El Chalten, Patagonia: trekking options and more by Kathy Jarvis on 5th May, 2017 El Chalten, Patagonia Kathy has just arrived, rather reluctantly, back in the office after a month exploring southern Chile, with a short foray into Argentina, to Los Glaciares national park, in particular El Chalten and the Fitzroy area. She says “I hadn’t been to El Chalten in southern Argentina, since my tour leading days …
Amazon rainforest or cloud forest? by Tom Shearman on 25th April, 2017 Travel advice: Amazon rainforest or cloud forest? Visit the Amazon rainforest or cloud forest on your South America holiday? Some people want monkeys but not insects, some can’t stand the heat but want to see bears. Others want to walk through lush forest. There are a myriad of cloud forest and Amazon lodges across Peru, …
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos by Tom Shearman on 21st April, 2017 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 …
Galapagos Islands cruises – which itinerary to choose? by Tom Shearman on 6th April, 2017 Galapagos islands cruises Planning your dream Galapagos cruise can feel daunting when you first start to research Galapagos boats and itineraries. Here, Andean Trails Galapagos holiday expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips to help you decide which trip is best for you. He writes: “Galapagos park rules were introduced a few years ago …
Lima, Peru – things to see and do by Kathy Jarvis on 27th March, 2017 Lima, Peru – things to see and do Peru’s capital might not be the most glamorous of South American cities but there is certainly plenty to see and do. It is the gateway to the country as most travellers to Peru will enter and exit through the city’s modern airport. The city is located on …
5 top tips to prepare for the Inca Trail by Kathy Jarvis on 1st March, 2017 Preparing for the Inca Trail – top tips Getting trekking fit for your Inca Trail means you’ll enjoy your hike to Machu Picchu even more. With Inca Trail permits selling 4-6 months in advance, you have to plan ahead. Starting early means your heart and lungs will be get stronger and more efficient, which is …
Advice on plane journeys with kids by Kat Dougal on 10th February, 2017 Advice on plane journeys with kids Andean Trails’ Kat Dougal, intrepid traveller and intrepid mother, gives valuable advice on flying with toddlers. “Embarking on a flight with two little ones under 4 is always an adventure, ” says Kat, mum of two who regularly flies with her two in tow. She continued: “Just recently I was …
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife by Tom Shearman on 3rd February, 2017 There is no real ‘best’ time as something is always happening and Galapagos are a great year-round destination for a holiday. As the Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator, air and water temperatures do not vary by much, and most species are here year-round. There are two recognised seasons, and each months brings …
Colca Canyon travel advice by Kat Dougal on 19th January, 2017 Colca Canyon travel advice, Peru Kat reminisces about her trip to the Colca Canyon in Peru, walks in verdant countryside, midnight cocktails in hot springs and marvelling at Condors soaring above. (Oh, and don’t forget the hot, sweaty climb out of the canyon). Check her pictures on Facebook and Pinterest. She writes… The Valley …
Peru and Bolivia: Mieke reports back from her holiday by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd December, 2016 Three week tour across Peru and Bolivia This week we hear from Mieke, who’s just returned from a three-week tour of Peru and Bolivia. She and two friends explored Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu plus Lake Titicaca in Peru. Next, La Paz, Sucre and the Salt Flats of Uyuni in Bolivia. Which was her …
Avoid seasickness on Galapagos cruise top tips by Tom Shearman on 27th November, 2016 Avoid seasickness on Galapagos Islands Andean Trails’ Tom and fellow Galapagos expert Doris Welsh share their Top Ten Tips on how to have a fantastic Galapagos holiday while minimising the risk of seasickness. This advice applies to cruises and hotel-based tours. Tom writes: “Many people’s number one fear before a Galapagos cruise is running …
South America family holidays – top tips and advice by Kathy Jarvis on 10th November, 2016 South America family holidays South America is fast becoming a popular place for families to visit on their holidays. Here we share the experiences of some of the families and groups that have travelled to South America with Andean Trails, and how it changed them. There are more flights to South America than ever, and …
A day aboard a Galapagos cruise – what to expect by Tom Shearman on 21st October, 2016 What to expect on your Galapagos Islands holiday You’ve booked your Galapagos cruise, watched the nature videos and bought the sun cream – then start to wonder… Is the cabin too small? Will I get seasick? Here, Galapagos Islands’ expert Tom explains what to expect during a typical day on your dream Galapagos holiday. Don’t …
Help plan a big group tour to Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 7th October, 2016 Help plan a big group tour to Peru Andean Trails organised a fantastic summer Peru adventure for 14 teenagers and two adults from Dunfermline’s Queen Anne High School. The group camped in the Amazon, trekked the Inca Trail, visited remote communities in the Sacred Valley and went fishing with locals in Lima. Check their photos on …
Top things to do in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas by Alan Lyall on 15th September, 2016 Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas Read out guide to the top things to do in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Chile’s southernmost cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales offer the visitor to Patagonia much more than just an overnight stay. PUNTA ARENAS As with many far-flung settlements, Punta Arenas started life in the …
Colombia – Top 10 places to visit and things to do by Tom Shearman on 19th August, 2016 Top 10 places to visit and things to do in Colombia Travel advice and tips for Colombia holidays Colombia is the country that has everything you could need from a South America holiday. Andean Trails’ Tom spent two months enjoying the diverse landscapes and people that make this a country rich in wildlife, nature and …
Travel insurance – essential holiday planning by Alan Lyall on 11th August, 2016 Travel insurance – essential holiday planning Andean Trails’ Alan has just returned from Chile where his trip did not quite go as planned. An unfortunate accident on his first day gave a timely reminder of how necessary travel insurance – a condition of booking with Andean Trails – can be. He writes: “I was …
Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 5th August, 2016 Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru Peru and particularly Cusco is a massive draw for trekkers, with great hikes from the Inca Trail to Salkantay and more to enjoy – and everyone needs to acclimatise to the altitude before hiking. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has written many Peru trekking guides, including the recently updated Bradt Peru …
Fly business or economy class to South America by Alan Lyall on 14th July, 2016 Fly business or economy class to South America Known in the office as ‘Aviation Man’ thanks to his in depth knowledge of flight routes and planes, Alan gives us his personal lowdown and experience of business flights to South America. He writes: “Most of us, when we walk down the jetty and board the …
Lastarria – Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot by Alan Lyall on 1st July, 2016 Lastarria, Santiago’s new hot spot Alan shares his top tips of where to eat, drink and find cultural stimulation in Lastarria, Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot He writes: Lastarria neighbourhood in central Santiago has blossomed in the last few years into the hot new area to stay whilst visiting Chile’s capital. Sandwiched between the Parque …
