Adventure Travel & Culture Blog
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Wildlife shock in Amazon rainforest of Guyana
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: …
Is the water safe to drink in Peru?
Drinking water in Peru Kathy Jarvis talks about water treatment and reducing a traveller’s plastic footprint. She writes: “Can I drink the tap water?” is one of the most frequently asked questions we get here in our UK office from travellers heading to Peru. We always advise people not to risk it. The …
Buenos Aires city guide – the passion and the icons
Buenos Aires Alan tells us about Buenos Aires this week, a city that he fell in love with, and how following its icons can make for a fascinating way to get to know the city. He writes: “Argentina is a country of passions. The Argentines are a passionate people. It must be from their …
What to drink while travelling in Peru
What to drink in Peru This week we look at some of the top drinks of Peru which give a real taste for the country’s tipples. Check Tom’s Wanderlust blog about top places to eat across Peru, too. Drinks in Peru Imagine a holiday to France without wine. A visit to Dublin without Guinness. An …
Empanada recipe: traditional method from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empanada recipe Our Alan shares two decades of South America living and empanada making with this delicious empanada recipe. Try it at home or travel to Argentina, Chile or Patagonia and eat them in situ. As a great person once said: “Nam nam!” Alan writes: “Empanadas – pasties or turnovers – are a delicacy all …
Patagonia – its weather, seasons and best time to travel
Best time to travel to Patagonia Temperate, tempestuous, terrible and terrific – some of the words that define Patagonia and its fascinatingly energetic and changeable weather. Our guide to Patagonia’s weather and seasons will be vital when planning travel and holidays to this beautiful region. Key points Nov-March: +5 to + 20°C, four seasons in …
Protecting the Galapagos Islands – a new project
The Galapagos Islands – a new project Protecting the Galapagos Islands – as well as exploring them – is a cause close to our hearts at Andean Trails. This week one of the charities we support, the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), tells us all about a new online project which aims to get more people …
Naked ramblings
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
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, …
Charango – the sound of the Andes
Charango… This week Andean Trails’ traveller Paul Crowther describes his love affair with the Charango instrument and the Andes, with some great pictures on Facebook. He writes: “For me, the charango is the essential sound of the Andes. The pipes and flutes are also typical, but the charango sound is not found anywhere else. …
Best family holiday destination: what to do with kids in Cusco, Peru.
Family holiday destination Best family holiday destination in South America? This week travel expert and parent of two kids Mark Smith gives us his top tips for what to do in Cusco for families and kids. He writes… “Cusco is the best family holiday destination” says our guide Mark Smith. The Essex-born 41-year-old’s opinion …
Peru: Weather, seasons and when is the best time to travel
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 …
Top 10 things to do in Quito, Ecuador
Quito: Top 10 things to do Guest blogger Abby Clark shares her Top 10 things to do in and around Quito, Ecuador. She writes: “Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is on the equator, and is the highest capital city in world, at 2800 metres above sea level. Its old town, Centro Historico, boasts …
Travelling as a new parent: nappies, sleepless nights and wanderlust
Holidays and travel as a new parent Kat has returned to work after maternity leave and looks forward to her new lifestyle with her husband Dave and their lovely wee daughter, Lina. Kat writes: “It will change your life, they told me. And how right they were. In February my daughter Lina was born …
Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu: Standard tour or luxury service?
Luxury or standard Inca Trail? The iconic Inca Trail trek to the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru is deservedly the most famous walk in South America. This once-in-a-lifetime hike requires planning, permits and porters – and the decision of whether to go on the standard trek or the luxury trek or, of course, by train. …
Out and about around Santiago de Chile
Discovering Chile’s capital: Santiago Santiago, Chile’s capital, is in a privileged location; a mere stone’s throw from the highest peaks of the Andes; a short drive from the Pacific and in the heart of Chile’s wine country. If you are passing through Santiago, take a few days to explore some of the delights the area …
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel?
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel? Cruise or hotel? It’s the biggest Galapagos Island holiday decision you will make; Galapagos cruise, or Galapagos hotel based trip? The Andean Trails’ team has used its experience of both trips to come up with a handy ‘Galapagos cruise / Galapagos land based trip?’ guide. The similarities Once-in-a-lifetime, fully guided, …
Sacred Valley: Top 10 things to do
Top 10 things to do in the Sacred Valley Sacred Valley now rivals Machu Picchu ruins, the Inca Trail and Cusco as one of Peru’s biggest holiday draws. The Sacred Valley offers good weather, great accommodation and a wealth of activities to keep you occupied and active before or after a trip to the famous Inca …
Horse riding in Ecuador
Horse riding in Ecuador The final, horse riding part of a brilliant and in-depth blog from Andean Trails’ travellers Jane and Greg Windsor, who spent four fantastic weeks in glorious Ecuador. We are horse riding today, having visited the Ecuadorian Amazon and cloud forest, the Galapagos Islands and Quito, with photos on Facebook too: Horse riding in Ecuador As we approached Otavalo and its colourful …
