Author: Tom Shearman
Discover Peru’s Little-known Chachapoya Culture
The Chachapoya culture and people are one of Peru’s endearing mysteries. Little is known about this pre-Incan civilisation, save for some scattered ruins and funeral tombs. Who Were the Chachapoya People? Also known as cloud people, the Chachapoya culture was full of warriors and skilled weavers of alpaca and llama wools. They settled …
Colombia: Best Beaches & Sleeping in Tayrona National Park
Almost every traveller heading to Colombia will make Tayrona National Park’s beaches one of their must-see destinations. Colombia’s Caribbean coast features postcard-perfect crystal waters and beautiful sandy beaches set among pristine tropical forests. This beach paradise is easily accessible from nearby Santa Marta. For many, a day visit is not enough. Luckily, sleeping in Tayrona …
Behind the Scenes: Planning a Trip to South America with Andean Trails.
There’s nothing we love more at Andean Trails than helping people when they’re planning a trip to South America. We hope our passion for this incredibly diverse continent shines through and inspires people to travel. Our connection with the destinations we offer comes from personal experiences spanning decades. You’ll find we ask lots of questions …
How Long Is The Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s iconic hikes. Very few walks can match its diversity, history, and appeal. Inca Trail trekkers enjoy cloud forest, sub-tropical jungle, and mountain passes with views of snow-capped Andean peaks en route to the famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. Orchids, condors, …
What Inspired Charles Darwin’s Evolution Theory in Galapagos Islands.
Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands are linked forever thanks to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The Galapagos Islands helped the English naturalist, geologist, and biologist formulate his groundbreaking work on evolution. Today, some 186 years after Darwin first stepped foot on the Galapagos Islands, their connection is as strong as ever. Let’s see how the …
Galapagos Islands: Guide to the Best Beaches.
Galapagos Islands beaches are a traveller’s dream. There are white sand beaches (and other colours!), warm weather, and very few other people to be found on most Galapagos beaches. Jump into the crystalline waters, and you could be snorkelling with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. Or watch the wildlife from the shore, …
Sustainable Travel at Patagonia’s Hotel Las Torres.
With Chile’s border entry arrangements relaxing from December 1, travellers can now look forward to taking the first steps back to an adventure holiday — including a sustainable trip to Hotel Las Torres. And what better than a green, responsible, and ecological path to follow. Hotel Las Torres in Patagonia has taken the time the …
The Best Hikes & Treks in Chile.
Chile’s sleek and elongated geography helps make it one of the best trekking destinations in the world. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best hikes in Chile. The country stretches some 2,690 miles (4,329km) from north to south; South America’s distinctive spine formed thanks to Chile’s mighty Andean mountain ranges. It’s …
Guide to the Best Hiking Trails and Walks in and around Bariloche.
Bariloche is one of Patagonia’s most enchanting spots, nestled on Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by glacial lakes, mountains, and beautiful forests. It is this landscape that makes Bariloche’s hiking trails so good. Also known as San Carlos de Bariloche, this town offers hikers access to some of the best trails in Argentina’s Lake District. At its …
Galapagos Islands: Essential Honeymoon Planning Guide
What better way to celebrate the biggest day of our life than going to the Galapagos Islands on honeymoon? Our travel expert Tom Shearman explains why this remote archipelago’s blend of adventure, romance and comfort make it the perfect place to visit after your wedding. He writes: “Freshly prepared cocktails on deck, …
Guide to Day Trips from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Almost every trip to the Galapagos Islands will take you to Santa Cruz. Read our quick guide to the best full-day tours for your holiday from Puerto Ayora. Discover what to expect to see and do while staying in hotels on Santa Cruz, and check out our advice about travelling to and around the Galapagos …
Guide to Day Trips on Isabela, Galapagos Islands
Not sure which day trips to book on your hotel-based holiday to the Isabela in the Galapagos Islands? Read our quick guide to the best full-day tours and find out what to expect to do and see while staying on Isabela. Check out our advice about travelling to and around the Galapagos Islands. Tuneles …
Aida Maria Travel Review: Cruising the Galapagos Islands
Les and Heather Bunce booked a last-minute Aida Maria Cruise with Andean Trails to cap off a 5-month tour of South America. Read Les’ excellent blog and pictures from his week in Galapagos. Setting the scene The sea before me is coloured a pale deepening to deep azure blue banded with black volcanic …
Essential Travel Guide to Puerto Madryn in Argentina
Our visitor’s guide to Puerto Madryn gives lots of ideas, tips and advice to help plan your holiday to this scenic corner of Patagonia, Argentina. Read first hand advice from our travel expert Tom Shearman who spent 10 days exploring the region. “Puerto Madryn is a fairly large town of around 100,000 souls, first …
Travel Guide to Chalalan, Bolivia’s Amazon jungle lodge in Madidi National Park
The journey started with a short, 30-minute and spectacular flight from La Paz (sit on the left), up and over the Bolivian Andes before dropping down into the steamy Amazon at Rurrenbaque airport. A tiny airport increased the special feeling that accompanies visiting a remote area. My backside did not feel so special after the …
Self-drive and self-guided trekking holiday in Patagonia
Steve Smith and Karla Miller took a 4-week trip with Andean Trails to celebrate Steve’s 50th birthday. The couple started at the mighty Iguazu Falls then flew to Ushuaia to start a series of treks; Montes Martial, and then self-guided in Chalten and Chile’s Paine W in Torres del Paine National Park. After …
Know Before You Go: Our Top Tips for Holidays to Peru
Thinking about a holiday in Peru? Andean Trails’ Peru travel expert Tom Shearman has visited Peru more than 10 times and shares his top travel tips and what to know before you go. When to go The best months for hiking, highlands and jungle are in the dry season – May …
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife
When is the best time to visit Galapagos? There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found all year round and many of the species here are non-migratory. The Galapagos …
Top 10 places to visit on holiday in Argentina
Argentina covers most of the surface area of southern South America and is the eighth largest country in the world. As such, it offers the traveller a cornucopia of vistas and experiences. Here is our choice of 10 unmissable experiences which Argentina has to offer. Iguazu falls Great Adventure Tour The Iguazu falls, straddling the …
Argentina – its weather, seasons and best time to visit
Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, covering an area of 2.78 million km² (1.074 million mi²) which is about 1/3 the size of the USA. It covers most of the Southern part on the South American continent and as such has a varied climate. It is flanked by the Andes mountains …
