What Our Clients Say About Encierro's Bull Running Tours
Authentic reviews from runners and spectators who experienced San Fermín with our expert guides.
Since 2007, Encierro has guided thousands of visitors through the traditions, culture, and safety aspects of Pamplona's running of the bulls. Our team of experienced bull runners, including Dennis Clancey, have earned a reputation for providing authentic, expert guidance that makes a real difference in participants' bull running experience. Do not take our word for it—read what our clients have to say about their experience with Encierro's bull running tours.
"Highly, highly recommend if you are considering running with the bulls in Pamplona. The information was so thorough. Not only did he provide history of San Fermin but he gave a lot of suggestions on how to run, where to be, what to avoid, how to be safe and not to do stupid things. My adult sons felt much better about the run after speaking with Dennis. He also stuck around to make sure everyone's questions were answered. It was well worth the time we spent to get all this info. And as a mom, it put me at ease too."
Client Reviews
Dennis is solid gold. Not only do you get a detailed description of the physical terrain of the running route—which is extremely important—you gain great insight into the culture of the bulls, the encierro (thanks for the new word, Dennis!), and the San Fermin Festival. I think what many may not know is that the running is not (for most) some wild free for all, but rather a very old cultural practice, with purpose and ethics and reason—w/star runners and those who are just good—that get to us through runners like Dennis who truly participate. It is fascinating stuff! Cannot recommend the tour or Dennis's expertise enough . . . . As they say in Navarra: Viva! Gora!
I saw Dennis on YouTube and watched a documentary of his called Chasing Red. AirBnb suggested a tour for my Pamplona visit and to my surprise it was the American bull running expert Dennis. Got a lot of questions answered; and Dennis was very understanding and easy to get along with. Needless to say I felt confident going into the run; and survived to leave this review - thanks to Dennis!
If you are considering running with the bulls in Pamplona, I highly recommend Dennis’ advice and coaching. Dennis is experienced, caring and personable. His tips proved to be accurate, insightful, and geared toward maximizing the experience while minimizing the risk (which is substantial). Dennis is a celebrity in Pamplona, and you will continue to see him often throughout the Festival. He’s a great guy, and knows what he’s talking about!
Highly, highly recommend if you are considering running with the bulls in Pamplona. The information was so thorough. Not only did he provide history of San Fermin but he gave a lot of suggestions on how to run, where to be, what to avoid, how to be safe and not to do stupid things. My adult sons felt much better about the run after speaking with Dennis. He also stuck around to make sure everyone’s questions were answered. It was well worth the time we spent to get all this info. And as a mom, it put me at ease too.
Dennis is a highly professional, warm and engaging expert on all things Pampalona Fiesta. Where else can you get someone who has literally made a documentary about bull running to show you the ropes? Throughout my experience in Pampalona, Dennis made terrific recommendations for the higher end side (there is a college Mardi Gras track to take if thats your thing, too) of bars, restaurants, and route viewing options. I think he has something like fifteen years of trips there, and is fun to be with someone who’s so dedicated to integrating into and respecting the local tradtions.
Dennis and Anthony are masters of this run. They know all the ins and out. They also take the local culture into consideration and they are focused on fun and safety. If you're a first time runner, you shouldn't step foot on that course without taking this tour.
Highly recommend this walking tour to get acquainted with the route ahead of running with the bulls. We received valuable advice from experienced runners both to ensure safety and enhance the value of the experience. Don't know how I could have done it with them!
If your coming to Spain for the running of the bulls in Pamplona, getting a guided tour by Dennis is a necessity. You won’t regret it!!
This tour is a must for anyone having the slightest thought of running with the bulls. Not only do you learn a great deal about the history of the run, but you also learn important tips/tricks to help have a successful run. Dennis was incredibly knowledgeable, professional and patient.
Insider knowledge and invaluable information for those who plan to run the famed streets of Pamplona with the revered Toro Bravo bulls, as well as a deep history and understanding of the San Fermin festival for both runners and spectators. Thanks again Dennis
Wow! if you go to Pamplona for the first time for San Fermin you need to contact Dennis. He gave us a detailed tour on what to do , what to expect , where to go.. how to run.. everything... I think we would have been pretty lost without him. He also has a great group of people so is a good way to make new friends.
