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 …
Lost luggage tales – and advice by Alan Lyall on 21st September, 2017 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 ATM. Check. …
Northern Patagonia, Trek back in time by Kathy Jarvis on 26th May, 2017 Trek back in time Kathy Jarvis has just returned from Northern Patagonia and here are her thoughts on why you should go to that part of Patagonia. Torres del Paine and the Fitzroy mountains in southern Patagonia have long been the main attraction for visitors to Patagonia. The allure of those mountain areas is strong and the sheer …
Kathy’s Northern Patagonia off the beaten path expedition by Kathy Jarvis on 19th May, 2017 Northern Patagonia Andean Trails’ director Kathy has just returned from a research trip to Northern Patagonia in South America. Here are the answers to our questions – they will make you want to go! Where have you just been? Patagonia What did you see and do? We spent a month travelling south, from …
Maria’s Patagonian Adventure by Kathy Jarvis on 11th May, 2017 Patagonian Adventure Maria Lucas, who worked in our office for a year before moving permanently to Chile, has just come back from her first ever visit to Patagonia. Here are her observations: Located where the Andes slowly sink into the sea, Chilean Patagonia is characterized by numerous mountains, glaciers, fjords and channels that …
El Chalten, Patagonia: trekking options and more by Kathy Jarvis on 5th May, 2017 El Chalten, Patagonia Kathy has just arrived, rather reluctantly, back in the office after a month exploring southern Chile, with a short foray into Argentina, to Los Glaciares national park, in particular El Chalten and the Fitzroy area. She says “I hadn’t been to El Chalten in southern Argentina, since my tour leading days …
Amazon rainforest or cloud forest? by Tom Shearman on 25th April, 2017 Travel advice: Amazon rainforest or cloud forest? Visit the Amazon rainforest or cloud forest on your South America holiday? Some people want monkeys but not insects, some can’t stand the heat but want to see bears. Others want to walk through lush forest. There are a myriad of cloud forest and Amazon lodges across Peru, …
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos by Tom Shearman on 21st April, 2017 Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos Snorkelling around the Galapagos Islands is a true highlight of any Galapagos holiday. An abundance of inquisitive and beautiful creatures await you once you slip into the sea. Most snorkel sites are in calm waters and suitable for people that have never snorkelled before. Here – in no …
Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 13th April, 2017 Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador Markets are great places to visit in Ecuador. Full of colour, noise, smells and activity, they really give you a feel of the place you are visiting and an insight into the local way of life. Ecuador is a colourful potpourri of cultures and its markets are particularly …
Galapagos Islands cruises – which itinerary to choose? by Tom Shearman on 6th April, 2017 Galapagos islands cruises Planning your dream Galapagos cruise can feel daunting when you first start to research Galapagos boats and itineraries. Here, Andean Trails Galapagos holiday expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips to help you decide which trip is best for you. He writes: “Galapagos park rules were introduced a few years ago …
The two-day Inca Trail km104 – the new hike by Kathy Jarvis on 30th March, 2017 The two-day Inca Trail km104 – the new hike Inca Trail trekking permits sell out faster than ever these days – we have a new two day hike to Machu Picchu to offer. Anybody travelling before September this year will again be disappointed to learn that they have missed out on permits for the traditional …
Lima, Peru – things to see and do by Kathy Jarvis on 27th March, 2017 Lima, Peru – things to see and do Peru’s capital might not be the most glamorous of South American cities but there is certainly plenty to see and do. It is the gateway to the country as most travellers to Peru will enter and exit through the city’s modern airport. The city is located on …
Top trek in Peru – Cordillera Huayhuash by Tom Shearman on 16th March, 2017 Top trek in Peru – Cordillera Huayhuash This week Andean Trails’ Tom Shearman lets us know which is and why, his favourite trek. He writes: “Peru. Whenever I’m asked, I always say Peru. This is the answer to which is my favourite country in South America for trekking. There are many reasons, but in …
Meals on the Inca Trail by Kathy Jarvis on 10th March, 2017 Food and meals on the Inca Trail When thinking of meals on a trekking trip, many may have images of beans and rice, compo rations or bland, unappealing fare. Fond Inca Trail meal memories – Andean Trails staff Not so for the Inca Trail veterans of the Andean Trails office. Forget the stunning views and …
5 top tips to prepare for the Inca Trail by Kathy Jarvis on 1st March, 2017 Preparing for the Inca Trail – top tips Getting trekking fit for your Inca Trail means you’ll enjoy your hike to Machu Picchu even more. With Inca Trail permits selling 4-6 months in advance, you have to plan ahead. Starting early means your heart and lungs will be get stronger and more efficient, which is …
Family holiday in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 25th February, 2017 Two families, four parents with 6 teenagers, have just got back from a family walking holiday in Ecuador and written to let us know how they got on. Read their top tips for family holidays in Ecuador. They said: “Our trip was great. We all had a fantastic time and the hiking was excellent. …
Helping Cusco kids – Huchuy Yachaq by Kathy Jarvis on 16th February, 2017 Helping kids in Huchuy Yachaq Nigel Mallon has just returned from Peru with wonderful images of his visit to the Huchuy Yachaq charity, in Cusco. At Huchuy Yachaq, Nigel took photos of the beautiful jewellery the local women produce in an effort to raise additional income. Nigel’s photos will be used in a leaflet given …
