Top things to do in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas by Alan Lyall on 15th September, 2016 Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas Read out guide to the top things to do in Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. Chile’s southernmost cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales offer the visitor to Patagonia much more than just an overnight stay. PUNTA ARENAS As with many far-flung settlements, Punta Arenas started life in the …
Spot the best wildlife in Patagonia on holiday by Tom Shearman on 9th September, 2016 Spot the best wildlife in Patagonia on holiday Patagonia is full of terrific wildlife – check our Facebook photo album. Tom looks at the where and when of the wildlife you may encounter on a wildlife holiday in Patagonia – be it in Chile or Argentina. He writes: Patagonia: steppes, fjords, mountains, forests, lakes, glaciers …
Ecuador Cloud Forest – Santa Lucia by Tom Shearman on 24th August, 2016 Ecuador Cloud Forest – Santa Lucia Andean Trails’ Tom regales us with an account of his recent trip to Santa Lucia Lodge in the Ecuadorean cloud forest not far from the capital Quito. He writes: “Looks like a young male tarantula, they can get quite aggressive,”. The big black and purple spider before us …
Colombia – Top 10 places to visit and things to do by Tom Shearman on 19th August, 2016 Top 10 places to visit and things to do in Colombia Travel advice and tips for Colombia holidays Colombia is the country that has everything you could need from a South America holiday. Andean Trails’ Tom spent two months enjoying the diverse landscapes and people that make this a country rich in wildlife, nature and …
Travel insurance – essential holiday planning by Alan Lyall on 11th August, 2016 Travel insurance – essential holiday planning Andean Trails’ Alan has just returned from Chile where his trip did not quite go as planned. An unfortunate accident on his first day gave a timely reminder of how necessary travel insurance – a condition of booking with Andean Trails – can be. He writes: “I was …
Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru by Kathy Jarvis on 5th August, 2016 Acclimatisation hikes, Cusco, Peru Peru and particularly Cusco is a massive draw for trekkers, with great hikes from the Inca Trail to Salkantay and more to enjoy – and everyone needs to acclimatise to the altitude before hiking. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has written many Peru trekking guides, including the recently updated Bradt Peru …
Peru: best ceviche and pisco sour recipe by Tom Shearman on 28th July, 2016 Peru: best ceviche and pisco sour recipe To mark Peru celebrating its Independence Day today (Jul 28), Tom describes his joy at learning how to make its iconic national drink and dish on a day tour in Lima. Ceviche and pisco sour are the staples behind Peru’s deserved and burgeoning foodie reputation. He writes: …
Patagonia restaurant guide – best places to eat by Alan Lyall on 22nd July, 2016 Patagonia restaurant guide – best places to eat The Patagonia season is not far off and, eating is always one of the great pleasures when travelling in Argentina and Chile Here are some of our top tips for restaurants to eat in Southern Patagonia. EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA El Cucharón, 9 de Julio 145 Go where the …
Fly business or economy class to South America by Alan Lyall on 14th July, 2016 Fly business or economy class to South America Known in the office as ‘Aviation Man’ thanks to his in depth knowledge of flight routes and planes, Alan gives us his personal lowdown and experience of business flights to South America. He writes: “Most of us, when we walk down the jetty and board the …
Empanadas across South America – whose is the best? by Alan Lyall on 8th July, 2016 Empanadalicious! Almost every South America country has its version of the emblematic empanada – but who makes the tastiest version? Baked, or fried? Pastry, or bread? Empanadas are staples in many countries in South America with differences in sizes, stuffings and spices but a firm favourite with locals and travellers alike. What’s your …
Lastarria – Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot by Alan Lyall on 1st July, 2016 Lastarria, Santiago’s new hot spot Alan shares his top tips of where to eat, drink and find cultural stimulation in Lastarria, Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot He writes: Lastarria neighbourhood in central Santiago has blossomed in the last few years into the hot new area to stay whilst visiting Chile’s capital. Sandwiched between the Parque …
Bolivia – festivals, parties, fiestas and customs by Kat Dougal on 23rd June, 2016 Bolivia – festivals, parties, fiestas and customs Many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Bolivia. From the traditional to the more westernised, Bolivia’s festivals are full of great music and colourful displays. The following is a list of some of the main events that each month takes place throughout the country; however at any …
Tips and advice to Climb Huayna Potosi, Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 17th June, 2016 Climb Huyana Potosi in Bolivia BOLIVIA: Huayna Potosi is one of the most accessible 6,000m climbs in all of the Andes. It is the perfect Andean mountain for novice or experienced mountaineers. Here, some Andean Trails’ climbers our own staff give us an insight to their experiences on this fantastic Andean summit. The customers …
Inti Raymi: Cusco Inca festival on a budget by Tom Shearman on 9th June, 2016 Inti Raymi: Cusco Inca festival on a budget Inti Raymi festival – enjoy the Inca parade on a budget Andean Trails’ Tom describes how to witness the incredible Inti Raymi festival in Cusco, Peru, without having to spend a fortune on tickets. He writes: June 24, 8am. We’d been out the night before, …
El Gran Poder – dancing in the streets of La Paz by Kat Dougal on 3rd June, 2016 Dancing in the streets of La Paz Every year around the end of May/ beginning of June the streets of La Paz are filled with life in honour of the Senor del Gran Poder (great power) Jesus Christ. Its origins go back to the 17th century but as our local La Paz representative Scarlet Herrera …
Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 27th May, 2016 Expert travel advice: Peru and Bolivia Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis gives her tips and insights from her recent tour with son Lewis through southern Peru and Bolivia. Where have you just been? I went to Peru and Bolivia for a month What did you see and do? I wanted to check out …
Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek by Alan Lyall on 20th May, 2016 Patagonia Highlights: our most popular trek Alan shares his experiences on our popular Patagonia Highlights’ trek – from lost luggage to sunny days to snow in this beautiful part of the world. Check his photos on Facebook. He writes: PATAGONIA I set off during one of the UK’s worst winters plus a Spanish Air …
Trekking advice in Patagonia: independently vs group by Tom Shearman on 12th May, 2016 Advice on trekking in Patagonia Patagonia is a ruggedly beautiful land cut from jagged Andean mountains and blue glaciers. Patagonia has a climate that commands respect from the gauchos that work the land to the pumas, condors and other wildlife that make this spectacular region their home. For trekkers, it is and adventure holiday and …
The Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 6th May, 2016 The Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica and a popular holiday destination for people travelling around Patagonia. Its famous Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel, the stunning mountain backdrop and varied wildlife make it many people’s favourite stop. Ushuaia, which labels itself as the southernmost city …
Travel advice: safe drinking water by Tom Shearman on 28th April, 2016 Travel advice: safe drinking water Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most likely illness anyone encounters on their holiday. By following a few simple steps, you can avoid an upset stomach and enjoy an illness-free holiday in South America (and other parts of the world!). The most common cause of water-borne illness is bacteria, such as E. …