Trekking Advice – the right nutrition when trekking at altitude by Kathy Jarvis on 9th March, 2018 Kathy’s 16 year old niece Sasha has been visiting from Namibia this week. Sasha has a keen interest in sport and nutrition and has been researching the nutrition guidelines for high altitude treks for us. Sasha writes… “Trekking is a great way to improve fitness and get in shape whether it’s walking around …
Santa Cruz Trek, Northern Peru by Tom Shearman on 2nd March, 2018 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 …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd February, 2018 It is that time of year when you might be starting to think about where to take the family in 2018. We can highly recommend Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Perfect for family holidays Ecuador is a relatively compact country with numerous highlights. It is easy to get to and quick to travel …
Patagonia in autumn or spring. by Kathy Jarvis on 19th January, 2018 Patagonia out of season. Two of Patagonia’s most iconic destinations are the Torres del Paine National park in Chile and the Glaciares National Park near the Argentine towns of El Calafate and El Chalten. The granite spires, glaciers, spectacular scenery and wildlife are a magnet to the adventurous traveller and nature lover. High season is …
Getting to Southern Patagonia and travelling around by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2017 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. …
Preparing for altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 2 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Altitude trekking In the second part of our blog on preparing to trek at high altitude in Peru or Bolivia we look at what to take with you and how to deal with high altitudes. What will the weather be like in the high Andes? Peru and Bolivia are located within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly …
Preparing for high altitude trekking in Bolivia and Peru – part 1 by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Preparing for high altitude trekking There is no doubt that a high altitude trekking or mountaineering trip to Peru or Bolivia will be a fabulous, may be even life changing, experience. Why should I go on a high altitude hike? It can take you right out of your comfort zone and push your physical limits. You will be exposed to different ways of …
Explore Potosi and Sucre in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 6th October, 2017 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 …
Savouring the wines of the Andes by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Savouring the wines South America and in particular Chile and Argentina have placed themselves firmly on the map with their fine good value wines. For those of us who like a wee tipple, a glass or two with some good food or in a spectacular location after a great day of adventures is heaven. At Andean Trails, we have …
Iguazu Falls – Why they are well worth a visit by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Iguazu Falls Cascades of water thundering over hundreds of waterfalls over a 1.7 mile (nearly 3 Km) stretch of land at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay attracts thousands of tourists every week. These are the Iguazu Falls. It is a popular tourist destination and at Andean Trails all of us have visited at different times. Tom says: “I’ve been lucky to see …
Visit Chilean Lake District , Green Patagonia by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Chilean Lake District Snow-capped volcanoes that flank a string of emerald coloured lakes which are surrounded by lush farmland and cold rain forest are the main features of Chile’s Lake District and recently denominated Green Patagonia. In the north of this area you will find National Parks dedicated to the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria Araucana) …
Active holidays, a challenging way to relax by Kathy Jarvis on 6th October, 2017 Active Holidays Holidays are for recovering, doing as little as possible, eating and drinking, and reading books. This week Tom gives his takes on why a physically challenging trip offers as much of a break, if not more, than the above. He writes: “A beautiful wash of blue, purple and orange sky with snow-capped peaks in …
Lost luggage tales – and advice by Kathy Jarvis on 21st September, 2017 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 ATM. Check. …
Kathy’s Northern Patagonia off the beaten path expedition by Kathy Jarvis on 19th May, 2017 Northern Patagonia Andean Trails’ director Kathy has just returned from a research trip to Northern Patagonia in South America. Here are the answers to our questions – they will make you want to go! Where have you just been? Patagonia What did you see and do? We spent a month travelling south, from …
Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador by Kathy Jarvis on 13th April, 2017 Top 10 markets to visit in Ecuador Markets are great places to visit in Ecuador. Full of colour, noise, smells and activity, they really give you a feel of the place you are visiting and an insight into the local way of life. Ecuador is a colourful potpourri of cultures and its markets are particularly …
Arequipa Top Restaurant Picks by Kathy Jarvis on 9th December, 2016 Arequipa Top Restaurant Picks Peruvian gastronomy is famous throughout Latin America – and increasingly the world – for its quality and variety. Many say it’s the best on the continent. Here are the top seven picks for where to eat in Arequipa as compiled by Lieveka, one of our partners in Peru. She had a …
Expert advice for family holidays by Kathy Jarvis on 24th November, 2016 Thinking about a family holiday to South America? Such a vast continent with such a range of attractions, from snorkelling in the sea to high altitude treks, can make it hard to pick the right trip for you and your family. Andean Trails’ owner Kathy Jarvis has spent over 20 years exploring South America, the …
Five things I wish I’d known before visiting the Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 13th October, 2016 Before visiting the Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands’ expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips about travelling to this fantastic archipelago. Have a look at our own Galapagos photos on Facebook and Pinterest, plus our youtube videos. He writes: “Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, so you want to get the planning and kit right. “I’ve …
Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile by Tom Shearman on 23rd September, 2016 Where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park Trek options and where to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Changes in Torres del Paine park regulations make it imperative you book your accommodation before hiking. Tom writes: “Torres del Paine National Park authorities (CONAF) has just announced that only trekkers who …
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 …
