Lodge-based treks in Peru: Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate by Kat Dougal on 23rd May, 2025 Reviews of Peru’s Best Lodge-based Treks. Are you planning a trek in Peru but don’t want to camp? There are some fantastic lodge-based treks in Peru’s Cusco region, offering wonderful walking and beautiful accommodation. We have three exceptional lodge-to-lodge mountain treks that offer superb mountain scenery, contact with the local community and an unexpected degree …
Review: Mount Chimborazo Mountain Biking Tour by Tom Shearman on 22nd May, 2025 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 …
Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 7th May, 2025 Alternative treks to Inca Trail, Peru Wondering what trek to take when the Inca Trail is sold out? Here’s our guide to the best alternative treks to the Inca Trail. Inca Trail Permit Availability There are 500 daily Inca Trail trek permits available year-round except February, when the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance. …
Weather and Seasons: The Best Time to Visit Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 1st May, 2025 When’s the Best Time to Visit Peru? Generally, the best time to visit Peru is between May and October, the country’s dry and high seasons. Top tourist destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu enjoy dry, sunny weather, which is ideal for exploring the Andean mountains. Trekking, sightseeing, and other activities occur under blue skies, with …
Best Time to Visit Ecuador: Weather & Seasons by Kat Dougal on 11th March, 2025 Best time to visit Ecuador explained. When is the best time to visit Ecuador? Ecuador is a year-round travel destination thanks to its location on the equator. That said, its weather is best defined by region. Many of its Andean mountain ranges have their own micro-climates. The best time to visit Ecuador and its diverse …
A Review of Ecuador’s Best Cloud Forest Lodges by Kat Dougal on 7th March, 2025 Finding Ecuador’s best cloud forest lodges Ecuador’s cloud forest is a magnet for those searching for wildlife, bird watching and the elusive spectacled bear. Ecuador is blessed with many sustainable eco-lodges nestled in the misty cloud forests. These lodges are fantastic bases for exploring the cloud forest’s flora and fauna. Each lodge often has specific …
The Best San Pedro de Atacama Tours & Excursions by Kathy Jarvis on 21st January, 2025 Find out about all the best San Pedro de Atacama tours and excursions. What makes San Pedro one of Chile’s top tourist attractions? Its otherworldly landscapes, stunning views, fantastic accommodation, and excellent food help make it a must-visit destination. What are the highlights of the Atacama desert around San Pedro? The Tatio Geysers, Moon Valley, …
Cusco: Top 10 Restaurants and Best Peruvian food by Tom Shearman on 12th January, 2025 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. …
Lodge-based treks in Peru: Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate by Kathy Jarvis on 9th January, 2025 Reviews of Peru’s Best Lodge-based Treks. Are you planning a trek in Peru but don’t want to camp? There are some fantastic lodge-based treks in Peru’s Cusco region, offering wonderful walking and beautiful accommodation. We have three exceptional lodge-to-lodge mountain treks that offer superb mountain scenery, contact with the local community and an unexpected degree …
Trekking in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 16th December, 2024 Hiking Ideas: The Best Trekking in Ecuador Kathy and her son, Lewis, trekked in Ecuador, where they explored some of the walks on our lodge-to-lodge Ecuador trekking trips. 4-day lodge-to-lodge hike Extended 13-day lodge-to-lodge hike Trekking in Ecuador Ecuador is a land of dramatic landscapes and extreme contrasts, and we think walkers often overlook …
Top 10 Things to do in Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 11th December, 2024 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 …
Best Galapagos Cruises in 2025: Guide to the Top Boats by Kat Dougal on 4th December, 2024 Best Galapagos Cruises in 2025: Guide to the Top Boats Want to know the best Galapagos cruises for 2025? Read our guide to itineraries, wildlife and trip length and navigate to the best boat Galapagos cruise for you. How to Choose the Best Galapagos Cruise in 2025 At first, the choice of Galapagos …
Visitor Guide to the Best Machu Picchu Circuits by Tom Shearman on 2nd December, 2024 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 ten Machu Picchu circuits crisscross the ancient ruins? This guide will help travellers choose the best circuit when visiting Machu Picchu. Find out the top attractions …
Travel Review of Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge, Ecuador by Tom Shearman on 29th November, 2024 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 25th November, 2024 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 …
Lake Titicaca: Stay Overnight on Amantani island by Gill Christie on 1st November, 2024 Lake Titicaca: Stay overnight on Amantani Island Gill takes us onto the waters of Peru’s famous Lake Titicaca and describes her overnight stay with a local family on Amantani Island. She writes: “Lake Titicaca in Peru is the highest of the world’s lakes. Perched 3, 810 metres above sea level on a plateau in the …
Top Treks in Patagonia by Kathy Jarvis on 16th October, 2024 What Are the Top Treks in Patagonia? Discover the top treks in Patagonia, as picked by Andean Trails’ director, Kathy. She’s been exploring Patagonia’s vast wilderness for more than 25 years. Here are her top treks in Patagonia, surrounded by fabulous mountains, sparkling glaciers, and welcoming hosts. Top Treks in Patagonia: How to Choose? …
Guide to Tipping in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 8th October, 2024 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 7th October, 2024 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 4th October, 2024 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 …
