Author: Tom Shearman
Travel guide to Peninsula Valdes National Park, Punta Norte
Where can you see almost a millions penguins, hundreds of sea lions, dozens of whales and even orcas, all in one place? Andean Trails’ travel expert Tom describes his trip to Argentina’s wildlife haven – Peninsula Valdes. He writes: “What’s that? Did you see that? Looking like a….Can’t be. Quick, let’s get a …
Incallajta, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Want to visit Inca ruins, far away from the crowds? Then head to Incallajta, write Andean Trails’ Tom, to remote and beautiful Inca ruins that are the largest in all Bolivia. He writes: More than 500 years ago and having conquered much of what are the modern day mountains of Peru and Bolivia, …
Bolivia – its best cuisine and top restaurants
What is the food like in Bolivia? Find out in our food and Top 10 restaurant guide, all sampled by our travel expert, Tom. He writes: “Bold, big and burgeoning – the best way to describe the food scene blossoming in Bolivia. Servings are often as enormous as the Andean mountains that define …
Santa Cruz Trek, Northern Peru
Looking for something different from your trekking trip to Peru? Read all about Santa Cruz, one of Huaraz’s best kept trekking secrets, with Andean Trails’ Tom’s personal account: He writes: “Huaraz in north Peru is a trekking and climbing dream, with its multitude of remote trails, ice-clad peaks and famous hikes like the Huayhuash …
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel / land-based trip?
Cruise or hotels? With the increase in Galapagos hotel-based trips – also called island hopping or land-based – most people planning to visit Galapagos have to ask themselves: Should I go on a Galapagos Cruise or stay on land in nice hotels? Read our expert advice comparing both types of trips, helping you decide …
Stella Australis review – a day on a Patagonia cruise
Stella Australis review. Andean Trails’ travel expert Tom Shearman describes a day aboard a Patagonia cruise ship, among the fjords of Chile. He spent four days aboard the Stella Australis on the Punta Arenas-Punta Arenas route. Wildlife seen included penguins, dolphins, seals and albatrosses, amongst pristine fjords and mountains. If you need help planning a …
Travel Tips to get you off the beaten track in South America
Off The Beaten Track Andean Trails give you top tips on suggestions of where to travel ahead of the pack. Toro Toro National Park, Bolivia Kat Dougal, Intrepid explorer and family travel expert, gives as her hot tip the Toro Toro National Park in Bolivia. She says: “With every year Bolivia is becoming …
Jaguar spotting in Amazon rainforest, Peru
Jaguar spotting We’d been cruising upriver for two hours when the engine noise suddenly cut and a whispered word rose above the lapping of the muddy Amazon river water. “Jaguar,”. Ten souls stirred from soporific slumber and eyes started to scan the riverside. Spanish speakers stole a march as the boat captain murmured: “Izquierda, …
Lares Trek – an alternative to the Inca Trail
Lares Trek Tom has just returned from trekking in the Lares Valley, in the surroundings of Cusco – and is happy to share fond memories…and check his Facebook photos, too. The beauty of the Lares Valley I can’t believe I’ve spent almost 17 years driving past these wonderful valleys and not known the beauty to be enjoyed …
Lost luggage tales – and advice
Lost luggage Tom, who really should know better, tells us about how not to travel, pack or arrive at your holiday destination. He writes: “No clean clothes? Check. No charger for phone or laptop? Check. No sun cream, insect repellent, malaria pills for the coming Amazon trip? Check. Card not working in the …
Getting to Southern Patagonia and travelling around
Southern Patagonia Southern Patagonia lies at the bottom end of the South American continent, stradling Chile and Argentina. Patagonia is remarkable and popular for its incredible scenery, granite peaks, glaciers and abundant wildlife. Due to its far flung location, the distances involved and the sparse population getting there and travelling around can take some planning. …
Explore Potosi and Sucre in Bolivia
Explore Bolivia A holiday in Bolivia is so much more than Uyuni, La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Amazon. Tom describes two more must-sees in this vibrant and fascinating Andean country – Potosi and Sucre. He writes… The Spanish have a phrase – ‘Vale un Potosi’ – which means something being worth as much as Potosi. The mountain Cerro Potosi …
Luxury holiday in Atacama Desert, Chile
Atacama Desert “I’ll just bring you a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc to the Jacuzzi, sir.” The sun was stubbing itself into in an orangey cinder after a day of baking Chile’s Atacama desert. I was recently checked-in at the five star Alto Atacama hotel, thirsty and a bit dusty after an arrival then private tour …
Amazon rainforest or cloud forest?
Travel advice: Amazon rainforest or cloud forest? Visit the Amazon rainforest or cloud forest on your South America holiday? Some people want monkeys but not insects, some can’t stand the heat but want to see bears. Others want to walk through lush forest. There are a myriad of cloud forest and Amazon lodges across Peru, …
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos Snorkelling around the Galapagos Islands is a true highlight of any Galapagos holiday. An abundance of inquisitive and beautiful creatures await you once you slip into the sea. Most snorkel sites are in calm waters and suitable for people that have never snorkelled before. Here – in no …
Galapagos Islands cruises – which itinerary to choose?
Galapagos islands cruises Planning your dream Galapagos cruise can feel daunting when you first start to research Galapagos boats and itineraries. Here, Andean Trails Galapagos holiday expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips to help you decide which trip is best for you. He writes: “Galapagos park rules were introduced a few years ago …
Top trek in Peru – Cordillera Huayhuash
Top trek in Peru – Cordillera Huayhuash This week Andean Trails’ Tom Shearman lets us know which is and why, his favourite trek. He writes: “Peru. Whenever I’m asked, I always say Peru. This is the answer to which is my favourite country in South America for trekking. There are many reasons, but in …
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife
There is no real ‘best’ time as something is always happening and Galapagos are a great year-round destination for a holiday. As the Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator, air and water temperatures do not vary by much, and most species are here year-round. There are two recognised seasons, and each months brings …
Avoid seasickness on Galapagos cruise top tips
Avoid seasickness on Galapagos Islands Andean Trails’ Tom and fellow Galapagos expert Doris Welsh share their Top Ten Tips on how to have a fantastic Galapagos holiday while minimising the risk of seasickness. This advice applies to cruises and hotel-based tours. Tom writes: “Many people’s number one fear before a Galapagos cruise is running …
Q&A: Kim Stark on running marathons in Patagonia and Easter Island
Patagonia and Easter Island marathons Adventure traveller Kim Stark has moved one step closed to achieving her dream of running a marathon on every continent after her recent South America tour with Andean Trails. Kim mixed sightseeing with long distance running while in Paine, Atacama, Bolivia and Easter Island. Kim sends this Q&A field report …
