I'm an Asian woman who's never been to Poland, so I thought I would pay a little bit more and hire a private guide for 2 days of hiking/trekking. I contacted Retha of BazaTatry weeks before my trip. Not only she gave me very good suggestion, she also told me that I could hire their service for the first day, and she would ask the guide to show me how to use public transport for my second day, so that I don't have to spend that much on private tour. I told them I would like to be spared from the tourist stuff and my hiking experience, and ask them to tailor-made a tour for me.
I traveled from Krakow to Zakopane by bus, and located BazaTatry easily once I arrived the bus station. BazaTatry is the office of the tour company but also a shop filled with quality Polish design. My guide for the day was a local named Hania. She gave me a wonderful tour to a beautiful valley then the mountain Nosal. On the way she provided with amazing information and interesting stories about the biophysical environment and history of the national park. She had also offered me snacks and fruit.
I've asked for quotation from other tours, and this is the best bargain. I like the fact that they keep the price down by using public transport, which is very convenient and helped me to get around on my own afterwards.
I really appreciate the realistic and honest information BazaTatry provided, and the amazing tour Hania had given me. If you are visiting Zakopane for the first time, I strongly suggest you to join a tour offered by BazaTatry, if not, as least stop by the shop and buy some really lovely souvenirs!