Overall the cost of this trip was high in any standard, yet we felt that, especially in the last three days, we didn't get our money's worth. If I did it again, I'd probably rent a car for the entire duration, or at least for the last part in San Pedro. I'm sure that we would have had a different experience in San Pedro had we drove our own car, or paid for a taxi to avoid the crowds, make better use of our time, and visit some spots off the beaten track.
We took the 3 day tour and it was an adventure unlike any other. Lake Chungara, Salar De Surire, Hot... read more Springs, Putre, Parque Lauca
Our guide, Helmut, was terrific. He was experienced and knowledgeable about all facets of the area. The sites were simply incredible. The Altiplano is one of the most unique destinations we have ever experienced. The wildlife and scenery were unparalleled.
The altitude change is serious. You must drink a lot of water and not over-exert yourself. If you follow your guide's lead, you should be able to adjust.
Both tours included all the highlights I was looking forward to see and... read more all the guides were very competent, attentive and kind. I can totally recommend
Preplanning – For our travels through the Chilean Altiplano I was looking for a company to get us from Arica in the very far north of Chile to the popular desert gateway of San Pedro de Atacama. Not many companies service this area and it was difficult to find a company that would answer my emails. Even the folks at Mayuru Tours would take more than a week to respond. With a little persistence, however, we were able to arrange a tour that met our needs. I should also mention that the tour was one of their set itineraries with very little deviation. On the plus side, they do have numerous options to choose from.
Guide – Francisco was extremely professional and courteous. He spoke only Spanish, but spoke slowly and clearly such that even Don who speaks very little Spanish, was able to understand most things he said without my translating them by the end of the trip.
Itinerary – This was a driving tour, so there were a lot of hours in the car. The landscape is beautiful, but it’s a lot of short stops. Many of the sights are not must-sees, but if you are interested in this area of Chile it is a good way to see it. They sent us a detailed itinerary, in English, with what we would see each day. Any minor deviations in this itinerary were discussed with us beforehand. Also beware that several days are at high altitude, so it is wise to acclimate before beginning this trip.
Food and Accommodations – This is not a high-end tour. Hotels and restaurants in this region are basic. I think they arranged the best that they could, but there just isn’t much to choose from. That said, rooms were generally clean and comfortable and the food fine.
Transportation – The vehicle was a 4x4 Toyota Hilux, comfortable, in good condition and able to handle the rough roads. We had no transportation difficulties. Francisco was an excellent driver. In fact he had driven trucks for the mining companies for many years before becoming a tour driver and had an intimate knowledge of the roads, hotels and restaurants along the route.
Cost and Payment – We paid 733USD/person. This covered most everything except for a few small entry fees and dinner in Pica. The same tour with an English speaking guide would have cost 956USD/person. No deposit was required. We paid in cash when we met our guide and driver on the first morning.
Final Thought – I would definitely use Mayuru Tours again and think that overall the trip was a good value for the money.
I am also very impressed with the tours where all three chicas were very kind and professional.
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So I thank you for excellent service, professionalism and organisation.
I am very impressed. I also like Hotel Dunas, clean and comfortable with a kind young girl in reception.
Oh and finally Cecilia (who met me on arrival) was very good too and answered any and all questions I had for her at all hours.
It’s fantastic to see many excellent women working for this company.
Unser Chauffeur Francisco und die Reiseleiterin Maggie/Maguy waren sehr kompetent, konnten all unsere Fragen beantworten, waren herzlich und hilfsbereit. Sie haben alle Wünsche erfüllt und es war ihnen nie zu viel wenn wir anhalten und noch ein Foto und noch ein Foto machen wollten.
Auch dank ihnen war es eine 7tägige unvergesslich traumhafte Reise. Wir sind von den bilderbuchhaften Landschaften des Chilenischen Hochland, den Leuten, dem Wein, dem Pisco Sour 🙂 etc etc hell begeistert.
Wir können Mayuru Tours mit gutem Gewissen weiterempfehlen.
Mario, our driver, and guide excelled in every way. He really knew all the areas we went to and knew people at every stop. I have been operating tours in South America and living in Brazil for 43 years, and have had a lot of drivers. I will now insist in having him drive all our tours from Arica!
Nous sommes partis d’Arica jusqu’à San Pedro de Atacama pendant 8 jours et l’organisation était vraiment parfaite. De la réservation des hôtels,... read more des repas et en passant par Alfonso notre guide chauffeur en 4X4, tout était vraiment top !
Gabriel le fils du patron de cette petite agence parle couramment le français et vous organisera un tour sur mesure simplement par e-mail.
Les prix sont tout à fait corrects par rapport aux prestations fournies et aussi par rapport à la concurrence.
En conclusion, je recommande à 200% Mayuru Tours.
Fazit: Wir, Christiane,52 Jahre, Juristin und ich ,72 Jahre,Diplomsportlehrerin,können Mayuru-Tours, Enrique, Dyonisios und Sandra , sehr empfehlen!!
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Our experience with the Mayuru team couldn't be better. They send us a tour according to the days we stayed in San Pedro de Atacama (3D2N) which were unforgettable. They always care since the very first momento to have a clear information about the itinerary, during the departure and arrival we had contact all the time from them, wondering if everything was going as good as we expected. Also, they took us to the first tour during our arrival in San Pedro, giving us the printed itinerary, with advices and all the important details about each day. At the end of our stay, they always care if everythign was good with all the itinerary and until we left Calama they were always wondering about our safety and if the tour was as good as they expected which yes, it was! It was an unforgettable experience and a very high quality of service, we do recommend this company to anyone who want to go to San Pedro 🙂
Touristic destinations in the north like Chilean Highlands, Arica and Putre, National Park Lauca, Atacama Desert, Salar de Uyuni and Surire.
Cultural Tourism in Arica, Highlands, Atacama, Uyuni Bolivia, San Pedro and Machu Picchu Peru.
Celebrations and Festivities like the carnival in Putre, the Tirana, the bull Pullay and the festival of La Pampilla.