Heading towards the end of the summer “high season”, and there are still a healthy stream of testimonials arriving in the Aracari office.
In particular, Aracari’s highly personalized greeting and transfer service came under the spotlight over the last month. The Behar family told us that “Henry our driver in Cusco was wonderful. Raul, who took us to and from the airport, was also fantastic! He made sure we were where we needed to be to get our trip moving! He met us at 4:00 am at our hotel in the airport to make sure we made it home back to the States.”
Rubi Van der Sluijs also enthused that “All of the transport service was first class, from the pickup up to the transfer to the airport with Raul, we felt very comfortable and safe and I think this is what foreign travellers appreciate the most when they come to Peru.”
And the Behar family, too, were impressed: “We appreciated all the small details that Aracari provided for us – down to the bottled water and snacks in the minivan. Thanks again”
Of their vacations to Peru and Bolivia in general, our guests spoke very highly. “Now that we are home and the laundry is almost done,” wrote Pamela Behar, “I wanted to take the time to thank you for amazing trip!! We enjoyed every minute! … As the trip planner in our family – I am the one who “works” while we are on vacation, but this trip allowed me to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride along with my family.”
Steve Berkley, who visited the Bolivian half of Lake Titicaca with Aracari, told us that “Travel was comfortable. All my expectations were met! … The tour included all the sights I wished to visit. Well done!” Thanks Steve.
Rubi Van der Sluijs wrote “Many thanks for everything, everyone enjoyed the trip, it went beautifully. Everything was very well organized … the recommended restaurants were very good and all of the places that we visited were very beautiful.”
And The Tholen family told us that the Huchuy Qosqo trek “was wonderful, campsite was spectacular … definitely a highlight of our trip”. Aracari also accompanied the Tholens on a fantastic half day tour off the coast of Lima to swim with sea lions at the Palomino Islands: see our Facebook photo album for more pictures and details.
Aracari’s guides and porters also received their usual numerous and favourable mentions.
The Behar family told us that “We all learned so much about all things Peru. John in Lima and Gilmar in Cusco were amazing sources of knowledge that never ceased to amaze us. Our children’s are now richer with memory of what they experienced on our vacation … I didn’t even open the Peru book I bought at Barnes and Noble, our guides were a better source!! “
Likewise in Bolivia, Steve Berkley said that he “learned a great deal. My guide was very helpful, friendly & full of knowledge.”
Rubi Van der Sluijs told us that “our guides were stupendous: Vanessa in Lima, Ivo in Puerto Maldonado, Sofia in Cuzco, Puno and Jose Alvaro in Arequipa.” and Mrs. Rossi and Mrs. Rood were also very pleased, stating that “Sofia and Jaime were both great and very accommodating”.
And as experienced bikers, The Tholens enjoyed our guidance for mountain biking in the Sacred Valley, saying that it was “really fun. We loved it. Carlos is a great guide.” Of their trek to Huchuy Qosqo, the Tholens said of their porters that “all staff worked very hard and were very professional … we loved the chef outfit”. Aracari are inclined to agree:
Our choice of Peru accommodation was also to the liking of guests. The Tholens, again, were pleased, saying that they “loved the food and ambience of Willka Tika … Casa Cartagena – very fun.” And Mrs. Rood and Mrs. Rossi were also happy with Aracari’s hotel recommendations; “loved Tambo del Inka – beautiful food served. Loved Inkaterra Machu Picchu.” Rubi Van der Sluijs said that her party “had a very comfortable stay in all places, the hotels were very comfortable, the breakfasts were excellent”
Something special to finish: after writing a short note to us last month, we received a detailed and glowing testimonial from Sandra Won Sohn, who organized a trip for her parents in July:
“I can tell you that they LOVED their trip. They said everything was perfectly planned, and they could not have changed any detail of their itinerary. They visited me a few weeks ago, and they gave me a wonderful slide show of their wonderful journey to Machu Picchu. They both called it a trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much for doing everything possible to make their 40th anniversary celebration such a special one. My parents had a glow from all of their enjoyment of their time in Peru. I could not be happier with your services. We will definitely keep you in mind for any future trips and certainly will recommend you to others looking for similar trips to South America. Please give my thanks and appreciation to Nila as well.”
Thank you, Sandra, and thanks to everyone who has enjoyed a custom designed and personalised Peru travel itinerary this summer.