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Mario Tapia Meza (Chino)

Description:

Mario, who is known to all as Chino, is a local from the beautiful Inca town of Ollantaytambo which has ruins right over the town that are similar to those of Machu Picchu. Chino can offer you tours by foot, bike, or horse. He has both horses that you're used to, and the Peruvian specialty caballos del paso.

Chino knows and loves the stories of the Sacred Valley, the Inkas, and the current culture. He'll tell you the love stories of the battling Ollantaytambo Inkas, show you local weavings from the small indigenous weaving community of Willoc, and tell you the archeological theories behind the mysterious circle terrace ruines of Moray.

Spending a day around the Sacred Valley with Chino leaves you wanting more, as his love for his home rubs off on you. He has wanted to be a guide since he was little and currently is in school for guides where he will soon get his carnet. Chino has lots of experience taking large groups or pairs of tourists to Pumamarca, Willoc, Patacancha, Moray, Maras, among many others. He is fluent in English, so no need to worry if you don't speak Spanish.

His trips can be a few hour ride in horse/bike/foot/taxi or a multi-day trip to Lares, Choquequirao, Salkantay, or many other beautiful ruins around the valley that get seldom get visited. For the multi-day rides, he can set you up with a horse to carry the gear and will take care of the food as well. There are trips available for people of all ages and abilities. Let him know what you're interested in seeing or doing, and he'll tell you about the options.

Chino can also take you to Machu Picchu the alternative route through Santa Maria and Santa Teresa to avoid the train. It can be just hiking, or a combination biking and hiking.

At the end of the day to relax, make sure Chino takes you to a chicheria to try the delicious local corn beer with the locals.

In terms of prices, Chino prefers to leave it up to you to decide. But feel free to ask what is appropriate.

Contact Details:

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Other images from this local:

Chino in the Vallay of Patacancha with his horse Cadiar

Chino in the Vallay of Patacancha with his horse Cadiar
uploaded by Chloe Waters on 15/05/07 20:13

Chino and my Dad at a chicheria

Chino and my Dad at a chicheria
uploaded by Chloe Waters on 16/05/07 17:16

Chino and his horse Almendrado

Chino and his horse Almendrado
uploaded by Chloe Waters on 16/05/07 17:32

Mario in action

Mario in action
uploaded by pascal tremblay on 18/06/08 19:50

Mario helping Wendy on Heroico.

Mario helping Wendy on Heroico.
uploaded by Wendy Chen on 16/10/08 03:34

Mario talking about the salt mines to Dan.

Mario talking about the salt mines to Dan.
uploaded by Wendy Chen on 16/10/08 03:34

Chino and my partner in Ollantaytambo's temple

Chino and my partner in Ollantaytambo's temple
uploaded by Bruno M on 11/05/09 20:17

Horseback riding

Horseback riding
uploaded by Bruno M on 11/05/09 20:17

With chino, on horses

With chino, on horses
uploaded by Bruno M on 11/05/09 20:17

Leap Local Winner May 2009

Leap Local Winner May 2009
uploaded by Leap Winners on 19/05/09 15:28

Explaining the remarkably advanced water system in the Ollayantaytambo ruins.

Explaining the remarkably advanced water system in the Ollayantaytambo ruins.
uploaded by Kate Friday on 23/07/09 22:32

Chino in Moray/Maras at a UNESCO site.

Chino in Moray/Maras at a UNESCO site.
uploaded by Kate Friday on 23/07/09 22:19

Trying "chicha beer" with Chino was an experience we will never forget!

Trying "chicha beer" with Chino was an experience we will never forget!
uploaded by Kate Friday on 23/07/09 22:19

He opened many doors - literally and figuratively -  into the local lifestyle and people.

He opened many doors - literally and figuratively - into the local lifestyle and people.
uploaded by Kate Friday on 23/07/09 22:19

Our "salty" guide explaining the harvesting process at the salt mines of Maras.  We peppered him with questions -- ha!

Our "salty" guide explaining the harvesting process at the salt mines of Maras. We peppered him with questions -- ha!
uploaded by Kate Friday on 23/07/09 22:19

a

a
uploaded by Daniela on 15/09/09 01:54

Chino in the Ollantaytambo ruins

Chino in the Ollantaytambo ruins
uploaded by Daniela on 15/09/09 01:56

Chino at the Ollantaytambo ruins.

