Amazing Peru: Walter Rhein’s inspirational book by Kathy Jarvis on 30th July, 2015 Walter Rhein´s inspirational book This week’s guest blogger, Walter Rhein, shares his Choquequirao adventure, the inspiration for the multitude contained in his recently published book. ‘Reckless Traveler’ chronicles a vast array of Walter’s experiences from a decade of living in that most colourful of countries, Peru, from its food to its AK-47s. Walter writes: …
Sol y Luna Luxury Lodge, Sacred Valley, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 24th July, 2015 Sol y Luna Luxury Lodge, Sacred Valley, Peru Sol y Luna is Maria’s favourite Sacred Valley hotel, Peru, for pampering and and luxury. She writes… “Sol & Luna is a charming place on the shores of the Urubamba river, in the heart of the Sacred Valley and on the way to Machu Picchu. The Sacred …
The windy Patagonian road to Torres del Paine by Tom Shearman on 16th July, 2015 The windy Patagonian road to Torres del Paine Simon Heyes has worked as a guide across South America. He now markets luxury products across the continent, and shares one of his favourite destinations with us… He writes… The wind was whistling as I raced across the unwaveringly straight road towards my goal – the iconic …
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 …
On a city bike tour in Lima, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 3rd July, 2015 On a city bike tour in Lima, Peru Get off the bus and get on your bike – city bike tours are a fabulous way to discover the hidden corners of the city. Seeing all the sights while pedaling around gives a real feel for a city, and Lima in Peru is no different, replete …
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 …
Swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon of Brasil by Kathy Jarvis on 19th June, 2015 Pink dolphins in the Amazon of Brasil Rare, curious and seldom seen, Maria recalls swimming in Brasil’s Amazon river with ‘botos’ – pink dolphins. Trip to Amazonas-Manaus Some friends and I were sailing in a wooden boat near Manaus, Brazil, when our guide excited began to shout ‘Botos! Botos!” We didn’t know what he …
Wildlife of South America by Kathy Jarvis on 11th June, 2015 Wildlife of South America South America is home to an enormous amount and variety of wildlife. From giant anacondas in Amazon swamps to the symbollic soaring condor, from llamas to tarantulas, the breadth of fauna and flora is still being catalogued. Here Andean Trails’ staff share our favourite wildlife experiences from travels across South America …
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, …
Favourite holiday books to read by Kathy Jarvis on 22nd May, 2015 Favourite holiday books to read For some it’s their mobile phone, tablet or laptop, and sometimes the travel companion. For others, it’s still the book (or e-reader) to turn to, to while away the hours, to relax while on holiday. Here are Andean Trails’ top travelling books. Let us know what you like to read …
Top 10 dishes to try Chile by Alan Lyall on 14th May, 2015 Top 10 dishes to try Chile Food and eating are a huge part of a successful and enjoyable holiday. Chile has great seafood and meats, as well as some great wines – our own Alan Lyall lived in Santiago for almost two decades, and shares his favourite Chilean dishes. If you’re heading off to Chile, …
City Walking Tours: Lima, Santiago & Buenos Aires by Alan Lyall on 8th May, 2015 City Walking Tours: Lima, Santiago & Buenos Aires Capitals on foot A great way to get a feel for a city and also to get your bearings is to do a city tour. The best way to do so and “feel the vibe” is to include a guided walking tour in one of these South …
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 …
Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays by Alan Lyall on 10th April, 2015 Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall lived in Chile for almost 20 years, working in tourism and here he shares, in no particular order, his Top 10 tips for holidays in Chile. There are five things to do, and the five best times to go. Things to do 1. Atacama …
“Best of Buenos Aires” Food Experiences by Alan Lyall on 2nd April, 2015 “Best of Buenos Aires” Food Experiences These are alternative and great ways to experience the burgeoning fine cuisine and food of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. The Argentine experience Treat yourself to three hours among the finest food and wines of Argentina. This is not a cooking class, but you will learn how to make …
Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park by Kat Dougal on 26th March, 2015 Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park On her recent Bolivia trip, Kat was keen to include a visit to little visited Toro Toro National Park. Kat writes: “Travelling to Toro Toro National Park certainly felt like a proper adventure, starting with a bumpy 4-hour journey after my guide picked me up at Cochabamba airport. I …
Cycling Sunday in Bogota, Colombia by Kathy Jarvis on 20th March, 2015 Cycling Sunday in Bogota, Colombia Sunday is cycling day in Colombia’s vibrant and burgeoning capitlal, Bogota. A kaleidoscope of people, colour and sights and smells to enjoy from the safety of the saddle, on roads without traffic. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis describes her recent, Colombia bike tour, part of our new Colombia Highlights holiday. …
Top 10 restaurants, Santiago, Chile by Alan Lyall on 13th March, 2015 Top 10 restaurants, Santiago, Chile Andean Trails’ Alan spent nearly two decades living in Santiago and he gives us some of the best restaurants to eat in Chile’s vibrant capital. Where to eat…. 10 restaurants in Santiago If you are spending a day or two in Santiago, here are some top tips as to where …