8 destinations to meet the local population

Do you want to go to meet the local population? Here's our selection, to discover them all over the world.

Traveling is not only discovering large spaces, fabulous monuments or renowned cultural attractions. It is also learning to know each other and to take ownership of local culture. On a planet where human relations are dematerialized, it can be very enriching to return to essentials. Why not discover, for example, societies still preserved from the harms of unbridled globalization? It is possible to go to meet people wishing to guarantee a traditional and authentic way of life to their descendants.

We wanted to introduce you to the local population that could well transform you! These unique places, and the peoples who occupy them, are an invitation to let go and to cultural enrichment.

Here, for you, the 8 destinations to meet the local population that are really worth the detour!

1. Tanzania – Maasai

The Maasai are a people of the Nile Valley, which migrated to its current territory in the 15th century. The space occupied by these tribes extends from Mount Kenya to Mount Kilimandjaro, in Tanzania . It is of course one of the most beautiful regions in Africa, which also includes the Ngorongoro crater. Very elegant, these great individuals relate to bright colours and sumptuous jewellery during the festivities. Indeed, they remain attached to their tribal traditions mixing dance, occultism and respect for Mother Nature.

This semi-nomade people mainly depend on livestock farming, which is the basis of their feeding. Moreover, he moves from the border between Kenya and Tanzania to feed his cattle! Their way of life was able to resist the sirens of sedentaryism and agriculture. Tourism now occupies an important place, and many travellers come to discover this amazing African poplar.

2. Costa Rica - Guaymie people

Originally from Panama, the Guaymie people are the largest of all tribes in Costa Rica. Those called Ngabe are indeed strong in a population estimated at 200,000 people. They live on four gigantic reserves, located in the region of Puntarenas: Abrojo Montezuma, Osa, Coto Brus and Conte Burica. The Guaymies have adopted and preserved a simple way of life away from modern temptations.

They live mainly from agriculture and livestock, as well as the sale of their production of artisanal artifacts. Women are working to create splendid colored trims, plant fiber clothing or jewellery. Men, for their part, possess the monopoly of the manufacture of the famous Panama hat, well known to fashionistas! They welcome visitors looking for the best destinations to meet the local population.

3. Ecuador (Amazonie) - The Waorani

The Waorani are one of the thirteen indigenous peoples of Ecuador. Their territory is precisely in the Amazonian part of the country, in the provinces of Pastaza, Orellana and Napo. This vast space includes Yasuni National Park, home to unique biodiversity in the world, now threatened by oil projects. If they fight to keep their ancestral way of life, the Waranis are very open and welcoming to visitors.

Indeed, they allow them to witness the tragic destruction of the forest for low-economic issues. These warriors, nomads, live hunting and picking and have sharp botanical knowledge. Some even work in scientific institutes to help them understand the species constituting this hostile forest environment!

4. United States (Arizona) – The Navajos

The Navajos form a mythical people occupying a gigantic territory in the heart of the USA. It covers four states: Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and the Plateau du Colorado . You must be familiar with this unspoiled space, as you can find Monument Valley, the famous Chelly Canyon or Shiprock. The Navajos are close to the Apaches, another unfitly named Indian. Just like them, they have gradually dried up and live mainly from livestock and tourism.

Renowned for their craftsmanship of jewellery and leather pieces, these riders are exceptional equestrian dressers. They try 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 – Les Lao-Loums

Lao-Loums are almost 50% of the population of the current Laos. In this small mountainous and green country, this working, sedentary and Buddhist people is considered the original Laotian tribe! Lao-Loums live in fertile plains where their control of agriculture allows them to support their needs. Respecting many spiritual traditions, animism is still very anchored in their culture.

It must be said that the region, still wild and perfectly preserved, remains mysterious and full of secrets! Close to their family and respectful to the elders, this people are certainly wonderful to discover. But, if they would like to introduce their way of life to foreign visitors, prepare for a total change. No doubt, Laos is one of the destinations to meet the local population that will mark you for life!

6. Ethiopia – People of the Omo

The Omo Valley is a geological wonder located in Ethiopia and offers sublime landscapes composed of large spaces. Known for its archaeological dig sites, there are bones of several million years old... our ancestors, so! Today, this valley is occupied by tribes of farmers and semi-nomadic breeders. The Hamers, Bodis or Mursis, or the Karos, Surmas or the Bumes share this magnificent and preserved territory. These populations have in common their way of life, ethnic traditions and respect for customs.

The Omo Valley is one of the most interesting destinations to meet the local population! Individuals are recognizable to body changes such as scarifications or paints to the skin. Women's hairstyle, made of reddish locks, is a symbol of power and fertility. The economic development of these poplars, now turned to tourism, allows travellers to meet them. So what are you waiting for?

7. North America – Inuit

The Inuit, this people straight out of the cold, you know? They're also called Esquimaux! In fact, these tribes accustomed to extreme temperatures occupy an extremely vast territory. This one spreads from Siberia to the Greenland , and also includes Alaska and Canada Northern. In these frosted expanses winter as summer, nature is both enemy and allied. Indigenous peoples manage to survive by demonstrating a tremendous mastery of elements and resources.

Who would have thought the Great North would be among the best destinations to meet the local population? Yet, going to meet the Inuit, their customs and their know-how is one of the most enriching activities! If you spend a few days with them, you can discover their adaptation techniques to the environment. You can watch the making of tents, sleds, or their ice fishing technique. Ready for the big chill?

8. Mongolia - The Khalkhs

The Khalks, descending from the riders of Attila, alone form almost 80% of the nomads of Mongolia. Their ethnic group is even considered to be that of the historical Mongols, at the base of the Mongolian nation! That said, nowadays, the vast majority of the Khalkhs are sedentary and live in the cities. But some prefer to continue to evolve traditionally, living from livestock and moving at the pace of the seasons.

Moreover, this friendly and welcoming people towards foreigners is even unanimously recognized as one of the warmest. This leads us to make Mongolia one of the destinations to meet the local population of reference. Prepare to discover the steppes with the Khalkhs, you will not regret it!