Meet Alfonso, your expert in Spain!
🌍 Lives in: San Sebastián, Basque Country
Regions of Expertise: Countrywide throughout all of Spain. Highlights like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Andalusia, but specialized in the north: Catalonia, Aragon, Navarre, Rioja, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, Galicia
Languages: English, Español
Experience: 18 years as a guide and 7 years designing trips
Alfonso’s specialties:
Get to know Alfonso!
A note from Alfonso
“What a beautiful day it is to be planning a trip to Spain! My name is Alfonso, and I hail from San Sebastian, in Spain’s northern Basque Country - a territory full of energy, tradition, and strong roots. As a lover of nature and the outdoors, the north of Spain, especially the Pais Vasco and the Pyrenees mountains, have always been my passion, and they were my faithful companions long before I set off on my career in tourism.
I’ve now been working as a guide and trip designer all over Spain for close to 20 years, and I started out as a freelance guide in the beginning of the 21st Century (just writing that makes me feel old!), focused on showing travelers my country’s culture, traditions, and beautiful natural areas.
Before this, I studied Journalism and Fine Arts at Saint Louis University, in Missouri, in the US. After finishing college, I spent a period of time traveling the world (mostly on foot, bike, and by bus), before returning to my home region to start a family and begin showing travelers my country - beautiful Spain.
In 2016, after more than a decade as guide, I founded a small travel agency of my own, with the idea of providing a more comprehensive service for visitors, and covering all aspects of planing a trip: the design, organization, bookings, logistics, and of course, in-person guiding.
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While I am now behind the computer fairly often talking with clients and designing trips, I still personally lead many of our tours, and am regularly out and about meeting with our partners, discovering new experiences, and scouring the country for yet-to-be-discovered gems.
If you’re looking for an adventure in Spain that traverses green mountains, beautiful raw beaches, and vibrant lively cities, it would be a pleasure for me to share my knowledge of my country with you. All of Spain, but especially the north, has something to offer at any time of year, and this is a land where we locals harmoniously blend work, active pursuits, leisure, friendship, and family into what I think is a truly delightful way of life.
If you’re in search of new experiences, authenticity and a taste of local life, and want to discover the true essence of Spain, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start planning!”
Q&A with Alfonso
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As a city, I love the size of San Sebastián; it’s big enough that it has everything you could want to entertain yourself (music, theatre, shows, restaurants), but small enough to have a family atmosphere where we "know" each other.
Also, the city is right on a beautiful beach, and within just 1 or two hours I can get to countless beautiful landscapes and wild nature.
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My answer here is going to be a little boring, but here’s why - I really like my life! So, rather than share my “perfect” day, here’s a glimpse of how I spend my time on an average day when I’m not out guiding: I have breakfast with my kids, take them to school, then return to the office for a few emails, a call or two with clients, and some office work.
At some point, I’ll often grab my bike and then head down to the beach for a walk and to listen to the sound of the ocean. At lunchtime, I might meet up with a friend for a meal, and then it’s back to the office to work on trips and think through new ideas and experiences.
Once the kids return from school, the work day largely ends and I spend time with my family and enjoy life. This is more or less my routine and I’m very grateful for it. -
When visiting San Sebastian, I suggest that every traveler set aside a few hours when they can just forget about an itinerary or checklist and simply soak up the atmosphere. Put your phone away, ignore the “must-do/see”, and just set off aimlessly. Walk through the port, meander around the old town, and pop in at random to little pintxos spots and bars for a bite or a drink. In short, relax, unwind, and just enjoy yourself!
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While San Sebastian is known for having a higher concentration of Michelin-Starred restaurants than any other city, I personally prefer the little, unpretentious local restaurants called "Ostatu" that we have in small towns or villages. It’s at these establishments that you can have honest, excellent, typical homemade food at great prices.
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Chipirones en su tinta: this is a squid dish where we toss in some onions and cook the squid in its own ink. The result is a very dark black dish that may not look super appetizing, but which has a great taste. Be careful because you can easily stain your clothes when eating!
Menestra de verduras a la pancha: this could hardly be any simpler - we take fresh seasonal vegetables, mix them up with some olive oil and a bit of salt, and throw them on the grill. Quick, easy, and delicious.
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I love traveling - discovering new places, people, food, ways of life... and I like doing it with my family, or, in more extreme or far-flung places, with my friends.
I’m also an outdoorsman, and I love hiking, mountaineering, cycling, and in the winter, skiing. -
When traveling, I like to experience new things and have a sense of freedom. I love visiting markets and natural areas, as well as seeing the local activity of places.
I’ll often find a nice corner to sit down with something to eat while watching life go on around me.
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In Summer 2023 I went with my family for a 2-month trip around the world, visiting Japan, Australia, Fiji, and Canada.
It was fantastic because we visited fascinating places far, far away from home, but also because we were all together as a family sharing the time and experience.
Spain Travel Consultations
Plan a better trip with some help from Alfonso
Sit down with Alfonso for a one-hour planning session to get his expert advice and the best local tips and recommendations.
