Guided Mountain Climbing in the Peaks of Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 11th February, 2023 Bolivia is home to some of the most spectacular climbing peaks. Yet, its Andean tops remain blissfully free from large numbers of mountaineers. There are several attractive climbing options near La Paz, giant, ice-clad volcanoes with tantalising summits. However, Bolivia’s remoteness means its climbing routes are less well-known than some of South America’s classic ascents. …
Fascinating Facts About Mount Aconcagua by Tom Shearman on 20th September, 2022 Mount Aconcagua towers over Argentina and Chile from its location close to Mendoza. Standing at 6,961m/22,838ft, Aconcagua claims several lofty titles: the highest peak in South America, the tallest in all the Americas, and the highest mountain outside Asia. Aconcagua is part of Aconcagua Provincial Park, and its formidable climbing challenge has attracted adventurers for …
Our Guide to the Top 5 Ecuador Volcano Hikes and Climbs by Tom Shearman on 21st June, 2022 Ecuador’s volcanoes offer some of the most exciting mountaineering routes in the Andes mountains. There are walking acclimatisation peaks, technical summits, and everything in between in what is known as Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes. Some of Ecuador’s volcanoes require fully-supported expeditions; others are day trips from Quito or nearby. The variety is astounding, but the …
Best hikes and trails in Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd August, 2019 The hills and mountains of Bolivia are much less known than the Cordilleras of southern Patagonia or the high Andes of neighbouring Peru. The Bolivian Andes are beautiful and majestic and offer a wonderful array of multi-day treks as well as some superb day walks, trekking peaks and some technical mountaineering. We sum up just …
Preparing for altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 2 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Altitude trekking In the second part of our blog on preparing to trek at high altitude in Peru or Bolivia we look at what to take with you and how to deal with high altitudes. What will the weather be like in the high Andes? Peru and Bolivia are located within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly …
Preparing for high altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 1 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Preparing for high altitude trekking There is no doubt that a high altitude trekking or mountaineering trip to Peru or Bolivia will be a fabulous, may be even life changing, experience. Why should I go on a high altitude hike? It can take you right out of your comfort zone and push your physical limits. You will be exposed to different ways of …
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 …
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 …
Sacred Valley Via Ferrata zipline by Kathy Jarvis on 28th November, 2014 Sacred Valley Via Ferrata zipline This week, Andean Trails’ Maria lives like a condor – flying atop mountains and sleeping while hanging over a precipice in Peru. Check her fantastic photos on Facebook. She writes: “On the zipline, we were literally flying over and between mountains, stifling those little whimpers that both calm and …
Climb Cotopaxi – making the journey count by Kathy Jarvis on 22nd August, 2014 Climb Cotopaxi – making the journey count Recently two Andean Trails customers returned from Ecuador, having successfully climbed Cotopaxi Volcano, which at 5897m stands tall in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, its beautiful conical shape easily recognisable from afar. Andean Trails’ Kat Dougal reminisces about her Cotopaxi climb. Kat writes: “It took me back to my honeymoon four years ago, …
Life as a Mountain Guide in Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 15th August, 2014 A mountain guide’s tale Rodolfo Oropeza shares his life story, from shepherd to top Peru mountain climbing guide, in this week’s fascinating, true life blog: Rodolfo writes: “When I was a school student, I always wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer and I was not interested in the mountains because they were …
Being at high altitude – expert advice by Tom Shearman on 1st August, 2014 Being at high altitude – expert advice This week Tara Guerin and Georgia Upjohn, performance specialists at the Altitude Centre, share their expert advice with us on going up high. Altitude: Be the tortoise, not the hare. As a mountaineering destination, The Andes offers no end of attractions. The scenery is peerless, and with …
