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 …
How Long Is The Inca Trail? by Tom Shearman on 17th January, 2022 The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s iconic hikes. Very few walks can match its diversity, history, and appeal. Inca Trail trekkers enjoy cloud forest, sub-tropical jungle, and mountain passes with views of snow-capped Andean peaks en route to the famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. Orchids, condors, …
What Inspired Charles Darwin’s Evolution Theory in Galapagos Islands. by Tom Shearman on 7th December, 2021 Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands are linked forever thanks to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The Galapagos Islands helped the English naturalist, geologist, and biologist formulate his groundbreaking work on evolution. Today, some 186 years after Darwin first stepped foot on the Galapagos Islands, their connection is as strong as ever. Let’s see how the …
Galapagos Islands: Guide to the Best Beaches. by Tom Shearman on 30th November, 2021 Galapagos Islands beaches are a traveller’s dream. There are white sand beaches (and other colours!), warm weather, and very few other people to be found on most Galapagos beaches. Jump into the crystalline waters, and you could be snorkelling with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. Or watch the wildlife from the shore, …
Sustainable Travel at Patagonia’s Hotel Las Torres. by Tom Shearman on 26th November, 2021 With Chile’s border entry arrangements relaxing from December 1, travellers can now look forward to taking the first steps back to an adventure holiday — including a sustainable trip to Hotel Las Torres. And what better than a green, responsible, and ecological path to follow. Hotel Las Torres in Patagonia has taken the time the …
The Best Hikes & Treks in Chile. by Tom Shearman on 24th November, 2021 Chile’s sleek and elongated geography helps make it one of the best trekking destinations in the world. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best hikes in Chile. The country stretches some 2,690 miles (4,329km) from north to south; South America’s distinctive spine formed thanks to Chile’s mighty Andean mountain ranges. It’s …
Guide to the Best Hiking Trails and Walks in and around Bariloche. by Tom Shearman on 7th November, 2021 Bariloche is one of Patagonia’s most enchanting spots, nestled on Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by glacial lakes, mountains, and beautiful forests. It is this landscape that makes Bariloche’s hiking trails so good. Also known as San Carlos de Bariloche, this town offers hikers access to some of the best trails in Argentina’s Lake District. At its …
