Young professional turns love for the outdoors into a full-time career as a tour guide

CHRISTOPHER Persaud’s journey from IT consultant to professional tour guide reads like an adventure story itself. A lifelong passion for camping, birdwatching, and the Scouts, combined with formal training in first aid, jungle survival, and crowd management, paved the way for a career that blends exploration with education.
Today, he leads immersive tours across Guyana, sharing the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes with both local and international visitors. From island-hopping adventures along the rivers to remote jungle hikes in search of wildlife and artefacts, Persaud balances safety, storytelling, and unforgettable experiences—proving that guiding isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.

Christopher spent most of his professional career as an IT consultant before venturing into tourism about three years ago. The switch was unexpected, he says, although he always had a passion for the outdoors. He admits that he did not initially think his love for nature could become a profession.
The opportunity arose when the owner of Wanderlust Adventures asked him to lead a children’s tour because of his extensive background in the Scouts. It was the first time Christopher realised that his passion could pay the bills.
“Being in the outdoors, after working in a box in IT for so many years, was always a passion. Especially being able to share it with other people—the stories, the history, how amazing and beautiful Guyana is, how incredible the wildlife and plant life are—and sharing that knowledge and passion with people from all over the world, and Guyanese as well, that was the true lure of it,” he said.
He added, “It never feels like I’m at work. It feels like doing what I always did on weekends—packing up my truck and going camping or exploring somewhere new.”
Today, Christopher is a licensed guide, coupling his passion for the outdoors with the expertise needed to take others on tours safely.
A typical day for him starts early, and many of his days are spent on the water, taking Guyanese and visitors on the Global 5 Island and Town Hopping Tour.
“My day normally starts at 4 a.m., getting everything ready, making sure the bus and coolers are prepped, and reaching out to guests the day before to let them know what to expect. We meet at our office and provide transportation to Parika.”
He added, “We get onto private boats. Along the way, there’s so much to see: history from the 1400s and 1500s, historical buildings, architecture, birds, and more. I generally talk from Georgetown to Parika before the tour even officially starts, sharing that knowledge.”
Safety is of the utmost importance for Christopher, and once on the boat, safety briefings are a must.
“Safety is very important, especially on the river. We want everyone to have a great experience, learn a lot, and get what they’re looking for out of the day, while avoiding any incidents. We make sure everyone knows the plan, knows who I am and my capabilities. We stick together as a group to ensure the day is both healthy and fun-filled,” he stated.
At various islands and locations, Christopher shares history, introduces tourists to the people, and, of course, shows them the cuisine. But the adventure is not limited to Guyanese.
“We get a lot of Guyanese guests, but also people from the U.S., Europe, and Australia who have never seen some of the food we have. Keeping the interest of an entire group of 25 people—with different expectations and interests—throughout 12 hours, and getting them back home safely, is part of the challenge I love.”
Despite the excitement and vibrancy tour guiding brings, it also comes with challenges. Among the major hurdles Christopher and his fellow guides face is ensuring the safety of groups of passengers, some of whom are more adventurous and willing to take risks than others.
“Sometimes you have a great group where everyone’s on board, and then there are days where you have to work harder to maintain interest and safety. Some people want to do their own thing, go off on their own, and you have to keep the group together.”
He added, “As a guide, I have to be firm, but professional and gracious.”
While Christopher’s tours rarely see an incident or injury, he emphasised that it is important for a guide to always have a backup plan—even for things outside of his control.
“Very rarely, someone might get a cut on their leg at a waterfall, so it’s constantly monitoring for hazards. For incidents beyond your control—like engine failure on a boat—you always have a backup plan. We have another boat on standby to arrive in ten minutes, keeping guests calm and reassured.”
Remote jungle tours demand even more vigilance.
“I’ve had to use lifeguard capabilities, first aid training, and compass work, especially on remote jungle tours, hiking for artefacts and wildlife. You have to know where you’re going and keep tabs with teammates. You don’t do it alone; it’s always a team effort.”
Christopher is a strong advocate for tourism as a career—and not just because it is fun.
“I would encourage anybody to become a tour guide if it’s something you’re passionate about. There’s a niche for everyone—history, wildlife, storytelling, cuisine. You don’t necessarily need survival or lifeguard skills; you just need to share the story and make experiences come alive. The industry is growing. More people are visiting, more tour companies are opening or expanding, and there’s a variety of tours available.”
For aspiring tour guides, he recommends connecting with established guides, companies, or the Guyana Tourism Authority.
“They guide you through the licensing process—classroom sessions, crowd control, speaking to guests, first aid, bird guide licensing, and more. You do your own research on the information to share, but with their support, you can grow and advertise yourself as a tour guide.”
This Tourism Awareness Month, Christopher is advocating for more Guyanese to explore their country.
“If you are Guyanese, stop thinking of tourism as only for foreigners. Get out there, do a tour, learn about our own country, and you won’t regret it.”
Through his work, Christopher Persaud has proven that following your passion can open unexpected doors. From IT cubicles to the rivers, islands, and jungles of Guyana, he has transformed curiosity into a career—guiding others to discover the beauty, history, and culture of his homeland while living his own adventure every day.