Guided Mountain Climbing in the Peaks of Bolivia by Thomas Shearman on 11th February, 2023 Bolivia is home to some of the most spectacular climbing peaks. Yet, its Andean tops remain blissfully free from large numbers of mountaineers. There are several attractive climbing options near La Paz, giant, ice-clad volcanoes with tantalising summits. However, Bolivia’s remoteness means its climbing routes are less well-known than some of South America’s classic ascents. …
Animal Wildlife Guide for Bolivia’s Madidi National Park by Thomas Shearman on 22nd December, 2022 The steamy Amazon rainforest is the world’s most incredible living laboratory, a biodiversity hotspot and home to thousands of unique species. Land-locked Bolivia is home to unique and varied Amazonian wildlife. Just over half of the country is rainforest, with two-thirds considered primary rainforest. Bolivia’s most important jungle area is Madidi National Park, where jaguars, …
Plan the Perfect 4-week Trip Around South America by Thomas Shearman on 22nd August, 2022 South America is a vast destination with so many attractions. Often, the question is how to fit in as much as possible — such as 4 weeks in South America. We have a quarter of a century of experience putting together the logistics for top tours and making dream trip ideas a reality. Ask us …
Behind the Scenes: Planning a Trip to South America with Andean Trails. by Thomas Shearman on 24th January, 2022 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 …
Successful High Altitude Acclimatisation by Kathy Jarvis on 15th September, 2020 How do I successfully achieve high altitude acclimatisation? This is the question that anyone travelling to the high altitude Andean areas of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina or Colombia should be asking themselves. Successful acclimatisation will make a huge difference to your visit. It will mean you have a much safer and more enjoyable experience, …
Top 5 Cities to Visit in Bolivia by Kat Dougal on 1st September, 2020 Find out our top tips for the best five cities to visit while on holiday in Bolivia. In this blog we’ll tell you what each city has to offer, and what day tours and trips are possible from each of the 5 top cities in Bolivia – from La Paz to Sucre, from Santa Cruz …
Bolivia’s highest points: La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Bolivia’s mountains by Kat Dougal on 8th August, 2020 How high is Lake Titicaca? How high is La Paz – and what is Bolivia highest point? One of the highest of all Andean nations, the geography of Bolivia certainly sets some impressive records for life at high altitude. Read our blog to find out just how high Bolivia’s landmarks are. La Paz …
South America: The Best Countries To Visit on Holiday by Alan Lyall on 31st January, 2020 When planning your holiday to South America you may ask yourself; which are the best countries to visit in South America? South America is a continent of amazing contrasts. These range from tropical jungle to glaciers, remote high mountain villages to bustling coastal cities, mountain ranges to endless pampa. The continent is blessed with a …
Best Walks and Climbs Around Huayna Potosi mountain, Bolivia. by Kathy Jarvis on 30th August, 2019 Climb and trek around one of the most well-known mountain in Bolivia: Huayna Potosi. Read our expert guide to the best trails around and up to the summit. Huayna Potosi is a 6088 metre, non-technical peak, readily accessible from La Paz – three characteristics that make it attractive to novice and experienced mountaineers alike. Snow route up Huayna Potosi This majestic mountain lies at the heart …
A travel diary of a day and night on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni by Kathy Jarvis on 9th August, 2019 Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni has inspired travellers for decades – read our travel expert’s guide to a day and night on these magnificent salt flats. He writes: I woke around 5.30am, put on my down jacket and left the (relative) warmth of my salt hotel to walk down to watch the coldest sunrise …
Best hikes and trails in Bolivia by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd August, 2019 The hills and mountains of Bolivia are much less known than the Cordilleras of southern Patagonia or the high Andes of neighbouring Peru. The Bolivian Andes are beautiful and majestic and offer a wonderful array of multi-day treks as well as some superb day walks, trekking peaks and some technical mountaineering. We sum up just …
Travel Guide to Chalalan, Bolivia’s Amazon jungle lodge in Madidi National Park by Tom Shearman on 28th March, 2019 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 …
Bolivia – its weather, seasons and best time to visit by Kat Dougal on 28th November, 2018 Planning a trip to Bolivia? Make sure you have read our guide on when to go and what weather to expect from the Andes to the Amazon. Bolivia’s climate, as varied as its geography, is affected by latitude and, especially, by altitude. The best time to travel is the winter (dry season) between May and …
Guide to tipping and gratuities in Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 31st August, 2018 Bolivia: to tip or not to tip, that is the question? If you’re not from a tipping culture, or simply want some advice on how much to tip and to whom, read our guide to travelling and tipping in Bolivia. Background Tipping is not mandatory in Bolivia and completely discretionary. However, as a tourist, …
Incallajta, Cochabamba, Bolivia by Tom Shearman on 23rd August, 2018 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 – things to know before travelling on holiday by Kat Dougal on 10th August, 2018 Land-locked Bolivia is a country of dramatic landscapes and fascinating native cultures and traditions. Being prepared for travel means you will enjoy the country at its best, so we have put together a list of essential and useful tips and facts to know about Bolivia, before you go. OVERVIEW Bolivia’s Altiplano (High …
Bolivia – its best cuisine and top restaurants by Tom Shearman on 1st August, 2018 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 …
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 …
