Please!

Hiking is such an enjoyable experience and very rewarding when you arrive at the destination. However sometimes visitors think you can do it without a local tour guide and I’m here to say STOP doing it! I myself have had my fun getting lost in the bush (forest) with friends, wasting hours following the wrong path and being thankful to meet random hikers who know where the destination actually is and point us in the right direction. Every time I hear visitors are just using “Maps” to find a local spot, I cringe. Here are some Caribbean tour and adventure guides I strongly recommend to take you where you need to go. In addition to actual safety and navigation, there are a lot of reasons you should use a local tour guide but here are 9:

1. Increased general safety
   • Guides are familiar with the topography, location and potential hazards in the hiking area. They can help ensure your safety as they know the difficult terrain and they’d know how to guide your steps or which parts of the path to render assistance.
2. Knowledge of how to navigate the area
   • If you’re not from the area/country, it’s easy to get lost and end up in places you shouldn’t be at. Local guides would know the trails and any necessary landmarks which would significantly reduce risk of getting lost. There are so many stories of people being lost in a forest for hours and days… why would you chance it to be one of them?
3. Cultural awareness:
   • Local tour guides can provide good insight into local culture and history by sharing folklore and locally known stories. This can enrich the hiking experience and the general experience in the destination. A local guide could also help visitors navigate any cultural nuances, ensuring a positive interaction with other locals you may run into. There are just some things Google can’t tell you!
4. Awareness of local wildlife:
   • Local guides are familiar with the local flora and fauna, including potential dangerous species in the areas you’re trekking. They can advise hikers on how to behave in the presence of wildlife and help prevent potentially harmful interactions to you and/or the environment.
5. Emergency Response:
   • In case of injuries, accidents, or unexpected events, the local guide you hire should be trained to handle emergencies. They’d know the best routes for evacuation and can provide immediate first aid assistance. I’ve hiked active volcanoes and seen other visitors hike without a guide. Think about it, if it were to erupt would you prefer to be exploring on your own or with certified and knowledgeable tour guides?
6. Weather Changes:
   • Weather conditions in certain areas can be unpredictable. Local guides are often aware of sudden weather changes and can adjust plans accordingly, ensuring you are prepared for any adverse conditions while on the adventure.
7. Access to Restricted Areas:
   • Some areas may have restrictions or permits required for access. Local guides might be able to help navigate through regulations to ensure a legal hiking experience.
8. Increased Enjoyment:
   • A local tour guide can increase the overall enjoyment of the hike by providing interesting anecdotes, stories, and context about the area. This can significantly enhance your adventure and add to lasting memories of the trip!
9. Support the local economy
   • Most importantly, hiring a local guide contributes to the local economy, supporting the livelihoods of people in the community. You can support a sustainable tourism model that benefits both visitors and locals.

While challenging yourself to figure out an adventure can be thrilling, having a local guide adds a layer of safety, enriches your cultural experience, and increases the overall positive atmosphere of the hike/adventure.