Peru – there is so much more than Machu Picchu by Alan Lyall on 23rd April, 2018 When most people hear of Peru the first thing that comes to mind is Machu Picchu. The lost city of the Incas is the best-known archaeological site on the continent and the main reason why in high season over 2500 people visit daily. The most popular trek in that part of the world is …
Southern Patagonia ice field trek – what’s it like? by Alan Lyall on 18th April, 2018 Jan and Anne booked a month in Patagonia, including the classic W trek in Torres del Paine, and then a fabulous expedition into Los Glaciares National park and on to the south Patagonia ice field. They rounded of their trip with the Montes Martial trek in Ushuaia. We emailed Jan and Anne to see …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos by Alan Lyall on 2nd February, 2018 It is that time of year when you might be starting to think about where to take the family in 2018. We can highly recommend Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Perfect for family holidays Ecuador is a relatively compact country with numerous highlights. It is easy to get to and quick to travel …
Chiloe Island, Chile: travel expert reviews latest trip in Q&A by Alan Lyall on 8th December, 2017 Chiloe Alan escaped the office for a two week trip to Chile, which involved much pampering, lots of action and checking out Tierra Chiloe Hotel on Chile’s beautiful, off the beaten track island of Chiloe. We’ve asked him about his stay at the hotel, and he couldn’t stop gushing… Where have you just been? …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Q&A: Kim Stark on running marathons in Patagonia and Easter Island by Alan Lyall on 4th November, 2016 Patagonia and Easter Island marathons Adventure traveller Kim Stark has moved one step closed to achieving her dream of running a marathon on every continent after her recent South America tour with Andean Trails. Kim mixed sightseeing with long distance running while in Paine, Atacama, Bolivia and Easter Island. Kim sends this Q&A field report …
Travel guide to Bariloche, Argentina by Alan Lyall on 29th September, 2016 Travel guide to Bariloche, Argentina Andean Trails and its team lend their advice on the best attractions to enjoy in Bariloche, as well as some great restaurants to sample. Contact us and get planning for your adventure holiday in Bariloche. Alan writes: “San Carlos de Bariloche nestles into the Argentine side of the Northern …
Top things to do in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas by Alan Lyall on 15th September, 2016 Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas Read out guide to the top things to do in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Chile’s southernmost cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales offer the visitor to Patagonia much more than just an overnight stay. PUNTA ARENAS As with many far-flung settlements, Punta Arenas started life in the …
Travel insurance – essential holiday planning by Alan Lyall on 11th August, 2016 Travel insurance – essential holiday planning Andean Trails’ Alan has just returned from Chile where his trip did not quite go as planned. An unfortunate accident on his first day gave a timely reminder of how necessary travel insurance – a condition of booking with Andean Trails – can be. He writes: “I was …
Patagonia restaurant guide – best places to eat by Alan Lyall on 22nd July, 2016 Patagonia restaurant guide – best places to eat The Patagonia season is not far off and, eating is always one of the great pleasures when travelling in Argentina and Chile Here are some of our top tips for restaurants to eat in Southern Patagonia. EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA El Cucharón, 9 de Julio 145 Go where the …
Fly business or economy class to South America by Alan Lyall on 14th July, 2016 Fly business or economy class to South America Known in the office as ‘Aviation Man’ thanks to his in depth knowledge of flight routes and planes, Alan gives us his personal lowdown and experience of business flights to South America. He writes: “Most of us, when we walk down the jetty and board the …
Empanadas across South America – whose is the best? by Alan Lyall on 8th July, 2016 Empanadalicious! Almost every South America country has its version of the emblematic empanada – but who makes the tastiest version? Baked, or fried? Pastry, or bread? Empanadas are staples in many countries in South America with differences in sizes, stuffings and spices but a firm favourite with locals and travellers alike. What’s your …
Lastarria – Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot by Alan Lyall on 1st July, 2016 Lastarria, Santiago’s new hot spot Alan shares his top tips of where to eat, drink and find cultural stimulation in Lastarria, Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot He writes: Lastarria neighbourhood in central Santiago has blossomed in the last few years into the hot new area to stay whilst visiting Chile’s capital. Sandwiched between the Parque …
Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek by Alan Lyall on 20th May, 2016 Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek Alan shares his experiences on our popular Patagonia Highlights’ trek – from lost luggage to sunny days to snow in this beautiful part of the world. Check his photos on Facebook. He writes: PATAGONIA I set off during one of the UK’s worst winters plus a Spanish Air …
A guide to 24 hours in Buenos Aires by Alan Lyall on 24th December, 2015 A guide to 24 hours in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires: big, brash and bulging with things to do. You’ll pass through here on almost any trip to Argentina, and for those short on time, here are some ideas of how to make the most of your visit to the capital – 24 hours in Buenos …
Ups and downs on the hike to the Towers of Torres del Paine, Chile by Alan Lyall on 10th September, 2015 Hike to the towers of Torres del Paine, Chile Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall relives his trek to one of Chile’s finest attractions, ticking off a bucket list trip while pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Check his photos from the journey on our Facebook page. He writes: “I am not the poster boy for …
Top 10 dishes to try Chile by Alan Lyall on 14th May, 2015 Top 10 dishes to try Chile Food and eating are a huge part of a successful and enjoyable holiday. Chile has great seafood and meats, as well as some great wines – our own Alan Lyall lived in Santiago for almost two decades, and shares his favourite Chilean dishes. If you’re heading off to Chile, …
City Walking Tours: Lima, Santiago & Buenos Aires by Alan Lyall on 8th May, 2015 City Walking Tours: Lima, Santiago & Buenos Aires Capitals on foot A great way to get a feel for a city and also to get your bearings is to do a city tour. The best way to do so and “feel the vibe” is to include a guided walking tour in one of these South …
