Dear Diary – Inca Trail trek review by Kat Dougal on 6th January, 2017 Inca Trail trek review – diary of a hiker Kat trekked Peru’s famous Inca Trail and has opened her diary for us. Day 1 We are picked up at 6am by our guide William. It’s just my husband and I trekking and we have 2 cooks and 2 porters with us. The cooks are …
Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile by Tom Shearman on 23rd September, 2016 Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park Trek options and where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Changes in Torres del Paine park regulations make it imperative you book your accommodation before hiking. Tom writes: “Torres del Paine National Park authorities (CONAF) has just announced that only trekkers who …
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 …
Tips and advice to Climb Huayna Potosi, Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 17th June, 2016 Climb Huyana Potosi in Bolivia BOLIVIA: Huayna Potosi is one of the most accessible 6,000m climbs in all of the Andes. It is the perfect Andean mountain for novice or experienced mountaineers. Here, some Andean Trails’ climbers our own staff give us an insight to their experiences on this fantastic Andean summit. The customers …
Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek by Alan Lyall on 20th May, 2016 Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek Alan shares his experiences on our popular Patagonia Highlights’ trek – from lost luggage to sunny days to snow in this beautiful part of the world. Check his photos on Facebook. He writes: PATAGONIA I set off during one of the UK’s worst winters plus a Spanish Air …
Trekking advice in Patagonia: independently vs group by Tom Shearman on 12th May, 2016 Advice on trekking in Patagonia Patagonia is a ruggedly beautiful land cut from jagged Andean mountains and blue glaciers. Patagonia has a climate that commands respect from the gauchos that work the land to the pumas, condors and other wildlife that make this spectacular region their home. For trekkers, it is and adventure holiday and …
Moon Temple and Choquequirao by Kathy Jarvis on 25th February, 2016 Moon Temple and Choquequirao Director of Andean Trails and Peru trekking guide book writer, Kathy writes: ” There’s a lot more to Peru than the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. If you want to explore some amazing Inca sites, walk deep in the mountains, and get away from the crowds then two of my …
First time trekker: a debut hiker in Colombian Andes. by Tom Shearman on 11th February, 2016 First time trekker in Colombia A first time hiker took on a brand new trek in Los Nevados mountains of Colombia, all part of Andean Trails’ determination to explore new routes. Elena Sanchez, aka Hiking Elena, had never before attempted a multi-day trek. Here, Hiking Elena gives an honest account of her 3-day adventure …
Packing list for mountain trekking by Kathy Jarvis on 21st January, 2016 Packing list for mountain trekking Trekking has been at the top of our adventure list for many years. We have learned quite a bit and have some valuable tips to share with future trekkers. Good kit is vital for the enjoyment of any trekking trip – we’ve all heard it before but it’s just so …
Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 15th January, 2016 Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru What to do when the Inca Trail is sold out… Permits gone When those 500 much sought after permits are sold, often many months in advance, then that’s it. They are gone. But don’t despair – our alternatives are all great treks in their own right and are in fact preferred …
Top tips: Prepare for the Inca Trail, Peru by Tom Shearman on 13th January, 2016 Top tips: Prepare for the Inca Trail 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 what …
Cordillera de los Frailes community trek, Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th November, 2015 Cordillera de los Frailes trek, Bolivia Inca Trails, copper deposits and volcanic craters and positive tourism on a fantastic two-day trek out of Sucre, Bolivia – Cordillera de los Frailes – the latest destination on Tom’s travels. Tom writes about community tourism working positively for all… Cheeky “Take two good handfuls, strip the leaf …
Top 5 things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 18th September, 2015 Top 5 things to do in Ushuaia Our Argentina representative, Alexandra Smirnova, shares her favourite activities in this stunning, remote city. Tierra del Fuego, or literally ‘Land of Fire’ is in a very remote part of Argentina. In spite of this, it is an accessible and welcoming land with friendly people, delicious food and …
Ups and downs on the hike to the Towers of Torres del Paine, Chile by Alan Lyall on 10th September, 2015 Hike to the towers of Torres del Paine, Chile Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall relives his trek to one of Chile’s finest attractions, ticking off a bucket list trip while pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Check his photos from the journey on our Facebook page. He writes: “I am not the poster boy for …
Amazing Peru: Walter Rhein’s inspirational book by Kathy Jarvis on 30th July, 2015 Walter Rhein´s inspirational book This week’s guest blogger, Walter Rhein, shares his Choquequirao adventure, the inspiration for the multitude contained in his recently published book. ‘Reckless Traveler’ chronicles a vast array of Walter’s experiences from a decade of living in that most colourful of countries, Peru, from its food to its AK-47s. Walter writes: …
Trekking South Patagonia Ice Cap, Los Glaciares, Fitzroy by Tom Shearman on 24th April, 2015 Trekking South Patagonia Ice Cap, Fitzroy Andean Trails’ Tom describes the once-in-a-lifetime trek in extreme conditions on the South Patagonia Ice Cap in Los Glaciares, Fitzroy National Park, Argentina. He writes: The avalanching ice that was rumbling slowly towards us was completely forgotten about as I suddenly dropped 10 feet into a crevasse. No …
Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park by Kat Dougal on 26th March, 2015 Bolivia’s Toro Toro National Park On her recent Bolivia trip, Kat was keen to include a visit to little visited Toro Toro National Park. Kat writes: “Travelling to Toro Toro National Park certainly felt like a proper adventure, starting with a bumpy 4-hour journey after my guide picked me up at Cochabamba airport. I …
Luxury trekking to Machu Picchu – go glamping by Kathy Jarvis on 6th March, 2015 Luxury trekking to Machu Picchu – go glamping Maria discovers a new way to trek to Machu Picchu: the hike remains the same, but canvas is swapped for comfortable beds, jacuzzis and glasses of wine. She writes: “Back in November, I was in Peru travelling and hiking. I walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu …
Choose the best rucksack for trekking in the Andes by Tom Shearman on 12th December, 2014 Choose the best rucksack for trekking in the Andes This week, outdoor clothing specialist Rachel Keir talks us through the maze of which rucksack to choose for which trekking trip, drawing on her experience at Silverfox Travel & Outdoors. She writes: Choosing a rucksack for trekking So you’ve made the decision to book a trekking …
Get fit for trekking holidays across South America by Tom Shearman on 16th May, 2014 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 …
