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 …
Active family holidays in Ecuador and Galapagos by Alan Lyall 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 …
Family Holiday: Galapagos cruise with children by Kathy Jarvis on 17th November, 2017 Take the family to Galapagos. Kathy tells us all about her Galapagos cruise aboard the Mary Anne, and why taking your kids can make it a unique experience. She says … Can I take my kids to Galapagos? “Adding children into a mix of adults won’t always work or be popular and my biggest …
Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos by Tom Shearman on 21st April, 2017 Top 5 snorkel sites in the Galapagos Snorkelling around the Galapagos Islands is a true highlight of any Galapagos holiday. An abundance of inquisitive and beautiful creatures await you once you slip into the sea. Most snorkel sites are in calm waters and suitable for people that have never snorkelled before. Here – in no …
Galapagos Islands cruises – which itinerary to choose? by Tom Shearman on 6th April, 2017 Galapagos islands cruises Planning your dream Galapagos cruise can feel daunting when you first start to research Galapagos boats and itineraries. Here, Andean Trails Galapagos holiday expert Tom Shearman gives his top tips to help you decide which trip is best for you. He writes: “Galapagos park rules were introduced a few years ago …
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife by Tom Shearman on 3rd February, 2017 There is no real ‘best’ time as something is always happening and Galapagos are a great year-round destination for a holiday. As the Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator, air and water temperatures do not vary by much, and most species are here year-round. There are two recognised seasons, and each months brings …
Avoid seasickness on Galapagos cruise top tips by Tom Shearman on 27th November, 2016 Avoid seasickness on Galapagos Islands Andean Trails’ Tom and fellow Galapagos expert Doris Welsh share their Top Ten Tips on how to have a fantastic Galapagos holiday while minimising the risk of seasickness. This advice applies to cruises and hotel-based tours. Tom writes: “Many people’s number one fear before a Galapagos cruise is running …
A day aboard a Galapagos cruise – what to expect by Tom Shearman on 21st October, 2016 What to expect on your Galapagos Islands holiday You’ve booked your Galapagos cruise, watched the nature videos and bought the sun cream – then start to wonder… Is the cabin too small? Will I get seasick? Here, Galapagos Islands’ expert Tom explains what to expect during a typical day on your dream Galapagos holiday. Don’t …
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 …
Review: The Beagle, first class Galapagos yacht by Tom Shearman on 29th January, 2016 Review: The Beagle, first class Galapagos yacht The Galapagos Islands have intrigued humans on many levels for centuries. From pirates searching for food and water, to Darwin seeking to prove his theory of evolution, to the present, with people seeking a way to protect this fragile environment as well as enjoying fantastic Galapagos cruises. Tom …
Classic destinations, pioneering travel and the art of being popular. by Tom Shearman on 27th August, 2015 Classic destinations You’ve got to be known to win a popularity contest, or so it seems in travel. The Top 10 dream trips, as voted by Trip Advisor users this week, include three of South America’s most iconic destinations: Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (no. 4); The Galapagos (no. 5); Antarctica …
Paradise? Galapagos Safari Camp by Tom Shearman on 10th July, 2015 Paradise? Galapagos Safari Camp Andean Trails’ Tom decided that as he is no longer as young as he used to be, it would be nice to treat himself to a spot of safari luxury at the end of an active trip to the Galapagos Islands. This is his story: “That’s the best sunset in …
Galapagos guides – an insider’s view by Tom Shearman on 25th June, 2015 Galapagos guides Meet our Galapagos guides – an inside look at guiding on Galapagos Islands When you plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands, your mind races between the animals you will see and the waters you will snorkel through. Your Galapagos guide is one of the most vital components to making your trip a …
Wildlife of South America by Kathy Jarvis on 11th June, 2015 Wildlife of South America South America is home to an enormous amount and variety of wildlife. From giant anacondas in Amazon swamps to the symbollic soaring condor, from llamas to tarantulas, the breadth of fauna and flora is still being catalogued. Here Andean Trails’ staff share our favourite wildlife experiences from travels across South America …