David Atela

"David had great knowledge of and passion for Spain, the Camino, and the towns in which we stayed. He seemed to take great care to ensure each of us got maximum enjoyment out of the trip and went out of his way to personalize our experience. "

Amy M.

Vero Beach, FL

"David is a gem, thoughtful and attentive. He even sang a beautiful Spanish folk song on the trail when asked!"

Annette C.

Eureka, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David was right up there with Patricia. He never stopped working from first thing in the morning to last thing at night. He is so warm and thoughtful and eager to share his experience and knowledge— an amazing fellow."

Betsy S.

Kennebunkport, ME
Pilgrim's Way

"David is absolutely brilliant and knows so much Spanish history that added considerably to our knowledge as we traveled."

Carol S.

Larkspur, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David Atela is gifted with natural charisma, empathy, and charm that cannot be contrived. It is who he is. Combine this with the depth of knowledge and effortless ability to articulate the historical essence, nuanced meaning, and its influence of where we were and what we were seeing was truly extraordinary. "

Daniel O.

Little Rock, AR

"David was an excellent guide. He was attentive to all participants and eager to share his knowledge about wines, food, history, etc. He had a great since of humor and wanted everyone to have a good time. We would definitely sign up for another trip with David as our guide!"

Debbie D.

Oklahoma City, OK
Pilgrim's Way

"We called him ‘el professor’—so much knowledge! He was just a pleasure."

Denise M.

Portland, OR
Pilgrim's Way

"David has a great sense of humor and interacted with everyone in a very caring manner."

Ellie Z.

Bethesda, MD
Pilgrim's Way

"David was inclusive, knowledgeable, kind, generous, patient, entertaining...above all, a true professional.!"

Gloria G.

Dallas, TX
Pilgrim's Way

"David added an enormous amount of information about the Picos de Europa, and was very friendly and helpful."

Jane S.

Albuquerque, NM
Bilbao and the Picos de Europa

"David was amazing, so thoughful and accomodating! The hospitality was beyond belief, like walking the camino with an old friend."

Jeffrey S.

Santa Barbara, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David was an excellent guide. I especially appreciated his deep insights and knowledge about the cultural significance of various sites along our route and him introducing us to specialty foods and beverages in the various towns we passed through. He made this whole experience remarkable and far exceeded our expectations."

Jessica G.

Gilroy, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David Atela is a treasure. He’s an extraordinary Trip Leader, historian, entertainer, manager, and travel companion. He has a deep understanding of the Camino in general and all of the details related to our daily hikes; the landscape and history of each city/village, landmarks, churches, hotels, and restaurants along the way. His local knowledge was invaluable."

John Z.

Somerville, MA

"In terms of interaction with participants, David was beyond excellent. A lovely man, very knowledgeable, good to talk with along the trail, and great with meal and wine choices. Couldn't have asked for a kinder, more accommodating person."

Judy C.

Albany, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David was terrific. He was interested and knowledgeable about history, environment, geology. Was very engaged and concerned that folks were doing well."

Karin K.

Oakland, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David was very considerate of participants’ needs and went ‘the extra mile’ to help each person."

Lelia L.

Larkspur, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David is a rock star! He looked after each and every one of us, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, happy, safe, and having an excellent trip. He is a ball of endless, boundless energy and one of the most genuinely happy and full of life people I have met in a long, long time."

Margaret V.

Danville, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David was the most attentive, interactive, accommodating Trip Leader! His knowledge about the area, its history and culture was truly informative. It made the trip more than just a ‘walk on The Camino.’ His selections of hotels, restaurants, and bars were excellent, which also added to the overall trip enjoyment. He is an absolute gem!"

Mary Ann R.

San Jose, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David's knowledge of the Picos was extraordinary, but he was also a kind companion and a helpful friend."

Michael E.

New York, NY
Bilbao and the Picos de Europa

"Loved David's knowledge of flora and fauna, his obvious love of Spain's mountains, his beautifully drawn weather and route maps—and his singing! Such individual touches made the trip so wonderful!"

Pat F.

Warren, RI
Pilgrim's Way

"David's enthusiasm for all things Camino is highly contagious. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the region and its traditions and bends over backwards to check on everyone to make sure they are enjoying themselves in the best way possible. He is incredibly kind, entertaining, and upbeat, and incredibly fun to be with. I would highly recommend any trip where he is a member the leadership team."

Robin W.

La Jolla, CA
Pilgrim's Way

"David is a gem -- energetic, personable, thoughtful, knowledgeable, attentive to participants. I'd go on just about any trip for which he is a trip leader."

Sarah L.

Santa Monica, CA

"David was the ideal guide. His friendly, easy-going manner serves him well. He added so much to the trip with details about various locales. Best of all, it is very apparent that he loves his work!"

Shepherd P.

Charlotte, NC
Pilgrim's Way

"David was a great addition to the trip. We all learned a great deal about the Picos because he was so very generous is sharing his expertise. I know this made the trip much more meaningful for all of us."

Susan W.

Albuquerque, NM
Bilbao and the Picos de Europa

"David does it all; he sings, he dances, he educates and he cares. He cares for his country, he cares for its history and landscape, and he cares for those of us who have come to walk the Way. And, his care manifests in many ways: Sharing his almost encyclopedic knowledge of Spain; giving advice to those who ask for it; offering encouragement to those who might need it; and smiling his beautiful smile. And let’s not leave out his soulful singing in the rain at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snow (eat your heart out, Gene Kelly)."

Virginia V.

Salem, OR
Pilgrim's Way