Author: Tom Shearman
Best Time to Visit Peru: Weather, Seasons & Month-by-Month Guide
by Tom Shearman on
Peru: Weather and Season Travel Guide The best time to visit Peru is May to September, during the dry season in the Andes. This period offers clear skies, excellent trekking conditions, and ideal weather for visiting Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. However, the best time can vary depending on where you travel: Andes …
Andean Trails Review: Patagonia Highlights
by Tom Shearman on
Andean Trails Review: Patagonia Highlights Trekking Tour The brief: A once-in-a-lifetime trip for a honeymoon, exploring Patagonia. The solution: Three national parks in two weeks on our Patagonia Highlights trip. Tyler and Khalid approached Andean Trails in September 2024, looking for the perfect honeymoon after their June 2025 wedding. Patagonia was at the …
Top Things to Do in Puerto Natales, Chile
by Tom Shearman on
The Best Things to Do in Puerto Natales, Chile Puerto Natales is more than a gateway to Chile’s world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. There are many wonderful things to do in this seemingly sleepy Patagonian town. Get up close to hanging glaciers, go horse riding like a gaucho on an Estancia, enjoy fine food, …
Andean Trails Travel Review: Torres del Paine, Chile
by Tom Shearman on
Andean Trails Travel Review: Torres del Paine, Chile What better Andean Trails’ review than one direct from our happy travellers. We helped design an incredible two-week Patagonia research and hiking tour for two teachers and 12 teenage students from Dollar Academy, Scotland. Fortune accompanied the Clackmannanshire school team, with stunning weather—and adventure—all the way. Read …
Top Things to Do in Punta Arenas, Chile
by Tom Shearman on
Best Things to do in Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile There are many things to do in Punta Arenas, before, as most do, visiting the nearby Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. As one of Patagonia’s most southerly cities, Punta Arenas is the perfect destination for wildlife-spotting tours and walks, and it boasts a rich …
The Best Things To See and Do Around Salta Province and Jujuy, Argentina
by Tom Shearman on
The Best Things To See and Do Around Salta Province and Jujuy, Argentina There are many great things to see and do around Salta and Jujuy. This province is an area of incredible beauty and fascinating high Andes culture. Salta is the charming capital and colonial city of North West Argentina, or NOA to the …
Review: Mount Chimborazo Mountain Biking Tour
by Tom Shearman on
Mount Chimborazo Mountain Biking Tour. It had been two decades since I’d done any downhill mountain biking. Fortunately, a comeback ride MTBing down Ecuador’s highest volcano would quickly bring back the joyous thrill of downhill mountain biking, the closest I’ll ever feel to a condor swooping through the skies. Mountain Biking Chimborazo …
Cusco: Top 10 Restaurants and Best Peruvian food
by Tom Shearman on
Almost every tour to Peru will pass through the famous Inca capital of Cusco. Learn which typical plates to taste, where to grab a quick and hearty meal and where to enjoy fine dining. Below is a list of various restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets, not just those flying close to Michelin stars. …
Top 10 Things to do in Ecuador
by Tom Shearman on
Top 10 Things To Do In Ecuador Our travel experts give their Top 10 things to do in Ecuador. The Top 10 things to do in Ecuador are as varied as the country itself. Ecuador offers a breathtaking variety of outdoor adventures, culture, and landscapes within its easily accessed attractions. Ecuador’s world-famous travel highlights are …
Visitor Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits
by Tom Shearman on
Travel Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits Peru’s Machu Picchu is a dream destination. Most people only visit the Inca citadel once in their lives. Did you know that three main circuits — each with several sub‑routes — making 10 official routes in total crisscross the ancient ruins? This guide will help travellers choose …
Travel Review of Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge, Ecuador
by Tom Shearman on
Where is Mindo Cloud Forest? The town of Mindo lies in the cloud forest north of Quito. It is a small, relaxed place that boasts a range of cafes and restaurants. More importantly, it lies in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cloud forest areas. Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure We asked Andean Trails’ Kat about …
The Best Snorkel Sites in the Galapagos Islands
by Tom Shearman on
Galapagos Islands’ Best Snorkel Sites Want to know the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands? This guide will help identify the top spots, including those only available to guests on Galapagos cruises. Without a doubt, snorkelling around the Galapagos Islands is a true highlight of any Galapagos holiday. An abundance of curious and beautiful …
Guide to Tipping in Bolivia
by Tom Shearman on
Tipping in Bolivia and Salar de Uyuni A guide to tipping in Bolivia and Salar de Uyuni. Want to know how much to tip in Salar de Uyuni and across Bolivia? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting Bolivia and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in …
Guide to Tipping in Chile
by Tom Shearman on
Tipping in Chile: Know How Much to Tip Here’s our guide to tipping in Chile. Want to know how much to tip in Chile? This tipping in Chile guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Chile? Chile has a stable and …
Guide to Tipping in Peru and the Inca Trail
by Tom Shearman on
Tipping in Peru and the Inca Trail Tipping in Peru and the Inca Trail—here’s our guide. Want to know how much to tip in Peru, the Inca Trail, Amazon, and more? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Peru …
Guide to Tipping in Argentina
by Tom Shearman on
Tipping in Argentina: How Much? Andean Trails’ tipping in Argentina guide. Want to know how much to tip in while on holiday in Argentina? This guide helps you understand why people tip when visiting and how much to leave. Do I Need to Tip in Argentina? Tipping may seem awkward or alien to people …
Bolivia Salt Flats: Best Things to Do in Uyuni
by Tom Shearman on
Guide to the Best Things to Do in Uyuni, Bolivia Salt Flats The Bolivia salt flats attractions are many. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Uyuni. What Are Bolivia Salt Flats Famous For? Bolivia’s salt flats are called Salar de Uyuni. These are the world’s largest and highest salt flats, …
Galapagos Cruise Ship Categories: How to Choose
by Tom Shearman on
The Galapagos Islands— and Galapagos cruise ships—offer visitors the chance to get close to incredible and tame wildlife, on land and in the sea, among a backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes. The islands are a living laboratory, marrying preservation and conservation to create life-changing holidays. This year-round destination’s ever-changing seasons ensure every visit is spectacular, …
Perito Moreno Glacier Day Tour Options from El Calafate
by Tom Shearman on
Day Tour Options from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier There are many Perito Moreno Glacier day tour options from El Calafate. Read through our suggestions to help you choose the best Perito Moreno trip for your travel style. We can include any of these trips as part of your Patagonia itinerary. In our guide …
Guide to Day Trips in and around San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
by Tom Shearman on
Planning on visiting San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands? Read our quick guide to the best half and full-day tours for your holiday, and check our guide to travelling between the Galapagos Islands. Discover what to see and do while staying in one of the many hotels on San Cristobal island. Be as active as …




























