An ode to Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 16th April, 2015 An ode to Galapagos Islands Andean Trails’ Maria has just returned from an inspiring Galapagos Islands trip that made her pulse race like nowhere before. She writes: “I wear a smile that will last forever. I was in the middle of the Pacific surrounded by volcanic islands full of exotic animals, with deep seas …
A guide to Floreana Island, Galapagos by Tom Shearman on 22nd January, 2015 A guide to Floreana Island, Galapagos Tom writes about his visit to the remote and sparsely populated Floreana Island on Galapagos. He said: “I’ve left out the much publicised Wittmer history, which you can watch in The Galapagos Affair, because it’s been often told. “These are my impressions of the people and the place, somewhere I’d …
A day at Machu Picchu – guided tour & highlights by Tom Shearman on 9th January, 2015 A day at Machu Picchu – guided tour & highlights Machu Picchu. Peru. The Inca Trail. These ruins inspire people to travel and hike great distances to view a wonder of the world, crossing high Andean passes to reach the mysterious Machu Picchu. Nothing can truly prepare anyone for the moment you first fix eyes …
Choose the best rucksack for trekking in the Andes by Tom Shearman on 12th December, 2014 Choose the best rucksack for trekking in the Andes This week, outdoor clothing specialist Rachel Keir talks us through the maze of which rucksack to choose for which trekking trip, drawing on her experience at Silverfox Travel & Outdoors. She writes: Choosing a rucksack for trekking So you’ve made the decision to book a trekking …
Top 10 reasons to join a group tour in South America by Tom Shearman on 7th November, 2014 Top 10 reasons to join a group tour in South America Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean travelling alone and we are experts at dovetailing group tours with independent travel – the best of both worlds! In this week’s blog Tom shares his top tips with us. Tom writes: Some people prefer travelling only, …
Book your South America holiday early or late? by Tom Shearman on 12th September, 2014 Book South America holidays early or late? Early bird catches the worm – or do they – does it really pay to book early for South America holidays? Tom looks at the merits of planning in advance. He writes: “South America is a distant holiday destination. Almost every country is vast and even those …
Eat your way to summit success by Tom Shearman on 8th August, 2014 This week Tom remembers how important nutrition is when taking on peaks in cold conditions, all part of a mountaineering course. Tom writes: “The clouds whisped over the creamy white summit of Cairngorm, creating a game of show and tell of the mountain’s lethal mashed potato cornices. That February morning in Scotland’s Highlands was a …
Being at high altitude – expert advice by Tom Shearman on 1st August, 2014 Being at high altitude – expert advice This week Tara Guerin and Georgia Upjohn, performance specialists at the Altitude Centre, share their expert advice with us on going up high. Altitude: Be the tortoise, not the hare. As a mountaineering destination, The Andes offers no end of attractions. The scenery is peerless, and with …
South America honeymoon planning and travel advice by Tom Shearman on 4th July, 2014 South America honeymoon planning Pros and cons of private and group tours in honeymoon packages, plus recommendations some super South America honeymoon destinations in this week’s blog. Tom writes: “The honeymoon dream; the romantic getaway, be that trekking up a mountain, or relaxing on a beach with a glass of something cold. A joint …
Saving Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest by Tom Shearman on 30th May, 2014 Saving Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest This week we talk to the manager of an Ecuador Amazon eco-lodge with a difference – they want you to see oil and destruction as they try to save the rainforest. Huaorani Most Amazon trips offer a spectacular visit to the highlights of the Amazon – wildlife, community life and …
Get fit for trekking holidays across South America by Tom Shearman on 16th May, 2014 Get hiking fit for trekking holidays This week Andean Trails looks at how to get fit for your trekking holiday in South America, with a top joke at the end to boot! Getting trek in South America Your mind’s eye pictures the open path, yourself as a mountain goat eating up the miles, gamboling …
Wildlife shock in Amazon rainforest of Guyana by Tom Shearman on 9th May, 2014 Wildlife in Amazon rainforest of Guyana The Amazon rainforest of Guyana brings surprises at every turn, and not just for tourists who venture to this pristine environment. Animals get a shock too – as Tom describes one eventful night in Guyana (and more), many moons afore, in the name of conservation … Tom writes: …
Naked ramblings by Tom Shearman on 21st March, 2014 Naked Ramblings Security is being stepped up at Machu Picchu – to prevent a rise in streaking tourists at the World Heritage site. Andean Trails’ Tom recalls his own Scottish naked winter ramble of a decade ago in his quest to raise money for charity. Have you ever met a naked rambler? Or stripped off at a …
Peru: Weather, seasons and when is the best time to travel by Tom Shearman on 7th February, 2014 Peru: When to go? What will the weather be like? Based on seasonal weather and best times to visit, our blog this week will help you plan your Peru holiday to climatic perfection. In general It’s true that you can visit Peru on holiday almost any time of the year, but some months offer …
Thoughtful/lessness of a long distance hiker by Tom Shearman on 30th January, 2014 Tom writes: “Some time ago, when my sister told me hers was a cancer diagnosis, the thought of being half the world away in the Huayhuash mountains of Peru produced two vivid feelings. Firstly, the shame of wanting to hide away from it all overseas; and then the overwhelming desire to see my sister as …
Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu: Standard tour or luxury service? by Tom Shearman on 12th December, 2013 Luxury or standard Inca Trail? The iconic Inca Trail trek to the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru is deservedly the most famous walk in South America. This once-in-a-lifetime hike requires planning, permits and porters – and the decision of whether to go on the standard trek or the luxury trek or, of course, by train. …
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel? by Tom Shearman on 27th November, 2013 Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel? Cruise or hotel? It’s the biggest Galapagos Island holiday decision you will make; Galapagos cruise, or Galapagos hotel based trip? The Andean Trails’ team has used its experience of both trips to come up with a handy ‘Galapagos cruise / Galapagos land based trip?’ guide. The similarities Once-in-a-lifetime, fully guided, …
Horse riding in Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 6th November, 2013 Horse riding in Ecuador The final, horse riding part of a brilliant and in-depth blog from Andean Trails’ travellers Jane and Greg Windsor, who spent four fantastic weeks in glorious Ecuador. We are horse riding today, having visited the Ecuadorian Amazon and cloud forest, the Galapagos Islands and Quito, with photos on Facebook too: Horse riding in Ecuador As we approached Otavalo and its colourful …
Ecuador Cloud Forest Travel Advice by Tom Shearman on 4th November, 2013 Cloud forest travel advice The fourth and penultimate part of a brilliant and in-depth blog from Andean Trails’ travellers Jane and Greg Windsor, now in the cloud forest, as part of four fantastic weeks in glorious Ecuador. We are in the Ecuador Cloud Forest today, having visited the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and Quito, with horse riding to follow and we have photos …
Top 5 reasons to travel solo by Tom Shearman on 25th October, 2013 Top reasons to travel solo This week, Andean Trails’ Tom exhorts why we should travel solo, and why it’s one of the best adventure holidays you’ll ever take. He writes: “Like going to the cinema on your own, solo travel is often more about how you feel about yourself than how you think other …
