Andean Trails

05/09/2024

Patagonia high season is upon us and spaces are getting booked up fast!

But the good news is we have some late availability on our 15-day Patagonia Highlight Trekking trip:
-21 Dec 2024 (very few spaces)
-18 Jan 2025
- 01 Feb 2025.

Our Patagonia small group trekking holiday takes you to a walker’s paradise; jagged Andean mountains, blue glaciers and gauchos.

You travel to the best sites in Argentina’s Los Glaciares (Fitzroy), Chile’s Torres del Paine, and Tierra del Fuego in Ushuaia.

https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/tour/patagonia-highlights-trekking-trip/

29/08/2024

Classic Treks : Ready for the Peruvian Andes mountains in 2025?

We have a confirmed departure for the spectacular Huayhuash Trek in Peru's Cordillera Blanca, from 26 May to 10 June.

This is a great circuit for anybody who loves the high mountains, with some of the best Andean scenery in South America.

Itinerary
May 26: Arrive Lima, transfer to hotel.
May 27: Transfer to station, public bus to Huaraz (8 hours), arrival transfer to hotel (B)
May 28: Briefing, local walks, hotel (B)
May 29: Cordillera Blanca acclimatisation walk, hotel. (B)
May 30: Laguna Churup (4,500m) acclimatisation walk, hotel (B,L)
May 31 to June 8: Huayhuash 9 day trek. (B,L,D)
June 8: Drive to Huaraz, hotel (B,L,D)
June 9: Bus to Lima, hotel (B)
June 10: Depart.



Thanks to Rodolfo for his fabulous photos.

27/08/2024

A little while ago Als and Daniel returned from their Ecuador and Galapagos (and Colombia but more on that later) holiday and left us some superb feedback and fantastic photos!🙂

"Kat provided us with the most amazing holiday to Ecuador, the Galapagos and Colombia. We could not have wished for a better holiday.

She planned it to meet every single need and want we expressed, as well as more! The time and effort she went to to make the trip as smooth and easy was incredible! We felt totally looked after both by her before the trip as well as during the trip with all the guides and timings of everything that she had arranged."

We chose Andean Trails as they were the most accommodating, organized and efficient in their communication, coming up with an itinerary which matched 100 % with what we wanted.

It is hard to express what the highlights were as it really was constant fun and amazement but if I was to try to pinpoint a few from each it would be in Ecuador, taking the time to travel out of Quito to visit Otavalo for a couple of days.

We stayed in the most incredible hotel, based on a ranch with stunning views, incredible staff, food and horse riding in the mountains. We also got the chance to visit some wonderful waterfalls.

In the Galapagos, the highlights were not only the sea lions, turtles, giant tortoises and iguanas but other incredible wildlife both in Santa Cruz and Isabella Island but also the wonderful hotel in Isabela Island where we were right on the beach!

The dream holiday! Thanks so much Kat!"

20/08/2024

Acción Andina continue their vital work reforestation work in a number of Andean countries and say that “planting trees is one of the most impactful actions we can take to combat environmental challenges and support the health of our planet”.

In Peru, their flagship project in Vilcanota, Sacred Valley of the Incas, is producing 400,000 seedlings across 20 community-managed nurseries.

At Andean Trails we are proud to contribute to ECOAN and Acción Andina, helping to restore and conserve the beautiful mountain landscapes we trek and travel through for local communities and future generations.

(Thanks to ECOAN and ACCA for the photos)

Interested in trekking in the Peruvian Andes?
https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/tour/lares-valley-trek/
https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/tour/ausangate-lodge-trek/

16/08/2024

Planning a trip to Patagonia?

Do you prefer to get off the beaten track, would you like to incorporate some walking, an estancia visit, roast lamb, horse riding.....?

Read our blog on the variety of day trips options from El Calafate to the marvellous Los Glaciares national park, with the jewel of Perito Moreno at its heart.

https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/blog/perito-moreno-glacier-day-tours/

06/08/2024

The Ausangate Lodge Trek is Kat's favourite trek in Peru's Andes.

It's a wonderful community tourism project and staying in cosy lodges adds to its appeal for those whose camping days are over!

The landscapes are breath-taking and range from high peaks and passes to altiplanic lakes and lagoons, to the now famous Rainbow Mountain.

Don't be surprised if you don't see another soul for large parts of this trek!

https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/tour/ausangate-lodge-trek/

01/08/2024

As of today, Galapagos Park Entry fees are increasing for the first time in decades.

Adults will pay now USD 200, children under 12 USD 100 to visit the islands.

Money received from entrance fees are crucial to support ongoing conservation work in this fragile environment.

31/07/2024

The outstanding work of Acción Andina is captured in this video, reminding us why it is crucial to support reforestation in the Andes.

At Andean Trails we are proud to contribute to Ecoan and Accion Andina, helping to restore and conserve the beautiful mountain landscapes we trek and travel through for local communities and future generations.

30/07/2024

Off to Bolivia?

Check out Kat's Uyuni salt flats tour video, of the stunning Red Lagoon / Laguna Colorada.

