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 …
What Inspired Charles Darwin’s Evolution Theory in Galapagos Islands. by Thomas Shearman on 7th December, 2021 Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands are linked forever thanks to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The Galapagos Islands helped the English naturalist, geologist, and biologist formulate his groundbreaking work on evolution. Today, some 186 years after Darwin first stepped foot on the Galapagos Islands, their connection is as strong as ever. Let’s see how the …
Galapagos Islands: Guide to the Best Beaches. by Thomas Shearman on 30th November, 2021 Galapagos Islands beaches are a traveller’s dream. There are white sand beaches (and other colours!), warm weather, and very few other people to be found on most Galapagos beaches. Jump into the crystalline waters, and you could be snorkelling with sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. Or watch the wildlife from the shore, …
Galapagos Islands Guide: A list of the top 10 birds to see by Kathy Jarvis on 5th June, 2020 The Galapagos is a wonderful place to visit. It is on the bucket list of many a nature enthusiast, especially for the fauna and in particular, the Galapagos birds. Here you will find our guide to the top 10 Galapagos birds. Blue-footed Booby Scientific name: Sula nebouxii This bird is a favourite for …
Galapagos Conservation Trust and Andean Trails by Kathy Jarvis on 15th May, 2020 The Galapagos Islands are a paradise to holiday in. But they are also a paradise in need of protection and conservation. At Andean Trails, while making your Galapagos holiday come true, we are also supporting the fantastic work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. Read on to find out more… Galapagos Conservation Trust and …
Best Hiking Trails in the Galapagos Islands by Kathy Jarvis on 2nd May, 2020 Our guide to the best guided and self-guided hiking trails in the Galapagos Islands. Hiking trails are found throughout the Galápagos Islands, and whether you choose to visit the islands on a cruise or opt for a land-based tour, you will certainly have opportunities for walking. Many excursions include gentle wanderings along rocky …
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 South America Tours 2020 by Alan Lyall on 20th December, 2019 As 2019 draws to a close, we in the Andean Trails office are looking forward to a New Year filled with exciting and wonderful South America tours and adventures for our clients and of course ourselves! Kat is also returning in mid January after taking maternity leave. We have much to look forward to! …
Dream honeymoons in South America by Alan Lyall on 18th October, 2019 Honeymoons are a wonderful cause for a celebration and should provide memorable experiences. South America offers opportunities for all types of honeymoon, something to suit every couple. Here are some picture postcard memories which could be created on your honeymoon. Wildlife cruise and adventure: M/Y Grace, Galapagos Islands Picture this: You are sitting …
Restaurants and Eating Out: Food in Galapagos Islands by Kat Dougal on 11th October, 2019 Eating out choices in the Galapagos Islands have blossomed, with many new bars, cafes and restaurants opening in recent years, as hotel-based holidays have become more popular. Top-end dining has truly yet to arrive at the Galapagos Islands due to its remote location and difficulty in importing ingredients. However, the three main islands, Santa …
A Week In Ecuador and The Best Travel Itinerary by Kathy Jarvis on 28th June, 2019 Ecuador’s compact size and excellent infrastructure means you can pack in many sights and experiences in a week’s holiday, from the Amazon to Galapagos and snow-capped mountains. Our travel expert’s travel guide includes top tips and four outline itineraries to help you plan a fantastic trip of spectacular variety. Introduction to the …
Galapagos Islands: Essential Honeymoon Planning Guide by Tom Shearman on 17th May, 2019 What better way to celebrate the biggest day of our life than going to the Galapagos Islands on honeymoon? Our travel expert Tom Shearman explains why this remote archipelago’s blend of adventure, romance and comfort make it the perfect place to visit after your wedding. He writes: “Freshly prepared cocktails on deck, …
Guide to Day Trips from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 13th May, 2019 Almost every trip to the Galapagos Islands will take you to Santa Cruz. Read our quick guide to the best full-day tours for your holiday from Puerto Ayora. Discover what to expect to see and do while staying in hotels on Santa Cruz. Bartolome Visit the iconic Pinnacle Rock and enjoy its wonderful vistas …
Guide to Day Trips on San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 13th May, 2019 Planning on visiting San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands? Read our quick guide to the best full-day tours for your holiday. Discover what to expect to see and do while staying in hotels on San Cristobal. The 360 tour This is the way to see as much as possible in one day on San …
Guide to Day Trips on Isabela, Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 13th May, 2019 Not sure which day trips to book on your hotel-based holiday to the Isabela in the Galapagos Islands? Read our quick guide to the best full-day tours and find out what to expect to do and see while staying on Isabela. Tuneles (Cabo Rosa) One of Galapagos’ most spectacular snorkels among some of its …
Aida Maria Travel Review: Cruising the Galapagos Islands by Tom Shearman on 10th May, 2019 Les and Heather Bunce booked a last-minute Aida Maria Cruise with Andean Trails to cap off a 5-month tour of South America. Read Les’ excellent blog and pictures from his week in Galapagos. Setting the scene The sea before me is coloured a pale deepening to deep azure blue banded with black volcanic …
Be an Ecotourist while on Holiday in Galapagos by Tom Shearman on 8th March, 2019 The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and feel symbolic of a sea change in people’s attitudes to responsible and sustainable tourism. Every year more and more people visit. Some to get there ‘before it’s gone’ and most want to minimise the impact of their visit. Our handy guide gives lots of travel …
Ecuador – its weather, seasons and best time to visit by Kat Dougal on 22nd November, 2018 Ecuador is pretty much an all-round destination with little change in weather and less pronounced dry/ rainy seasons than some of its South American neighbours – thanks to its location on the equator. Weather can be defined by region, and many Andean mountain ranges in particular develop their own micro climates, making it …
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife by Tom Shearman on 2nd November, 2018 When is the best time to visit Galapagos? There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found all year round and many of the species here are non-migratory. The Galapagos …
Galapagos Islands holiday: Cruise or hotel / land-based trip? by Tom Shearman on 27th February, 2018 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 …