Host was very communicative on planning our meetup, making sure all were comfortable finding it. The tour was very thorough, Dennis emphasized we can stay as long as we need to answer additional questions. Because he is a current runner and not just a historian, he was able to speak with great detail on what to expect “this year” or recent changes. I feel way more comfortable for my run, great energy in this group and it’s clear that Dennis is passionate about the subject.
Dennis is very knowledgeable about the run, offering some historical information along with the best ways to approach the run and things to avoid. He is patient and quite engaging. We saw him before and after several runs and he always stopped and spoke with us. Having completed his walk through, I think it is a must from a knowledge and safety standpoint.
Dennis knows the history and culture, the bulls, the course, and how to run Pamplona. I'll be more confident (and safer) when I run. Highly, unreservedly recommended.
The advice I value most is from someone who has successfully done it. So getting tips from one of someone as knowledgeable as Dennis is as good as it gets. This is a must do experience for any first time runner.
Highly recommend booking this experience for anyone who is on the fence about running during the festival. Dennis was very informative, answered all questions we had and gave out some great tips for people who were running for the first time.
Highly recommend if you plan to run with the bulls. Both Dennis and Anthony were extremely knowledgeable.
I highly recommend this guide with Dennis. Not only was it well informed, but it also provided a lot of skills and techniques that make you feel a lot more confident on the run. I recommend this for anyone doing the run or for general information as well.
Dennis was terrific. Super informative and patient with all of our questions. He was friendly and warm and was great with answering questions about the area and the bull run before the tour through the messaging app. I definitely recommend it if you are planning to run.
Dennis called me personally to accommodate my schedule. I can't say how much I appreciate the personal touch. The tour was informative. Luckily the day after I took the tour I was able to successful run without issue.
The tips he provided were invaluable for the experience ahead. After his tour I felt a lot better doing Encierro for the first time and didn’t hesitate to do it again the next day. He has a healthy respect for the tradition and he himself is a great guy.
Dennis was very thorough in his explanations about the run. He answered all of my questions (and I had a bit) and didn’t leave any doubt. Highly recommend for first time runners.
Dennis is an outstanding guide - He goes way above and beyond! And has so much expertise - Such a great source of advice on running with the bulls!
The tour was fun and informative. Dennis did an excellent job sharing what we need to know for the best possible first time run.
Because the experience got off to rocky start outside of Dennis’s control because of crowds there was some confusion and dismay. Dennis quickly won me over and highly recommend him. Experience was 5 star for value and knowledge gained from it.
Informative tour. Dennis definitely has an appreciation for the San Fermin Festival.
This is a must do activity if you're attending San Fermin. Great insight and stories from an elite bull runner. Great way to prepare and meet new friends and a very reasonable price. Highly recommend this five stars all the way!
Dennis could be straight from The Sun Also Rises- an accomplished veteran and intrepid artist who guides the magic of Pamplona’s history and culture to life in a uniquely personalized and utterly modern way.
This tour helped make our experience running with the bulls go perfect! It should be a required activity for anyone running.
Great tour, highly recommended for any new runners. Worth the price if you want to know what’s going on and enjoy the experience!!
Great information if you are planning or considering to run with the bulls. I had no idea what to expect when running before this tour and ended up running on the final day of 2023 and made it through unscathed.
A must for any first time runner. Dennis knows what he’s talking about!!
Dennis is the man! Any first time runner should definitely do this before running!
Excellent tour and very informative, if you're thinking of doing the run this is a must!
This was a very helpful and concise tour. We really appreciated Dennis’ insight, especially if you’re considering running the race. Well worth the time and money.
Tour was amazing and informative did hesitate this the tour to take
Dennis is an expert! Do take his advise. The colosseum is really dangerous but ride the butt of the last bull in, the entrance is really dangerous as Dennis said.
Great experience walking the course with a legend!!! There's so much good information in this tour. Don't miss it.
Great experience! If you’re planning on running - highly recommend.
Great experience! If you're planning on running - highly recommend.
Thanks for making the experience of running with the bulls a great one!
Weather visiting or running for the first time it is very insightful and helpful.
Extremely informative and helpful. See you post run!
Great info on running with the bulls.
Great tour.
Great tour.
Excellent overview, especially if you've never done this before.
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Check out our 5 star reviews on Airbnb Experiences, where we've guided over 800 additional visitors through the traditions and safety aspects of the running of the bulls.
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Note: Early festival dates (July 6-8) book quickly. Reserve your spot today to avoid disappointment.