Empanadas across South America – whose is the best? by Kathy Jarvis on 8th July, 2016 Empanadalicious! Almost every South America country has its version of the emblematic empanada – but who makes the tastiest version? Baked, or fried? Pastry, or bread? Empanadas are staples in many countries in South America with differences in sizes, stuffings and spices but a firm favourite with locals and travellers alike. What’s your …
Tips and advice to Climb Huayna Potosi, Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 17th June, 2016 Climb Huyana Potosi in Bolivia BOLIVIA: Huayna Potosi is one of the most accessible 6,000m climbs in all of the Andes. It is the perfect Andean mountain for novice or experienced mountaineers. Here, some Andean Trails’ climbers our own staff give us an insight to their experiences on this fantastic Andean summit. The customers …
Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 27th May, 2016 Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis gives her tips and insights from her recent tour with son Lewis through southern Peru and Bolivia. Where have you just been? I went to Peru and Bolivia for a month What did you see and do? I wanted to check out …
Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek by Kathy Jarvis on 20th May, 2016 Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek Alan shares his experiences on our popular Patagonia Highlights’ trek – from lost luggage to sunny days to snow in this beautiful part of the world. Check his photos on Facebook. He writes: PATAGONIA I set off during one of the UK’s worst winters plus a Spanish Air …
White water rafting in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 8th April, 2016 White water rafting in Ecuador South America is full of fantastic white water rafting – a perfect extension to your adventure holiday, from those looking for massive rapids to paddling fun for all the family. We offer rafting trips in Peru, including the mighty Apurimac, as well as in Chile and arguably the best rafting …
Food – a taste of Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 4th March, 2016 Food – a taste of Bolivia Bolivia, landlocked and hidden in the middle of the South American continent is not widely known as a “foodie” destination, and yet you will be pleasantly surprised at the offerings you will find to tickle your palate. Tubers are widely used, particularly oca, (a sweetish potato), chuño and tunta (both …
Moon Temple and Choquequirao by Kathy Jarvis on 25th February, 2016 Moon Temple and Choquequirao Director of Andean Trails and Peru trekking guide book writer, Kathy writes: ” There’s a lot more to Peru than the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. If you want to explore some amazing Inca sites, walk deep in the mountains, and get away from the crowds then two of my …
Day walks for altitude acclimatisation – Huaraz by Kathy Jarvis on 5th February, 2016 Altitude acclimatisation in Huaraz Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis, writes about altitude acclimatisation and day walks out of Huaraz, northern Peru. She writes: Fly into Cusco, Huaraz, Quito or La Paz and you’ll notice the altitude. Try running up the hotel stairs and you’ll wonder what happened to your fitness, and how you will …
Packing list for mountain trekking by Kathy Jarvis on 21st January, 2016 Packing list for mountain trekking Trekking has been at the top of our adventure list for many years. We have learned quite a bit and have some valuable tips to share with future trekkers. Good kit is vital for the enjoyment of any trekking trip – we’ve all heard it before but it’s just so …
A guide to 24 hours in Buenos Aires by Kathy Jarvis on 24th December, 2015 A guide to 24 hours in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires: big, brash and bulging with things to do. You’ll pass through here on almost any trip to Argentina, and for those short on time, here are some ideas of how to make the most of your visit to the capital – 24 hours in Buenos …
Top 10 restaurants in Cusco, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 20th November, 2015 Top 10 restaurants in Cusco, Peru Most traveller’s to Peru will at some point spend some time in Cusco – here are some of our suggestions for restaurants to eat in. Fallen Angel Amazing décor and ambience, best at night for drinks and partying. Also has a guest house with four individually designed funky …
Top 10 things to do in Salta by Kathy Jarvis on 12th November, 2015 Top 10 things to do in Salta Argentina’s most ‘Andean’ of cities, Salta is the gateway to the northwest of this amazing country. The city itself is a bustling hub full of commerce and history, surrounded by mighty Andean peaks, arid puna and crazy, coloured rock formations. Here are 10 great things to do …
Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador – well worth a visit by Kathy Jarvis on 9th October, 2015 Visit Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador Our own Maria encourages everyone to visit Quilotoa lagoon on their Ecuador holiday. She writes: “Quilotoa crater lake is located 135 kms south-west of Quito and is a must-see in Ecuador! It is an enigmatic spot for visitors not only for the colourful lake deep inside the volcano’s crater, but also …
Ups and downs on the hike to the Towers of Torres del Paine, Chile by Kathy Jarvis on 10th September, 2015 Hike to the towers of Torres del Paine, Chile Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall relives his trek to one of Chile’s finest attractions, ticking off a bucket list trip while pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Check his photos from the journey on our Facebook page. He writes: “I am not the poster boy for …
Top 10 tips – Colombia family holidays by Kathy Jarvis on 21st August, 2015 Top 10 tips – Colombia family holidays Kathy travelled to Colombia earlier this year with her 7-year-old son Lewis, to see just how much had changed since her previous visits over 10 years ago. Here are her Top 10 (and then some more!) tips on travelling around Colombia. She writes: “We found that there …
Moon Temple trek to Machu Picchu, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 13th August, 2015 Moon Temple trek to Machu Picchu Maria walks the Moon Temple trek in this week’s blog, and takes on the highest mountain pass of her life, in Peru. Check her Facebook pictures and a short video with a guide explaining ‘apachetas.’ She writes: “Quillatambo. Composed of two Quechua words, it perfectly captures this adventure trek, the Moon …
Amazing Peru: Walter Rhein’s inspirational book by Kathy Jarvis on 30th July, 2015 Walter Rhein´s inspirational book This week’s guest blogger, Walter Rhein, shares his Choquequirao adventure, the inspiration for the multitude contained in his recently published book. ‘Reckless Traveler’ chronicles a vast array of Walter’s experiences from a decade of living in that most colourful of countries, Peru, from its food to its AK-47s. Walter writes: …
Sol y Luna Luxury Lodge, Sacred Valley, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 24th July, 2015 Sol y Luna Luxury Lodge, Sacred Valley, Peru Sol y Luna is Maria’s favourite Sacred Valley hotel, Peru, for pampering and and luxury. She writes… “Sol & Luna is a charming place on the shores of the Urubamba river, in the heart of the Sacred Valley and on the way to Machu Picchu. The Sacred …
On a city bike tour in Lima, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 3rd July, 2015 On a city bike tour in Lima, Peru Get off the bus and get on your bike – city bike tours are a fabulous way to discover the hidden corners of the city. Seeing all the sights while pedaling around gives a real feel for a city, and Lima in Peru is no different, replete …
Swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon of Brasil by Kathy Jarvis on 19th June, 2015 Pink dolphins in the Amazon of Brasil Rare, curious and seldom seen, Maria recalls swimming in Brasil’s Amazon river with ‘botos’ – pink dolphins. Trip to Amazonas-Manaus Some friends and I were sailing in a wooden boat near Manaus, Brazil, when our guide excited began to shout ‘Botos! Botos!” We didn’t know what he …
