Tourist guides in Mexico: Cultural intermediation and employment status

Abstract

The main goal of this article is to recognize the importance, from an anthropological point of view, of the cultural mediation work of the tour guide. We use the case of Mexico, the seventh most visited country in the world, with its multiple natural and cultural heritage sites. The services provided by the tour guides are of great importance for tourism. Their role has been equated to that of a cultural ambassador, as they often are the first and main contact that the visitor has in a city, archaeological site, historic center or natural protected area. This article explores the characteristics and symbolic nature of the work done by the tour guides and presents an analysis of their role and working conditions.