The Salar de Uyuni is just one highlight on the 3 day 4 wheel drive tour we offer through the surrounding Altiplano desert landscapes - an area of incredible lagoons, beautiful colours, bubbling geysers, hot springs and flamingoes.

https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/tour/uyuni-salt-flats/

24/07/2024

Located in the Andean foothills of southern-central Chile, the Nasampulli Reserve consists of threatened native araucaria forest. This ancient species is thought to have evolved 200 million years ago. 🌳

Today, the Nasampulli Reserve is home to endangered animals such as: the guiña cat, one of the world's smallest endangered wild cats; the pudu, one of the world's smallest deer; the monito del monte, a threatened marsupial known as a living fossil; the magellanic woodpecker and the puma.

You can help us protect this special place. Learn more about Nasampulli here: https://www.rainforestconcern.org/projects/nasampulli-reserve 💚

📷 by Nick Charlesworth

24/07/2024

Sea lions lazing on pavements, White Tip Reef sharks circling Kicker Rock, Winged Albatross displaying on Espanola Island.

Find out more about San Cristobal Island, its many sights and all the wonderful day trips and excursions!

See day trips for land-based holidays to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. Choose the best tours to enjoy from a hotel, from Kicker Rock to the 360 tour.

11/07/2024

The Atacama is looking blooming lovely!

"The desert blooms usually happen in the spring, but this year's heavier-than-usual rainfall has brought flowers out early."

Swaths of the Atacama Desert’s usually barren sand are currently carpeted with a colorful bloom of white and purple flowers.

09/07/2024

Meet the Andean Trails team!

😉

05/07/2024

This July the Devil's Throat walkway is re-opening at the mighty Iguazu Falls, taller than Niagara and wider than Victoria!

The walkway to the wildest part of the Falls had been damaged by floods months ago but is now open to visitors again, taking you close to the "Devil's Throat" for some breath-taking, spray-filled views! 💦🌊🩵

24/06/2024

Planning a trip to Chile? Why not add a few days on fascinating, tranquil Chiloé Island?

Kat, from the Andean Trails office, writes of her favourite parts of the island and gives some top tips on where to visit and what to do on Chiloé.

Read Kat’s blog about her recent visit. https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/blog/chiloe-island-tours/

24/06/2024

Emily really enjoyed her 3-day Horse-riding trip in Ecuador’s stunning Cotopaxi National Park.

She tells us the “highlight was being out on horseback in the quiet of the beautiful landscape.”

18/06/2024

Sue Ormiston has just returned from her trip around southern Peru, taking in Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the Amazon rainforest.

She sent these pics and said: "The holiday was fantastic overall. Thanks for all your help. We've had a great time!

"There were two highlights: the first was finishing the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu. And the second was the trip to Tambopata Research Centre in the Amazon Rainforest.

"Food everywhere was very good. Guides everywhere were excellent, especially the guide at Colca Canyon. (Elar), Elvis at Lake Titicaca, the Inca Trail (Felipe) and at Tambopata (Boris).

"Overall organisation was excellent. Everything worked smoothly, like clockwork!

"Andean Trails was recommended to us by a friend. The places we chose to visit because they all sounded amazing and they were!"

13/06/2024

Planning a Galapagos trip can seem daunting at first, but it need not be.

From the moment you check in at the airport for your flight, to navigating your way around the islands on a land-based itinerary, our latest blog has all the info. 🐙🐠🦈🐡🦩 🐢

https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/blog/travelling-around-galapagos-islands/

Read our essential guide to travelling around the Galapagos Islands. Research ferries, speeds boats, flights, and timetables for your tour.

10/06/2024

It's more about the birds than the bees in this morning's (good) news story straight from the Ecuadorian Cloudforest.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/01/more-profitable-than-farming-how-ecuadors-birding-boom-is-benefiting-wildlife

With hundreds of highly prized species, bird tourism is thriving in the country – and farmers are increasingly turning their land into nature reserves

07/06/2024

More great news from Huchuy Yachaq, one of the fantastic community projects we support in South America.

Three pupils supported by the project have been given scholarships to study English at the prestigious Peruvian-USA Cultural Institute, ICPNA. Huge congregations to them and to everyone at Huchuy Yachaq!

It just shows that even a small project can make a big difference to children’s lives.

30/05/2024

Michelle and Dan are just back from an amazing trip to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. They hiked the Inca trail and beat the crowds to Machu Picchu! They then continued on to Ecuador and the fabulous Galapagos Islands.

This is what they said: “We just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic holiday. Everything went smoothly and exceeded our expectations. Flights, transfers, trips etc all on time, all guides were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We liked all the hotels we stayed in. Even the weather was great for us!

“We were the first to the Sun gate and enjoyed a virtually empty first hour at Machu Picchu.

“The animals and snorkelling in the Galapagos were successful with sharks, sea lions, penguins, seahorses, turtles, marine iguanas, rays and even a dolphin!

“So we want to say a huge thank you to you for all your help in the planning, answering our questions and guiding us which meant it was such a success.

“We will definitely be recommending you to our friends.

Kind regards
Michelle and Dan”

Thanks, Michelle and Dan, we're really pleased to hear that everything went so well! Thanks again for choosing to travel with Andean Trails.

24/05/2024

Geena and Izzy sent us this message from Cusco, Peru where they really enjoyed their time as volunteers at Huchuy Yachaq, one of the fantastic community projects we support in South America.

"The after school club has a great library with lots of books, there are lots of tables for children to do their homework and space for games and football. We helped two girls with their English homework, working on pronunciation and simple conversations. It was a great experience to help and study with the children who were all so friendly and happy to learn. They also helped us a lot with our Spanish. It’s an amazing project and I will definitely return to volunteer when I’m next in Cusco."

Find out more about Huchuy Yachaq here:
https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/huchuy-yachaq/

23/05/2024

Brian Sargent returned from his trip to Ecuador's cloud forest and the Galapagos Islands with fantastic memories—and photos—and this sparkling review!

He said: "At over 80, l am not up to the impressive hiking of younger travellers in 2024. So I researched broadly the Galapagos holiday l wanted in addition to a trip around South America.

"Enter Tom at Andean Trails. I quickly realized his long personal experiences in Ecuador & Galapagos could improve on my broad plans. So handed them to him to provide the detailed 3-week trip including hotel & transfers at Quito, 12 days on a boat in Galapagos, 6 days in island hotels, and some days in cloud forest with all transfers & documents.

"Tom at Andean Trails listened, understood and sorted everything for me. Before, during and after my trip of a lifetime.

"Andean Trails Ltd for Ecuador & Galapagos are absolutely 100% first class & excellent value. Strongly recommend that travellers use them."

Thanks Brian!



Many Thanks. Brian

17/05/2024

It's Feel Good Friday and nothing makes us feel better than knowing we do more than just organising holidays.

With every trip booked, a percentage goes into one of the projects we support: the Galapagos Conservation Trust, Rainforest Concern, Huchuy Yachaq, the Danielle Children's Fund and ECOAN.

Read our blog post to find out exactly what each of these fabulous charities do, from working with disadvantaged communities to funding essential conservation work in fragile environments through South America.

Andean Trails' update on community projects we support in South America. Read about tree planting, school support, and Galapagos conservation.

15/05/2024

On the vast and wonderful Salar de Uyuni in southern Bolivia our photography tour participants are enjoying perfect conditions.

https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/tour/bolivia-chile-altiplano-photography/
and
https://www.us.brucepercy.com/worldwide-adventures/altiplano-of-bolivia

(Thanks to Bruce and Norman McCloskey for photos from Bolivia https://www.normanmccloskey.com/ )

13/05/2024

It's good news from the Galapagos Islands, where the islands of Espanola and Genovesa have re-opened to visitors after confirmation that Avian Flu is no longer present.

All itineraries will resume visits to both sites with immediate effect.

A successful programme of monitoring and closing certain sites has meant that the spread of Avian Flu was limited - thanks to the many conservation and research projects involved in the daily endeavour to conserve the islands for future generations.

The National Park entrance fee you pay contributes to their work, as well as the annual donation Andean Trails gives to our chosen charity, the fabulous Galapagos Conservation Trust - of course funded in part by you booking your Galapagos holiday with us. 🥰

06/05/2024

Photographers enjoying the autumn early morning light in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, this week.

There are very few people in Paine in May. Although temperatures are low, the wildlife and scenery are still absolutely fabulous.

Contact us if you are interested in a Photography focused tour.

We work in conjunction with renowned photographer Bruce Percy:
https://www.us.brucepercy.com/worldwide-adventures/torres-del-paine-patagonia

We also run bespoke, tailor made, photography tours:
https://www.andeantrails.co.uk/.../south-america-photo.../

(Thanks to Bruce for this photo)

23/04/2024

Pumas, ice treks, and stunning mountain scenery were just a few highlights from Lars and Susie Smith's epic four-week Patagonia trip with Andean Trails.

Lars said: "After an initial chat on the phone, our general brief was for a month-long trip to Patagonia with an emphasis on trekking. The first comprehensive draft arrived soon after.

"Subsequently, it was a joy to work with Andean Trails as Tom swiftly and effectively amended the plan to reflect our evolving appreciation of where we were heading. Nothing seemed too much trouble, repeat questions included.

"The itinerary was thorough and well briefed, the travel arrangements practical. All the necessary paperwork and ticketing clear and correct. There was never a hitch, doubt or wasted day."

On spotting a puma on the Paine W: "The puma was around the Central hotel area on our way up to the Torres, initially seen as two green eyes in the dark at about 30m. We waited at the hotel until half-light, tried again, only to face it coming around the corner here. We finally continued 15 minutes later, passing it lying in the grass about 20m off the path. Seen by others up to an hour later. One of a pair, apparently. Kind of (not) cuddly!"

We recommend Andean Trails, and Tom, without reservation and aim to use their services again.

18/04/2024

Leaving Santiago on a clear day, this was Kat's view from the plane - snowy Andes allround! ✈️🗻🏔️