Ecuador
Community homestay – Family Holiday in Ecuador
Kat and her family visited the San Clemente community, near Ibarra in Ecuador, for 3 nights. This is what Kat thought of their stay… “San Clemente lies at the base of Imbabura Volcano, with a striking view of Ibarra below and the mountains around. The little community is spread out, and of the …
Quito with kids – top things to do with children
Visiting a big city can be daunting with children , especially when they are young. But Quito has a range of options that can keep little ones entertained and is well worth a visit. Entrance fees are typically low, and parks provide plenty of free fun. Below, in no particular order, some of Kat’s tips …
Ecuador bucket list : Top 10
What not to miss in Ecuador Ecuador offers the visitor so much to see and do. Here are our top 10 bucket list picks of what not to miss in Ecuador, to inspire you: Galapagos Cruise For many a dream destination. The Galapagos – abundant wildlife, dramatic volcanic islands and a guaranteed unforgettable experience. Take a …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos
It is that time of year when you might be starting to think about where to take the family in 2018. We can highly recommend Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Perfect for family holidays Ecuador is a relatively compact country with numerous highlights. It is easy to get to and quick to travel …
Family Holiday: Galapagos cruise with children
Take the family to Galapagos. Kathy tells us all about her Galapagos cruise aboard the Mary Anne, and why taking your kids can make it a unique experience. She says … Can I take my kids to Galapagos? “Adding children into a mix of adults won’t always work or be popular and my biggest …
All about hats – South America Travel Observations
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 …
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos Snorkelling around the Galapagos Islands is a true highlight of any Galapagos holiday. An abundance of inquisitive and beautiful creatures await you once you slip into the sea. Most snorkel sites are in calm waters and suitable for people that have never snorkelled before. Here – in no …
Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador
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 …
Family holiday in Ecuador
Two families, four parents with 6 teenagers, have just got back from a family walking holiday in Ecuador and written to let us know how they got on. Read their top tips for family holidays in Ecuador. They said: “Our trip was great. We all had a fantastic time and the hiking was excellent. …
Ecuador Cloud Forest – Santa Lucia
Ecuador Cloud Forest – Santa Lucia Andean Trails’ Tom regales us with an account of his recent trip to Santa Lucia Lodge in the Ecuadorean cloud forest not far from the capital Quito. He writes: “Looks like a young male tarantula, they can get quite aggressive,”. The big black and purple spider before us …
White water rafting in Ecuador
White water rafting in Ecuador South America is full of fantastic white water rafting – a perfect extension to your adventure holiday, from those looking for massive rapids to paddling fun for all the family. We offer rafting trips in Peru, including the mighty Apurimac, as well as in Chile and arguably the best rafting …
Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador – well worth a visit
Visit Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador Our own Maria encourages everyone to visit Quilotoa lagoon on their Ecuador holiday. She writes: “Quilotoa crater lake is located 135 kms south-west of Quito and is a must-see in Ecuador! It is an enigmatic spot for visitors not only for the colourful lake deep inside the volcano’s crater, but also …
Paradise? Galapagos Safari Camp
Paradise? Galapagos Safari Camp Andean Trails’ Tom decided that as he is no longer as young as he used to be, it would be nice to treat himself to a spot of safari luxury at the end of an active trip to the Galapagos Islands. This is his story: “That’s the best sunset in …
Wildlife of South America
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 …
Top 10 things to do in Ecuador
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 …
An ode to Galapagos Islands
An ode to Galapagos Islands Andean Trails’ Maria has just returned from an inspiring Galapagos Islands trip that made her pulse race like nowhere before. She writes: “I wear a smile that will last forever. I was in the middle of the Pacific surrounded by volcanic islands full of exotic animals, with deep seas …
Self-guided Quito city walking tour
Self-guided Quito city walking tour Want to see Quito, but don’t want a group city tour – then take a look at our self-guided walking tour. Our rep in Ecuador, Emma Morgan, has lived in the capital for over a decade and shares her top independent walking tour. Go at your own pace, choose which …
Saving Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest
Saving Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest This week we talk to the manager of an Ecuador Amazon eco-lodge with a difference – they want you to see oil and destruction as they try to save the rainforest. Huaorani Most Amazon trips offer a spectacular visit to the highlights of the Amazon – wildlife, community life and …
Protecting the Galapagos Islands – a new project
The Galapagos Islands – a new project Protecting the Galapagos Islands – as well as exploring them – is a cause close to our hearts at Andean Trails. This week one of the charities we support, the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), tells us all about a new online project which aims to get more people …
Top 10 things to do in Quito, Ecuador
Quito: Top 10 things to do Guest blogger Abby Clark shares her Top 10 things to do in and around Quito, Ecuador. She writes: “Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is on the equator, and is the highest capital city in world, at 2800 metres above sea level. Its old town, Centro Historico, boasts …
