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWent horse back ridingBest bits: Had great information on the site. Very friendly. Made entire experience great.
Worst bits: N/A
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 8 / 10
Comments:
Kate Friday (10 / 10)reviewed 04/07/09 00:24
Kate Friday spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionChino arranged our transportation and sightseeing activities in and around Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. He was very knowledgeable, incredibly conscientious and punctual, and very pleasant to be with. He earned our trust and confidence very quickly, and advised us very well in all aspects of our travel (even those that he had no planned).Best bits: Seeing many aspects of the town and valley from a local perspective instead of the tourist perspective
Worst bits: Chino was unavailable one day and we used a different guide :(
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments: Chino is very flexible, and can show you his home country from the viewpoint of a local or give you a 5-star holiday, depending on your needs.
Kate Friday (10 / 10)reviewed 04/07/09 20:33
Kate Friday spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionChino did an amazing job coordinating the logistics and giving us an inside-view of Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Saltino. We traveled between sites using on foot, private minivan, taxi, cambi and local buses. We joked that the only form of transportation missed was the llamas.Best bits: The ability to see Peru from the eyes of a local
Worst bits: Chino was unavailable one day and we used a different guide :(
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments: Whether you are searching for the chance to experience Peru from the perspective of a local or you want a 5-star, customized tour, Chino can do it all. He strives to understand the individual needs of each client, and gives his full and undivided attention to you when he is guiding. He is extremely patient and warm, and has a good sense of humor.
Daniela (10 / 10)reviewed 15/09/09 01:51
Daniela spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionI spent two days with Chino, visiting Moray, Maras and Salineras on horseback and visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins and Chinchero by car. Both days were absolutely perfect. Everything was extremely well organized (coordinating the different modes of transportation etc.). Above all, Chino is a great person to hang out with, and it was more like exploring the Sacred Valley with a friend than with a guide.Altogether a fantastic experience! Best bits: Horseriding in the Sacred Valley
Worst bits: None
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
Joanna Bradford (10 / 10)reviewed 02/12/09 15:16
Joanna Bradford spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWe loved Chino!! Chino was the guide for our family (with 3 kids ages 8, 6 and 4) around the Sacred Valley and Cusco. We had 4 guides during our time in Peru and Chino was by far the best--very knowledgeable and passionate about the area and its history, punctual and dependable, with a wonderful, friendly personality and a great sense of humor. It really was like traveling with a friend. He is great with kids and is caring and compassionate...when my son developed a big lump on his leg, he took us to the local doctor, translated for us, and even brought his mom who made up a herbal poultice to put on his leg--all AFTER he was done guiding us for the day. Our kids keep saying "We miss Chino!"Best bits: Great personality, very knowledgeable, stunning scenery
Worst bits: Couldn't go horseback riding because my son hurt his leg :-(
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
Glenda S. McKinney (8 / 10)reviewed 06/12/09 21:26
Glenda S. McKinney spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionWe went from Ollantaytambo to Maras, Moray and a weaving collective, and ended up in Cusco. He was our guide, and we had a driver as well.Best bits: historical and geographic details
Worst bits: kept forgetting our names, but not a huge problem
RatingsOverall experience: 8 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 5 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Not sure
ProfileProfile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments:
laura jackson (10 / 10)reviewed 10/12/09 08:17
laura jackson spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionChino is the best guide. We met him for lunch to discuss our plan, he took us to the best local resturant. the following day at 8am, he took us on a half day tour of the incas and then a half day horse back ride down the sacred valley stopping to look at the salt flats. I was really scared of horses but Chino was very patient and i ended up loving the horse i was on!!! we then visted a corn museum, and went to a ollantaytambo, where we visted the Inca archaeological site. That evening Chino took us for the best burritos at his favorite resturant. The following morning we went to Machu Pichu, where he explained everything in great detail. Chino is a very knowledgable guide, and ended up being a great friend who we had lots of fun with.Best bits: The food, Chino's high spirits!!
Worst bits: The rain at Machu Pichu!!
RatingsOverall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes
ProfileProfile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:
Robert Norton (7 / 10)reviewed 02/02/10 13:45
Robert Norton spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino). DescriptionTesting review systemBest bits: the leaplocal review system
Worst bits: the fact that it might be broke
RatingsOverall experience: 7 / 10
Value for money: 3 / 10
Eco impact: 3 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? No
ProfileProfile accuracy: 4 / 10
Comments: more reviews
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