About Andean Trails
Travel South America with people who know it inside out. Small group and tailor-made adventures designed by UK-based specialists with decades of experience.
South America travel, done properly
Andean Trails is a UK-based specialist tour operator creating unforgettable journeys across South America. From iconic highlights to lesser-known regions, every trip is designed with care, insight and deep local knowledge.
We combine small group tours with fully tailor-made itineraries, giving you the flexibility to travel your way while benefiting from expert planning and trusted local partnerships
- Small group tours across South America
- Tailor-made trips built around you
- Carefully selected local guides and partners
- UK-based support before, during and after your trip
What makes us different?
The South America specialists
Our team has lived and travelled extensively across South America for over 30 years, with more than 110 years of combined experience.
We use this first-hand knowledge to help you plan the right trip, and regularly return to the region to research tours and stay up to date with our trusted local partners.
Get in touch any time to ask a question or start planning your journey.
Meet the team
Kathy Jarvis
Founder of Andean Trails, Kathy began her South America journey in 1994 and spent 4 years working as a professional guide, leading trekking groups across Peru, Patagonia, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador.
Tom Shearman
Tom creates bespoke tours and travel content, combining his passion for exploration with a talent for storytelling, inspired by a lifelong curiosity that began with early adventures close to home.
Gill Christie
Tailor Made Trips, Custom Tours and Private Treks
We specialise in tailor-made and bespoke trips across Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Patagonia.
Whether you’re travelling as an individual, family or group, we create itineraries to suit your interests, supported by trusted local partners and expert guides.
Our first-hand experience and strong local network allow us to design authentic trips built around you. Get in touch to explore the options.
Local partners you can trust
We work with experienced, carefully selected local guides and operators who share our values. This means better experiences for you and a positive impact on the places you visit.
Small group tours
Andean Trails supports responsible travel and tourism. By limiting the size of our groups we 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 25-75 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.
Support from start to finish
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. We also some more expedition type tips where you may carry more, for example the South Patagonia Ice-Cap.
Generally though luggage is transported by porters, donkeys or a support vehicle. We find that while on trek, a certain level of comfort is appreciated by more people. 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.
Book with confidence
Planning a trip to South America is a big investment. We make sure you can book with complete peace of mind.
- Established UK tour operator since 1998
- Fully compliant with UK tour operator regulations
- Financial protection through our Trust Account
- Experienced team with first-hand knowledge of every destination
Our Story
Andean Trails was founded by Katy Jarvis, whose passion for South America began in the 1990s. What started as a small, specialist operation has grown into a highly respected tour operator, trusted by travellers across the UK and beyond.
Despite our growth, our approach has stayed the same. We focus on personal service, expert knowledge and creating trips that feel genuinely special.
Our team continues to travel regularly across South America, building relationships with local partners and discovering new experiences to share with our clients.
Responsible Travel
We believe travel should benefit the places you visit as much as it benefits you.
That’s why we work closely with local communities and partners, support conservation initiatives and design trips that respect the environment and local cultures.
By travelling with Andean Trails, you’re helping to support sustainable tourism across South America.
Positive tourism
About you
