A soul-stirring Patagonian trek that challenged, inspired, and left us soaring with joy long after the mountains faded.
As an older non Spanish speaking couple hailing from Australia, booking our 5 day solo Torres del Paine W trek with Andean Trails was the perfect start to realise our adventure.
Having all our accommodation, transfers, inclusive meals and comprehensive pack list sorted to suit our itinerary by such knowledgeable, professional and amenable travel experts meant we could focus our efforts entirely on the trek.
We were blessed by great weather – a considerable bonus given we took a few hours longer to complete each daily walk as some of the trails were challenging too but the stunning views that unfolded along the trails provided impetus for us to persevere. We also found our walking poles were essential for ascents and descents on steeper slopes. Our last night was a fixed tent camping spot – comfortable enough and allowed for unreal Milky Way stargazing in the wee small hours.
Our 3 nights in Refugios were good – took a bit of getting used to sharing space with 4 other bunk bed mates and it helped being organised the night before when setting off for a pre-dawn start with head torches.
The food provided was fine and portions adequate to needs and the Chilean staff were all friendly and helpful.
In summary whilst we have physically come down from the mountain tops we are still on an emotional high! Our entire Patagonian trip was nourishment for the heart and soul and a truly awesome experience to be immersed in such an incredible, diverse and unique natural environment – the sound of roaring rivers, the thunder of shifting glaciers , the winds through the forest and high peaks further complimented our sensory experience. There are many options for trekkers to explore in terms of walks and destinations within this mighty National Park to suit fitness and/or time constraints.
Our advice would be take your time considering what you feel comfortable with challenging yourself (I was certainly apprehensive about my ability to complete the full 70km circuit and we ended up doing less kms towards the end which felt just fine and meant we we could have more time sitting on a rock admiring Grey glacier from a greater distance) and then make it happen, one beautiful step at a time – you might even glimpse a Puma along the way!
An unforgettable photography and trekking journey through Chile and Bolivia filled with breathtaking landscapes and magical moments.
C. Cooper, UK. Photography Tour, Chile and Bolivia, April 2025
We had a truly amazing experience. Chile and Bolivia are stunning.
Our guides were professional, knowledgeable and friendly. All of the guides said we had a very well planned itinerary that gave us the best chance of acclimatising to the altitude properly (the hike in Atacama and the trek to the Hot Springs before departing for Bolivia).
Our driver in Bolivia was fantastic. He was professional and very competent. Despite the condition of the roads and the amount of time we spent travelling we always felt completely safe.
The hotels in Bolivia were basic but charming. Some of the facilities were a bit more rustic than we had expected (no heating and/ or no hot water in the mornings) but we managed. Food was simple but good.
Overall, it was a very special trip and has given us a lot of amazing memories. If someone asks what the best part was, I couldn’t decide because there were so many best bits….Moon Valley, the flooded Solar de Uyuni, The Milky Way, Sunsets & Sunrises, the Flamingos at Laguna Colorado.
It was exhausting and unforgettable – just how we like it 🙂
I will eventually get to reviewing my photos and will send you some.
Many thanks for your help in organising everything.
A breathtaking Antarctic cruise with stunning sunsets, whale encounters, and unforgettable moments in pristine landscapes.
The most beautiful sunset I have ever seen – or am ever likely to see – when at anchor near Winter Island. Slamming vodkas at the Vernadsky station the following day. Display by a minke whale at Paradise Harbour. Taking in the majestic beauty of this pristine environment on an isolated promontory on Cuverville Island. I could go on.
A seamless Ecuador escape filled with wildlife, ziplining thrills, and warm cultural encounters in the Cloud Forest.
Tom at Andean Trails offered great advice for our trip to Ecuador and would most definitely use again and recommend. We had such a variety of locations near Quito to choose from Andean Trails, after they took the time to understand our priorities and make recommendations.
First, we had a couple of days at a really lovely hotel in Quito that was perfect for our needs and sightseeing around the old town before being collected for our stay in the Cloud Forest. All arrangements made for us were seamless and hassle free, leaving us to get on with making the most of our time.
The highlight was our stay at El Monte in Mindo which was just perfect – fab location with arrival by small cable car, sleeping to the sound of the river, 1st class local guides, such tasty and well made food, all perfect and so glad we stayed on for the extra day.
The host at El Monte, Tom, was so welcoming and showed us the camera trap footage for the wildlife we didn’t get a glimpse of and was great fun tracking monkeys with him and his wife around the lodge. We had freedom to do our own walks, join a small group, explore with the guide or just chill. Fascinated the humming birds, Cock-of-the-Rock and variety of toucans (even if not a birder) and loved the ziplining. Wouldn’t have changed a thing about our stay and would happily return!!
We returned to another hotel in Quito to get another perspective, which again was really worth it to get the most out of our trip. We did so much but was so sad that it all went so quickly.
A superbly run Antarctic voyage delivered calm ice, dramatic seas, surprise landings, and unforgettable moments at the edge of the world.
The trip was excellent …..The Oceanside sailing on the small ship ‘Hondius’ was extremely good. Well organised both administratively & on board; an experienced & imaginative crew added interesting ad hoc experiences to the trip; the ship was not too big & well designed; that the ship’s & exped crews were employed by the same company must have helped the evident, excellent planning & coordination.
It was all helped, at all stages of the 5 week trip, by compliant weather. It was always appropriate: calm, clear days on the Falklands; low swell at Cape Horn (though v gusty & rightly so); breezy with broken cloud but little rain on S,Georgia; moderately rough seas going south; calm enough to get close to & subsequently off onto Point Wild at Elephant Island (a definite highlight particularly being so unexpected); gentle with sun, dark clouds & reflections in the Antarctic bays & islands; calm enough for another unusual drift around the NW part of the Weddell sea for most of a day, parking up on the breaking pack ice for a wander; some glorious sunsets and for the finale a race across the Drake Passage to avoid the worst of a huge, fast approaching storm, which though we got into the lee of Cape Horn before the worst hit, still provided the thrills & spills of a 10m swell in 100mph winds of which I had read so much over the years.
Fabulous, at least for me. Lots of good photos of fascinating places I’ve long wanted to see, hear & smell and plenty of interesting people to speak & listen to. It’s aroused much interest too amongst friends though I’ll see who takes the bait.
Six months exploring five South American countries, with incredible experiences, expert local guides, carefully chosen accommodation and every detail seamlessly organised by Andean Trails.
Tom Shearman from “Andean Trails” organised a large portion of our 6 month holiday in South America.
First up was a hotel/boat for a few weeks in the Galapagos, which included more sea life, animals and birds than one could imagine.
Peru was such a cultural experience which saw us transported from one Incan site to another. We trekked the Lares Trail and stayed in the most comfortable lodges each night, which was just what was needed after breath taking walks each day. Trek ended in Machu Picchu which is just a must if heading to Peru.
Andean Trails then had us booked in the Tambopata Research centre in the Amazon and along with non- stop animal sightings – the food and staff were terrific.
Bolivia was next on the list of countries to explore and still we had airport pickups and hotels organised each destination, without any problems. Tom had given us a list of “on the ground” support, but we never had the need to contact them.
The guides/drivers organised for us through the salt flats and a trek in the Bolivian altiplanico were very informative and helpful (especially with our 10 year old) as we found climbing at altitude a little challenging.
Tom recommended some amazing hotels/accomodation throughout our trip, from Atacama, “W Trek” Torres del Paine in Patagonia and Cristina Estancia in Argentina (this was exceptional).
We enjoyed all the activities that were included, and staff/food were once again amazing.
We travelled 5 countries and not once did we encounter any problems with our bookings.
Tom was so thorough with all the details and his knowledge on this part of the world is a fantastic asset to “Andean Trails”
We had the pleasure to meet him in Cusco, Peru whilst he was “boots on the ground” meeting with guides/drivers and reps to ensure they are up to the standards he offers clients. Great to know your agent has first-hand knowledge of the areas you plan to travel to.
We recommended anyone interested in travelling to South America to contact “Andean Trails” for the best holiday.
Thank you Tom and “Andean Trails” for making our 6 month holiday such a magical time.
I can confirm that we both had a fantastic time away & would defiantly recommend others to do the trip & use yourselves as a tour operator. Food/accommodation etc was spot on, you have to involve yourself in the culture whilst there or its not worth going.
Spectacular scenery made the long journey worthwhile, complemented by great food, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and excellent organisation throughout the trip.
The highlight had to be the beautiful scenery. Every day was a wonder. It was definitely worth the 42 hours of travel time that it took me to get there. I didn’t have a low point …. except my luggage being lost on the way home. No worries though. They found it after a few days.
The tents were fine. The food was generally really good. The guides – Claudio and Tomas – were knowledgeable and friendly. The overall organisation of the trip was very good.
A wonderfully organised journey through Peru, with excellent guides, fascinating experiences and exceptional support throughout. Every detail was handled brilliantly, making this a truly unforgettable adventure.
We had an absolutely wonderful, amazing trip of a lifetime to Peru. The guides were excellent, very good level of englishgreat enthusiasm and depth of knowledge 10/10. The organisation was perfect all pickups were on time, we needed to visit a pharmacy before we left Puno and we were taken and looked after very well by Willie. I must also mention Johnny our guide on Uros, Amantani, Taquile visit he was fab! Odilio our guide on the trek was great. He was very calm and relaxed very easy company. The bus tour guides were fantastic in particular Marita ( Puno to Cusco) she was hilarious!
It really was an unforgettable experience!
An unforgettable trip with wonderful hosts and drivers, seamless organisation and incredible Galapagos wildlife, including tortoises, sharks, iguanas, sea lions and penguins seen up close.
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the organising you did for our trip. We had a great time and it’s a trip we will never forget! I wanted to mention that everybody out there did a very good job and all hosts and drivers were really lovely and helpful people.
So many highlights….wildlife in the Galapagos was incredible! To see tortoises, sharks, iguanas, sea lions, penguins etc so close up was amazing!
The Galaxy cruise exceeded expectations, with excellent guides, food, activities and service. A small group, superb snorkelling and wildlife, and seamless organisation made it the perfect choice.
The information and clear instructions you provided were spot on and much appreciated. From booking with you to the end of the cruise, it was all very slick. Highlights were the tortoises and the snorkelling activities. The accommodation/ food/ guides/ overall organisation were excellent—exceeded expectations.
We really enjoyed the experience.
We researched the routes and boats and felt that what we chose suited us best- the flavour of several islands, lots of activities each day, and a small boat with excellent facilities. Andean Trails was noted as an agent through whom we could book the Galaxy, and again, with some research, trusted that Andean Trails would be a great choice (and it was!) In particular, the call with you, Tom, reassured us in our choice and made us feel comfortable booking through Andean Trails.
A beautifully organised trek with wonderful food, warm hospitality and an exceptional local guide. Every detail was handled perfectly, making the whole experience incredibly memorable.
Thank you for a very very good organisation on your part. Our trip was exceptionally well constructed and we learnt and saw so much. Chino (Ruben) our local guide was quite exceptional. In all our various trips around the world we have never had such a super guide…kind, caring, knowledgeable.
The food could not have been better and the Waikis (can’t spell!) were just lovely. Nothing could have been done better for our walk and I would like you to tell everyone how much we enjoyed and appreciated everything about our trek.
Knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic guides brought every part of the journey to life, from Quito and Cotopaxi to the Galapagos and beautiful Cloud Forest.
Our guide Andrés in mainalnd Ecuador was great. He picked us up/dropped us off from the airport and was our guide for the Quito city tour and Cotopaxi volcano tour. He was on time in fact early for pick ups. He was very knowledgeable and informative as well as coming across in a very relaxed and friendly manner.
Once on Galapagos, Pablo Vallanderes , was our guide. He enhanced our experience on the Galapagos with his passion and enthusiasm.
Our visit to the Cloud Forest continued our adventures! Again, our guide Nelson Apolo was brilliant. So knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic.
A beautifully organised Patagonia journey with exceptional guides, wonderful hotels and unforgettable experiences. Even when the weather caused challenges, everything was handled smoothly and professionally.
Although there were a few challenges along the way everything was set up perfectly with all transfers, accommodations & fabulous guides being as advertised and on time.
It was a beautiful trip with so many highlights. We were really pleased with our hotels and so very happy that we chose this option – and your generous offer at no extra expense. The hostel guests did not enjoy their stay as much as we did – but that is normal – hostels can be challenging even up you are with your own “friends”.
Our guide Gaston and all others along the way were exceptional.
Weather got in our way in Torres Del Paine so we missed 2 of our hikes – but know we couldn’t do anything about it. We had to go out by boat as the river overflowed the roads – not sure how many days our bus driver Nico had to stay before he could drive out. Also at Magellan Strait we had to wait 9 hours before we could cross – the waves were HUGE!
That put us arriving at the Estancia @ 2 am – and they still served us a fabulous dinner! The Estancia stay was one of our favorites although I wasn’t thinking it would be anything great – a sheep less sheep ranch is not what I had in mind. The owners were wonderful!
Hotel Mercure in Igauzu was top shelf! Another highlight!
Just wanted you to know how happy we are with our experiences in Patagonia – all went so smoothly with you & the local guides ensuring us a fabulous experience. Thank you Alan & the rest of your team.
Ten unforgettable days biking through Ecuador’s volcanoes, cloud forest and local villages, with fantastic guides, challenging rides, fun descents and some truly memorable accommodation.
Michaleen Jeronimus, USA, Downhill Mountain Biking in Ecuador, Feb 2026
We contacted Tom at Andean Trails to set up a private mountain biking trip to Ecuador.
He arranged a 10-day biking trip through the Avenue of the Volcanos, riding into the cloud forest and through some local villages.
Our guide, Jose, and driver, Victor, found us quiet dirt roads, albeit challenging climbs and fun descents! Our accommodations were amazing, from quaint chalets to a mansion built by the Jesuits! Loved that we rode from our hotel to the next one most days!
Would definitely do this trip again!
A perfectly organised adventure combining varied cycling with hiking and snorkelling in the Galápagos, supported by excellent local guides, lovely hotels and great communication throughout.
Andean Trails organised our holiday adventure in Ecuador at very short notice. We had a week cycling on the mainland and a week snorkelling & hiking in the Galápagos Islands.
The organisation was perfect, the cycling was varied, the hotels were all lovely and the food always had veggie and meat options. The local guides were excellent, we learnt so much about local history, culture and animals.
Communication was excellent throughout and a small issue with the taxi time was resolved very quickly. Ecuador is a fantastic place to visit and we couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
A rewarding mix of volunteering, local experiences and trekking, with welcoming staff, wonderful children and a memorable finish at the Lares hot springs.
The volunteer work was lovely. Of course we wish we had known more Spanish as it was challenging to adequately communicate with Marlene, the kids and other staff, BUT, it went OK anyway. Marlene was so kind to us and we only hope that we weren’t an imposition to the teachers. We wanted to “help” and not create a burden for them, and we hope that was the case. We bought art supplies and used them with young kids in the morning for 4 days. Then the girls taught dance/movement in the afternoon. Even Steven and I did some dance and the kids thought this was pretty funny. We LOVED the kids and the staff was open and helpful. Their program is very good and seems like a true contribution to the community. We want to send them some money in the future as we think their program provides a much needed service in the community.
Thank you SO MUCH for arranging this opportunity for us! The bus ride and walk to the program twice a day was good exposure for our kids and training for our high trek in the Andes.
The food was very good, the staff was good-natured and upbeat, people were there to pick us up when needed, etc. We were very happy with how it went. Ending the trek and camping at LARES hot springs was very, very cool!
An amazing Ecuador adventure filled with volcanoes, crater lakes, biking and snorkelling, before the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos stole the show.
Overall it was an amazing trip, Galapagos blew our minds with all the nature, very special place, loads of memories to take with us.
Highlights: Cuicocha lake first crater walk at altitude (tiring but we all did it) followed by visit to Cotopaxi volcano. The main highlight, arriving in Galapagos, scene out of Jurassic Park.
Quilotoa crater lake – amazing to look at. Galapagos – snorkelling, biking, boat trips all excellent.
Miguel (Quito part) (guide) was excellent, and Paquito his driver was quiet and polite. Miguel’s knowledge was unbelievable and he adjusted our days as required and accommodated stops etc.
Thinking about the next one already!
A fantastic Galapagos experience from start to finish, with excellent guides, great food, lovely hotels and a perfectly planned pace. We wouldn’t have skipped a thing.
Thank you so much for putting together our Galapagos trip. It was FANTASTIC.
My husband and I were chatting and we honestly don’t think we would skip any of the activities and tours we did if we could do it all again.
The guides were fantastic, the food was great, the pace was great, and the hotels were great!
I shall be recommending you all to anyone who asks. If we ever decide to actually go to Patagonia, I will be in touch!
Thanks again.
A beautifully organised self-guided trek through Torres del Paine, with challenging trails, stunning mountain scenery, unforgettable stargazing and the freedom to enjoy Patagonia at our own pace.
As an older non Spanish speaking couple hailing from Australia, booking our 5 day solo Torres del Paine W trek with Andean Trails was the perfect start to realise our adventure.
Having all our accommodation, transfers, inclusive meals and comprehensive pack list sorted to suit our itinerary by such knowledgeable, professional and amenable travel experts meant we could focus our efforts entirely on the trek.
We were blessed by great weather – a considerable bonus given we took a few hours longer to complete each daily walk as some of the trails were challenging too but the stunning views that unfolded along the trails provided impetus for us to persevere. We also found our walking poles were essential for ascents and descents on steeper slopes. Our last night was a fixed tent camping spot – comfortable enough and allowed for unreal Milky Way stargazing in the wee small hours.
Our 3 nights in Refugios were good – took a bit of getting used to sharing space with 4 other bunk bed mates and it helped being organised the night before when setting off for a pre-dawn start with head torches.
The food provided was fine and portions adequate to needs and the Chilean staff were all friendly and helpful.
In summary whilst we have physically come down from the mountain tops we are still on an emotional high! Our entire Patagonian trip was nourishment for the heart and soul and a truly awesome experience to be immersed in such an incredible, diverse and unique natural environment – the sound of roaring rivers, the thunder of shifting glaciers , the winds through the forest and high peaks further complimented our sensory experience. There are many options for trekkers to explore in terms of walks and destinations within this mighty National Park to suit fitness and/or time constraints.
Our advice would be take your time considering what you feel comfortable with challenging yourself (I was certainly apprehensive about my ability to complete the full 70km circuit and we ended up doing less kms towards the end which felt just fine and meant we we could have more time sitting on a rock admiring Grey glacier from a greater distance) and then make it happen, one beautiful step at a time – you might even glimpse a Puma along the way!
Pam and Paul, Australia, Paine W self-guided, Chile. March 2025
A dream visit to the Marble Caves became an unforgettable Patagonia adventure, filled with glaciers, horseback riding, hiking, breathtaking scenery and exceptional local guides.
Visiting the Marble Caves has been on my bucket list for some time. With our planned trip to SA ending in Santiago this was the chance I had been waiting for. I started researching how to get to the Marble Caves and stumbled across Andeans Trails and Terra Luna by chance. The more research I did the more this seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. (a shuttle to and from the airport, lodging, food, and other outdoor activities besides the Cave Tour) Plus it had good reviews and seemed reputable. I contacted Andean Trails and Kathy (you) responded immediately, and our conversation continued until we had everything booked and in place. I was extremely pleased at how promptly every question or concern I had was addressed! I was a little nervous about flying to such a remote area where I did not know the language very well. A few days before we arrived our guide Andres sent me a msg that had such a welcoming tone all my fears were erased.
From the minute we landed in Balmaceda until we returned home the trip was magical!!! Part of it was like taking me back to my childhood. A long gravel road I walked often to my grandma’s log cabin in the woods with a wood stove. And so much of the vegetation was the same! I found out Puerto Gaudal is close to the 45th parallel S, and I live on the 45th parallel N! I was like deja vu! (Except for the Andes, GC Lake and Northern Icefield.)
I knew there were other outdoor activities available but I didn’t do any serious research on them, my mind was on getting to the Caves. That lead to a wow moment around every corner! My love of glaciers was rewarded in the trip to Leones Glacier with lunch on the moraine. The horseback ride on Erradica taught me new glacial terms! The time spent in Patagonia NP was very moving, esp Doug Tompkins grave. The hike to the Confluence and the waterfall was awesome. The fossil bed hike was challenging but Andres took his time with us and was so encouraging. Well worth the effort to get there!
To sum this up: Andean Trails very nicely made my dream to see the Marble Caves come true. They were easy to work with, replied promptly and did everything they could to make sure the trip went smoothly.
Terra Luna – A hidden gem in the heart of Patagonia! the lodging – wonderful, the scenery – breathtaking, the activities – invigorating , food – delicious, staff – top notch (every single one), Phillipe – so welcoming, Andres – (guide) top notch!
The only critique would be Terra Luna needs to clean the hot tub. It is a beautiful tub, beautiful view and the water was hot but the boards were a little slimy. Overall the place was awesome and I give them 99.9 rating.
