Finding Five Species of Toucans in Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 25th March, 2025 See the five Toucans in Mindo, Ecuador. “With luck, you’ll spot all five Toucans in Mindo’s cloud forest in the next 72 hours.” My guide’s optimism felt as fragile and light as the mosses wisping around a nearby lichenous Ocotea tree. Still, it was 05.30, and the morning light was bringing clarity to an increasingly …
Best Time to Visit Ecuador: Weather & Seasons by Kat Dougal on 11th March, 2025 Best time to visit Ecuador explained. When is the best time to visit Ecuador? Ecuador is a year-round travel destination thanks to its location on the equator. That said, its weather is best defined by region. Many of its Andean mountain ranges have their own micro-climates. The best time to visit Ecuador and its diverse …
A Review of Ecuador’s Best Cloud Forest Lodges by Kat Dougal on 7th March, 2025 Finding Ecuador’s best cloud forest lodges Ecuador’s cloud forest is a magnet for those searching for wildlife, bird watching and the elusive spectacled bear. Ecuador is blessed with many sustainable eco-lodges nestled in the misty cloud forests. These lodges are fantastic bases for exploring the cloud forest’s flora and fauna. Each lodge often has specific …
Cusco: Top 10 Restaurants and Best Peruvian food by Tom Shearman on 12th January, 2025 Almost every tour to Peru will pass through the famous Inca capital of Cusco. Learn which typical plates to taste, where to grab a quick and hearty meal and where to enjoy fine dining. Below is a list of various restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets, not just those flying close to Michelin stars. …
Lodge-based treks in Peru: Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate by Kathy Jarvis on 9th January, 2025 Reviews of Peru’s Best Lodge-based Treks. Are you planning a trek in Peru but don’t want to camp? There are some fantastic lodge-based treks in Peru’s Cusco region, offering wonderful walking and beautiful accommodation. We have three exceptional lodge-to-lodge mountain treks that offer superb mountain scenery, contact with the local community and an unexpected degree …
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 …
Top 10 Things to do in Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 11th December, 2024 Top 10 Things To Do In Ecuador Our travel experts give their Top 10 things to do in Ecuador. The Top 10 things to do in Ecuador are as varied as the country itself. Ecuador offers a breathtaking variety of outdoor adventures, culture, and landscapes within its easily accessed attractions. Ecuador’s world-famous travel highlights are …
Visitor Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits by Tom Shearman on 2nd December, 2024 Travel Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits Peru’s Machu Picchu is a dream destination. Most people only visit the Inca citadel once in their lives. Did you know ten Machu Picchu circuits crisscross the ancient ruins? This guide will help travellers choose the best circuit when visiting Machu Picchu. Find out the top attractions …
Travel Review of Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge, Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 29th November, 2024 Where is Mindo Cloud Forest? The town of Mindo lies in the cloud forest north of Quito. It is a small, relaxed place that boasts a range of cafes and restaurants. More importantly, it lies in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cloud forest areas. Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure We asked Andean Trails’ Kat about …
Top Treks in Patagonia by Kathy Jarvis on 16th October, 2024 What Are the Top Treks in Patagonia? Discover the top treks in Patagonia, as picked by Andean Trails’ director, Kathy. She’s been exploring Patagonia’s vast wilderness for more than 25 years. Here are her top treks in Patagonia, surrounded by fabulous mountains, sparkling glaciers, and welcoming hosts. Top Treks in Patagonia: How to Choose? …
Guide to Tipping in Chile by Tom Shearman on 7th October, 2024 Tipping in Chile: Know How Much to Tip Here’s our guide to tipping in Chile. Want to know how much to tip in Chile? This tipping in Chile guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Chile? Chile has a stable and …
Guide to Tipping in Peru and the Inca Trail by Tom Shearman on 4th October, 2024 Tipping in Peru and the Inca Trail Tipping in Peru and the Inca Trail—here’s our guide. Want to know how much to tip in Peru, the Inca Trail, Amazon, and more? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Peru …
Guide to Tipping in Argentina by Tom Shearman on 27th September, 2024 Tipping in Argentina: How Much? Andean Trails’ tipping in Argentina guide. Want to know how much to tip in while on holiday in Argentina? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Argentina? Tipping may seem awkward or alien to people …
Guide to Tipping in Ecuador and Galapagos by Kat Dougal on 24th September, 2024 How Much to Tip in Ecuador and Galapagos Andean Trails’ Ecuador and Galapagos tipping guide. Want to know how much to tip in Ecuador and Galapagos? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Ecuador and Galapagos? Tipping may seem alien …
Bolivia Salt Flats: Best Things to Do in Uyuni by Tom Shearman on 18th September, 2024 Guide to the Best Things to Do in Uyuni, Bolivia Salt Flats The Bolivia salt flats attractions are many. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Uyuni. What Are Bolivia Salt Flats Famous For? Bolivia’s salt flats are called Salar de Uyuni. These are the world’s largest and highest salt flats, …
Galapagos Cruise Ship Categories: How to Choose by Tom Shearman on 30th August, 2024 The Galapagos Islands— and Galapagos cruise ships—offer visitors the chance to get close to incredible and tame wildlife, on land and in the sea, among a backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes. The islands are a living laboratory, marrying preservation and conservation to create life-changing holidays. This year-round destination’s ever-changing seasons ensure every visit is spectacular, …
Perito Moreno Glacier Day Tour Options from El Calafate by Tom Shearman on 16th August, 2024 Day Tour Options from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier There are many Perito Moreno Glacier day tour options from El Calafate. Read through our suggestions to help you choose the best Perito Moreno trip for your travel style. We can include any of these trips as part of your Patagonia itinerary. In our guide …
Travelling To and Around the Galapagos Islands by Gill Christie on 7th July, 2024 Travelling to and around the Galapagos Islands You’ve booked your cruise or land-based trip to the amazing Galapagos Islands. But you still have a few questions about how to fly there and what you need to do at the airport before you check in for your Galapagos flight. This guide to travelling around the Galapagos …
Chiloé Island Tours and Things To Do by Kat Dougal on 20th June, 2024 Chiloé Island Tours, Activities and things to Do There is so much to do and see on Chiloé Island that the main issue may be how to fit all those tours and activities into your travel itinerary. The island of Chiloé, in Chile’s Lake District, was once a strategic point of interest for seafarers and …
Guide to Day Trips in and around San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 14th June, 2024 Planning on visiting San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands? Read our quick guide to the best half and full-day tours for your holiday, and check our guide to travelling between the Galapagos Islands. Discover what to see and do while staying in one of the many hotels on San Cristobal island. Be as active as …
