We wanted to feedback about our recent tour in Antigua Guatemala on Saturday April 27, 2024, half day - private tour.
This was a time sensitive tour as we had to return to our cruise ship, SilverSea (Silver Nova) by 4pm.
As seasoned travelers who value professional guided tours, this experience was uniquely disappointing and we believe specific instances from our tour will illustrate why improvements are necessary.
Ignoring Client Preferences:
We had specific ideas about where we wanted to eat and what we wanted to see, but our guide dismissed these requests. Despite multiple attempts to direct him to our chosen shopping destinations, he insisted on taking us to another location, which then forced us to walk to our desired shopping destination.
Obtrusive Behavior:
At each site, he positioned himself in front of us, blocking views while pointing out mundane objects without providing any historical context or educational value. His commentary was often repetitive, pointing out the obvious, such as "look, this building is very old, very old", which did not enhance our understanding of the locations visited.
Lack of Privacy:
The guide's presence was overbearing. For instance, in the restaurant at the Porta Hotel, he chose to sit continuously within our view, observing us as we ate, which was highly uncomfortable. His subsequent behavior was equally unprofessional; he took tourist-like photos in the lobby, which delayed us further as he lost track of where he had parked the car.
Disregard for Time Management:
After the meal, when it was clear we were pressed for time, the guide was unable to locate the car promptly, insisting it was "just around the corner." This led us to decide to walk to our next destination out of necessity, not preference—a choice he seemed to misunderstand as a casual decision rather than a frustration-driven necessity.
These specific examples reflect a broader issue of professionalism and sensitivity to our needs, which were not met during our tour. The guide’s knowledge was inadequate, in addition his delivery and conduct were neither professional nor considerate.
Furthermore, we would like to reiterate our appreciation for the driver, who was both polite and efficient, contrasting sharply with our experience of the guide.
We have attached a photo of the guide for your reference, as we do not recall his name. We trust that you will address these issues promptly to prevent future clients from having similar experiences.
Thank you for considering our feedback.