Trekking in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 16th December, 2024 Hiking Ideas: The Best Trekking in Ecuador Kathy and her son, Lewis, trekked in Ecuador, where they explored some of the walks on our lodge-to-lodge Ecuador trekking trips. 4-day lodge-to-lodge hike Extended 13-day lodge-to-lodge hike Trekking in Ecuador Ecuador is a land of dramatic landscapes and extreme contrasts, and we think walkers often overlook …
Community Projects Update by Tom Shearman on 8th May, 2024 Supporting Community Projects across South America Travelling to South America with Andean Trails will help make a positive impact, as you contribute to our support of several community projects. Your visit is much more than creating local employment. It generates bonds between people and leaves beneficial footprints. We’re proud to financially support several local NGOs …
Know Before You Go: Peru Trekking and Hiking Travel Tips by Tom Shearman on 7th November, 2023 Peru Trekking and Hiking Travel Tips Peru, one of the most diverse Andean nations, offers a feast of trekking and hiking routes that showcase the country’s beauty. The Andes Cordillera runs the length of Peru. Its soaring peaks and satin-white glaciers frame many trekking routes as they course through remote villages, many unchanged since Inca …
Meet Gill Christie, South America Travel Expert by Tom Shearman on 6th March, 2023 Meet Gill Christie… Gill is the latest travel expert to join the Andean Trails team. Find out more about Gill, her passion for travel, and seeing the bright side of early morning hoof soup. How did you catch the travel bug? I fell in love with travelling as a teenager, starting with Interrailing around …
Machu Picchu: Guide to Tipping & Porter Welfare on the Inca Trail by Tom Shearman on 16th January, 2023 The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s most incredible treks, one which 200 keen hikers and 300 hard-working Inca Trail porters embark on daily. The four or 5-day hike over 28 miles/44 kilometres is a high-altitude walk past Inca ruins, soaring Andean peaks, and breathtaking views while walking on …
Visitors guide to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain by Tom Shearman on 11th July, 2022 There are now three mountains to visit at Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca ruins with the opening of the Huchuy Picchu trail. The gentler elevations of Huchuy Picchu, which translates as ‘small mountain’ from Quechua, join Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain as hiking attractions with great views. Let’s look at the three options so you …
The Best View in Peru: The Sun Gate, Machu Picchu by Tom Shearman on 20th April, 2022 First impressions last, which is why the Sun Gate leading to Machu Picchu is such a highlight for people visiting Peru’s world-famous Inca citadel. The Sun Gate, or Intipunku in Quechua, sits around 290m (951 feet) above Machu Picchu’s elevation, offering unparalleled views of the ruins some two kilometres away. Spread out before the eyes …
An Eco-Tourism Guide to Travelling in Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 29th May, 2020 Eco-tourism in Peru is key to ensuring that this popular Andean holiday destination will benefit from the large number of travellers it attracts each year, especially at its iconic sites of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca and beyond. Here’s our advice on how to support sustainable tourism in Peru. An Eco-Tourism …
Galapagos Conservation Trust and Andean Trails by Kathy Jarvis on 15th May, 2020 The Galapagos Islands are a paradise to holiday in. But they are also a paradise in need of protection and conservation. At Andean Trails, while making your Galapagos holiday come true, we are also supporting the fantastic work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. Read on to find out more… Galapagos Conservation Trust and …
Happy Holidays by Alan Lyall on 21st December, 2018 The Andean Trails team is full of Christmas cheer as 2018 draws to a close. 2018 has been a busy year and we are delighted to have provided our many customers with fabulous holiday experiences and memories of a lifetime. Arlene Kropf was moved to send us the following message whilst visiting Machu Picchu …
Lost luggage tales – and advice by Alan Lyall on 21st September, 2017 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 ATM. Check. …
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 …
Merry Christmas and travel wishes by Alan Lyall on 19th December, 2014 Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Hope you all have a great one, here’s our travel and gift wish list for Christmasses past and future. Kathy Jarvis What I wish for in my Christmas stocking I think I’d like a neat little suitcase with wheels – I’ve always used back packs …
Thoughtful/lessness of a long distance hiker by Tom Shearman on 30th January, 2014 Tom writes: “Some time ago, when my sister told me hers was a cancer diagnosis, the thought of being half the world away in the Huayhuash mountains of Peru produced two vivid feelings. Firstly, the shame of wanting to hide away from it all overseas; and then the overwhelming desire to see my sister as …
Travelling as a new parent: nappies, sleepless nights and wanderlust by Kat Dougal on 19th December, 2013 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 …
History of Andean Trails – 1998 to today by Kathy Jarvis on 31st July, 2012 A brief history of Andean Trails I spent much of the 90s working as a trek leader and writing guidebooks on South America and as a result of all that exploring and leading groups, in 1998 I decided this was something I would like to carry on doing, so the idea for Andean Trails hatched. …
