Iguazu Falls – Why they are well worth a visit by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Iguazu Falls Cascades of water thundering over hundreds of waterfalls over a 1.7 mile (nearly 3 Km) stretch of land at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay attracts thousands of tourists every week. These are the Iguazu Falls. It is a popular tourist destination and at Andean Trails all of us have visited at different times. Tom says: “I’ve been lucky to see …
Visit Chilean Lake District , Green Patagonia by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Chilean Lake District Snow-capped volcanoes that flank a string of emerald coloured lakes which are surrounded by lush farmland and cold rain forest are the main features of Chile’s Lake District and recently denominated Green Patagonia. In the north of this area you will find National Parks dedicated to the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria Araucana) …
Active holidays, a challenging way to relax by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Active Holidays Holidays are for recovering, doing as little as possible, eating and drinking, and reading books. This week Tom gives his takes on why a physically challenging trip offers as much of a break, if not more, than the above. He writes: “A beautiful wash of blue, purple and orange sky with snow-capped peaks in …
Top 5 places to visit around Salta, Argentina. by Alan Lyall on 4th October, 2017 Visit Salta North West Argentina (NOA to the locals), is an area of incredible beauty and where you will find the peoples and culture of the high Andes. Salta is a charming colonial city nestling into the Andean foothills. Located in the Lerma Valley at just over 1000 metres above sea level, it is the …
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. …
Kathy’s Northern Patagonia off the beaten path expedition by Kathy Jarvis on 19th May, 2017 Northern Patagonia Andean Trails’ director Kathy has just returned from a research trip to Northern Patagonia in South America. Here are the answers to our questions – they will make you want to go! Where have you just been? Patagonia What did you see and do? We spent a month travelling south, from …
Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 13th April, 2017 Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador Markets are great places to visit in Ecuador. Full of colour, noise, smells and activity, they really give you a feel of the place you are visiting and an insight into the local way of life. Ecuador is a colourful potpourri of cultures and its markets are particularly …
Arequipa Top Restaurant Picks by Kathy Jarvis on 9th December, 2016 Arequipa Top Restaurant Picks Peruvian gastronomy is famous throughout Latin America – and increasingly the world – for its quality and variety. Many say it’s the best on the continent. Here are the top seven picks for where to eat in Arequipa as compiled by Lieveka, one of our partners in Peru. She had a …
Expert advice for family holidays by Kathy Jarvis on 24th November, 2016 Thinking about a family holiday to South America? Such a vast continent with such a range of attractions, from snorkelling in the sea to high altitude treks, can make it hard to pick the right trip for you and your family. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has spent over 20 years exploring South America, the …
Five things I wish I’d known before visiting the Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2016 Before visiting the Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands’ expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips about travelling to this fantastic archipelago. Have a look at our own Galapagos photos on Facebook and Pinterest, plus our youtube videos. He writes: “Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, so you want to get the planning and kit right. “I’ve …
Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile by Tom Shearman on 23rd September, 2016 Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park Trek options and where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Changes in Torres del Paine park regulations make it imperative you book your accommodation before hiking. Tom writes: “Torres del Paine National Park authorities (CONAF) has just announced that only trekkers who …
Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 5th August, 2016 Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru Peru and particularly Cusco is a massive draw for trekkers, with great hikes from the Inca Trail to Salkantay and more to enjoy – and everyone needs to acclimatise to the altitude before hiking. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has written many Peru trekking guides, including the recently updated Bradt Peru …
Empanadas across South America – whose is the best? by Alan Lyall on 8th July, 2016 Empanadalicious! Almost every South America country has its version of the emblematic empanada – but who makes the tastiest version? Baked, or fried? Pastry, or bread? Empanadas are staples in many countries in South America with differences in sizes, stuffings and spices but a firm favourite with locals and travellers alike. What’s your …
Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek by Alan Lyall on 20th May, 2016 Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek Alan shares his experiences on our popular Patagonia Highlights’ trek – from lost luggage to sunny days to snow in this beautiful part of the world. Check his photos on Facebook. He writes: PATAGONIA I set off during one of the UK’s worst winters plus a Spanish Air …
The Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 6th May, 2016 The Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica and a popular holiday destination for people travelling around Patagonia. Its famous Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel, the stunning mountain backdrop and varied wildlife make it many people’s favourite stop. Ushuaia, which labels itself as the southernmost city …
Travel advice: safe drinking water by Tom Shearman on 28th April, 2016 Travel advice: safe drinking water Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most likely illness anyone encounters on their holiday. By following a few simple steps, you can avoid an upset stomach and enjoy an illness-free holiday in South America (and other parts of the world!). The most common cause of water-borne illness is bacteria, such as E. …
Day walks for altitude acclimatisation – Huaraz by Kathy Jarvis on 5th February, 2016 Altitude acclimatisation in Huaraz Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis, writes about altitude acclimatisation and day walks out of Huaraz, northern Peru. She writes: Fly into Cusco, Huaraz, Quito or La Paz and you’ll notice the altitude. Try running up the hotel stairs and you’ll wonder what happened to your fitness, and how you will …
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 …
Top 10 things to do in Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 28th May, 2015 Top 10 things to do in Ecuador ‘All you need is Ecuador’ is the slogan – here Andean Trails’ Maria and Tom give their top 10 reasons to explore the smallest but most varied Andean country. Ecuador: Top 10 things to see and do on your Ecuador holiday Galapagos Obvious but essential to visit …
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 …
