Lodge based treks in Peru: Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate by Kathy Jarvis on 14th May, 2018 If you are planning a trek in Peru but prefer some luxury and you really don’t want to camp then there are a number of excellent options. There are three lodge to lodge mountain treks that offer superb mountain scenery, contact with the local community and a good degree of luxury. Each of the lodge …
Kat’s family holiday to Ecuador by Kat Dougal on 4th May, 2018 This week Kat is setting off on her own travel adventure – time to revisit Ecuador, return to old haunts and explore some that are new to her, to get fresh ideas and inspiration. This time, however, she’s taking her family with her to get a perfect first hand experience of an Andean Trails family …
Patagonia bucket list by Alan Lyall on 25th April, 2018 Patagonia as a destination has inspired many an explorer, author, poet and simple traveller and is on many a bucket list. Below you will find a sample bucket list that we hope will inspire the explorer, author, poet and traveller in you, and which would be entirely feasible in one incredible holiday to …
Kathy in Peru – two treks near Cusco by Kathy Jarvis on 24th April, 2018 Twenty four years since she first set foot in Peru Andean Trails’ Kathy is heading back to some of her old haunts with her 10 year old son. The plan is to trek in two of the big mountain areas just near to Cusco : Lares and Ausangate – both very familiar areas with …
Trekking Advice – the right nutrition when trekking at altitude by Kathy Jarvis on 9th March, 2018 Kathy’s 16 year old niece Sasha has been visiting from Namibia this week. Sasha has a keen interest in sport and nutrition and has been researching the nutrition guidelines for high altitude treks for us. Sasha writes… “Trekking is a great way to improve fitness and get in shape whether it’s walking around …
Santa Cruz Trek, Northern Peru by Tom Shearman on 2nd March, 2018 Looking for something different from your trekking trip to Peru? Read all about Santa Cruz, one of Huaraz’s best kept trekking secrets, with Andean Trails’ Tom’s personal account: He writes: “Huaraz in north Peru is a trekking and climbing dream, with its multitude of remote trails, ice-clad peaks and famous hikes like the Huayhuash …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos by Alan Lyall on 2nd February, 2018 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 …
Patagonia in autumn or spring. by Kathy Jarvis on 19th January, 2018 Patagonia out of season. Two of Patagonia’s most iconic destinations are the Torres del Paine National park in Chile and the Glaciares National Park near the Argentine towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. The granite spires, glaciers, spectacular scenery and wildlife are a magnet to the adventurous traveller and nature lover. High season is …
Travel Tips to get you off the beaten track in South America by Tom Shearman on 9th December, 2017 Off The Beaten Track Andean Trails give you top tips on suggestions of where to travel ahead of the pack. Toro Toro National Park, Bolivia Kat Dougal, Intrepid explorer and family travel expert, gives as her hot tip the Toro Toro National Park in Bolivia. She says: “With every year Bolivia is becoming …
Preparing for altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 2 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Altitude trekking In the second part of our blog on preparing to trek at high altitude in Peru or Bolivia we look at what to take with you and how to deal with high altitudes. What will the weather be like in the high Andes? Peru and Bolivia are located within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly …
Preparing for high altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 1 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Preparing for high altitude trekking There is no doubt that a high altitude trekking or mountaineering trip to Peru or Bolivia will be a fabulous, may be even life changing, experience. Why should I go on a high altitude hike? It can take you right out of your comfort zone and push your physical limits. You will be exposed to different ways of …
Top 5 places to visit around Salta, Argentina. by Alan Lyall on 4th October, 2017 Visit Salta North West Argentina (NOA to the locals), is an area of incredible beauty and where you will find the peoples and culture of the high Andes. Salta is a charming colonial city nestling into the Andean foothills. Located in the Lerma Valley at just over 1000 metres above sea level, it is the …
Copacabana – Gateway to Bolivia’s Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca by Kathy Jarvis on 4th October, 2017 Copacabana Lake Titicaca. Arguably South America’s most renowed lake, at a breath-taking 3810m above sea level, is a lake claimed by two countries – Peru and Bolivia. The Bolivian gateway to the lake is Copacabana – a buzzing little town by the lakeside, albeit with a little less white sand and samba than the Brazilian …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