Chino at the Ollantaytambo ruins.
uploaded by Daniela on 17/09/09 12:56

Lares Trek with Chino

Lares Trek with Chino
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:24

Chino with my children on Lares Trek

Chino with my children on Lares Trek
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:24

Lares children

Lares children
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:25

Villages in the Lares

Villages in the Lares
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:25

Our treking team in the Lares

Our treking team in the Lares
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:26

Our camp site

Our camp site
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:27

The horseman daughter Elisabeth with my two girls

The horseman daughter Elisabeth with my two girls
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:27

Lares children

Lares children
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:28

Crossing rivers in Lares

Crossing rivers in Lares
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:28

Cultural experience arriving in villages

Cultural experience arriving in villages
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:29

Lares hot springs

Lares hot springs
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:29

Lares hot springs

Lares hot springs
uploaded by Stef bolduc on 23/06/10 01:30

Riding from Moray to Maras

Riding from Moray to Maras
uploaded by Liz Moore on 24/08/10 20:15

At the end of the ride by the Urubamba River

At the end of the ride by the Urubamba River
uploaded by Liz Moore on 24/08/10 20:16

Chino showing us around the home where we tried Chicha

Chino showing us around the home where we tried Chicha
uploaded by Liz Moore on 24/08/10 20:16


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Overall
9.6 / 10
31 reviews

Customer Reviews

Chloe Waters (recommender) (10 / 10)

reviewed 14/05/07 21:16

Chloe Waters spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

Mario 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!

Ratings

Overall 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).

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Description

Eco tour in Lares planting trees with the local community and school children
Best bits: Playing cards, Mario´s original ideas and genuine thoughtfulness
Worst bits: Cold and altitude sickness

Ratings

Overall experience: 8 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

I 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

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

This 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!

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

We 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.

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Chino took us horseback riding and to several ruins in the Ollatatambo area
Best bits: he was very informed, fun to be with, helpful
Worst bits: nothing needed improvement

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

horseback riding from Moray to salt-mines of Moras
Best bits: his knowledge, his enthusiasm, everything was perfect
Worst bits: none

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 5 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

we 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)

Ratings

Overall experience: 9 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Treking and sight-seeing (sacred valley)
Best bits: scenery, Andean life
Worst bits: none

Ratings

Overall 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).

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Description

We 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.

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Met 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

Ratings

Overall 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).

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Description

We 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.

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 5 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments:

raven (10 / 10)

reviewed 31/03/09 01:12

raven spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

We 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...

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

My 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!

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:

emily (9 / 10)

reviewed 13/05/09 00:37

emily spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

chino 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 ollanta
Best bits: excellent knowledge of history of area/ excellent english/ very friendly
Worst bits: none (could have gotten a driver with a newer taxi!

Ratings

Overall experience: 9 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

This 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.

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Not sure

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Went horse back riding
Best bits: Had great information on the site. Very friendly. Made entire experience great.
Worst bits: N/A

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Chino 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 :(

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Chino 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 :(

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

I 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

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

We 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 :-(

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

We 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

Ratings

Overall experience: 8 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 5 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Not sure

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Chino 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!!

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile 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).

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Description

Testing review system
Best bits: the leaplocal review system
Worst bits: the fact that it might be broke

Ratings

Overall experience: 7 / 10
Value for money: 3 / 10
Eco impact: 3 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? No

Profile

Profile accuracy: 4 / 10
Comments: more reviews

Matthew Fairclough (10 / 10)

reviewed 01/06/10 20:37

Matthew Fairclough spent 5-10 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

Best part of a week with Chino in the Sacred Valley in between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, including ruins at Sacsayhuaman, a horse back trail from Moray to Urubamba, stopping at salt mines at Salinaras; trek to thermal baths at Lares; a day at Macchu Picchu; epiphany and all the festivities in Ollantaytambo.

Mario brought Macchu Picchu and other sites to life with his storytelling to embellish the stones which were the foundation of day to day Inca living. Mario has an extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the Incas and Peru since the arrival of the Spanish which he linked to present day society; through him we had a lot of contact with local culture and communities. This was facilitated by Mario’s fluency in Quechua, Spanish and English.

Mario has a great sense of humour and faith in the joys of life, so the whole time we were with him was like easy and enjoyable. We planned our itinerary while in England, but we were easily able to adapt as we liked in Peru with Mario’s knowledge of conditions and the local area.

Moving through the wondrous landscape of the Sacred Valley and listening to stories of Incas and Spanish conquistadores while meeting locals, tasting the cuisine and finding out about their age-old traditions opened up a vibrant world to us.

Amazing landscapes, people, food & drink, history and stories.
Best bits: Mario's stories and sense of humour
Worst bits: No worst bits (apart from a spot of diarrhea! But Mario helped find us a good chemist too!)

