Drivers in Chile & Argentina

My husband and I spent October 2014 visiting Chile and Argentina on a customized tour, and for three days in Santiago we had an excellent English-speaking guide whom we highly recommend.

José Manuel González Holley (Santiago, Chile; phone +569 96403238 or email josemanuelholley@yahoo.com) took us on a city tour, on day trips outside of Santiago, including private wine-tasting in the Colchagua Valley, and to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. A very experienced guide, José is flexible and fun. 

José’s services* were part of a package arranged by Latin Destinations, now known as Tripmasters (Rockville, MD; 800/430-0484, www.tripmasters.com).

• On our first trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, seven years ago, we hired a taxi driver, Pablo Menendez (pablo336menendez@hotmail.com), for a private city tour, following an ITN recommendation. We hired him in 2014 for another 8-hour tour and had a great time again. Pablo charges ARS130 (near $15) per hour.

KATHY PARSONS

Ann Arbor, MI

*José Manuel González Holley told ITN that, not including transportation or meals, he charges a small group $50 for a 4-hour tour or $100 for eight hours. He will travel throughout Chile, Argentina and Brazil.