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 …
A guide to 24 hours in Buenos Aires by Alan Lyall on 24th December, 2015 A guide to 24 hours in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires: big, brash and bulging with things to do. You’ll pass through here on almost any trip to Argentina, and for those short on time, here are some ideas of how to make the most of your visit to the capital – 24 hours in Buenos …
Top 10 things to do in La Paz by Kat Dougal on 10th December, 2015 Things 10 things to do in La Paz 1. Cholito wrestling. Ladies of La Paz get mean and wrestle every Sunday afternoon. It’s best to get a taxi to and from the neighbourhood – read more in Kat’s blog. 2. Witches’ market The ‘chifleras’ or witches are on Calle Linares, close to the main …
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 …
Toro Toro National Park, a hidden gem of Bolivia. by Kat Dougal on 26th November, 2015 Toro Toro National Park, Bolivia Our friend Remy van den Berg takes us through his impressions of Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park, a hidden gem of Bolivia. He writes: “The best thing about the whole experience was that we were the only people at all of these natural wonders. Our Toro Toro experience was …
Top 10 restaurants in Cusco, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 20th November, 2015 Top 10 restaurants in Cusco, Peru Most traveller’s to Peru will at some point spend some time in Cusco – here are some of our suggestions for restaurants to eat in. Fallen Angel Amazing décor and ambience, best at night for drinks and partying. Also has a guest house with four individually designed funky …
Top 10 things to do in Salta by Kathy Jarvis on 12th November, 2015 Top 10 things to do in Salta Argentina’s most ‘Andean’ of cities, Salta is the gateway to the northwest of this amazing country. The city itself is a bustling hub full of commerce and history, surrounded by mighty Andean peaks, arid puna and crazy, coloured rock formations. Here are 10 great things to do …
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 …
Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador – well worth a visit by Kathy Jarvis on 9th October, 2015 Visit Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador Our own Maria encourages everyone to visit Quilotoa lagoon on their Ecuador holiday. She writes: “Quilotoa crater lake is located 135 kms south-west of Quito and is a must-see in Ecuador! It is an enigmatic spot for visitors not only for the colourful lake deep inside the volcano’s crater, but also …
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 …
Ups and downs on the hike to the Towers of Torres del Paine, Chile by Alan Lyall on 10th September, 2015 Hike to the towers of Torres del Paine, Chile Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall relives his trek to one of Chile’s finest attractions, ticking off a bucket list trip while pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Check his photos from the journey on our Facebook page. He writes: “I am not the poster boy for …
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 …
Top 10 tips – Colombia family holidays by Kathy Jarvis on 21st August, 2015 Top 10 tips – Colombia family holidays Kathy travelled to Colombia earlier this year with her 7-year-old son Lewis, to see just how much had changed since her previous visits over 10 years ago. Here are her Top 10 (and then some more!) tips on travelling around Colombia. She writes: “We found that there …
Moon Temple trek to Machu Picchu, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 13th August, 2015 Moon Temple trek to Machu Picchu Maria walks the Moon Temple trek in this week’s blog, and takes on the highest mountain pass of her life, in Peru. Check her Facebook pictures and a short video with a guide explaining ‘apachetas.’ She writes: “Quillatambo. Composed of two Quechua words, it perfectly captures this adventure trek, the Moon …
