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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Arequipa Top Restaurant Picks by Kathy Jarvis on 9th December, 2016 Arequipa Top Restaurant Picks Peruvian gastronomy is famous throughout Latin America – and increasingly the world – for its quality and variety. Many say it’s the best on the continent. Here are the top seven picks for where to eat in Arequipa as compiled by Lieveka, one of our partners in Peru. She had a …
Peru and Bolivia: Mieke reports back from her holiday by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd December, 2016 Three week tour across Peru and Bolivia This week we hear from Mieke, who’s just returned from a three-week tour of Peru and Bolivia. She and two friends explored Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu plus Lake Titicaca in Peru. Next, La Paz, Sucre and the Salt Flats of Uyuni in Bolivia. Which was her …
Expert advice for family holidays by Kathy Jarvis on 24th November, 2016 Thinking about a family holiday to South America? Such a vast continent with such a range of attractions, from snorkelling in the sea to high altitude treks, can make it hard to pick the right trip for you and your family. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has spent over 20 years exploring South America, the …
South America family holidays – top tips and advice by Kathy Jarvis on 10th November, 2016 South America family holidays South America is fast becoming a popular place for families to visit on their holidays. Here we share the experiences of some of the families and groups that have travelled to South America with Andean Trails, and how it changed them. There are more flights to South America than ever, and …
Help plan a big group tour to Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 7th October, 2016 Help plan a big group tour to Peru Andean Trails organised a fantastic summer Peru adventure for 14 teenagers and two adults from Dunfermline’s Queen Anne High School. The group camped in the Amazon, trekked the Inca Trail, visited remote communities in the Sacred Valley and went fishing with locals in Lima. Check their photos on …
Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 5th August, 2016 Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru Peru and particularly Cusco is a massive draw for trekkers, with great hikes from the Inca Trail to Salkantay and more to enjoy – and everyone needs to acclimatise to the altitude before hiking. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has written many Peru trekking guides, including the recently updated Bradt Peru …
Tips and advice to Climb Huayna Potosi, Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 17th June, 2016 Climb Huyana Potosi in Bolivia BOLIVIA: Huayna Potosi is one of the most accessible 6,000m climbs in all of the Andes. It is the perfect Andean mountain for novice or experienced mountaineers. Here, some Andean Trails’ climbers our own staff give us an insight to their experiences on this fantastic Andean summit. The customers …
Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 27th May, 2016 Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis gives her tips and insights from her recent tour with son Lewis through southern Peru and Bolivia. Where have you just been? I went to Peru and Bolivia for a month What did you see and do? I wanted to check out …
White water rafting in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 8th April, 2016 White water rafting in Ecuador South America is full of fantastic white water rafting – a perfect extension to your adventure holiday, from those looking for massive rapids to paddling fun for all the family. We offer rafting trips in Peru, including the mighty Apurimac, as well as in Chile and arguably the best rafting …
