RECOMMENDATIONS
TO THE LONELY PLANET:
My wife and I were recently visiting Perú and obtained Raul Castelo`s name thru your Perú Lonely Planet guide, page 181. We believe it is important for you to know that we were extremely pleased with Raúl.
We highly recommend Raúl as a private guide through Cusco or other areas of significant interest throughout Perú and bordering countries. He is also a very personable, patient and a nice person.
Sincerely
Nick Volk, First Vice President
Marketing Manager
Commercial Real Estate Group
October 2006
TO THE LONELY PLANET:
We just go back from our first trip to Perú, and wanted to share one thought with you. We took your recommendation and called private guide Raúl Castelo in Cusco as soon as we got there. He was incredible beyond words… truly. He is impassioned, kind, knowledgeable, honest and has a deep appreciation for his country and for sharing it with visitors.
In fact, we were impressed with Raúl that we are already planning our second trip to Perú with him as our guide. So thanks you for the referral to Raúl and the word!
Rhona and Kenny Rosenblatt
California – USA
May - 2004
TO THE LONELY PLANET:
Our program traveled extensively, from Lima to Trujillo and Chiclayo, then to the central highlands of the country in the Callejon de Huaylas and Chavín de Huantar, then to Cuzco, the Valle Sagrado, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and other regions of Southern Peru, on to Lake Titicaca and Puno, and finally to Tiahuanaco and La Paz in Bolivia.
The program, which began on January 2nd and ended on January 26th, was an extraordinary success. Despite its complicated nature, the program was the smoothest in my long career of study-abroad teaching (over 20 years). The quality of the program was extraordinary, the personnel Raul recruited to provide academic-level depth to the program were unique, the range of activities (which included a three day trek over the Lares mountain pass, a day of white water rafting on the Urubamba river, several musical and cultural events, visits to rural communities outside of the typical tourist track) remarkable, the food and lodgings in the various regions exceptional, the entire program carried out within the confines of a limited budget.
More importantly, Raul offered to all of us not only his expertise, but also his and his family’s friendship and trust. Two of his sons, also accomplished guides, accompanied us on much of the trip and became close to our students.
So successful was the program that three of the program’s students are returning this summer with research grants to work with Raul in Cuzco and the surrounding area. I simply cannot recommend Raul’s services too highly.
Terry Hoops
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Director of the Latin American Studies Program
Austin College
Texas - USA
January – 2008
TO LONELY PLANET:
It is with great pleasure that I write this message in regards to Mr. Castelo. From the first e-mail we wrote to him he made us feel so welcome that we couldn't wait to be on the plane to meet him.
Last June my family and I traveled to Cusco, Peru. As a native peruvian I was anxious to see Cusco again and I wanted to share the wonders of Machu Picchu with my family and friends.
Mr. Castelo has been more than a guide to us; he gave so much of himself. He refreshed my memory on things that I learned when I was in school. My husband, Eric, is now reading books on the Incas and my two kids feel the pride of being peruvians. I know we couldn't have had a better experience if it wasn't for Mr. Castelo. We are already planning our next trip to Peru with him- this time to the rain forest!
Sonia Cosio
USA
June - 2008
TESTIMONIALS
Thank you for organizing such a wonderful stay in Perú for us! It was a magical experience! Please feel free to use us as a reference for future clients. Best wishes for you and your people.
Kathy Fridstein
Seattle – United Stated
May 2006
My friends, the four days you gave to us was by far the best we have had in Perú or anywhere else. Your choice of places to visit fit exactly with our desires. Your knowledge of botanic, astronomy ancient cultures, their achievements and their local indigenous people made the trip most enjoyable and unforgettable.
I hope we will meet again when we return to Perú and we will contact you and make sure any friends who visit here will use your services. Thank you again.
Lovis Deis
New York – United Stated
April 2004
Raúl how can I put into words how absolutely fantastic our trip was with you. Thank you so much for all of the special attentions you shared with us.
Debbi Sharp
July 2003
It was certainly the best tour we have ever experienced. We hope to return again to explore with you gays some more of Perú.
Marcia K. Kaminker
North Brunswick
August 2003
Our trip to Peru was amazing. Raul's knowledge, personality, and energy really enhanced our visit. He openly shared his wonderful country and culture with us and showed us a Perú we couldn't have found without his guidance. Peru is an inspiring and diverse country and Raul and his family's lifetime of guiding experience reveals all this country has to offer."
Dennis and Amy Kirkland
Montana – USA
2007
Your service is a delightful balance between history, ecology and culture. I praised your job, honesty and your goal to teach. Thank you.
Sadra Sussman
August 2003
We never imagined how good a tour could be! You did a wonderful job for keeping us about of the huge tourists groups. You are so smart about Perú and the Inka people. You were particularly good without children (15 and 11) and were able to make it very interesting for them. Thank you for everything.
