Five things to insist on
Verified certification shown on the profile, with the awarding body named.
A written itinerary including group size, ratio and the bad-weather plan.
Traceable payment through the platform, not a private transfer.
A cancellation policy you have read, covering both your cancellation and the guide's.
Reviews from people who actually completed a trip.
How MadeToHike is set up
Guide certifications are checked before publication, payments run through Stripe with the deposit released to the guide and the balance settled around completion, and cancellation terms are shown on every listing before you book.
Related questions
What happens if the guide cancels?
On MadeToHike the guide is responsible for refunding a trip they cancel, and the policy that applies is shown on the listing at the time you book.