Cuba

A True Treasure!

Me and my family first did an orangutan tour with LG in Kalimantan, and we were so incredibly amazed about the thorough (really unprecedented to me!!!) service and their positive mindset, that I decided to visit another location in which they also offer tours -> Tana Toraja. Wow! While everyone visits the casual burial sites, ...

Tana Toraja

Amazing Experience!

We had an amazing time. Our guide, Adhi, met us the evening before at our guest house (Sam’s bungalow) and went through the plan for the next couple of days and everything we’d need to bring. He then met us again after breakfast the next morning. He organised for our bags to be stored whilst ...

Tana Toraja

Great Experience

3 days 2 nights was the perfect amount of time, spend the days searching for animals and the nights in a shanti camp, eating well prepared meals, with some card trick entertainment. Anytime less than this trekking you get stuck in a bit of a tourist trap at the semi wild orangutans and in season ...

Bukit Lawang

Just Incredible

Local-Guides helped us incredibly with all our questions beforehand via email, and always replied promptly, enthusiastically and patiently! We booked through them also a very comfortable (airco, shower) accommodation, beautifully bordering the jungle, for a supergood price. And our guides were spectacular! Firstly, I was positively surprised that despite the good price we had, we ...

Bukit Lawang

Choose Guide Budi

Have booked the excellent guide Budi for a few days with my mother and my fiance and was more than satisfied what our guide Budi shows us. He is very professional and knows so much about the torajan history, which he explains in an good english very enthusiastic (he loves his job, the nature and ...

Tana Toraja

Fantastic 8D7N Tour!

After a splendid tour with LG (local-guides dot org) in Kalimantan, we decided to do the 8 Day Sumatra Tour with them, and it was just another dream come true! We were a bit unsure in the beginning because the price was so much lower than other tour agencies, but everything was super nicely organized! ...

Bukit Lawang

Comfortable private boat tour with family

Our boat tour in Tanjung Puting with local guides was perhaps the best holiday experience i have ever had in my life. Therefore we decided to do the komodo boat tour also with local guides, and again they were truly amazing. Upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, me and my family were picked up from the ...

Flores

Very Friendly & Helpful Guides

Haben über local guides die klotok Tour gebucht. Budi holte uns einen Tag vor Beginn der Tour abends nach einer langen Busfahrt von Makassar in Rantepao ab. Wir besprachen die Tour, aßen lecker zu Abend und er brachte uns in unsere etwas entferntere Unterkunft von Rantepao,was wohl sonst nicht so üblich ist. Eine Unterkunft Nähe ...

Tana Toraja

Amazing Trek!

We did a 3 days/2 nights trek with our guide Randy. He was so helpful, was constantly looking for animals and told us everything about the flora and fauna. Also, he was really considerate about if we could keep up. We saw many different animals and beautiful nature. The camps were also really nice, the ...

Bukit Lawang

Wundervolle Boottour!

Wir hatten im voraus die Tour über die Webseite von Local Guides gebucht und unsere Erwartungen wurden mehr als übertroffen. Es war einmalig! Wir wurden von unserem Hotel pünktlich abgeholt und zum Boot gebracht. Alles war sehr gut organisiert. Unser Guide Joe Bowo – ein ehemaliger Ranger des Tanjung Puting National Park (siehe auch den ...

Tanjung Puting

What is the best period to visit?

The best period to visit Viñales is during the dry season starting in November until early April. However, this is for the same reason also the most touristic period.

The hottest as well as the wettest period is June until September. Especially in this period you should take into account that the actual program will deviate from the default itinerary.

The hurricane season is in September and October. Tours are still offered if the weather allows, but take into consideration the possibility of flight cancellations as well as deviations from the default itinerary.

What's the program when it rains?

A bit of rain will not change the itinerary noticeably.

During short rain shower we will look for a shelter and then continue the journey.

When there is heavy rain, we could either do a horseride trek in the valley, or alternatively have a tour in Viñales. Although heavy rain is out of our control and considered a force majeur event, the guide will provide a fair discount in case the programme will significantly deviate.

If the weather is good, but the unpaved roads are too muddy for a horse ride, we will take a nice alternative route by car to the Secret Valley with a few interesting stops in between.

Is it an issue that I have no horse riding experience?

No problem at all. Most clients have no or very little experience. The guide will patiently teach you the basics of Cuban horsemanship as you explore this beautiful area.

What time does the tour start/end?

Upon arrival in Viñales you walk to the house Nuevas Aventuras for check-in. As you get yourself prepared, your guide will arrive, show you around in Viñales and go through the itinerary with you for the next days. Breakfast is not included on the first day.

On the last day, the return from the Secret Cabin to Viñales starts in the morning after breakfast. Exact times can be tailored to your schedule, so discuss you own wishes and needs with your guide during the tour.

Should I tip the guide?

Tipping is of course not expected, but it will very much appreciated by the guide.

Some clients insist on getting a rough indication of what are the norms with regard to the amount. Obviously, this depends on how you experienced the service and budget.

However, if we must give a range as indication, then most clients give $5 to $10 for each day of the tour.

Can the luggage be stored anywhere?

For the sake of comfort, you may not want to bring all your luggage to the Secret Valley. In that case, you can just store your luggage at the homestay in Viñales for free and pick it up upon arrival at the end of the tour.

Therefore, it is useful to bring a small backpack to bring the few things that you do need during the horse riding or your stay at the Secret Cabin.