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
Rob Lawley, Galapagos Cruise, April 2024 The Galapagos Island Cruise on the Aida Maria was one of the best holidays I've ever had. Right from the start Andean Trails answered every question quickly, efficiently and gave useful information. The yacht itself was fabulous, perfect size, spotlessly clean and looked great. The staff were very friendly, helpful and prepared really good food. Alex, our guide for the week, was superb. Knew everything about the Islands and shared his knowledge in an interesting, engaging, friendly way. The itinerary was excellent, so many interesting places and the animals/fish we saw was just amazing. There were so many highlights but mine was probably snorkeling with Hammerhead Sharks, also the 50/60 strong pod of dolphins we saw who were swimming with the yacht for ages and also the nightly visits from sharks, sea lions, pelicans and a variety of fish at the back of the yacht whilst i was watching, enjoying a glass of red. Just incredible to see. The whole trip was brilliantly organised and its something I'll never forget. I hope to return at some stage to these amazing islands and would definitely recommend Andean Trails and the Aida Maria
Rob Lawley, Galapagos Cruise, April 2024
Kate S., Ecuador and Galapagos, April 2024 I had a fantastic adventure! So many things to thank you for! The highlight was the trip to Galapagos. The combination of the Bonita, the activities (snorkelling and kayaking in particular), the wildlife, the weather, the companions and the crew made it easily the highlight of the trip. I was sorry to leave and could have stayed another week. The low point was when I suffered from vertigo on day 2 of the Highlands walk. We came across a narrow ledge with a steep drop. Pablo, our guide guided me across the ledge confidently. I also found the final ascent to the Ruminahui volcano too steep to attempt. Accommodation was very good. All the staff at every accommodation were excellent, very welcoming, friendly and happy to help us with anything. The food at every accommodation on the trek, on the cruise and at the cloud forest was very good - I loved eating new fruits and fruit juices. The food was always freshly made and of good quality. The only 'satisfactory ' food was at the hotel in Quito! Guides were excellent, a particular shout out for Pablo on our trek. He was very knowledgeable, good company and good fun. Excellent organization, we were looked after every step of the way. It would be helpful to say in your information that some sections of the walk are very steep (the Ruminahui volcano) and there are some narrow ledges which may not be suitable for people with any kind of vertigo. We had a somewhat frustrating day in Quito as two of the churches and a museum we had planned to visit were closed. Perhaps a note in your information to tell travellers to check websites of churches/museums/places of interest before they set out might be useful. A fantastic adventure! The trip was so well organised and you have been incredibly helpful in sorting out our itinerary. So many experiences and memories, thank you!