Paradise? Galapagos Safari Camp by Tom Shearman on 10th July, 2015 Paradise? Galapagos Safari Camp Andean Trails’ Tom decided that as he is no longer as young as he used to be, it would be nice to treat himself to a spot of safari luxury at the end of an active trip to the Galapagos Islands. This is his story: “That’s the best sunset in …
Galapagos guides – an insider’s view by Tom Shearman on 25th June, 2015 Galapagos guides Meet our Galapagos guides – an inside look at guiding on Galapagos Islands When you plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands, your mind races between the animals you will see and the waters you will snorkel through. Your Galapagos guide is one of the most vital components to making your trip a …
Salt Flats of Bolivia, know before you go by Tom Shearman on 5th June, 2015 Salt Flats of Bolivia, know before you go See the famous salt flats,Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, through Andean Trails’ Maria’s eyes, in this week’s blog, and check our Pinterest Uyuni board here. Maria writes: Through the world’s largest salt flat With an area of 12,000 km² and a layer of salt almost six metres deep, …
Top 10 things to see and do in Patagonia by Tom Shearman on 30th April, 2015 Top 10 things to see and do in Patagonia Patagonia has so much to offer – so this week we look at some of the less well-known Top 10 things to do in Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina. The classics on the Chilean side are the famous Paine W hike and Circuit trek. On the …
Trekking South Patagonia Ice Cap, Los Glaciares, Fitzroy by Tom Shearman on 24th April, 2015 Trekking South Patagonia Ice Cap, Fitzroy Andean Trails’ Tom describes the once-in-a-lifetime trek in extreme conditions on the South Patagonia Ice Cap in Los Glaciares, Fitzroy National Park, Argentina. He writes: The avalanching ice that was rumbling slowly towards us was completely forgotten about as I suddenly dropped 10 feet into a crevasse. No …
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 …
North West Argentina – the painter’s palette by Tom Shearman on 14th March, 2014 North West Argentina NOA to the locals, North West Argentina is dazzling our Alan with its diversity – he’s seen frogs, ships, cathedrals and devil’s throats, to amphetheatres, ships, monks and much more. Check his stunning photos on our Facebook page. He writes….. “NOA is a place to let your imagination soar and wonder, …
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 …
