Leap local guides and services in Peru were visited this month by Guardian journalist Vicky Baker, after our unique approach to travel captured her attention during her ‘Going Local’ series in the travel section - see ‘The bucks stop here' .

She managed to persuade her editor that she should visit Peru to see how local guides and services are using Leap Local to improve their livelihoods, and the authentic experience they create for the traveller. The article is being published soon (date to be confirmed) and coincides with the launch of our competition to reward the best local guides and services. Over the next three months we are inviting people to recommend or review their favourite local guides and services in developing countries to automatically enter them into the competition. The six winners will be announced at the end of March and will benefit from greater publicity, and a few prizes (check back at the weekend for full details). We have been surprised by how little the local guide is celebrated despite their pivotal role in our travel experiences.  This is hopefully the first of many competitions aimed at celebrating these unsung individuals who offer a gateway to understanding faraway lands and their cultures.

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