Would you like to meet the local population? Here’s our selection of places to discover around the world.
Travelling isn’t just about discovering wide-open spaces, fabulous monuments or renowned cultural attractions. It’s also about getting to know other people and learning a bit about the local culture. In a world where human relationships are becoming increasingly dematerialized, it can be extremely enriching to get back to basics. Why not discover, for example, societies still untouched by the ravages of unbridled globalization? It’s possible to meet people who want to guarantee a traditional, authentic way of life for their descendants.
We’d like to introduce you to the destinations where you can meet the local population, which could well transform you! These unique places, and the people who inhabit them, are an invitation to let go and embrace cultural enrichment.
Here are 8 destinations where you can meet the locals that are well worth the detour!
1. Tanzania – The Maasai
The Maasai are a people of the Nile Valley, who migrated to their present territory in the 15th century. The area occupied by these tribes stretches from Mount Kenya to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most beautiful regions, which also includes the Ngorongoro Crater. These tall, elegant individuals adorn themselves in bright colors and sumptuous jewelry during festivities. Indeed, they remain attached to their tribal traditions, combining dance, occultism and respect for Mother Nature.
This semi-nomadic people are essentially dependent on cattle breeding, which forms the basis of their diet. In fact, they move across the border between Kenya and Tanzania to graze their cattle! Their way of life has resisted the siren calls of sedentarism and agriculture. Tourism now plays an important role, and many travellers come to discover this astonishing African people.
2. Costa Rica – Guaymie people
Originally from Panama, the Guaymie people are the most numerous of all the Costa Rican tribes. Also known as Ngabe, their population is estimated at 200,000. They live in four gigantic reserves in the Puntarenas region: Abrojo Montezuma, Osa, Coto Brus and Conte Burica. The Guaymie have adopted, and maintained, a simple lifestyle far removed from modern temptations.
They live mainly from agriculture and livestock breeding, as well as from the sale of their handicrafts. The women create splendid, colorful ornaments, plant-fiber garments and jewelry. As for the men, they have a monopoly on the production of the famous Panama hat, well known to fashionistas! Friendly and open-minded, they welcome visitors looking for the best destinations to meet the local population.
3. Ecuador (Amazonia) – The Waorani
The Waorani are one of Ecuador’s thirteen indigenous peoples. Their territory is located in the Amazonian part of the country, in the provinces of Pastaza, Orellana and Napo. This vast area includes the Yasuni National Park, home to a biodiversity unique in the world, now threatened by oil projects. While they fight to preserve their ancestral way of life, the Warani are very open and welcoming to visitors.
Indeed, the latter allow them to bear witness to the tragic destruction of the forest for purely economic reasons. These nomadic warriors live by hunting and gathering, and possess in-depth botanical knowledge. Some even work for scientific institutes, helping them to understand the species that make up this hostile forest environment!
4. United States(Arizona) – The Navajos
The Navajo are a mythical people occupying a gigantic territory in the heart of the USA. It stretches across four states: Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and the Colorado Plateau. You’re bound to be familiar with this vast area, as it includes Monument Valley, the famous Canyon de Chelly and Shiprock. The Navajo are closely related to the Apache, another tribe misnamed « Indian ». Like them, they have gradually become sedentary, making their living mainly from ranching and tourism.
Renowned for their handcrafted jewelry and leather goods, these riders are also outstanding horse trainers. They strive to preserve their traditions, based on respect for nature and the spirits that inhabit it. Their territory is one of the best destinations to meet the local population: go and discover it!
5. Laos – The Lao-Loums
The Lao-Loums make up almost 50% of the population of present-day Laos. In this small, green, mountainous country, this hard-working, sedentary, Buddhist people are considered the original Laotian tribe! The Lao-Loums live on fertile plains, where their mastery of agriculture enables them to provide for their needs. Respecting many spiritual traditions, animism is still deeply rooted in their culture.
The region, still wild and perfectly preserved, remains mysterious and full of secrets! Close to their families and respectful of their elders, these people are certainly wonderful to discover. But while they are happy to share their way of life with foreign visitors, be prepared for a complete change of scenery. There’s no doubt about it: Laos is one of the destinations where you’ll meet the local population that will stay with you for the rest of your life!
6. Ethiopia – Peoples of the Omo
The Omo Valley is a geological wonder located in Ethiopia, offering sublime landscapes of wide open spaces. Known for its archaeological dig sites, the valley is home to millions of years’ worth of bones… our ancestors, that is! Today, this valley is occupied by semi-nomadic tribes of farmers and herders. The Hamers, Bodis or Mursis, or the Karos, Surmas or Bumes share this grandiose, unspoilt territory. What these populations have in common is their way of life, their ethnic traditions and their respect for customs.
The Omo Valley is one of the most interesting destinations to meet the local population! Individuals can be recognized by body modifications such as scarification marks or paintings on the skin. The women’s hairstyle, made up of reddish locks, is a symbol of power and fertility. The economic development of these peoples, now focused on tourism, has made it possible for travellers to meet them. So, what are you waiting for?
7. North America – The Inuit
Have you ever heard of the Inuit, a people straight out of the cold? They’re also known as Eskimos! In fact, these tribes, accustomed to extreme temperatures, occupy an extremely vast territory. It stretches from Siberia to Greenland, and includesAlaska and northern Canada. In these vast expanses of frozen winter and summer, nature is both enemy and ally. Native peoples manage to survive here by demonstrating a formidable mastery of the elements and resources.
Who would have thought that the Far North would be one of the best destinations for meeting the local population? And yet, getting to know the Inuit, their habits and customs, and their know-how, is one of the most enriching activities of all! If you spend a few days among them, you’ll discover their techniques for adapting to the environment. You’ll see how they make tents and sledges, and observe their ice-fishing techniques. Ready for the big chill?
8. Mongolia – The Khalkhs
Descendants of Attila’s horsemen, the Khalks make up nearly 80% of Mongolia’s nomads. Their ethnic group is even considered to be that of the historic Mongols, the foundation of the Mongolian nation! That said, today, the vast majority of Khalkhs are sedentary and live in cities. But some prefer to continue their traditional way of life, living off livestock and moving with the seasons.
In fact, the Mongolian people are universally acknowledged to be one of the friendliest and most welcoming of all foreigners. That’s why we’ve made Mongolia one of our top destinations for meeting the local population. Get ready to discover the steppes in the company of the Khalkhs – you won’t regret it!