Author: Kathy Jarvis
Trekking Advice – the right nutrition when trekking at altitude
Kathy’s 16 year old niece Sasha has been visiting from Namibia this week. Sasha has a keen interest in sport and nutrition and has been researching the nutrition guidelines for high altitude treks for us. Sasha writes… “Trekking is a great way to improve fitness and get in shape whether it’s walking around …
Ecuador bucket list : Top 10
What not to miss in Ecuador Ecuador offers the visitor so much to see and do. Here are our top 10 bucket list picks of what not to miss in Ecuador, to inspire you: Galapagos Cruise For many a dream destination. The Galapagos – abundant wildlife, dramatic volcanic islands and a guaranteed unforgettable experience. Take a …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos
It is that time of year when you might be starting to think about where to take the family in 2018. We can highly recommend Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Perfect for family holidays Ecuador is a relatively compact country with numerous highlights. It is easy to get to and quick to travel …
Patagonia in autumn or spring.
Patagonia out of season. Two of Patagonia’s most iconic destinations are the Torres del Paine National park in Chile and the Glaciares National Park near the Argentine towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. The granite spires, glaciers, spectacular scenery and wildlife are a magnet to the adventurous traveller and nature lover. High season is …
Peru Treks from Cusco
What trek should I do in Peru? Kathy, Andean Trails’ director, has been trekking in the Andes since 1994. Here she gives her round up of treks in the Cusco area, from the Classic Inca Trail to the more remote and rugged mountain Ausangate Circuit. All prices correct at the time of publishing 11/01/2018 CLASSIC …
Top 5 places in Peru to visit
What should I see in Peru? Peru travel expert Tom gives travel tips and his top places to visit in Peru. He writes: “Peru is one of my favourites places for a holiday – there is variety, so many attractions plus wonderful food. “If you can only go once, these are the best places …
South America travel books – a Christmas wishlist
Recommended Travel Books It’s that time of year where many of us are searching high and low for Christmas present ideas for brothers/ aunts/ friends/ whoever it may be. Books, we’ve found, are always welcome gifts. And for those who like travel – and South America – here are some of our Christmas gift recommendations. …
Peru: travel expert reviews latest trip in Q&A
Peru’s Highlights A few months ago Tom went to Peru to find new locations, trek new paths and just catch up with what’s been happening there. He tells us… Holiday in a nutshell? Almost all of Peru’s Southern highlights. Where have you just been? All over the south of Peru – starting as …
Family Holiday: Galapagos cruise with children
Take the family to Galapagos. Kathy tells us all about her Galapagos cruise aboard the Mary Anne, and why taking your kids can make it a unique experience. She says … Can I take my kids to Galapagos? “Adding children into a mix of adults won’t always work or be popular and my biggest …
Inca Trail alternative: Huchuy Qosqo Trek – short but sweet
Inca Trail alternative We’ve known for many years now that not only the classic Inca Trail road leads to Machu Picchu. The area around Cusco, its fertile valleys and towering mountains, are home to a myriad of paths, many leading past Inca ruins before leaving you in the town of Aguas Calientes – either on …
Are you thinking of heading off to Southern Patagonia?
Going to Southern Patagonia Kathy, Andean Trails’ director, has put together some suggestions of places to see and things to do in southern Patagonia for first time visitors. What should I see and do in ARGENTINEAN PATAGONIA? 1. EL CALAFATE Most trips to the Argentinean side of Patagonia will include a visit …
Preparing for altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 2
Altitude trekking In the second part of our blog on preparing to trek at high altitude in Peru or Bolivia we look at what to take with you and how to deal with high altitudes. What will the weather be like in the high Andes? Peru and Bolivia are located within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly …
Preparing for high altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 1
Preparing for high altitude trekking There is no doubt that a high altitude trekking or mountaineering trip to Peru or Bolivia will be a fabulous, may be even life changing, experience. Why should I go on a high altitude hike? It can take you right out of your comfort zone and push your physical limits. You will be exposed to different ways of …
All about hats – South America Travel Observations
Hats in South America Patti McCarthy has just returned from the trip of a lifetime with Andean Trails that included Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. She enjoyed her trip so much and was fascinated by the hats (and the wearers!) she came across that she was inspired to write this hat blog. Patti writes: I have always been fascinated by the …
Savouring the wines of the Andes
Savouring the wines South America and in particular Chile and Argentina have placed themselves firmly on the map with their fine good value wines. For those of us who like a wee tipple, a glass or two with some good food or in a spectacular location after a great day of adventures is heaven. At Andean Trails, we have …
Iguazu Falls – Why they are well worth a visit
Iguazu Falls Cascades of water thundering over hundreds of waterfalls over a 1.7 mile (nearly 3 Km) stretch of land at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay attracts thousands of tourists every week. These are the Iguazu Falls. It is a popular tourist destination and at Andean Trails all of us have visited at different times. Tom says: “I’ve been lucky to see …
Visit Chilean Lake District , Green Patagonia
Chilean Lake District Snow-capped volcanoes that flank a string of emerald coloured lakes which are surrounded by lush farmland and cold rain forest are the main features of Chile’s Lake District and recently denominated Green Patagonia. In the north of this area you will find National Parks dedicated to the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria Araucana) …
Active holidays, a challenging way to relax
Active Holidays Holidays are for recovering, doing as little as possible, eating and drinking, and reading books. This week Tom gives his takes on why a physically challenging trip offers as much of a break, if not more, than the above. He writes: “A beautiful wash of blue, purple and orange sky with snow-capped peaks in …
Peru Trekking Experiences
Peru Trekking Experiences Patti and Dave McCarthy are 8 weeks in to a 12 week trip that has taken them from southern Patagonia, through north west Argentina, across the altiplano and salt lakes of Bolivia, to Sucre, Potosi and La Paz, on one trek in the Cordillera Real and another to Machu Picchu. Currently they are enjoying trekking in …
Copacabana – Gateway to Bolivia’s Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca
Copacabana Lake Titicaca. Arguably South America’s most renowed lake, at a breath-taking 3810m above sea level, is a lake claimed by two countries – Peru and Bolivia. The Bolivian gateway to the lake is Copacabana – a buzzing little town by the lakeside, albeit with a little less white sand and samba than the Brazilian …
