At Live Where You Land we believe traveling isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about truly experiencing them. Imagine exploring a city with a passionate local guide, uncovering hidden gems, and hearing stories that bring the culture to life. This is exactly what GuruWalk offers—an immersive and enriching way to travel.
What is GuruWalk?
GuruWalk is an innovative online platform that connects travelers with local guides who offer free walking tours. These tours provide a fantastic way to delve into a new destination, learning about its history, culture, and hidden treasures from someone who calls the place home. The guides, or “gurus,” are locals with a deep love and knowledge of their cities, sharing insights and stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Why Choose a GuruWalk Tour?
As we have spoken about previously cultural immersion is one of our cornerstones. This is just one of the many reasons to choose a GuruWalk tour. The tours are accessible for all budgets, operating on a “pay-what-you-want” basis, allowing you to tip the guide based on your experience. Each tour is unique, reflecting the personal style and interests of the guru. Whether you’re interested in history, food, street art, or architecture, you’ll find a tour that suits your interests. GuruWalk tours are small and interactive, providing a more personal and engaging experience compared to traditional tours. This interactive format allows you to ask questions and connect with the guide and fellow travelers, creating a social atmosphere where you can meet locals and like-minded travelers.
Our Experience with GuruWalk
Our adventures with GuruWalk have been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve personally been on walking tours with GuruWalk in six countries; Colombia, Ecuador, Iceland, Singapore, Cambodia, and Thailand. Each experience has been unique and enriching. Our “Gurus” have all been very knowledgeable and professional, and many still keep up with us even after our tour is done. Moreover, we’ve made lasting connections with fellow travelers that go beyond the walking tour, turning these experiences into opportunities to meet friends from around the world.
Colombia
In Medellin, our guide Jose shared his personal experiences of living there during the time of Escobar. His life, like many other locals, was negatively affected. During our tour, he never mentioned Escobar by name, instead referring to him as “that really bad guy” to avoid upsetting locals. Jose explained that the show “Narcos” poorly represents how Colombians truly feel about Escobar’s impact. This kind of local insight is something we love about these tours, as you won’t find these stories in guidebooks.
Iceland
During our Reykjavik walking tour, we learned about the Book of Iceland. The Book of Iceland is a genealogical record that traces Icelanders’ family histories, helping them understand their ancestry and avoid close-relative marriages. It’s a source of pride, highlighting their deep-rooted family connections. Our guide proudly shared that he and his spouse were seven generations apart, two more than the recommended five generations. These are the kinds of unique stories and information you miss if you just stick to guidebooks and don’t engage with locals.
Thailand
Our most recent walking tour in Bangkok was full of valuable information, both historic and practical. We had been using the local greeting “Saw-wa-dee” for good morning. On the tour our guide told us that if you don’t add your pronoun at the end, it sounds rude and bossy. This is why we love taking these walking tours as soon as we arrive in a new area, as we learn little cultural nuances like this that help us throughout our stay.
How to Book a Tour
Booking a GuruWalk tour is a breeze. Simply visit the GuruWalk website, download their mobile app, and select your destination. Browse the available tours, read reviews, and choose one that piques your interest. Book your spot online, noting the meeting time and place. Then, show up ready to explore and enjoy your tour. Remember to bring some cash to tip your guru if you enjoyed the experience.
Our Final Thoughts
GuruWalk tours have significantly enriched our travels, offering a unique opportunity to see a city through the eyes of a local, learn about its culture, and meet other travelers. They provide a safe social environment where you can make connections that last beyond the tour. If you’re looking for an authentic and affordable way to explore a new destination, we highly recommend trying GuruWalk. Have you ever joined a GuruWalk tour? If so, share your experiences in the comments below, and for more travel tips and stories, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!