Travel Advice
Eat your way to summit success
by Tom Shearman on
This week Tom remembers how important nutrition is when taking on peaks in cold conditions, all part of a mountaineering course. Tom writes: “The clouds whisped over the creamy white summit of Cairngorm, creating a game of show and tell of the mountain’s lethal mashed potato cornices. That February morning in Scotland’s Highlands was a …
Chile In Style: Luxury holidays and hotels
by Alan Lyall on
Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall worked in tourism in Chile for more than 20 years. He draws from that well of knowledge and shares his tips for a luxury holiday or honeymoon In Style in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. He writes: “Chile is a destination that has been blessed by nature; Spectacular …
Families in the north of Peru
by Kathy Jarvis on
Gocta falls with family and kids Peru with the family? Three generations – a grandmother, two mothers and two children aged 10 and 6 – set off recently to explore Gocta Lodge, in the north of Peru. Margaret Jarvis, fresh from her Amazon trip, was determined to make the most of the tour, as was Lorne Blythe, …
South America honeymoon planning and travel advice
by Tom Shearman on
South America honeymoon planning Pros and cons of private and group tours in honeymoon packages, plus recommendations some super South America honeymoon destinations in this week’s blog. Tom writes: “The honeymoon dream; the romantic getaway, be that trekking up a mountain, or relaxing on a beach with a glass of something cold. A joint …
Amazon holiday dream realised
by Kathy Jarvis on
Amazon holiday Botanist and biologist Margaret Jarvis talks about finally realising a desire to the world’s greatest rainforests – the Amazon. She writes: “At 79 I have seen a bit of this planet, including tropical forest in Malaysia and Indonesia, but not the Amazonian rainforest. A longstanding ambition was achieved in April this year …
Volunteer in the Amazon Jungle
by Kat Dougal on
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 …
Typical day in Amazon rainforest of Peru
by Kat Dougal on
Typical day in Amazon rainforest of Peru Andean Trails’ Kat describes a day’s holiday in the Amazon rainforest at Peru’s Refugio Amazonas and Tambopata Research Centre (TRC). The sights, smells and beauty of it all takes her back to an earlier time.. Kat writes: “The heat hits me as soon as I step …
Get fit for trekking holidays across South America
by Tom Shearman on
Get hiking fit for trekking holidays This week Andean Trails looks at how to get fit for your trekking holiday in South America, with a top joke at the end to boot! Getting trek in South America Your mind’s eye pictures the open path, yourself as a mountain goat eating up the miles, gamboling …
Buenos Aires city guide – the passion and the icons
by Alan Lyall on
Buenos Aires Alan tells us about Buenos Aires this week, a city that he fell in love with, and how following its icons can make for a fascinating way to get to know the city. He writes: “Argentina is a country of passions. The Argentines are a passionate people. It must be from their …
What to drink while travelling in Peru
by Kathy Jarvis on
What to drink in Peru This week we look at some of the top drinks of Peru which give a real taste for the country’s tipples. Check Tom’s Wanderlust blog about top places to eat across Peru, too. Drinks in Peru Imagine a holiday to France without wine. A visit to Dublin without Guinness. An …
Patagonia – its weather, seasons and best time to travel
by Kathy Jarvis on
Best time to travel to Patagonia Temperate, tempestuous, terrible and terrific – some of the words that define Patagonia and its fascinatingly energetic and changeable weather. Our guide to Patagonia’s weather and seasons will be vital when planning travel and holidays to this beautiful region. Key points Nov-March: +5 to + 20°C, four seasons in …
North West Argentina – the painter’s palette
by Alan Lyall on
North West Argentina NOA to the locals, North West Argentina is dazzling our Alan with its diversity – he’s seen frogs, ships, cathedrals and devil’s throats, to amphetheatres, ships, monks and much more. Check his stunning photos on our Facebook page. He writes….. “NOA is a place to let your imagination soar and wonder, …
Best family holiday destination: what to do with kids in Cusco, Peru.
by Kathy Jarvis on
Family holiday destination Best family holiday destination in South America? This week travel expert and parent of two kids Mark Smith gives us his top tips for what to do in Cusco for families and kids. He writes… “Cusco is the best family holiday destination” says our guide Mark Smith. The Essex-born 41-year-old’s opinion …
Peru: Weather, seasons and when is the best time to travel
by Tom Shearman on
Peru: When to go? What will the weather be like? Based on seasonal weather and best times to visit, our blog this week will help you plan your Peru holiday to climatic perfection. In general It’s true that you can visit Peru on holiday almost any time of the year, but some months offer …
Travelling as a new parent: nappies, sleepless nights and wanderlust
by Kat Dougal on
Holidays and travel as a new parent Kat has returned to work after maternity leave and looks forward to her new lifestyle with her husband Dave and their lovely wee daughter, Lina. Kat writes: “It will change your life, they told me. And how right they were. In February my daughter Lina was born …
Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu: Standard tour or luxury service?
by Tom Shearman on
Luxury or standard Inca Trail? The iconic Inca Trail trek to the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru is deservedly the most famous walk in South America. This once-in-a-lifetime hike requires planning, permits and porters – and the decision of whether to go on the standard trek or the luxury trek or, of course, by train. …
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel?
by Tom Shearman on
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel? Cruise or hotel? It’s the biggest Galapagos Island holiday decision you will make; Galapagos cruise, or Galapagos hotel based trip? The Andean Trails’ team has used its experience of both trips to come up with a handy ‘Galapagos cruise / Galapagos land based trip?’ guide. The similarities Once-in-a-lifetime, fully guided, …
Ecuador Cloud Forest Travel Advice
by Tom Shearman on
Cloud forest travel advice The fourth and penultimate part of a brilliant and in-depth blog from Andean Trails’ travellers Jane and Greg Windsor, now in the cloud forest, as part of four fantastic weeks in glorious Ecuador. We are in the Ecuador Cloud Forest today, having visited the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and Quito, with horse riding to follow and we have photos …
Top 5 reasons to travel solo
by Tom Shearman on
Top reasons to travel solo This week, Andean Trails’ Tom exhorts why we should travel solo, and why it’s one of the best adventure holidays you’ll ever take. He writes: “Like going to the cinema on your own, solo travel is often more about how you feel about yourself than how you think other …
Ecuador Amazon Rainforest Travel Advice
by Kathy Jarvis on
Amazon rainforest travel advice The third part of a brilliant and in-depth blog from Andean Trails’ travellers Jane and Greg Windsor, who spent four fantastic weeks in glorious Ecuador. We are in the Ecuadorian Amazon today, having visited the Galapagos Islands and Quito with cloud forest and horse riding to follow, with photos on Facebook too: Amazon rainforest in Ecuador “Wilson provided us with a …