Explore Potosi and Sucre in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th October, 2017 Explore Bolivia A holiday in Bolivia is so much more than Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Amazon. Tom describes two more must-sees in this vibrant and fascinating Andean country – Potosi and Sucre. He writes… The Spanish have a phrase – ‘Vale un Potosi’ – which means something being worth as much as Potosi. The mountain Cerro Potosi …
All about hats – South America Travel Observations by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Hats in South America Patti McCarthy has just returned from the trip of a lifetime with Andean Trails that included Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. She enjoyed her trip so much and was fascinated by the hats (and the wearers!) she came across that she was inspired to write this hat blog. Patti writes: I have always been fascinated by the …
Copacabana – Gateway to Bolivia’s Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca by Kathy Jarvis on 4th October, 2017 Copacabana Lake Titicaca. Arguably South America’s most renowed lake, at a breath-taking 3810m above sea level, is a lake claimed by two countries – Peru and Bolivia. The Bolivian gateway to the lake is Copacabana – a buzzing little town by the lakeside, albeit with a little less white sand and samba than the Brazilian …
Bolivia – festivals, parties, fiestas and customs by Kat Dougal on 23rd June, 2016 Bolivia – festivals, parties, fiestas and customs Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Bolivia. From the traditional to the more westernised, Bolivia’s festivals are full of great music and colourful displays. The following is a list of some of the main events that each month takes place throughout the country; however at any …
Tips and advice to Climb Huayna Potosi, Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 17th June, 2016 Climb Huyana Potosi in Bolivia BOLIVIA: Huayna Potosi is one of the most accessible 6,000m climbs in all of the Andes. It is the perfect Andean mountain for novice or experienced mountaineers. Here, some Andean Trails’ climbers our own staff give us an insight to their experiences on this fantastic Andean summit. The customers …
El Gran Poder – dancing in the streets of La Paz by Kat Dougal on 3rd June, 2016 Dancing in the streets of La Paz Every year around the end of May/ beginning of June the streets of La Paz are filled with life in honour of the Senor del Gran Poder (great power) Jesus Christ. Its origins go back to the 17th century but as our local La Paz representative Scarlet Herrera …
Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 27th May, 2016 Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis gives her tips and insights from her recent tour with son Lewis through southern Peru and Bolivia. Where have you just been? I went to Peru and Bolivia for a month What did you see and do? I wanted to check out …
La Paz city walking tour, Bolivia by Kat Dougal on 24th March, 2016 La Paz city walking tour, Bolivia Kat writes… “I had been to La Paz, Bolivia, a couple of times but this time I decided I wanted to do an actual city tour, to get the most out of my visit. And rather than doing a standard city tour I chose a tour taking me behind …
Uyuni salt flats – why pay more? by Kat Dougal on 10th March, 2016 Uyuni salt flats – why pay more? Many ask what the difference is between the 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats tour we offer and the more budget alternatives you will find advertised in Uyuni. Kat travelled to Uyuni to find out first hand why it is worth stretching your budget and is sharing her experience …
Food – a taste of Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 4th March, 2016 Food – a taste of Bolivia Bolivia, landlocked and hidden in the middle of the South American continent is not widely known as a “foodie” destination, and yet you will be pleasantly surprised at the offerings you will find to tickle your palate. Tubers are widely used, particularly oca, (a sweetish potato), chuño and tunta (both …
Top 10 things to do in La Paz by Kat Dougal on 10th December, 2015 Things 10 things to do in La Paz 1. Cholito wrestling. Ladies of La Paz get mean and wrestle every Sunday afternoon. It’s best to get a taxi to and from the neighbourhood – read more in Kat’s blog. 2. Witches’ market The ‘chifleras’ or witches are on Calle Linares, close to the main …
Toro Toro National Park, a hidden gem of Bolivia. by Kat Dougal on 26th November, 2015 Toro Toro National Park, Bolivia Our friend Remy van den Berg takes us through his impressions of Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park, a hidden gem of Bolivia. He writes: “The best thing about the whole experience was that we were the only people at all of these natural wonders. Our Toro Toro experience was …
Cordillera de los Frailes community trek, Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th November, 2015 Cordillera de los Frailes trek, Bolivia Inca Trails, copper deposits and volcanic craters and positive tourism on a fantastic two-day trek out of Sucre, Bolivia – Cordillera de los Frailes – the latest destination on Tom’s travels. Tom writes about community tourism working positively for all… Cheeky “Take two good handfuls, strip the leaf …
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, …
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 …
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia – backpacker or eco-hotel? by Kat Dougal on 6th February, 2015 Salt flats of Uyuni, Bolivia Kat compares the backpacker and eco-hotel Salt Flats of Uyuni tour packages in this week’s blog, from a comfort and community viewpoint. Revisiting Bolivia recently allowed Kat to reflect on the changes in her and her travel style, too. She writes: “The Salt Flats of Uyuni are a truly spectacular …
Cholita Wrestling – the tough ladies of La Paz by Kat Dougal on 31st October, 2014 Cholita Wrestling – the tough ladies of La Paz So you think you are tough? Read on to find out about Kat’s recent encounter with the female Cholita Wrestlers of La Paz, where she met some truly feisty ladies. Kat writes: “I was picked up at my La Paz hotel for Sunday afternoon entertainment …
Bolivia & La Paz: Top Tips for families by Kat Dougal on 26th September, 2014 Bolivia & La Paz: Top Tips for families Kat found Bolivia’s La Paz a great place for families as she shares her Bolivia trip memories as well as photos on Facebook. Kat writes: “This was the first time I left my little girl and husband behind. But even as I was travelling without my …
Charango – the sound of the Andes by Kathy Jarvis on 7th March, 2014 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. …
