Animal Wildlife Guide for Bolivia’s Madidi National Park by Tom Shearman on 22nd December, 2022 The steamy Amazon rainforest is the world’s most incredible living laboratory, a biodiversity hotspot and home to thousands of unique species. Land-locked Bolivia is home to unique and varied Amazonian wildlife. Just over half of the country is rainforest, with two-thirds considered primary rainforest. Bolivia’s most important jungle area is Madidi National Park, where jaguars, …
Travel Review of Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge, Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 29th November, 2022 Where is Mindo Cloud Forest? The town of Mindo lies in the cloud forest north of Quito. It is a small, relaxed place that boasts a range of cafes and restaurants. More importantly, it lies in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cloud forest areas. Kat’s Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure We asked Andean Trails’ Kat …
Day Trips From Santiago de Chile by Tom Shearman on 18th October, 2022 Most people travelling to Chile will pass through its capital, Santiago, at some point during their trip. Santiago’s official name is Santiago de Chile. This stunning city has some fantastic day trips for those who linger longer. Excursions vary from wine tasting to skiing to street art. Such variety stems from Santiago’s dramatic geography — …
Buyer’s Guide to Otavalo Market: From Souvenirs to Jewellery by Tom Shearman on 7th October, 2022 The picture-postcard and colourful indigenous artisan Otavalo market is surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks in the heart of Ecuador. Handmade crafts and textiles of incredible quality have helped make Otavalo a traveller’s favourite and the largest market of its kind in all of South America. The Otavalo Market is authentic and dates back to …
Fascinating Facts About Mount Aconcagua by Tom Shearman on 20th September, 2022 Mount Aconcagua towers over Argentina and Chile from its location close to Mendoza. Standing at 6,961m/22,838ft, Aconcagua claims several lofty titles: the highest peak in South America, the tallest in all the Americas, and the highest mountain outside Asia. Aconcagua is part of Aconcagua Provincial Park, and its formidable climbing challenge has attracted adventurers for …
Coral Galapagos Cruise: A Traveller’s Review by Tom Shearman on 9th September, 2022 Andean Trails’ traveller Jana Meerman has just returned from the diversity and magic — her words — of the Galapagos Islands. Jana and her folks chose the Galapagos to celebrate her dad’s 60th birthday. They weren’t disappointed. Jana, a travel blogger and photographer, describes their August trip, what to expect, and the wildlife she encountered. …
Plan the Perfect 4-week Trip Around South America by Tom Shearman on 22nd August, 2022 South America is a vast destination with so many attractions. Often, the question is ” How can I fit in as much as possible — in my 4 weeks in South America?” We have a quarter of a century of experience putting together the logistics for top tours and making dream trip ideas a reality. …
What you Must See on Easter Island and How to Get There by Tom Shearman on 5th August, 2022 Easter Island, one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, is once again open to visitors. COVID visiting restrictions have been lifted from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its towering Moai statues carved centuries ago by Easter Island inhabitants. People can once again visit the island, real name Rapa Nui, and enjoy the …
Tours to See Puerto Madryn Penguins, Patagonia by Tom Shearman on 22nd July, 2022 The famous Puerto Madryn penguins, where up to a million Magellanic penguins congregate to breed, are not found in Puerto Madryn. While the town is famous for being one of the best places to see penguins in Argentina, Puerto Madryn penguin tours actually take place in Punta Tombo. However, the tours do start in Puerto …
Visitors guide to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain by Tom Shearman on 11th July, 2022 There are now three mountains to visit at Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca ruins with the opening of the Huchuy Picchu trail. The gentler elevations of Huchuy Picchu, which translates as ‘small mountain’ from Quechua, join Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain as hiking attractions with great views. Let’s look at the three options so you …
