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.
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.
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
The whole trip was just incredible; the planned itinerary went smoothly, everything was perfectly organised and I could not think of any better way to have visited this beautiful country. The cruise on Galapagos Islands obviously was the highlight. Lost in paradise!
The accommodation/food/guides on Coral 1 were amazing! The crew was super nice and we had a lot of fun! The guides had great knowledge to share and the itinerary was super exciting and interesting. During my time on the cruise I talked a lot to the crew members that were all locals working for the conservation of the Islands, I got great insights on the people and culture of the country.
I am super happy to have chosen Andean Trails for my trip and so grateful for the help of Kat, she gave me great recommendation and helped me in the best possible way with the planning of my trip.
Marie Becker (France), July 2022 » Coral I & II Galapagos Cruise Yachts
We had a brilliant time , we loved it and managed all the mountain climbing! Our group was fantastic and also the guides . We celebrated our wedding anniversary and both our birthdays - they managed to arrange cakes for our birthdays and we had such great laughs with everybody.
Shirley & Colin Whittaker (UK), Mar 2020 » Salkantay Lodge Trek To Machu Picchu