Author: Kathy Jarvis
Sol y Luna Luxury Lodge, Sacred Valley, Peru
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
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
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 …
Wildlife of South America
Wildlife of South America South America is home to an enormous amount and variety of wildlife. From giant anacondas in Amazon swamps to the symbollic soaring condor, from llamas to tarantulas, the breadth of fauna and flora is still being catalogued. Here Andean Trails’ staff share our favourite wildlife experiences from travels across South America …
Favourite holiday books to read
Favourite holiday books to read For some it’s their mobile phone, tablet or laptop, and sometimes the travel companion. For others, it’s still the book (or e-reader) to turn to, to while away the hours, to relax while on holiday. Here are Andean Trails’ top travelling books. Let us know what you like to read …
Top 10 dishes to try Chile
Top 10 dishes to try Chile Food and eating are a huge part of a successful and enjoyable holiday. Chile has great seafood and meats, as well as some great wines – our own Alan Lyall lived in Santiago for almost two decades, and shares his favourite Chilean dishes. If you’re heading off to Chile, …
City Walking Tours: Lima, Santiago & Buenos Aires
City Walking Tours: Lima, Santiago & Buenos Aires Capitals on foot A great way to get a feel for a city and also to get your bearings is to do a city tour. The best way to do so and “feel the vibe” is to include a guided walking tour in one of these South …
Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays
Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall lived in Chile for almost 20 years, working in tourism and here he shares, in no particular order, his Top 10 tips for holidays in Chile. There are five things to do, and the five best times to go. Things to do 1. Atacama …
“Best of Buenos Aires” Food Experiences
“Best of Buenos Aires” Food Experiences These are alternative and great ways to experience the burgeoning fine cuisine and food of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. The Argentine experience Treat yourself to three hours among the finest food and wines of Argentina. This is not a cooking class, but you will learn how to make …
Cycling Sunday in Bogota, Colombia
Cycling Sunday in Bogota, Colombia Sunday is cycling day in Colombia’s vibrant and burgeoning capitlal, Bogota. A kaleidoscope of people, colour and sights and smells to enjoy from the safety of the saddle, on roads without traffic. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis describes her recent, Colombia bike tour, part of our new Colombia Highlights holiday. …
Top 10 restaurants, Santiago, Chile
Top 10 restaurants, Santiago, Chile Andean Trails’ Alan spent nearly two decades living in Santiago and he gives us some of the best restaurants to eat in Chile’s vibrant capital. Where to eat…. 10 restaurants in Santiago If you are spending a day or two in Santiago, here are some top tips as to where …
Luxury trekking to Machu Picchu – go glamping
Luxury trekking to Machu Picchu – go glamping Maria discovers a new way to trek to Machu Picchu: the hike remains the same, but canvas is swapped for comfortable beds, jacuzzis and glasses of wine. She writes: “Back in November, I was in Peru travelling and hiking. I walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu …
Self-guided Quito city walking tour
Self-guided Quito city walking tour Want to see Quito, but don’t want a group city tour – then take a look at our self-guided walking tour. Our rep in Ecuador, Emma Morgan, has lived in the capital for over a decade and shares her top independent walking tour. Go at your own pace, choose which …
Top 5 restaurants, Lima, Peru
Top 5 restaurants, Lima, Peru Peru is one of the world’s most geographically varied countries and it’s no surprise that Peruvian food reflects this dazzling diversity in its many restaurants. Here are Andean Trails’ top tips for places to eat in coastal Lima, fast becoming the culinary capital of South America. Lima is famed for …
Family trip to Machu Picchu
Family trip to Machu Picchu Tullio, our Peru-based representative, shares his family’s recent ‘back door to Machu Picchu’ trip. Eschewing the traditional Inca Trail, Tullio used 4x4s, bike and feet to make his way to the famous Inca citadel, powered by mangos and hot baths. All part of the Andean Trails’ service of finding new …
Local guide to Top 5 restaurants, Buenos Aires
Top 5 places to eat in Buenos Aires Argentina: land of steak, red wine and pizza/pasta – and much more. The latest Latin America Best 50 restaurant list contained 15 of the country’s eateries. Our local guide and BA resident, Laura Videla, gives us the lowdown on the top five places to eat in Buenos …
Top 5 Quito restaurants – the insider’s guide
Top 5 restaurants and cafes in Quito Eating out where the locals go in Quito has never been easier – thanks to our off-the-beaten-track guide to restaurants and cafes. One of our staff in Ecuador, Emma Morgan, has lived in the capital for over a decade and sends her top tips for dining in genuine …
Merry Christmas and travel wishes
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Hope you all have a great one, here’s our travel and gift wish list for Christmasses past and future. Kathy Jarvis What I wish for in my Christmas stocking I think I’d like a neat little suitcase with wheels – I’ve always used back packs …
Sacred Valley Via Ferrata zipline
Sacred Valley Via Ferrata zipline This week, Andean Trails’ Maria lives like a condor – flying atop mountains and sleeping while hanging over a precipice in Peru. Check her fantastic photos on Facebook. She writes: “On the zipline, we were literally flying over and between mountains, stifling those little whimpers that both calm and …
Five star hotels in Cusco, Peru
We take a look at Cusco’s burgeoning five star hotel scene this week, for all of which we get good booking rates for our passengers. These hotels are perfect for a treat or to rest aching bones after some trekking on the Luxury Inca Trail or the adventure of the Apurimac. Or …
