Santa Cruz Trek, Northern Peru by Tom Shearman on 2nd March, 2018 Looking for something different from your trekking trip to Peru? Read all about Santa Cruz, one of Huaraz’s best kept trekking secrets, with Andean Trails’ Tom’s personal account: He writes: “Huaraz in north Peru is a trekking and climbing dream, with its multitude of remote trails, ice-clad peaks and famous hikes like the Huayhuash …
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel / land-based trip? by Tom Shearman on 27th February, 2018 Cruise or hotels? With the increase in Galapagos hotel-based trips – also called island hopping or land-based – most people planning to visit Galapagos have to ask themselves: Should I go on a Galapagos Cruise or stay on land in nice hotels? Read our expert advice comparing both types of trips, helping you decide …
Ecuador bucket list : Top 10 by Kathy Jarvis on 27th February, 2018 What not to miss in Ecuador Ecuador offers the visitor so much to see and do. Here are our top 10 bucket list picks of what not to miss in Ecuador, to inspire you: Galapagos Cruise For many a dream destination. The Galapagos – abundant wildlife, dramatic volcanic islands and a guaranteed unforgettable experience. Take a …
Advice for travelling with kids by Kat Dougal on 14th February, 2018 Holidays with the kids Travelling with kids is rewarding, yet daunting at times. At Andean Trails we love to help put together itineraries that work for families with children of all ages. Having kids ourselves, certainly helps… as does research. Which is why Kat is about to embark on her first trip with children (aged …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos by Alan Lyall on 2nd February, 2018 It is that time of year when you might be starting to think about where to take the family in 2018. We can highly recommend Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Perfect for family holidays Ecuador is a relatively compact country with numerous highlights. It is easy to get to and quick to travel …
Stella Australis review – a day on a Patagonia cruise by Tom Shearman on 23rd January, 2018 Stella Australis review. Andean Trails’ travel expert Tom Shearman describes a day aboard a Patagonia cruise ship, among the fjords of Chile. He spent four days aboard the Stella Australis on the Punta Arenas-Punta Arenas route. Wildlife seen included penguins, dolphins, seals and albatrosses, amongst pristine fjords and mountains. If you need help planning a …
Patagonia in autumn or spring. by Kathy Jarvis on 19th January, 2018 Patagonia out of season. Two of Patagonia’s most iconic destinations are the Torres del Paine National park in Chile and the Glaciares National Park near the Argentine towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. The granite spires, glaciers, spectacular scenery and wildlife are a magnet to the adventurous traveller and nature lover. High season is …
Peru Treks from Cusco by Kathy Jarvis on 11th January, 2018 What trek should I do in Peru? Kathy, Andean Trails’ director, has been trekking in the Andes since 1994. Here she gives her round up of treks in the Cusco area, from the Classic Inca Trail to the more remote and rugged mountain Ausangate Circuit. All prices correct at the time of publishing 11/01/2018 CLASSIC …
Top 5 places in Peru to visit by Kathy Jarvis on 5th January, 2018 What should I see in Peru? Peru travel expert Tom gives travel tips and his top places to visit in Peru. He writes: “Peru is one of my favourites places for a holiday – there is variety, so many attractions plus wonderful food. “If you can only go once, these are the best places …
South America travel books – a Christmas wishlist by Kathy Jarvis on 23rd December, 2017 Recommended Travel Books It’s that time of year where many of us are searching high and low for Christmas present ideas for brothers/ aunts/ friends/ whoever it may be. Books, we’ve found, are always welcome gifts. And for those who like travel – and South America – here are some of our Christmas gift recommendations. …
Travel Tips to get you off the beaten track in South America by Tom Shearman on 9th December, 2017 Off The Beaten Track Andean Trails give you top tips on suggestions of where to travel ahead of the pack. Toro Toro National Park, Bolivia Kat Dougal, Intrepid explorer and family travel expert, gives as her hot tip the Toro Toro National Park in Bolivia. She says: “With every year Bolivia is becoming …
Chiloe Island, Chile: travel expert reviews latest trip in Q&A by Alan Lyall on 8th December, 2017 Chiloe Alan escaped the office for a two week trip to Chile, which involved much pampering, lots of action and checking out Tierra Chiloe Hotel on Chile’s beautiful, off the beaten track island of Chiloe. We’ve asked him about his stay at the hotel, and he couldn’t stop gushing… Where have you just been? …
Peru: travel expert reviews latest trip in Q&A by Kathy Jarvis on 30th November, 2017 Peru’s Highlights A few months ago Tom went to Peru to find new locations, trek new paths and just catch up with what’s been happening there. He tells us… Holiday in a nutshell? Almost all of Peru’s Southern highlights. Where have you just been? All over the south of Peru – starting as …
South America travel books for kids – review by Kat Dougal on 24th November, 2017 Travel Books For Kids. Working for Andean Trails and in general just in love with South America, Kat has been telling her two girls (2 and 4) a lot about South America already. Next year she is taking them to Ecuador, and here’s how she is getting them excited… “Apart from learning basic words and …
Family Holiday: Galapagos cruise with children by Kathy Jarvis on 17th November, 2017 Take the family to Galapagos. Kathy tells us all about her Galapagos cruise aboard the Mary Anne, and why taking your kids can make it a unique experience. She says … Can I take my kids to Galapagos? “Adding children into a mix of adults won’t always work or be popular and my biggest …
Jaguar spotting in Amazon rainforest, Peru by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Jaguar spotting We’d been cruising upriver for two hours when the engine noise suddenly cut and a whispered word rose above the lapping of the muddy Amazon river water. “Jaguar,”. Ten souls stirred from soporific slumber and eyes started to scan the riverside. Spanish speakers stole a march as the boat captain murmured: “Izquierda, …
Lares Trek – an alternative to the Inca Trail by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Lares Trek Tom has just returned from trekking in the Lares Valley, in the surroundings of Cusco – and is happy to share fond memories…and check his Facebook photos, too. The beauty of the Lares Valley I can’t believe I’ve spent almost 17 years driving past these wonderful valleys and not known the beauty to be enjoyed …
Inca Trail alternative: Huchuy Qosqo Trek – short but sweet by Kathy Jarvis on 13th October, 2017 Inca Trail alternative We’ve known for many years now that not only the classic Inca Trail road leads to Machu Picchu. The area around Cusco, its fertile valleys and towering mountains, are home to a myriad of paths, many leading past Inca ruins before leaving you in the town of Aguas Calientes – either on …
Lost luggage tales – and advice by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 Lost luggage Tom, who really should know better, tells us about how not to travel, pack or arrive at your holiday destination. He writes: “No clean clothes? Check. No charger for phone or laptop? Check. No sun cream, insect repellent, malaria pills for the coming Amazon trip? Check. Card not working in the …
Are you thinking of heading off to Southern Patagonia? by Kathy Jarvis on 13th October, 2017 Going to Southern Patagonia Kathy, Andean Trails’ director, has put together some suggestions of places to see and things to do in southern Patagonia for first time visitors. What should I see and do in ARGENTINEAN PATAGONIA? 1. EL CALAFATE Most trips to the Argentinean side of Patagonia will include a visit …
