Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 27th May, 2016 Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis gives her tips and insights from her recent tour with son Lewis through southern Peru and Bolivia. Where have you just been? I went to Peru and Bolivia for a month What did you see and do? I wanted to check out …
Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek by Alan Lyall on 20th May, 2016 Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek Alan shares his experiences on our popular Patagonia Highlights’ trek – from lost luggage to sunny days to snow in this beautiful part of the world. Check his photos on Facebook. He writes: PATAGONIA I set off during one of the UK’s worst winters plus a Spanish Air …
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 …
White water rafting in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 8th April, 2016 White water rafting in Ecuador South America is full of fantastic white water rafting – a perfect extension to your adventure holiday, from those looking for massive rapids to paddling fun for all the family. We offer rafting trips in Peru, including the mighty Apurimac, as well as in Chile and arguably the best rafting …
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 …
La Paz city walking tour, Bolivia by Kat Dougal on 24th March, 2016 La Paz city walking tour, Bolivia Kat writes… “I had been to La Paz, Bolivia, a couple of times but this time I decided I wanted to do an actual city tour, to get the most out of my visit. And rather than doing a standard city tour I chose a tour taking me behind …
Uyuni salt flats – why pay more? by Kat Dougal on 10th March, 2016 Uyuni salt flats – why pay more? Many ask what the difference is between the 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats tour we offer and the more budget alternatives you will find advertised in Uyuni. Kat travelled to Uyuni to find out first hand why it is worth stretching your budget and is sharing her experience …
Food – a taste of Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 4th March, 2016 Food – a taste of Bolivia Bolivia, landlocked and hidden in the middle of the South American continent is not widely known as a “foodie” destination, and yet you will be pleasantly surprised at the offerings you will find to tickle your palate. Tubers are widely used, particularly oca, (a sweetish potato), chuño and tunta (both …
Moon Temple and Choquequirao by Kathy Jarvis on 25th February, 2016 Moon Temple and Choquequirao Director of Andean Trails and Peru trekking guide book writer, Kathy writes: ” There’s a lot more to Peru than the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. If you want to explore some amazing Inca sites, walk deep in the mountains, and get away from the crowds then two of my …
Cusco, month by month guide when to go by Kat Dougal on 19th February, 2016 Cusco, month by month guide when to go The best weather and the best time to visit Cusco? It’s all relative now, says Cusco resident and tour guide Mark Smith. He writes: Once upon a time, “Peru season” was very much April to October, but as in much of the world the weather has …
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 …
Day walks for altitude acclimatisation – Huaraz by Kathy Jarvis on 5th February, 2016 Altitude acclimatisation in Huaraz Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis, writes about altitude acclimatisation and day walks out of Huaraz, northern Peru. She writes: Fly into Cusco, Huaraz, Quito or La Paz and you’ll notice the altitude. Try running up the hotel stairs and you’ll wonder what happened to your fitness, and how you will …
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 …
Packing list for mountain trekking by Kathy Jarvis on 21st January, 2016 Packing list for mountain trekking Trekking has been at the top of our adventure list for many years. We have learned quite a bit and have some valuable tips to share with future trekkers. Good kit is vital for the enjoyment of any trekking trip – we’ve all heard it before but it’s just so …
Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 15th January, 2016 Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru What to do when the Inca Trail is sold out… Permits gone When those 500 much sought after permits are sold, often many months in advance, then that’s it. They are gone. But don’t despair – our alternatives are all great treks in their own right and are in fact preferred …
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 …
