Getting to Southern Patagonia and travelling around by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Southern Patagonia Southern Patagonia lies at the bottom end of the South American continent, stradling Chile and Argentina. Patagonia is remarkable and popular for its incredible scenery, granite peaks, glaciers and abundant wildlife. Due to its far flung location, the distances involved and the sparse population getting there and travelling around can take some planning. …
Explore Potosi and Sucre in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th October, 2017 Explore Bolivia A holiday in Bolivia is so much more than Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Amazon. Tom describes two more must-sees in this vibrant and fascinating Andean country – Potosi and Sucre. He writes… The Spanish have a phrase – ‘Vale un Potosi’ – which means something being worth as much as Potosi. The mountain Cerro Potosi …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife by Tom Shearman on 3rd February, 2017 There is no real ‘best’ time as something is always happening and Galapagos are a great year-round destination for a holiday. As the Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator, air and water temperatures do not vary by much, and most species are here year-round. There are two recognised seasons, and each months brings …
Avoid seasickness on Galapagos cruise top tips by Tom Shearman on 27th November, 2016 Avoid seasickness on Galapagos Islands Andean Trails’ Tom and fellow Galapagos expert Doris Welsh share their Top Ten Tips on how to have a fantastic Galapagos holiday while minimising the risk of seasickness. This advice applies to cruises and hotel-based tours. Tom writes: “Many people’s number one fear before a Galapagos cruise is running …
A day aboard a Galapagos cruise – what to expect by Tom Shearman on 21st October, 2016 What to expect on your Galapagos Islands holiday You’ve booked your Galapagos cruise, watched the nature videos and bought the sun cream – then start to wonder… Is the cabin too small? Will I get seasick? Here, Galapagos Islands’ expert Tom explains what to expect during a typical day on your dream Galapagos holiday. Don’t …
Five things I wish I’d known before visiting the Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2016 Before visiting the Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands’ expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips about travelling to this fantastic archipelago. Have a look at our own Galapagos photos on Facebook and Pinterest, plus our youtube videos. He writes: “Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, so you want to get the planning and kit right. “I’ve …
Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile by Tom Shearman on 23rd September, 2016 Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park Trek options and where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Changes in Torres del Paine park regulations make it imperative you book your accommodation before hiking. Tom writes: “Torres del Paine National Park authorities (CONAF) has just announced that only trekkers who …
Spot the best wildlife in Patagonia on holiday by Tom Shearman on 9th September, 2016 Spot the best wildlife in Patagonia on holiday Patagonia is full of terrific wildlife – check our Facebook photo album. Tom looks at the where and when of the wildlife you may encounter on a wildlife holiday in Patagonia – be it in Chile or Argentina. He writes: Patagonia: steppes, fjords, mountains, forests, lakes, glaciers …
Ecuador Cloud Forest – Santa Lucia by Tom Shearman on 24th August, 2016 Ecuador Cloud Forest – Santa Lucia Andean Trails’ Tom regales us with an account of his recent trip to Santa Lucia Lodge in the Ecuadorean cloud forest not far from the capital Quito. He writes: “Looks like a young male tarantula, they can get quite aggressive,”. The big black and purple spider before us …
Colombia – Top 10 places to visit and things to do by Tom Shearman on 19th August, 2016 Top 10 places to visit and things to do in Colombia Travel advice and tips for Colombia holidays Colombia is the country that has everything you could need from a South America holiday. Andean Trails’ Tom spent two months enjoying the diverse landscapes and people that make this a country rich in wildlife, nature and …
Peru: best ceviche and pisco sour recipe by Tom Shearman on 28th July, 2016 Peru: best ceviche and pisco sour recipe To mark Peru celebrating its Independence Day today (Jul 28), Tom describes his joy at learning how to make its iconic national drink and dish on a day tour in Lima. Ceviche and pisco sour are the staples behind Peru’s deserved and burgeoning foodie reputation. He writes: …
Inti Raymi: Cusco Inca festival on a budget by Tom Shearman on 9th June, 2016 Inti Raymi: Cusco Inca festival on a budget Inti Raymi festival – enjoy the Inca parade on a budget Andean Trails’ Tom describes how to witness the incredible Inti Raymi festival in Cusco, Peru, without having to spend a fortune on tickets. He writes: June 24, 8am. We’d been out the night before, …
Trekking advice in Patagonia: independently vs group by Tom Shearman on 12th May, 2016 Advice on trekking in Patagonia Patagonia is a ruggedly beautiful land cut from jagged Andean mountains and blue glaciers. Patagonia has a climate that commands respect from the gauchos that work the land to the pumas, condors and other wildlife that make this spectacular region their home. For trekkers, it is and adventure holiday and …
The Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 6th May, 2016 The Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica and a popular holiday destination for people travelling around Patagonia. Its famous Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel, the stunning mountain backdrop and varied wildlife make it many people’s favourite stop. Ushuaia, which labels itself as the southernmost city …
Travel advice: safe drinking water by Tom Shearman on 28th April, 2016 Travel advice: safe drinking water Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most likely illness anyone encounters on their holiday. By following a few simple steps, you can avoid an upset stomach and enjoy an illness-free holiday in South America (and other parts of the world!). The most common cause of water-borne illness is bacteria, such as E. …
