Lake Titicaca: Stay Overnight on Amantani island by Gill Christie on 1st November, 2024 Lake Titicaca: Stay overnight on Amantani Island Gill takes us onto the waters of Peru’s famous Lake Titicaca and describes her overnight stay with a local family on Amantani Island. She writes: “Lake Titicaca in Peru is the highest of the world’s lakes. Perched 3, 810 metres above sea level on a plateau in the …
Community Projects Update by Tom Shearman on 8th May, 2024 Supporting Community Projects across South America Travelling to South America with Andean Trails will help make a positive impact, as you contribute to our support of several community projects. Your visit is much more than creating local employment. It generates bonds between people and leaves beneficial footprints. We’re proud to financially support several local NGOs …
Be an Ecotourist while on Holiday in Galapagos in 2024 by Tom Shearman on 8th March, 2024 The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and feel symbolic of a sea change in people’s attitudes to responsible and sustainable tourism. Every year more and more people visit. Some to get there ‘before it’s gone’ and most want to minimise the impact of their visit. Our handy guide gives lots of travel …
Know Before You Go: Peru Trekking and Hiking Travel Tips by Tom Shearman on 7th November, 2023 Peru Trekking and Hiking Travel Tips Peru, one of the most diverse Andean nations, offers a feast of trekking and hiking routes that showcase the country’s beauty. The Andes Cordillera runs the length of Peru. Its soaring peaks and satin-white glaciers frame many trekking routes as they course through remote villages, many unchanged since Inca …
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. …
Machu Picchu: Guide to Tipping & Porter Welfare on the Inca Trail by Tom Shearman on 16th January, 2023 The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s most incredible treks, one which 200 keen hikers and 300 hard-working Inca Trail porters embark on daily. The four or 5-day hike over 28 miles/44 kilometres is a high-altitude walk past Inca ruins, soaring Andean peaks, and breathtaking views while walking on …
Travel Guide: Things To Do in Salento, Colombia by Tom Shearman on 12th January, 2023 Some of the world’s finest coffee comes from picturesque Salento, a colourful town of 7,000 souls nestled among Colombia’s verdant Andes. Growing coffee beans led UNESCO to bestow World Heritage Site status to the Salento coffee triangle for its contribution to the ‘Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia.’ And while this delicious brew is undoubtedly one …
What you Must See on Easter Island and How to Get There by Tom Shearman on 5th August, 2022 Easter Island, one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, is once again open to visitors. COVID visiting restrictions have been lifted from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its towering Moai statues carved centuries ago by Easter Island inhabitants. People can once again visit the island, real name Rapa Nui, and enjoy the …
Visitors guide to Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain by Tom Shearman on 11th July, 2022 There are now three mountains to visit at Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca ruins with the opening of the Huchuy Picchu trail. The gentler elevations of Huchuy Picchu, which translates as ‘small mountain’ from Quechua, join Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain as hiking attractions with great views. Let’s look at the three options so you …
Surprising Facts About Rainbow Mountain, Near Cusco, Peru by Tom Shearman on 14th June, 2022 One of Peru’s must-see travel highlights is the stunningly vibrant multi-coloured Rainbow Mountain near Cusco. It’s easy for visitors to see why at such a stunning site, high in the Peruvian Andes. Plump purple, arctic blues and lemon yellows weave over the shoulders of Vinicunca, its Quechua name, which means coloured mountain. This rich natural …
The Best View in Peru: The Sun Gate, Machu Picchu by Tom Shearman on 20th April, 2022 First impressions last, which is why the Sun Gate leading to Machu Picchu is such a highlight for people visiting Peru’s world-famous Inca citadel. The Sun Gate, or Intipunku in Quechua, sits around 290m (951 feet) above Machu Picchu’s elevation, offering unparalleled views of the ruins some two kilometres away. Spread out before the eyes …
Sustainable Travel at Patagonia’s Hotel Las Torres. by Tom Shearman on 26th November, 2021 With Chile’s border entry arrangements relaxing from December 1, travellers can now look forward to taking the first steps back to an adventure holiday — including a sustainable trip to Hotel Las Torres. And what better than a green, responsible, and ecological path to follow. Hotel Las Torres in Patagonia has taken the time the …
An Eco-Tourism Guide to Travelling in Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 29th May, 2020 Eco-tourism in Peru is key to ensuring that this popular Andean holiday destination will benefit from the large number of travellers it attracts each year, especially at its iconic sites of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca and beyond. Here’s our advice on how to support sustainable tourism in Peru. An Eco-Tourism …
Galapagos Conservation Trust and Andean Trails by Kathy Jarvis on 15th May, 2020 The Galapagos Islands are a paradise to holiday in. But they are also a paradise in need of protection and conservation. At Andean Trails, while making your Galapagos holiday come true, we are also supporting the fantastic work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. Read on to find out more… Galapagos Conservation Trust and …
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 …
An ode to Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 16th April, 2015 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 …
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 …
Volunteer in the Amazon Jungle by Kat Dougal on 20th June, 2014 Volunteer in the Amazon Jungle Kat takes us into the Amazon on a volunteering project which may inspire you to pack up and do the same. Check her Facebook photos for some irresistibly cute pictures, and read on … Kat writes: “My first big travel adventure was a six month trip to South America …