Amy, Brice, Sarah Grace and Emily Epps
USA – Alabama
2003
We have travelled in many countries over the last 30 years. You are among the best 2 or 3 agent we have ever met. We can recommend you without hesitation. We will certainly use your service in our next trips to Perú.
Richard and Sally Williams
USA
March 2003
I will eternally to my friend Barbara to contact me with you. The 10 days I spent with you were “over the top” as we say.
You showed me your Perú and I love every inch on it. I will never forget, I will always treasure my time with your beautiful country. I will send my friends to you and I shall try very hard to return for futures adventures. Thank you for this very unique special and lovely time.
Derry Henderson
San Francisco – USA
September 2005
Thank you very much for this wonderful trip. I have been travelled to many countries for the past years and met many guides and services in different countries. Some of them are very good, some aren’t. With no doubt, you are one of the best.
It’s my hope that there will be more and more people come to visit this beautiful country and I will recommend them to consult with you if they want to have in-depth trip here! Thank you again
Edward Liu
Taipe – Taiwan
January 2004
This guide is the best I have used. So far detail an in-depth. He should be number one choise to anyone that comes to visit Cusco.
Douglas Chow
April 2002
The best tour we have ever had in Perú. Thanks you for telling us so much about all different aspects of Perú. Your trip opened up new perspectives for us. We hope to see you again. Paz y amor.
Ana Tinsler and Brady Cannon
Michigan – USA
2004
Thanks you for this memorable trip. We have learned so much from your country and their people. We were lucky to meet people like you.
Oscar Calleja
Valladolid – España
Agosto 2003
We can not express how thankful we are in the time you took to explain every detail in our trip. I hope that you will come and visit us in Houston. Seriously: “Mi casa es tu casa”. You will be highly recommended to our friends.
Yolanda Gonzalez
USA
September 2005
Raul took us to places that are less crowded with tourist or at time when we were alone before the crowds showed up. All in all we recommend Raúl services and sure you will not be disappointed.
Ami Graner
Israel
October 2003
Thank you so much for your fabulous tour. You have so much knowledge of everything in your country. We both learned so much from you. Your extra efforts, patience and attention to our need are much appreciated. You’ve helped to make our trip so delightful and we will have many wonderful memories.
Sharron Tarvenier and Lua Jenkins
USA
September 2002
Raul has been an Inka blessing. He taught us much and showed us everything of Cusco. Raul has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the history, culture, tradition and emotion of the Inka people.
We have travelled broadly and Raul has been the best. He has left deep footprints on our hearts and many memories on our minds.
Ensor E. Transfeldt
United States
November 2002
A thoroughly enjoyable trip. I enjoyed every day Raul’s knowledge, passion and love of Perú and Cusco and the whole history and culture of the Inkas.
I would recommend Raúl and his wonderful job for the trip without hesitation.
Stephen Powell
England
January 2003
We thoroughly enjoyed our days with Raúl. We were taken to many sites and had true benefit of this extensive knowledge. He is completely fluent in English and all great guy and we recommend him highly. We have found a new friend in Cusco.
Larry Louie and Joanna Wong
Canada
March 3003
The entere trip around Cusco was wonderful experience as Raul shared his knowledge and love of Inka culture with us. A special gift for us was the circle of friendship enhanced by traditional music as Raul played Andean flutes and pipes for us.
All our best wishes to you and your family.
Jeniffer Harris and Almur Nogel
Toronto Canada
April 2003
Excellent, excellent day! You are so informative about Inka culture, native plants and everything else. We recommend you to others. We’re also looking forward to hearing your music again.
Ben Harder
USA
June 2003
Raul is not a conventional guide for nothing. We had the privilege of enjoying as much as possible the beauty and richness of this mystical part of Peru. Thanks a million times for your professionalism, your love and anecdotes.
Adelina y Jeff Challier
France
July 2003
Your excellent work deserves my deep appreciation and admiration which represents the true face and the true spirit of the Inca culture. This trip has been for me an unforgettable and unique experience. Thank you very much.
Jose Wang
Perú
Julio 2003
Thanks to you for this lovely experience in Perú. Thank you for sharing your culture, sensitivity, music and the warmth of their land. Hopefully our paths will again find
Laurent Long
Argentina
August 2003
Because of you gays we have fallen in love with Cusco and Perú. Thank you a magnificent days in Perú and memories of a life time.
Candance Mowery
Maryland – USA
August 2003
I am a birdwatcher and I loved this my trip. Raul Thanks for sharing with us your marvelous country.
Ana de Looz y María Fra Amador
Cochabamba – Bolivia
Enero 2004
Thank you for the excellent days around Cusco. Alternative, interesting, fun and exciting. We very much appreciated the itinerary since we hardly saw any other tourists.
Nicklas and Anna Bergman
2004
Beyond your honesty and generosity you’ve provided us with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the riches of Perú. You’ve shown us the kindness of this country by sharing your passion for the history, culture and nature of Perú with us. For that we are eternally grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Rhona Gardner
California – USA
May 2004
