Latin Odyssey will be shining a spotlight on the best guides in South & Central America to give you an insight into what a holiday with a great tour guide is like and today we focus on our tour guides in Ecuador & the Galapagos.
Being rich in wildlife and culture our tour guides in Ecuador need to be some of the best in the world in order to deliver and from their answers below, you can see they are!
ANDREA DARQUEA, who guides for us in mainland Ecuador
- What inspired you to become a guide?
I grew up in a family with profound cultural roots and ever since I was a little girl my father in particular taught me to love our music, our landscapes, and our people which made me fall in love with my country.
When I was 14 years old, I went on a school trip to the coast of Ecuador and our guide was a very enthusiastic woman and through her eyes I was able to interpret all the magical places and interesting characters. From this moment on I was inspired to become a tourist guide…
- What do like most about being a guide?
Being able to use a smile, a hug, the proper communication and create interest as simple tools to make people happy…
When we work we are surrounded by human beings, like tourists, our fellow workmate the driver, the craftsman, the artist, the museum guide, etc this gives us the opportunity to develop qualities while we work, such qualities undeniably help us become better human beings.
- When guiding, what is the one thing you always have with you and why?
A first aid kit is what I never forget to bring, having it or not could make a huge difference.
- Which areas of your country really stand out as must-visit destinations?
Ecuador is an extremely diverse country, each region is special. Personally, I enjoy the mountains and I believe anyone who travels must visit the Andean region as a connection to other regions.
- Are there any seasonal events that you would recommend being in your country for maybe even something most travellers wouldn’t know about?
The cultural, aboriginal and religious festivities are the ones that would be on the top of my list. Those are the events in which all the beautiful and colourful costumes get combined to represent the nature, the crops and the people. Additionally, there are typical dances which bring connection to the essence of the party and finally, the religion which seals the fused cultural expressions.
- What do you think is the most amazing animal in Latin America and why?
Our Andean Condor which is the biggest continental bird, although its colours are not as bright as the beautiful hummingbirds, it’s delightful glide makes all of our feelings and emotions fly as high as they do. I have never felt such silence as the silence there is when a group of tourists admire a Condor glide.
- What tips do you have for families hoping to go to Latin America? – e.g. when to go, things to bring
Latin America has a very nice and pleasant weather, and for the most part of the year on most regions the weather is not a limitation. Even more, for being in the equator, our country does not have seasons therefore it makes traveling more enjoyable all year round. What I do recommend is to dress in light layers and be ready for any sudden changes in weather.
The most important element that attracts visitors to our countries is the nature, for this reason and depending on the ecosystem they get to visit, they have to bring the adequate clothing. Also not to forget the picture camera, I recommend a waterproof camera to catch amazing pictures while taking a dip in any of the Islands of the Galapagos and also, binoculars to not miss any of the fascinating and colourful one of a kind birds.
But above all things, to have an open spirit, open to the adventure of getting to know more from within, to understand human realities and to be ready to submerge in unique areas of our planet.
Javier Eduardo Guerrero Balarezo, who guides for us in mainland Ecuador
- What inspired you to become a guide?
I don’t like to be trap between four walls. I like outdoors. I like people. I like to help. I love my country. I can’t think of myself doing anything else except guiding.
- What do like most about being a guide?
To communicate little things like a small flower here or a nice bird there. I love to tell people the greatness of this country.
- When guiding, what is the one thing you always have with you and why?
I take with me always a backpack with a raincoat, binoculars, map of Ecuador, sunblock, mosquito repellent, pocket knife, hat and water. I like to be prepared for guiding in any type of condition always.
- Which areas of your country really stand out as must-visit destinations?
Definitely the Andes is the must visit in Ecuador and of course the Galapagos.
- Are there any seasonal events that you would recommend being in your country for, maybe even something most tourists wouldn’t know about?
There is so many things I would recommend to visit in Ecuador such as eastern areas of Quito and the processions, the Mama Negra at Latacunga in September, the Baby Jesus parade on Christmas in Cuenca, just to say a few.
- What do you think is the most amazing animal in Latin America and why?
Again it is so many animals deserve to be seen or consider in Latin America but there is 3 I love Condor, the lord of the skies, the Puma, the best hunter of all time and the Snakes, the warriors of the underworld. I am sorry but I can’t refer to just one.
- What tips do you have for families hoping to go to Latin America? e.g. when to go, things to bring
Bring everything! Expect anything!! Always smile and say hello to us locals!!!