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 8 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:

Stef bolduc (10 / 10)

reviewed 23/06/10 01:10

Stef bolduc spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

My familly and I did a wounderfull trek in the Lares region in Peru with Chino. We did the hike with a horse so that our children can enjoy the trek. We wanted to experience, not only a hiking experience, but also a cultural experience and Chino did manage to make it happen. The horseman girl came with us hiking and we went sleeping with a familly...what an experience!
Best bits: Watching my childrens riding the horse while we are trecking peacefully. Chino was great with my children. Memorable seeing my oldest child walking hand in hand with a local child.
Worst bits: The rainy snow fall that hit us at 4 500 meter!

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:

Mark Pyle (10 / 10)

reviewed 25/06/10 16:22

Mark Pyle spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

Chino accompanied us on tours of the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins, a day visit to Machu Picchu, a horseback riding tour of the Moray-Maras-Salineras area, and a mountain biking trip in Patacancha valley. He was very helpful with finding lodging and other logistics before our arrival. Chino arranged everything for the horseback and mountain bike excursions. Our trip was tailored for a family experience with a 12 year old, and everything was wonderful. He is very knowledgeable about the entire area. This was our first such trip using a guide in any capacity, and Chino more than exceeded our expectations. We will be returning and will be calling on Chino's services to see more of this wonderful place. Thank you, Chino, for helping make this trip very memorable!
Best bits: All.
Worst bits: Leaving the Sacred Valley

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 9 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 9 / 10
Comments:

Katie Moore (10 / 10)

reviewed 21/08/10 05:02

Katie Moore spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

Chino picked us up in a car at our hotel (right on time), toured us around Moray, arranged for Peruvian Paso horses to meet us there, and took us on an unforgettable ride through Peruvian countryside. He took us through Maras town and to Salineras, explaining and answering questions along the way. Then gave us our first taste of Chicha! Completely unforgettable day, very smart guy with reasonable prices, would recommend him to anyone in the Sacred Valley area who needs a guide.
Best bits: The incredibly beautiful Peruvian countryside, Chino's knowledge of local customs and history
Worst bits: Saying goodbye and going back to our hotel!

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:

Liz Moore (10 / 10)

reviewed 24/08/10 20:12

Liz Moore spent a whole day with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

Chino came and picked us up at our hotel the morning we scheduled with him. We drove out to Moray, stopping along the way for pictures. Chino gave us a tour of Moray before meeting our horses for the day. (He set it up so that we could ride Peruvian Pasos for the day which were very well taken care of, unlike some horseback riding places) We then rode to Maras for a snack before continuing on to the Salineras. Chino gave us another tour of the Salineras before heading down to the river where our driver and the horse owners met us.

Chino answered any and all questions we had from the moment we got in the car and was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the culture, the history, and the science behind everything we saw. There was not a single question he couldn't answer.

On our way back to Cusco, Chino stopped at a house to let us try Chicha. The fact that he speaks Chechuan allowed us to try the Chicha at a local woman's house who graciously let us see how she lived.

Chino was also incredibly nice. He did everything with a smile on his face. We couldn't have asked for a better day.

If you want to do anything around Cusco, look at Chino first! He's amazing.
Best bits: Everything! The scenery, the information, the chance to meet local people...it was all amazing
Worst bits: Nothing. The entire day was incredible.

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments:

Heidi Hart (9 / 10)

reviewed 01/09/10 17:43

Heidi Hart spent 2-5 days with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

I spent 2 days exploring Cusco and surrounding area with Chino. We walked the town, took local transportation. He knew everyone one and everywhere to do. When I wasn't with him I had his great advice to follow. Then I spent a day in Ollantaytambo with a guide that Chino recommended because he was busy. Chino is great if you want to take the road less travelled, he offers insights you would never get from another tour agency.
Best bits: All of it....
Worst bits: Nothing....

Ratings

Overall experience: 9 / 10
Value for money: 9 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments: No changes...I think he's great!

Hayden Tornabene (10 / 10)

reviewed 02/09/10 01:41

Hayden Tornabene spent 2-4 weeks with Mario Tapia Meza (Chino).

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Description

This past summer, I went on an emersion trip to Peru with an organization called Walking Tree Travel. We went to Machu Picchu, we went biking through the Andes, a service project where we built a cafeteria, it was amazing.
Best bits: Absolutely Everything
Worst bits: Not a thing

Ratings

Overall experience: 10 / 10
Value for money: 10 / 10
Eco impact: 10 / 10
Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile

Profile accuracy: 10 / 10
Comments: