Santiago self-guided panoramic city tour by Alan Lyall on 22nd November, 2019 The centre of Santiago is dominated by San Cristobal hill in the Metropolitan Park. The park covers an area of over 700 hectares and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. San Critsobal hill is the highest point and is crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary which is lit at night …
Buenos Aires Tasting Menu by Alan Lyall on 8th November, 2019 Alan was recently in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, where an important question was what to eat in Buenos Aires. This is the story of his personal experience of an evening of a tasting menu experience. He writes: Tasting menu – a lot of small “funny” dishes designed to confuse and challenge …
What to do in and around Los Glaciares National Park by Alan Lyall on 6th September, 2019 Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia is found nestling into the Andes in South Western Argentina and bordering with Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. It is an area of stunning beauty with towering mountains, glacial lakes and impressive glaciers. Covering an area of over 7,000 km2 (over 2,800 sq miles) it offers the …
All You Need to Know About Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu by Kathy Jarvis on 12th July, 2019 Our trekking and travel experts share our useful guide to the different Inca Trail tours available from Cusco, so you enjoy the perfect trek and visit to Machu Picchu. What is the Inca Trail? The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous trekking tours, a short but tough hike of …
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 …
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 …
Top 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires by Alan Lyall on 26th April, 2019 Buenos Aires is Argentina’s exciting, enticing and elegant capital city. Flanked by the River Plate on one side and the immense Argentine Pampa on the other, this bustling city is normally the first port of call for visitors to Argentina. It is certainly worth spending a few days there to get a …
Buen Provecho: Tasty traditional food to try on your Chile holiday by Alan Lyall on 12th April, 2019 Chile has an array of tasty traditional dishes for you to try when on holiday. They are made of great quality ingredients and in general are not spicy but let the ingredients themselves tell the story. Chile‘s climate and geographical position has blessed it with great conditions for growing crops, fruit and vegetables as …
Guide to tipping and gratuities in Chile by Alan Lyall on 15th February, 2019 When and how much should you tip in Chile? Tipping can be a confusing subject and many different nationalities have different tipping cultures. This outline should help smooth the way in Chile. Background Tipping is discretionary in Chile and is seen as a reward for good service. Tips should be in Chilean …
Top Treks in Patagonia by Kathy Jarvis on 8th February, 2019 Patagonia is a vast area and full of fabulous mountains, so there are numerous treks and trails. Andean Trails’ director, Kathy, who has been exploring the area on and off for 25 years gives a round-up of some of her favourites. The Paine W The Paine W is a multi-day trek that takes in …
Know Before You Go: Our Top Tips for Holidays to Peru by Tom Shearman on 23rd January, 2019 Thinking about a holiday in Peru? Andean Trails’ Peru travel expert Tom Shearman has visited Peru more than 10 times and shares his top travel tips and what to know before you go. When to go The best months for hiking, highlands and jungle are in the dry season – May …
Visit South America’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions by Alan Lyall on 11th January, 2019 South America has many tourist attractions being a large and diverse continent. It covers an area greater than that of Europe. The west of the continent is dominated by the Andes mountain range and bordered by the Pacific Ocean whilst the east is flanked by the Atlantic. The North of the continent edges into the …
Best Hikes to Trek in South America by Alan Lyall on 4th January, 2019 South America is a great destination for adventure lovers especially those who are looking for a good trek. Mountains, forests, jungle and desert provide spectacular backdrops for hikes on and off the beaten path. In no particular order, here are our top 10 treks or hikes in South America. Paine W Trek, …
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, …
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 …
Top tips: Prepare for the Inca Trail, Peru by Tom Shearman on 13th January, 2016 Top tips: Prepare for the Inca Trail Getting trekking fit for your Inca Trail means you’ll enjoy your hike to Machu Picchu even more. With Inca Trail permits selling 4-6 months in advance, you have to plan ahead. Starting early means your heart and lungs will be get stronger and more efficient, which is what …
Top 5 things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina by Tom Shearman on 18th September, 2015 Top 5 things to do in Ushuaia Our Argentina representative, Alexandra Smirnova, shares her favourite activities in this stunning, remote city. Tierra del Fuego, or literally ‘Land of Fire’ is in a very remote part of Argentina. In spite of this, it is an accessible and welcoming land with friendly people, delicious food and …
Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays by Alan Lyall on 10th April, 2015 Top 10 travel tips for Chile holidays Andean Trails’ Alan Lyall lived in Chile for almost 20 years, working in tourism and here he shares, in no particular order, his Top 10 tips for holidays in Chile. There are five things to do, and the five best times to go. Things to do 1. Atacama …
“Best of Buenos Aires” Food Experiences by Alan Lyall on 2nd April, 2015 “Best of Buenos Aires” Food Experiences These are alternative and great ways to experience the burgeoning fine cuisine and food of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. The Argentine experience Treat yourself to three hours among the finest food and wines of Argentina. This is not a cooking class, but you will learn how to make …
Local guide to Top 5 restaurants, Buenos Aires by Alan Lyall on 30th January, 2015 Top 5 places to eat in Buenos Aires Argentina: land of steak, red wine and pizza/pasta – and much more. The latest Latin America Best 50 restaurant list contained 15 of the country’s eateries. Our local guide and BA resident, Laura Videla, gives us the lowdown on the top five places to eat in Buenos …