JT and I recently returned from our 13 day Peru adventure. You can read all about it on our travel blog, but in this post I wanted to reflect on our guided tours and trekking, especially since I'm currently in the middle of Guide School. As opposed to doing a big package tour, I planned our trip and did guided tours and treks as needed.
Our first guided tour was a day-trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley with Llama Path. This was mainly a bus tour, but included some climbing around archaeological sites (which was somewhat strenuous to those of us still acclimating to the altitude). The guide for this tour gave too much information at points, and did not recognize or care that the amount of information was overwhelming to many in the group. At the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, most of the group eventually resorted to sitting in niches in the wall or on the ground, and some of us had trouble staying awake during one of his speeches. This guide also seemed to be very biased towards the Incan side of history, which although understandable if this is his heritage, did make me question the accuracy of some of the things he said. Lessons reinforced: (1) be sure to gage the interest of the group when sharing information, adapting as needed to keep the group involved, (2) consider how you might be biased on information and consider presenting both sides so the individuals in your group can see both sides.
Our second guided tour was a 4 day, 3 night trek on the Inca Trail with Llama Path. I was part of a group of 15 trekkers, 2 guides, and many porters. The trek was difficult for me, as my body did not acclimate easily and I did not properly account for how much more difficult hiking would be at high altitudes. Our lead guide Miguel did a great job telling stories that interested us while still educating us and our assistant guide Hector was given a few opportunities to give talks during the trek. The lead guide / assistant guide dynamic was obvious to me throughout the trek. However, Miguel and Hector did not exhibit some of the traits of a good guide that we learn in guide school. They were frequently hurrying us along, including times when we were applying mole skin and putting on sunscreen (both are acts of planning ahead to prevent issues that may cause much longer delays if not properly handled now). They also failed miserably at keeping one guide in the front and one guide at the rear. There were times on day 2 where JT and I were last in the group and had not seen the rear guide for hours since he was ahead of us. If one of us had needed first aid, they would have been unaware and unavailable. JT questioned the guides about this in a group setting, and Miguel got pretty defensive. Miguel often hurried ahead or lingered excessively far behind the group, seemingly for no apparent reason. From Miguel, I did not get the feeling that he had the `heart of a servant' and instead got the vibe that he thought way too much of himself. Lessons reinforced: (1) always keep one guide at the front and one guide at the back when trekking, (2) be careful of the vibe you are projecting to the group, (3) if a participant confronts you in front of the group, be prepared and hopefully steer the conversation to a more private setting, (4) consider the types of groups that you will be leading in a particular job - if they are strenuous or technical, consider whether your employer employs flexible trip planning or pre-trip interviews, as otherwise you may have to deal with under-prepared participants (either in terms of gear, knowledge, physical shape or mental state).
Our third guided tour was a day-trip from Puno to the Uros and Taquile Islands. This really was a boat-tour with a bit of walking at high altitudes. Lessons reinforced: (1) humor can keep a group involved while still maintaining a setting in which they can learn about their surroundings, (2) take opportunities to interact with various people in the group as they are walking and show those who are interested various plants and wildlife that you come across.
Our fourth guided tour was a 2-hour walk around Arequipa with Carlos, owner of Carlitos Tours. Carlos did an excellent job of communicating where we were going next, and kept us very informed about our itinerary. He was also very knowledgeable about the places we walked, and gave us opportunities to try various juices on the walk. He made us feel like we had a say in what happened on the tour, even though we were likely following a set path. Lessons reinforced: (1) keep the group informed about your plans, (2) check-in with the group to see how they are feeling, (3) truly caring shows :).
Our fifth guided tour was a 2 day, 1 night trek into Colca Canyon with Juan Carlos from Carlitos Tours. This was another physically demanding trek - but this time, it was just JT and I in our trekking group. Hence, Juan Carlos was always in sight (often right with us) and we could go at our own pace. Juan Carlos never pushed us to move faster, so although other groups passed us (we were one of the slower groups), we were still 'on schedule'. Like Carlos, Juan Carlos did a good job of keeping us appraised of our itinerary (pointing out our lunch spot, sleeping spot, or destination when it was visible in the distance and telling us how long until lunch or dinner). Juan Carlos also seemed to have a good relationship with many locals in the canyon, and really seemed to enjoy his work leading people on treks to the canyon. He openly admitted he likes to be in the canyon more than in Arequipa. Lessons reinforced: (1) there is a place for groups of various sizes, (2) keeping the group informed about the itinerary and destinations is important, (3) consider how to give back to and become involved in communities that you guide in, (4) truly caring about a location you guide in - culturally, socially, and environmentally - shows.
No comments:
Post a Comment