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This is not about tourist traps, but all the opposite: my recommendations on tour operators in San Pedro.
Although all of them care a lot about good service, and pool their passengers to uniform their fares and keep the business cost-efficient as well, there are some that have an outstanding service without charging extra.
As my experience goes, the small TURISMO EL SOL (Tocopilla 432 – Tel.: (055)851230) turiemoelsol@hotmail.com) resulted the best agency in San Pedro, readily open to solve problems, take special requests, and always personally caring about their passengers. On top of that, they were the cheapest of all agencies, without compromising the quality of service. Its owner (Magaly) and guide Hernan Zuleta (aka HZ) are very friendly and helpful.
Katarpe tours guides were also good and friendly, and cared about me –and about their passengers too, of course, although I guess I was myself somewhat of a tourist attraction- while in El Tatio, ferrying messages and good breakfasts for me.
Although I didn’t hired them,Cosmo Andino has good mountaineers amid their guides, so if you’re after a tailor-made mountain tour, this is a good choice.
I had a problem with Pachamama, as I was left without the included, prepaid breakfast (nor any explanation about it) on an early morning tour in which I was pooled by El Sol; other travellers had problems with the same guide too. El Sol compensated me adequately for that, but be careful if booking Pachamama, as some of their guides/drivers seem to be overstressed and have a lack of sleep, which can be hazardous if travelling on difficult mountain or dirt roads.
When you face any problem with the tour agencies (such as being stranded, or having a broken car without refunds, or not complying with what you've expected from the service) you can make a written complain at the Sernatur (National Tourism Service), which in San Pedro is located in the old Pedro de Valdivia's house (a national monument as well), in the NE side of the plaza (main square).
Both tour operators and Sernatur take this very seriously, and usually complains are settled very fast. Leave a Comment
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 Markets in San Pedro by cybergenic
There seems to be a tiny bit of resentment from the locals toward the backpackers who have taken over their town.
Take the time to greet them in Spanish and try to chat to them.
San Pedro is a good base if you plan to visit Boliva (Uyuni), Tatio Geisers and Death Valley Leave a Comment
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This little town is the jumping off point for tours going to Souther Bolivia, and buses going over the range to Argentina. As a result of this everything is overpriced and you will be rubbing elbows with lots of backpacker types. The tourists dollars have made the locals keen on making a few pesos off you while you stay in town.
On the positive side, many of the places in town are spending their earnings to upgarde their establishments.
Eat at one of the cheaper places (like the locals who know better) north of the market and near the football field.
Maybe you could venture out of the town and stay in someone's home. This area is a desert andthere is a vast emptiness about it. If you like to be in the middle of nowhere and want to meditate on the spaciousness of it all, you might like it.
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We bougt postcards and ask for stamps. Woman in the shop received our money and promised us to send it, but nothig happened.
Buy stamps and stick them on! Leave a Comment
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 by lamsterz
Don't spend yet!
Skip a meal if you've been had.
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