Andean Trails is a specialist, independent UK-based tour operator, operating a wide range of small group and bespoke, tailor-made and private tours across South America and Namibia.
Kathy Jarvis founded the company back in 1998 after falling in love with South America as a tour leader and guide book writer.
Since 1998 our UK office, and headquarters has been based in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. However, all of our staff have lived and travelled extensively in South America over the last 30 years. Together with our carefully chosen local partners we can give you a personalised service based on plenty of first hand experience.
Through our fixed group departures, as well as individually created tailor-made itineraries, we aim to share with you the spectacular wilderness areas, fascinating native cultures and diverse wildlife of this spellbinding continent.
We offer everything from active tours and expeditions to more leisurely holidays.
All of our UK office staff have lived and worked for many years in South America, so we can give you a personalised service based on plenty of first hand experience.
We are fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and German.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you have.
We are: Kathy Jarvis, Kat Dougal, Tom Shearman, Gill Christie.
Read more about us.
Your Financial Protection
Andean Trails is fully compliant with European tour operator regulations. Financial security is guaranteed through our ATOL bond (6275) and our solicitor-managed Trust Account.
Tailor Made Trips, Custom Tours and Private Treks
Increasingly we are asked to put together tailor made tours, customised trips and treks for independent individuals and groups.
Our first hand experience and intimate local knowledge, together with a network of high quality local guides and agents, allow us to create an authentic itinerary to meet your precise specifications… just get in touch, and we can discuss the options.
Small group tours
Andean Trails supports responsible travel and tourism. By limiting the size of our groups we aim to minimise environmental impact and achieve greater flexibility.
On our small group tours our normal group-size is between 6 and 12 plus a leader, although some groups extend up to 16 people.
The typical age range is 25-65 with similar ratios of couples and singles, males and females. You will find yourself travelling with like-minded people; experienced trekkers, mountain bikers and climbers, as well as relative novices.
Fully Supported
All of our trekking, biking and jungle expeditions are fully supported, meaning you need only carry a small pack with items needed during the day, such as a camera, binoculars and waterproofs.
The rest of the luggage is transported by porters, donkeys or a support vehicle. We find that while on trek, a certain level of comfort is appreciated. We are generally accompanied by a team of local staff who set up camp and cook for us.
On trekking expeditions, kitchen, dining and toilet tents are usually provided (where possible).
Tour leaders
Our group tours are led by a locally appointed leader or a native English speaking-guide living in the country you are visiting. All have long-term experience in the field.
Our leaders and guides have been chosen primarily for their knowledge of the areas they work in and their fluency in English and Spanish.
While on trekking, climbing and jungle sectors of the tour, our groups are always accompanied by an experienced and appropriately qualified local guide.
Positive tourism
Andean Trails promotes responsible tourism and tries to make only a positive impact on our destination landscapes and communities.
We are involved with a number of organisations which work to protect and conserve the areas we visit. Andean Trails is committed to contributing on a regular base to three NGOs in Peru. (Amantani, Huchuy Yachaq, ECOAN).
We are also members of a variety of organisations that work in nature and wildlife conservation – John Muir Trust, the Galapagos Conservation Trust, the LATA Foundation, Rainforest Concern, and Tourism Concern.
All our staff trips are carbon neutral and we encourage others to do the same by sending a donation to Rainforest Concern or Trees For Life.
About You
We believe that a sense of adventure and an open mind are the most important things you can bring with you.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
After an initial chat on the phone, Tom received our general brief for a month-long trip to Patagonia, to include a few specific places and activities with an emphasis on trekking. His first comprehensive draft arrived soon after. Subsequently, it was a joy to work with Tom as he swiftly and effectively amended the plan to reflect our evolving appreciation of where we were heading. Nothing seemed too much trouble, repeat questions included. The result was a relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to South America. The itinerary was thorough and well briefed, the travel arrangements practical. All the necessary paperwork and ticketing clear and correct. There was never a hitch, doubt or wasted day. The in-country agents were also on the ball and supportive on the occasion we made a minor change at short notice. No drama, no problem. We recommend Andean Trails, and Tom, without reservation and aim to use their services again. We heard about Andean Trails from family & by reading travel books. (On spotting a puma on the Paine W trek) The puma was around the Central hotel area on our way up to the Torres, initially seen as two green eyes in the dark at about 30m. We waited at the hotel until half light, tried again only to face it coming aound the corner here. We finally continued 15 minutes later passing it lying in the grass about 20m off the path. Seen by others up to an hour later. One of a pair apparently. Kind of (not) cuddly!
Lars and Susie Smith » Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek
We had a great time. All arrangements were smooth and the guides all great - Jorge in Quito, Gabriel in Mindo and Sebastian for our hiking week. We had walks on the Cotopaxi paramo, and great lunches! And we had another great walk around Quilotoa crater. Our week cruising on Tip Top II in the Galapagos was everything we could have asked for, a fantastic time. Thanks again for organising this trip.