Organising adventure tours in South America requires considerable experience and a network of local contacts across the continent.
Members and associated partners of the Andean Trails team you are likely to come into contact with on the ground are Tullio and Jesus in Peru – Lima and Cusco. Our expert local guide in Huaraz is Rodolfo, UIAGM qualified.
In Argentina, we work in conjunction with many local partner companies that handle the operational side of the tours: including Zoe, Gabriel, Pablo and Oscar among others. In Bolivia, we have Osvaldo our expert mountain guide, and Scarlet, Julia and Jaira on the ground sorting out logistics. In Chile we have a number of expert local partners, including Jenny and Frank, among others.
In Ecuador and on The Galapagos Islands we work together with a number of local experts including the ever popular Emma, Lucero, Paulina and Javier.
These are but a few of the local companies and local guides we work with. We will be adding more and more of our lovely staff to this page, so check back for more!
Jaira Rivera
Jaira – how and why did you start to work in Adventure Tourism?
Twenty nine years ago my parents started this company of adventure and solidarity-based tourism. The motivation was for a very simple reasons; both my parents are children of the former dictatorship and both are socialists. Their ideas were forged in the liberal and hippie movement of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The company aimed to unite the private, indigenous communities and environmental sectors by following responsible ethical and cultural codes.
As pioneers in community tourism and ecotourism, we bring comfort to the adventure traveller; Bolivia – incredibly beautiful, adventurous and perfect in all its chaos.
People who travel here love the Bolivian people, and finding places where the hand of man has not taken control.
Alberto Broi Figari
Alberto – what is your motivation at the time to work in Adventure Tourism?
My principal motivation in adventure travel is to challenge the mind and body in the great outdoors.
This is the most exciting thing – swimming on the beach, trekking and climbing in the Andes, exploring the jungle, sailing rivers or cycling.
Then sharing these emotions with people who want to know the country where I was born and that I love – Peru!
Osvaldo Cortez
Osvaldo – what would you recommend Andean Trails clients to do and to visit in Bolivia?
Being specialised in mountaineering, I would personally recommend starting discovering Bolivia with a visit to the Lake Titicaca area.
This spot combines interesting cultures and scenery, ideal for those that want to sample a slice of the history of Bolivia.
Next, the Condoriri area, which features snow-capped peaks ideal for people who don’t have much climbing experience but at the same time want to get up close to glaciers.
Meet more of the team!
Alberto Navarrete
Ramiro Donoso
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
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!
Lars and Susie Smith, Patagonia, Feb 2024 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 » Guided or Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek