Visitor Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits by Tom Shearman on 2nd December, 2024 Travel Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits Peru’s Machu Picchu is a dream destination. Most people only visit the Inca citadel once in their lives. Did you know ten Machu Picchu circuits crisscross the ancient ruins? This guide will help travellers choose the best circuit when visiting Machu Picchu. Find out the top attractions …
The Best Snorkel Sites in the Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 25th November, 2024 Galapagos Islands’ Best Snorkel Sites Want to know the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands? This guide will help identify the top spots, including those only available to guests on Galapagos cruises. Without a doubt, snorkelling around the Galapagos Islands is a true highlight of any Galapagos holiday. An abundance of curious and beautiful …
Guide to Tipping in Chile by Tom Shearman on 7th October, 2024 Tipping in Chile: Know How Much to Tip Here’s our guide to tipping in Chile. Want to know how much to tip in Chile? This tipping in Chile guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Chile? Chile has a stable and …
Bolivia Salt Flats: Best Things to Do in Uyuni by Tom Shearman on 18th September, 2024 Guide to the Best Things to Do in Uyuni, Bolivia Salt Flats The Bolivia salt flats attractions are many. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Uyuni. What Are Bolivia Salt Flats Famous For? Bolivia’s salt flats are called Salar de Uyuni. These are the world’s largest and highest salt flats, …
Guide to Day Trips in and around San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 14th June, 2024 Planning on visiting San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands? Read our quick guide to the best half and full-day tours for your holiday, and check our guide to travelling between the Galapagos Islands. Discover what to see and do while staying in one of the many hotels on San Cristobal island. Be as active as …
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 …
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 …
Travel Review of Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge, Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 29th November, 2022 Where is Mindo Cloud Forest? The town of Mindo lies in the cloud forest north of Quito. It is a small, relaxed place that boasts a range of cafes and restaurants. More importantly, it lies in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cloud forest areas. Kat’s Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure We asked Andean Trails’ Kat …
Day Trips From Santiago de Chile by Tom Shearman on 18th October, 2022 Most people travelling to Chile will pass through its capital, Santiago, at some point during their trip. Santiago’s official name is Santiago de Chile. This stunning city has some fantastic day trips for those who linger longer. Excursions vary from wine tasting to skiing to street art. Such variety stems from Santiago’s dramatic geography — …
Buyer’s Guide to Otavalo Market: From Souvenirs to Jewellery by Tom Shearman on 7th October, 2022 The picture-postcard and colourful indigenous artisan Otavalo market is surrounded by dramatic Andean peaks in the heart of Ecuador. Handmade crafts and textiles of incredible quality have helped make Otavalo a traveller’s favourite and the largest market of its kind in all of South America. The Otavalo Market is authentic and dates back to …
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 …
Tours to See Puerto Madryn Penguins, Patagonia by Tom Shearman on 22nd July, 2022 The famous Puerto Madryn penguins, where up to a million Magellanic penguins congregate to breed, are not found in Puerto Madryn. While the town is famous for being one of the best places to see penguins in Argentina, Puerto Madryn penguin tours actually take place in Punta Tombo. However, the tours do start in Puerto …
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 …
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 Patagonia Mountain Ranges Explained by Tom Shearman on 19th May, 2022 The vast open spaces of Patagonia’s mountain ranges remain an enthralling draw to visitors from around the world. Be it climbing, hiking, rafting, or wildlife watching, Patagonia’s mountain ranges hold something for everyone. Soaring, ice-capped peaks, glaciers, dense and verdant forests line crystalline lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Let’s look at Patagonia’s inspiring geography, and the …
What to do For 3 Days in El Chalten, Patagonia by Tom Shearman on 12th May, 2022 Do you have three days in El Chalten, Argentina? Here’s the lowdown on the best tours and attractions, plus sample itineraries to make the most of your time in Patagonia. El Chalten is a small town built on the floodplain of Rio de Las Vueltas and part of the vast Los Glaciares National Park. The …
How Much Does It Cost To Go to Antarctica? Facts & Figures by Tom Shearman on 22nd March, 2022 Many travellers get giddy at the prospect of visiting the Earth’s final frontier. They quickly stop to ask themselves: Just how much does it cost to go to Antarctica? It’s a vital question. A trip to the frozen continent is never cheap, but there are ways to stretch your budget to help with Antarctica travel …
Guide to the Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls by Tom Shearman on 14th March, 2022 Visiting Iguazu Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience with thundering waterfalls and lush rainforests. Let’s look at the best time to visit Iguazu Falls so that you can make the most of this popular and outstanding destination. Of course, the best time to visit Iguazu Falls is subjective. Hate the heat but want to see …
Colombia: Best Beaches & Sleeping in Tayrona National Park by Tom Shearman on 18th February, 2022 Almost every traveller heading to Colombia will make Tayrona National Park’s beaches one of their must-see destinations. Colombia’s Caribbean coast features postcard-perfect crystal waters and beautiful sandy beaches set among pristine tropical forests. This beach paradise is easily accessible from nearby Santa Marta. For many, a day visit is not enough. Luckily, sleeping in Tayrona …
The Best Hikes & Treks in Chile. by Tom Shearman on 24th November, 2021 Chile’s sleek and elongated geography helps make it one of the best trekking destinations in the world. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best hikes in Chile. The country stretches some 2,690 miles (4,329km) from north to south; South America’s distinctive spine formed thanks to Chile’s mighty Andean mountain ranges. It’s …
