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. …
Colombian food to try on holiday by Tom Shearman on 22nd April, 2016 Colombian food to try on holiday Colombia has some seriously tasty food to try, an essential part of any holiday to a country which personifies diversity. From the thousands of bird species to ecosystems to the 60+ languages spoken to the fruits that grow. There are lots of incredible fruit juices to try here, as …
Argentina’s Ibera wetland region by Tom Shearman on 14th April, 2016 Argentina’s Ibera wetland region Tom has been exploring the remote north-eastern reaches of Argentina’s Ibera wetland area, part of our fantastic wildlife holidays section. Here he describes his trip to Irupe Lodge – please contact us for more information – and watch his short video of the wildlife highlights. He writes: “250ml of rain …
Advice to anyone thinking of a career break to travel by Tom Shearman on 1st April, 2016 Thinking of a career break to travel? Tom writes about his six months travelling across South America. The tour, with his partner Elena, encompassed Chile, Patagonia, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Galapagos and Colombia. He writes: “Just do it. A gap year, a gap half-year or a midlife crisis (I’m approaching 40 fast): call it what …
First time trekker: a debut hiker in Colombian Andes. by Tom Shearman on 11th February, 2016 First time trekker in Colombia A first time hiker took on a brand new trek in Los Nevados mountains of Colombia, all part of Andean Trails’ determination to explore new routes. Elena Sanchez, aka Hiking Elena, had never before attempted a multi-day trek. Here, Hiking Elena gives an honest account of her 3-day adventure …
Review: The Beagle, first class Galapagos yacht by Tom Shearman on 29th January, 2016 Review: The Beagle, first class Galapagos yacht The Galapagos Islands have intrigued humans on many levels for centuries. From pirates searching for food and water, to Darwin seeking to prove his theory of evolution, to the present, with people seeking a way to protect this fragile environment as well as enjoying fantastic Galapagos cruises. Tom …
Top tips: Prepare for the Inca Trail, Peru by Tom Shearman on 13th January, 2016 Top tips: Prepare for the Inca Trail 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 what …
Peninsula Valdes: Kayaking in search of whales, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 4th December, 2015 Kayaking in Peninsula Valdes Salty sea dogs and jumping sea wolfs in Tom’s blog about kayaking and exploring Peninsula Valdes, Argentina’s prime whale-watching destination. Watch the video here. He writes: “An old, old sight, and yet somehow so young…There’s a soft shower to leeward. Such lovely leewardings! They must lead somewhere — to something else than common …
Cordillera de los Frailes community trek, Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th November, 2015 Cordillera de los Frailes trek, Bolivia Inca Trails, copper deposits and volcanic craters and positive tourism on a fantastic two-day trek out of Sucre, Bolivia – Cordillera de los Frailes – the latest destination on Tom’s travels. Tom writes about community tourism working positively for all… Cheeky “Take two good handfuls, strip the leaf …
Chalalan, visiting Madidi Park in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 29th October, 2015 Chalalan, visiting Madidi Park in Bolivia How not drinking a beer on a bench in Bolivia’s Madidi National Park sent Tom to think about things and their places. Heart of a Saturday night, by Tom Waits: Jus’ seen capuchin, jus’ seen a pig. Jus’ seen leafcutters, but that ant had a twig. I’m not …
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile by Tom Shearman on 23rd October, 2015 San Pedro de Atacama, Chile Andean Trails’ Tom updates us on his South American voyage of exploration. He writes: Atacama is the driest place on the planet, where rain has hardly fallen in 40 years in some places and some villages are now without water. And yet people and animals survive. There are pampa …
Sleeping on the floating islands of Uros, Lake Titikaka by Tom Shearman on 15th October, 2015 Floating islands of Uros, Lake Titikaka Andean Trails’s Tom shares his overnight experience on the floating Uros islands, Lake Titikaka. ‘Kamisaraki!’ “Wa-lee-kee!’ Squelch. He writes: After the warm Aymaran welcomes, my first impression of standing on a Uros floating reed island was one of sponge meets swamp. These unique people and islands now offer overnight …
Spring in Patagonia – best time to travel by Tom Shearman on 24th September, 2015 Spring in Patagonia – best time to travel What makes spring one of the best times of year to visit Patagonia is that most people don’t know that it is so special. Here are some reasons that you should get planning your Patagonia tour for the southern spring: Torres del Paine – blaze a …
Top 5 things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 18th September, 2015 Top 5 things to do in Ushuaia Our Argentina representative, Alexandra Smirnova, shares her favourite activities in this stunning, remote city. Tierra del Fuego, or literally ‘Land of Fire’ is in a very remote part of Argentina. In spite of this, it is an accessible and welcoming land with friendly people, delicious food and …
Classic destinations, pioneering travel and the art of being popular. by Tom Shearman on 27th August, 2015 Classic destinations You’ve got to be known to win a popularity contest, or so it seems in travel. The Top 10 dream trips, as voted by Trip Advisor users this week, include three of South America’s most iconic destinations: Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (no. 4); The Galapagos (no. 5); Antarctica …
The windy Patagonian road to Torres del Paine by Tom Shearman on 16th July, 2015 The windy Patagonian road to Torres del Paine Simon Heyes has worked as a guide across South America. He now markets luxury products across the continent, and shares one of his favourite destinations with us… He writes… The wind was whistling as I raced across the unwaveringly straight road towards my goal – the iconic …