Our travel consultations are the perfect solution for do-it-yourself travelers who want to plan on their own, but could use some expert local advice. Each consultation is personalized, and Alfonso is available to help in whatever way you need.
From working on your itinerary and advising on routes and transportation, to ideas for off the beaten path destinations and truly authentic experiences, he's got you covered.
For the best local advice, go ask a local!
Why plan with Alfonso
Spend 60 minutes tapping into Alfonso’s hyperlocal expertise to plan a better trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Consultations cost $150 USD.
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Consultations are held over Google Meet. Once you’ve scheduled your call, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing the link for your video call. On the scheduled day and time, just click that link to join.
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Each consultation is different, but here are some common things that our experts typically help with:
Itinerary planning
Transportation, driving routes, and tips for how to get around
Practical travel information; culture, safety, weather, language, money/tipping, etc.
Suggested hotels/accommodations and advice on where to base yourself
Local recommendations for restaurants, activities, and unique experiences
Advice on reputable tour guides, tour operators, and excursions
Pro tips on how to best visit popular sights and attractions
Ways to avoid overcrowded destinations and tourist traps
Insider ideas on off the beaten path places, authentic experiences, and ways to connect with locals
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What you can get done in an hour depends on your goals for the consultation and how organized you are coming into it.
In most cases, an hour is ample time to create a solid itinerary, answer your major travel questions, get practical advice on how to travel in your destination, and discuss lots of great local tips and recommendations.
To ensure that the hour is used efficiently, when you schedule your call, our pre-consultation questionnaire will ask you what your primary goals for the consultation are. Prior to the call, your Local Expert will review your questionnaire and prepare detailed information addressing those goals.
They’ll come into the call ready to share specific advice, recommendations, itinerary ideas/revisions, and useful links and resources for you to review together.
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Yes! Each consultation is guided by a comprehensive pre-consultation questionnaire that you fill out immediately upon booking.
We’ll ask you a series of 30+ detailed questions that really dig into you, your trip, your interests and travel style, and what you want to discuss with your Local Expert.
The questionnaire will cover things like: the dynamics of your group, the things you enjoy while traveling, your budget, how early you want to start your day and how late you want to end it, whether you want to hit the highlights or roam the back streets, and even what types of restaurants you want to eat at.
Your Local Expert will focus only on your interests and travel style.
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Our Local Experts are seasoned travel professionals who have spent decades working in their countries/regions. While their personal interests may be different from yours, they’ve worked with thousands of travelers and have recommendations and advice for every type of individual.
They know their destinations in-depth and can help plan a trip for every traveler and taste.
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No, this is not a part of our service. Your Local Expert will share lots of links, notes, and other written resources via the Chat Box during the call, but they cannot provide post-call notes, documents, or ongoing planning assistance via email.
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No. Our service is geared toward independent, do-it-yourself travelers who intend to make bookings on their own.
Our goal is not to plan your trip for you, but rather to help you plan a better trip independently. To that end, our Local Experts will give you all of the information that you need to confidently put your trip together yourself.
When Local Experts recommend things like restaurants, hotels, excursions/activities, tours, drivers, etc., they’ll provide you with contact details and links so that you can make the final arrangements on your own.
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Almost every Go Ask A Local expert has at least 10 years of professional travel experience as a guide or trip planner in their country/region.
We work with a vetted team of seasoned professionals who know their destinations inside and out.
Unlike other companies, when you book a call, you’ll always be connected directly with your chosen Local Expert. We never pass anyone on to a junior sales associate or some anonymous back office team. With us, what you see is what you get.
Ready to plan with Alfonso?
Here’s how to schedule your consultation:
Private Guided Tours
In addition to our Spain Travel Consultations, Alfonso is also a fully licensed local guide. He offers tours and day trips in San Sebastian and throughout the surrounding area.
All of Alfonso’s tours can be fully customized. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, send him a message to discuss what you could create together!
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Walking Tour of San Sebastian
Discover the historic core of San Sebastian, visiting the city center, the coast and its beaches, and learning about the history of this unforgettable place.
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $375 USD
Max participants: 8 -
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Cycling and Food Tour of San Sebastian
Let’s discover San Sebastian by bike, following along the city’s coastline and visiting beautiful spots full of energy. Afterwards, we’ll set off on foot into the old town for a gastronomic experience.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Cost: $570 USD + $145 pp
Max participants: 8 -
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Hike to Pasaia
Setting out along the coastal path to the town of Pasaia, we’ll take in scenic views until we reach this charming fishing village.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Cost: $570 USD + $50pp
Max participants: 8 -
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Sailing in Zumaia & Wine in Getaria
Walk and sail along the cliffs of Zumaia before visiting a winery and tasting local wines outside the famous town of Getaria.
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: From $805 USD + $95pp
Max participants: 8 -
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Hiking in the Footsteps of Saint James
Let’s head off into the mountains and spend the day hiking in one of the most beautiful areas of the Basque Country while following one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in Europe: the Way of Saint James.
Duration: 5-7 hours
Cost: From $805 USD + $95pp
Max participants: 8
