Our latest 2024 Guide Training | We Keep on Learning!

The only way to ensure the best adventures is to keep on learning. Experts keep on learning new things to adapt to every new need. The difference between a good guide and a great one comes down to continual learning and training.

We understand the necessity of learning and evaluating our strengths and weaknesses. Because of this, we had another guide training session this year. This time, we went to Quijos, Napo, for the Agua y Vida trekking route.

Many things happened in our training, and as with our previous training experience, we thought you should know how it went. Check out how it went.

A quick recall of our last training session

As we said before, continuous improvement is a core belief in AJ, and we can elevate our guests' experiences.

In our previous training session, we focused on fundamental skills. We reinforced their communication skills and knowledge of safety protocols. We also had some exercises to test their abilities in the field.

The feedback from their experience was encouraging. Our guides expressed enthusiasm about the chance to share their knowledge and skills. They put a lot of emphasis on the value of teamwork. Learning from each other made the experience more personal.

Building up this passion in our guides is essential to us. Their passion and love for traveling set us apart. When there's passion, providing memorable —or even unforgettable— experiences becomes easier.

We also saw room to improve on more specialized training. This led to our most recent session. We aimed to reinforce the aforementioned skills while focusing on their unique abilities.

So, let's talk more about that.

How was this training session

For our latest session, we focused on two key areas: Presentation skills and specialized skills.

Henry gave them personal presentation instructions for the first one. Personal communication elevates the experience for both ends. When the guests are calmer, guides can work better and vice versa.

The first thing they must consider is a welcoming introduction to appease visitors. This makes the guests feel more comfortable throughout the trip.

Then, the most important part is making the guests engage with what our guides present. Make them feel informed but not overwhelmed with information. This is the most essential element in guiding. Guides must balance mystery and accessibility for guests.

After this, we focused on each guide's specialized skills. Every guide has their own expertise and unique knowledge. There are guides who specialize in wildlife, others in adventure, and others in culture. Once we know their strengths and weaknesses, we can tailor better trips.

Let's say some travelers ask for a tailor-made adventure that focuses on birdwatching. We can arrange a specialized guide for the trip, rather than sending a cultural guide. This would improve the traveling experience for the guide and travelers.

Once we know our team, you can enjoy exceptional experiences.

Training in field

The most important part of the training session was, of course, field training.

The Agua & Vida trekking route is versatile and adjusts to both expert hikers and novices. This was the perfect location to test the different abilities of our guides.

We decided on a medium or moderate difficulty for a more complete evaluation. The weather was helpful in testing their temperance since heavy rain came down halfway through the journey.

This unexpected setback was the perfect opportunity to see how their leadership. The pleasant confirmation of our guides' skills was not a surprise. They adapted and adjusted to what the situation needed and reached the Papallacta Refuge without much problem.

Learning from each other

Once the trek was over, we headed towards Termas Papallacta for a well-deserved picnic. This pause was ideal for guides to share experiences and knowledge with each other.

Building camaraderie and reinforcing teamwork is a key part of training. By sharing experiences, every guide can find new areas for improvement and adapt new tools in their own work. Connecting with other people is also essential in a guide's duty.

Ready for sudden emergencies

On top of the aspects we have already mentioned, we emphasized risk management.

Due to the nature of adventure travel, safety protocols are for this kind of trip. We went over them and reinforced the emergency protocols.

The operations team was essential for this activity since they are the ones in charge in these situations. In an emergency, the guides must inform the operation team and coordinate the best course of action. Clarity, efficiency, and speed of action are the key elements to consider in such cases.

How the AJ family received this occasion

The AJ family has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Not all our guides could attend, but those who did found it enlightening. This experience was well received, and the chance to share and grow together was inspiring for our team.

They emphasized the opportunities to grow, and this was the ideal occasion. They know that great work makes everything better for everyone involved.

Our duty and goal is to keep learning to improve as a company, and because of that, we take deep care of our team. We're waiting to see how our team applies the knowledge taken from this experience.