Our Guide to the Top 5 Ecuador Volcano Hikes and Climbs by Tom Shearman on 21st June, 2022 Ecuador’s volcanoes offer some of the most exciting mountaineering routes in the Andes mountains. There are walking acclimatisation peaks, technical summits, and everything in between in what is known as Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes. Some of Ecuador’s volcanoes require fully-supported expeditions; others are day trips from Quito or nearby. The variety is astounding, but the …
Surprising Facts About Rainbow Mountain, Near Cusco, Peru by Tom Shearman on 14th June, 2022 One of Peru’s must-see travel highlights is the stunningly vibrant multi-coloured Rainbow Mountain near Cusco. It’s easy for visitors to see why at such a stunning site, high in the Peruvian Andes. Plump purple, arctic blues and lemon yellows weave over the shoulders of Vinicunca, its Quechua name, which means coloured mountain. This rich natural …
The Patagonia Mountain Ranges Explained by Tom Shearman on 19th May, 2022 The vast open spaces of Patagonia’s mountain ranges remain an enthralling draw to visitors from around the world. Be it climbing, hiking, rafting, or wildlife watching, Patagonia’s mountain ranges hold something for everyone. Soaring, ice-capped peaks, glaciers, dense and verdant forests line crystalline lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Let’s look at Patagonia’s inspiring geography, and the …
What to do For 3 Days in El Chalten, Patagonia by Tom Shearman on 12th May, 2022 Do you have three days in El Chalten, Argentina? Here’s the lowdown on the best tours and attractions, plus sample itineraries to make the most of your time in Patagonia. El Chalten is a small town built on the floodplain of Rio de Las Vueltas and part of the vast Los Glaciares National Park. The …
The Best View in Peru: The Sun Gate, Machu Picchu by Tom Shearman on 20th April, 2022 First impressions last, which is why the Sun Gate leading to Machu Picchu is such a highlight for people visiting Peru’s world-famous Inca citadel. The Sun Gate, or Intipunku in Quechua, sits around 290m (951 feet) above Machu Picchu’s elevation, offering unparalleled views of the ruins some two kilometres away. Spread out before the eyes …
How Much Does It Cost To Go to Antarctica? Facts & Figures by Tom Shearman on 22nd March, 2022 Many travellers get giddy at the prospect of visiting the Earth’s final frontier. They quickly stop to ask themselves: Just how much does it cost to go to Antarctica? It’s a vital question. A trip to the frozen continent is never cheap, but there are ways to stretch your budget to help with Antarctica travel …
Guide to the Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls by Tom Shearman on 14th March, 2022 Visiting Iguazu Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience with thundering waterfalls and lush rainforests. Let’s look at the best time to visit Iguazu Falls so that you can make the most of this popular and outstanding destination. Of course, the best time to visit Iguazu Falls is subjective. Hate the heat but want to see …
Discover Peru’s Little-known Chachapoya Culture by Tom Shearman on 25th February, 2022 The Chachapoya culture and people are one of Peru’s endearing mysteries. Little is known about this pre-Incan civilisation, save for some scattered ruins and funeral tombs. Who Were the Chachapoya People? Also known as cloud people, the Chachapoya culture was full of warriors and skilled weavers of alpaca and llama wools. They settled …
Colombia: Best Beaches & Sleeping in Tayrona National Park by Tom Shearman on 18th February, 2022 Almost every traveller heading to Colombia will make Tayrona National Park’s beaches one of their must-see destinations. Colombia’s Caribbean coast features postcard-perfect crystal waters and beautiful sandy beaches set among pristine tropical forests. This beach paradise is easily accessible from nearby Santa Marta. For many, a day visit is not enough. Luckily, sleeping in Tayrona …
Behind the Scenes: Planning a Trip to South America with Andean Trails. by Tom Shearman on 24th January, 2022 There’s nothing we love more at Andean Trails than helping people when they’re planning a trip to South America. We hope our passion for this incredibly diverse continent shines through and inspires people to travel. Our connection with the destinations we offer comes from personal experiences spanning decades. You’ll find we ask lots of questions …
