Peru’s Rainbow Mountain High Altitude Trek – Our Guide by Kathy Jarvis on 18th January, 2019 The fabulously coloured Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, Montaña de Siete Colores, or Montaña de Colores is a mountain ridge in southern Peru, at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. In recent years it has become one of the top attractions for visitors to the nearby city of Cusco. What …
Visit South America’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions by Kathy Jarvis 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 …
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 …
Visit Peru with the family – expert advice and tips by Kathy Jarvis on 29th October, 2018 Peru- top tips for taking the kids Andean Trails director Kathy and her son (now eleven) are frequent travellers to Peru. Their latest trip was earlier this year and top of their list was the Lodge to Lodge Lares trek, a community tourism project in the Sacred Valley and a homestay with some day …
Top 10 places to visit on holiday in Argentina by Tom Shearman on 21st September, 2018 Argentina covers most of the surface area of southern South America and is the eighth largest country in the world. As such, it offers the traveller a cornucopia of vistas and experiences. Here is our choice of 10 unmissable experiences which Argentina has to offer. Iguazu falls Great Adventure Tour The Iguazu falls, straddling the …
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 …
Guide to wine tours in Chile by Kat Dougal on 17th July, 2018 How would you like to go to Chile, visit a winery and taste the wines produced in situ? Chilean wines have placed Chile firmly on the world map and a great addition to a holiday to Chile is to include some wine tours to your itinerary. In and around Santiago The Chilean capital …
Liana Lodge – top tips for taking the kids to the rainforest by Kat Dougal on 4th July, 2018 When travelling to Ecuador with her family, Kat knew that visiting the rainforest was top of her list of places to go. They chose Liana Lodge and Kat is sharing her top tips for taking children to the rainforest. Choose a soft adventure Don’t travel too far, especially for younger children a softer …
The Tierra Hotels Experience, Chile by Kat Dougal on 3rd July, 2018 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience a luxury adventure holiday? Alan was invited to Chile at the end of 2017 to experience the newly renovated Tierra Chiloe Hotel. He says: “When the invitation came through to visit the Tierra Chiloe Hotel in Chile, I jumped at the chance …
Quito with kids – top things to do with children by Kat Dougal on 1st June, 2018 Visiting a big city can be daunting with children , especially when they are young. But Quito has a range of options that can keep little ones entertained and is well worth a visit. Entrance fees are typically low, and parks provide plenty of free fun. Below, in no particular order, some of Kat’s tips …
Kat’s family holiday to Ecuador by Kat Dougal on 4th May, 2018 This week Kat is setting off on her own travel adventure – time to revisit Ecuador, return to old haunts and explore some that are new to her, to get fresh ideas and inspiration. This time, however, she’s taking her family with her to get a perfect first hand experience of an Andean Trails family …
Patagonia off the Beaten track: Villa O’Higgins to El Chalten by Kathy Jarvis on 30th April, 2018 Driving south on the Carretera Austral you eventually reach the end of this amazingly spectacular road, at the small town of Villa O’Higgins, 550 km from Coyhaqui and 48°28 S (on a par with Washington, Ontario and much of central Europe). The River Baker The scenery driving south is stunning all the way, …
Patagonia holidays for families by Kathy Jarvis on 24th April, 2018 Chilean and Argentine Patagonia is an incredible destination with spectacular scenery, wildlife and a plethora of activities and outstanding trekking especially during the main season from October through to April. For families, especially with slightly older children there are many activities that can be considered. Here are some ideas you might wish to consider: …
Fly to South America by Kathy Jarvis on 24th April, 2018 Andean Trails’ Alan recently flew out to South America. Here he lets us know how he got on. He says: Being a canny Scot I was looking for the best deal to get me from Edinburgh to Santiago. Routings and airlines vary depending on times of year, how busy the airlines are on your chosen …
Southern Patagonia ice field trek – what’s it like? by Kathy Jarvis on 18th April, 2018 Jan and Anne booked a month in Patagonia, including the classic W trek in Torres del Paine, and then a fabulous expedition into Los Glaciares National park and on to the south Patagonia ice field. They rounded of their trip with the Montes Martial trek in Ushuaia. We emailed Jan and Anne to see …
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 …
Advice for travelling with kids by Kat Dougal on 14th February, 2018 Holidays with the kids Travelling with kids is rewarding, yet daunting at times. At Andean Trails we love to help put together itineraries that work for families with children of all ages. Having kids ourselves, certainly helps… as does research. Which is why Kat is about to embark on her first trip with children (aged …
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 …
