Jaguar spotting in Amazon rainforest, Peru by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Jaguar spotting We’d been cruising upriver for two hours when the engine noise suddenly cut and a whispered word rose above the lapping of the muddy Amazon river water. “Jaguar,”. Ten souls stirred from soporific slumber and eyes started to scan the riverside. Spanish speakers stole a march as the boat captain murmured: “Izquierda, …
Lares Trek – an alternative to the Inca Trail by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Lares Trek Tom has just returned from trekking in the Lares Valley, in the surroundings of Cusco – and is happy to share fond memories…and check his Facebook photos, too. The beauty of the Lares Valley I can’t believe I’ve spent almost 17 years driving past these wonderful valleys and not known the beauty to be enjoyed …
Inca Trail alternative: Huchuy Qosqo Trek – short but sweet by Kathy Jarvis on 13th October, 2017 Inca Trail alternative We’ve known for many years now that not only the classic Inca Trail road leads to Machu Picchu. The area around Cusco, its fertile valleys and towering mountains, are home to a myriad of paths, many leading past Inca ruins before leaving you in the town of Aguas Calientes – either on …
Lost luggage tales – and advice by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Lost luggage Tom, who really should know better, tells us about how not to travel, pack or arrive at your holiday destination. He writes: “No clean clothes? Check. No charger for phone or laptop? Check. No sun cream, insect repellent, malaria pills for the coming Amazon trip? Check. Card not working in the …
Are you thinking of heading off to Southern Patagonia? by Kathy Jarvis on 13th October, 2017 Going to Southern Patagonia Kathy, Andean Trails’ director, has put together some suggestions of places to see and things to do in southern Patagonia for first time visitors. What should I see and do in ARGENTINEAN PATAGONIA? 1. EL CALAFATE Most trips to the Argentinean side of Patagonia will include a visit …
Getting to Southern Patagonia and travelling around by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Southern Patagonia Southern Patagonia lies at the bottom end of the South American continent, stradling Chile and Argentina. Patagonia is remarkable and popular for its incredible scenery, granite peaks, glaciers and abundant wildlife. Due to its far flung location, the distances involved and the sparse population getting there and travelling around can take some planning. …
Preparing for altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 2 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Altitude trekking In the second part of our blog on preparing to trek at high altitude in Peru or Bolivia we look at what to take with you and how to deal with high altitudes. What will the weather be like in the high Andes? Peru and Bolivia are located within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly …
Preparing for high altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 1 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Preparing for high altitude trekking There is no doubt that a high altitude trekking or mountaineering trip to Peru or Bolivia will be a fabulous, may be even life changing, experience. Why should I go on a high altitude hike? It can take you right out of your comfort zone and push your physical limits. You will be exposed to different ways of …
Explore Potosi and Sucre in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th October, 2017 Explore Bolivia A holiday in Bolivia is so much more than Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Amazon. Tom describes two more must-sees in this vibrant and fascinating Andean country – Potosi and Sucre. He writes… The Spanish have a phrase – ‘Vale un Potosi’ – which means something being worth as much as Potosi. The mountain Cerro Potosi …
All about hats – South America Travel Observations by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Hats in South America Patti McCarthy has just returned from the trip of a lifetime with Andean Trails that included Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. She enjoyed her trip so much and was fascinated by the hats (and the wearers!) she came across that she was inspired to write this hat blog. Patti writes: I have always been fascinated by the …
Savouring the wines of the Andes by Alan Lyall on 6th October, 2017 Savouring the wines South America and in particular Chile and Argentina have placed themselves firmly on the map with their fine good value wines. For those of us who like a wee tipple, a glass or two with some good food or in a spectacular location after a great day of adventures is heaven. At Andean Trails, we have …
Iguazu Falls – Why they are well worth a visit by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Iguazu Falls Cascades of water thundering over hundreds of waterfalls over a 1.7 mile (nearly 3 Km) stretch of land at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay attracts thousands of tourists every week. These are the Iguazu Falls. It is a popular tourist destination and at Andean Trails all of us have visited at different times. Tom says: “I’ve been lucky to see …
Visit Chilean Lake District , Green Patagonia by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Chilean Lake District Snow-capped volcanoes that flank a string of emerald coloured lakes which are surrounded by lush farmland and cold rain forest are the main features of Chile’s Lake District and recently denominated Green Patagonia. In the north of this area you will find National Parks dedicated to the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria Araucana) …
Active holidays, a challenging way to relax by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Active Holidays Holidays are for recovering, doing as little as possible, eating and drinking, and reading books. This week Tom gives his takes on why a physically challenging trip offers as much of a break, if not more, than the above. He writes: “A beautiful wash of blue, purple and orange sky with snow-capped peaks in …
Luxury holiday in Atacama Desert, Chile by Tom Shearman on 4th October, 2017 Atacama Desert “I’ll just bring you a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc to the Jacuzzi, sir.” The sun was stubbing itself into in an orangey cinder after a day of baking Chile’s Atacama desert. I was recently checked-in at the five star Alto Atacama hotel, thirsty and a bit dusty after an arrival then private tour …
Peru Trekking Experiences by Kathy Jarvis on 4th October, 2017 Peru Trekking Experiences Patti and Dave McCarthy are 8 weeks in to a 12 week trip that has taken them from southern Patagonia, through north west Argentina, across the altiplano and salt lakes of Bolivia, to Sucre, Potosi and La Paz, on one trek in the Cordillera Real and another to Machu Picchu. Currently they are enjoying trekking in …
Top 5 places to visit around Salta, Argentina. by Alan Lyall on 4th October, 2017 Visit Salta North West Argentina (NOA to the locals), is an area of incredible beauty and where you will find the peoples and culture of the high Andes. Salta is a charming colonial city nestling into the Andean foothills. Located in the Lerma Valley at just over 1000 metres above sea level, it is the …
Copacabana – Gateway to Bolivia’s Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca by Kathy Jarvis on 4th October, 2017 Copacabana Lake Titicaca. Arguably South America’s most renowed lake, at a breath-taking 3810m above sea level, is a lake claimed by two countries – Peru and Bolivia. The Bolivian gateway to the lake is Copacabana – a buzzing little town by the lakeside, albeit with a little less white sand and samba than the Brazilian …
