Chile In Style: Luxury holidays and hotels by Alan Lyall on 18th July, 2014 Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall worked in tourism in Chile for more than 20 years. He draws from that well of knowledge and shares his tips for a luxury holiday or honeymoon In Style in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. He writes: “Chile is a destination that has been blessed by nature; Spectacular …
Families in the north of Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 11th July, 2014 Gocta falls with family and kids Peru with the family? Three generations – a grandmother, two mothers and two children aged 10 and 6 – set off recently to explore Gocta Lodge, in the north of Peru. Margaret Jarvis, fresh from her Amazon trip, was determined to make the most of the tour, as was Lorne Blythe, …
South America honeymoon planning and travel advice by Tom Shearman on 4th July, 2014 South America honeymoon planning Pros and cons of private and group tours in honeymoon packages, plus recommendations some super South America honeymoon destinations in this week’s blog. Tom writes: “The honeymoon dream; the romantic getaway, be that trekking up a mountain, or relaxing on a beach with a glass of something cold. A joint …
Amazon holiday dream realised by Kathy Jarvis on 27th June, 2014 Amazon holiday Botanist and biologist Margaret Jarvis talks about finally realising a desire to the world’s greatest rainforests – the Amazon. She writes: “At 79 I have seen a bit of this planet, including tropical forest in Malaysia and Indonesia, but not the Amazonian rainforest. A longstanding ambition was achieved in April this year …
Volunteer in the Amazon Jungle by Kat Dougal on 20th June, 2014 Volunteer in the Amazon Jungle Kat takes us into the Amazon on a volunteering project which may inspire you to pack up and do the same. Check her Facebook photos for some irresistibly cute pictures, and read on … Kat writes: “My first big travel adventure was a six month trip to South America …
Chimichurri sauce recipe by Alan Lyall on 13th June, 2014 Chimichurri sauce recipe It’s summer time, it’s a year divisible by four and that means only one thing. Well, two. Barbecue season! World Cup time! We’re combining both to bring you a recipe for the tasty Chimichurri sauce, popular throughout South America, our favourite BBQ foods and our World Cup predictions below. Chimichurri Chimichurri …
Huchuy Yachaq community project by Kathy Jarvis on 6th June, 2014 Huchuy Yachaq community project For over 5 years Andean Trails has been supporting the Huchuy Yachaq community project in the marginalised neighbourhood of Hermanos Ayar near Cusco. We’ve been able to do this thanks to everybody who has travelled with Andean Trails. In this neighbourhood there is a high level of poverty, with little in the way of …
Saving Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest by Tom Shearman on 30th May, 2014 Saving Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest This week we talk to the manager of an Ecuador Amazon eco-lodge with a difference – they want you to see oil and destruction as they try to save the rainforest. Huaorani Most Amazon trips offer a spectacular visit to the highlights of the Amazon – wildlife, community life and …
Typical day in Amazon rainforest of Peru by Kat Dougal on 23rd May, 2014 Typical day in Amazon rainforest of Peru Andean Trails’ Kat describes a day’s holiday in the Amazon rainforest at Peru’s Refugio Amazonas and Tambopata Research Centre (TRC). The sights, smells and beauty of it all takes her back to an earlier time.. Kat writes: “The heat hits me as soon as I step …
Get fit for trekking holidays across South America by Tom Shearman on 16th May, 2014 Get hiking fit for trekking holidays This week Andean Trails looks at how to get fit for your trekking holiday in South America, with a top joke at the end to boot! Getting trek in South America Your mind’s eye pictures the open path, yourself as a mountain goat eating up the miles, gamboling …
Wildlife shock in Amazon rainforest of Guyana by Tom Shearman on 9th May, 2014 Wildlife in Amazon rainforest of Guyana The Amazon rainforest of Guyana brings surprises at every turn, and not just for tourists who venture to this pristine environment. Animals get a shock too – as Tom describes one eventful night in Guyana (and more), many moons afore, in the name of conservation … Tom writes: …
Is the water safe to drink in Peru? by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd May, 2014 Drinking water in Peru Kathy Jarvis talks about water treatment and reducing a traveller’s plastic footprint. She writes: “Can I drink the tap water?” is one of the most frequently asked questions we get here in our UK office from travellers heading to Peru. We always advise people not to risk it. The …
Buenos Aires city guide – the passion and the icons by Alan Lyall on 25th April, 2014 Buenos Aires Alan tells us about Buenos Aires this week, a city that he fell in love with, and how following its icons can make for a fascinating way to get to know the city. He writes: “Argentina is a country of passions. The Argentines are a passionate people. It must be from their …
What to drink while travelling in Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 18th April, 2014 What to drink in Peru This week we look at some of the top drinks of Peru which give a real taste for the country’s tipples. Check Tom’s Wanderlust blog about top places to eat across Peru, too. Drinks in Peru Imagine a holiday to France without wine. A visit to Dublin without Guinness. An …
Empanada recipe: traditional method from Buenos Aires, Argentina by Alan Lyall on 11th April, 2014 Empanada recipe Our Alan shares two decades of South America living and empanada making with this delicious empanada recipe. Try it at home or travel to Argentina, Chile or Patagonia and eat them in situ. As a great person once said: “Nam nam!” Alan writes: “Empanadas – pasties or turnovers – are a delicacy all …
Patagonia – its weather, seasons and best time to travel by Kathy Jarvis on 4th April, 2014 Best time to travel to Patagonia Temperate, tempestuous, terrible and terrific – some of the words that define Patagonia and its fascinatingly energetic and changeable weather. Our guide to Patagonia’s weather and seasons will be vital when planning travel and holidays to this beautiful region. Key points Nov-March: +5 to + 20°C, four seasons in …
Protecting the Galapagos Islands – a new project by Kathy Jarvis on 28th March, 2014 The Galapagos Islands – a new project Protecting the Galapagos Islands – as well as exploring them – is a cause close to our hearts at Andean Trails. This week one of the charities we support, the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), tells us all about a new online project which aims to get more people …
Naked ramblings by Tom Shearman on 21st March, 2014 Naked Ramblings Security is being stepped up at Machu Picchu – to prevent a rise in streaking tourists at the World Heritage site. Andean Trails’ Tom recalls his own Scottish naked winter ramble of a decade ago in his quest to raise money for charity. Have you ever met a naked rambler? Or stripped off at a …
North West Argentina – the painter’s palette by Alan Lyall on 14th March, 2014 North West Argentina NOA to the locals, North West Argentina is dazzling our Alan with its diversity – he’s seen frogs, ships, cathedrals and devil’s throats, to amphetheatres, ships, monks and much more. Check his stunning photos on our Facebook page. He writes….. “NOA is a place to let your imagination soar and wonder, …
Charango – the sound of the Andes by Kathy Jarvis on 7th March, 2014 Charango… This week Andean Trails’ traveller Paul Crowther describes his love affair with the Charango instrument and the Andes, with some great pictures on Facebook. He writes: “For me, the charango is the essential sound of the Andes. The pipes and flutes are also typical, but the charango sound is not found anywhere else. …
