Andean Trails is a specialist, independent UK-based tour operator, operating a wide range of small group and bespoke, tailor-made and private tours across South America.
Kathy Jarvis founded the company back in 1998 after falling in love with South America as a tour leader and guide book writer. From 1994 she guided active adventure tours through Peru, Patagonia, Bolivia, Ecuador and Galapagos for some of the larger UK adventure travel companies.
Since 1998 our UK office, and headquarters has been based in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. However, all of our staff have lived and travelled extensively in South America over the last 40 years.
Between us we share a wealth of knowledge and experience on this fascinating and amazing continent. We are passionate about sharing our experiences and creating small group and bespoke tours in the Andes for our customers.
We travel regularly to research and take part in established and new tours, which gives us first hand, up to date information on any queries or clarification you may have about your trip.
Together with our carefully chosen local partners we can give you a personalised service based on plenty of first hand experience.
Through our fixed group departures, as well as individually created tailor-made itineraries, we aim to share with you the spectacular wilderness areas, fascinating native cultures and diverse wildlife of this spellbinding continent.
We offer everything from active, adventure tours and expeditions to more leisurely holidays. We are a committed team and are happy to help, chatting through teh options available based on first hand experience. We are fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and German.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you have.
We are: Kathy Jarvis, Kat Dougal, Tom Shearman, Gill Christie.
Read more about us.
Your Financial Protection
Andean Trails is fully compliant with European tour operator regulations. Financial security is guaranteed through our ATOL bond (6275) and our solicitor-managed Trust Account.
Tailor Made Trips, Custom Tours and Private Treks
We are a specialist in tailor made tours, customised trips, bespoke activity and luxury holidays through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Patagonia.
We have developed excellent relationships with all our local partners and put together educational trips for student, school, scout groups, families, photography clubs, cycle clubs, trekking and outdoor clubs too. Individual and groups all welcome.
Our first hand experience and intimate local knowledge, together with a network of high quality local guides and partners, allow us to create an authentic itinerary to meet your precise specifications… just get in touch, and we can discuss the options.
Small group tours
Andean Trails supports responsible travel and tourism. By limiting the size of our groups we minimise environmental impact and achieve greater flexibility.
On our small group tours our normal group-size is between 6 and 12 plus a leader, although some groups extend up to 16 people.
The typical age range is 25-75 with similar ratios of couples and singles, males and females. You will find yourself travelling with like-minded people; experienced trekkers, mountain bikers and climbers, as well as relative novices.
Fully Supported
All of our trekking, biking and jungle expeditions are fully supported, meaning you need only carry a small pack with items needed during the day, such as a camera, binoculars and waterproofs. We also some more expedition type tips where you may carry more, for example the South Patagonia Ice-Cap.
Generally though luggage is transported by porters, donkeys or a support vehicle. We find that while on trek, a certain level of comfort is appreciated by more people. We are generally accompanied by a team of local staff who set up camp and cook for us.
On trekking expeditions, kitchen, dining and toilet tents are usually provided (where possible).
Tour leaders
Our group tours are led by a locally appointed leader or a native English speaking-guide living in the country you are visiting. All have long-term experience in the field.
Our leaders and guides have been chosen primarily for their knowledge of the areas they work in and their fluency in English and Spanish.
While on trekking, climbing and jungle sectors of the tour, our groups are always accompanied by an experienced and appropriately qualified local guide.
Positive tourism
Andean Trails promotes responsible tourism and tries to make only a positive impact on our destination landscapes and communities.
We are involved with a number of organisations which work to protect and conserve the areas we visit. Andean Trails is committed to contributing on a regular base to two excellent NGOs in Peru. (Huchuy Yachaq and ECOAN).
We are also members of a variety of organisations that work in nature and wildlife conservation – John Muir Trust, the Galapagos Conservation Trust, the LATA Foundation, Rainforest Concern, and Tourism Concern (in the past).
Our staff trips are carbon neutral, we make a donation to Rainforest Concern or Trees For Life.
About You
We believe that a sense of adventure and an open mind are the most important things you can bring with you.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
Corinne Finn, UK, Tailor-made Ecuador, Chile and Argentina, Sep-Nov 2023 ‘During our extended trip in South America from September to November, my husband Kevin and I explored the breathtaking landscapes and cultures of Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile." "In Ecuador, we climbed volcanoes over 4000 meters high, explored the Amazon and cloud forests, and snorkelled with penguins in the Galapagos Islands." "We visited Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, the Chilean fjords and hiked through the iconic peaks and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Finally, we enjoyed the remarkable landscapes of the Atacama Desert." "This unforgettable journey was amazingly and professionally organized by Kathy and team from Andean Trails, who took the time to understand our needs and requirements. After extensive discussions, they tailored the trip to ensure it was everything we hoped for and more. We would highly recommend them for anyone planning a similar adventure. The experience enriched us both, leaving us with lifelong memories"
Corinne Finn
"Everything went together seamlessly. The accommodations that I had were very nice, clean, and good locations. "Transfers worked great. Argentina worked out fine and found people to hike with. "Chile was perfect as well, but the guide was the one who made the trip. And, of course, Easter Island again was fantastic. "Thank you for all your hard work. It paid off. I am a very happy customer."
Karla B, USA » Guided or Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek
