Business Details
28 Years
experience
South America Adventure Tours & Travel Experts
Andean Trails is a specialist, independent UK-based tour operator offering small group and bespoke tours across South America. Founded in 1998 by Kathy Jarvis after her extensive experience as a tour leader and guidebook writer, the company combines deep local knowledge with firsthand expertise. Our team has lived and travelled in South America for over 40 years, creating authentic itineraries that showcase the continent's wilderness, cultures, and wildlife.We specialise in active adventures, from trekking and climbing to wildlife expeditions, with a commitment to responsible tourism. Our services include fully supported expeditions, expert local guides, and tailor-made itineraries for individuals and groups. Financially protected through ATOL and a trust account, we prioritise customer satisfaction with multilingual support and a dedication to sustainable travel practices.
Services
Trekking Tours
Climbing Expeditions
Wildlife Safaris
Cultural Holidays
Tailor-Made Trips
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialist knowledge in South American travel since 1998
- Our team includes experienced guides fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and German
- We implement fully supported expeditions with pre-set camps and local logistics
- Our ATOL and Trust Account financial protections ensure secure bookings
- We contribute annually to environmental and community projects in Andean nations
Associations and certifications
- ATOL
- Galapagos Conservation Trust
- Rainforest Concern
- LATA Foundation
What people say
Exceptional guides
Seamless arrangements
Stunning locations
Excellent food
Memorable adventures
Services
Trekking Tours
Specialist guided treks across South America's iconic trails including the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and Patagonia's W Trek. Fully supported expeditions with pre-set camps, dining facilities, and expert local guides ensure comfort while exploring remote wilderness areas. Ideal for adventurers seeking immersive mountain experiences with logistical support.
Climbing Expeditions
Guided volcano climbs and high-altitude expeditions in Ecuador and Bolivia, including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Expert leaders with technical expertise provide safety-focused adventures for both experienced climbers and determined novices seeking challenging ascents in spectacular Andean landscapes.
Wildlife Safaris
Galapagos Islands cruises and Amazon rainforest expeditions offering close encounters with unique ecosystems. Expert naturalist guides lead boat trips, island explorations, and jungle treks to observe endemic species while maintaining strict conservation principles through responsible tourism practices.
Cultural Holidays
Immersive cultural experiences combining historical site visits with community interactions across Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Expert-led tours explore Inca ruins, colonial cities, and indigenous communities, providing authentic insights into South America's rich cultural tapestry through carefully curated itineraries.
Tailor-Made Trips
Fully customisable itineraries designed to individual preferences, from luxury travel to multi-activity adventures. Personalised service combines local expertise with flexible planning, creating unique journeys that match specific interests, fitness levels, and travel goals across South America's diverse destinations.
People
Kathy Jarvis
Founder
Kathy founded Andean Trails in 1998 after guiding tours across South America since 1994. With extensive experience in Peru, Patagonia, and the Galapagos, she specialises in creating authentic itineraries that balance adventure with cultural immersion while maintaining responsible tourism practices.
Kat Dougal
Travel Specialist
Kat designs custom itineraries with 20+ years of South American expertise. Fluent in Spanish, she focuses on creating seamless travel experiences that combine adventure with local cultural insights, particularly in Peru and Bolivia, ensuring trips meet specific client requirements.
Tom Shearman
Tour Leader
Tom leads tours across Ecuador, Peru, and Patagonia with specialist knowledge of Galapagos wildlife and Andean cultures. His background in environmental science enhances his ability to provide detailed ecological interpretations during expeditions across diverse South American ecosystems.
Gill Christie
Operations Manager
Gill oversees trip logistics with extensive experience in Ecuador and Galapagos. She ensures operational excellence by maintaining strong local partnerships, focusing on safety standards and sustainable practices that benefit both travellers and host communities.
Questions
What makes Andean Trails different from other tour operators?
We specialise exclusively in South America with 25+ years of firsthand experience. Our team has lived and worked in the region for decades, creating authentic itineraries with local partners while maintaining strict responsible tourism principles.
Do you offer solo traveller-friendly tours?
Yes, our small group tours (6-16 people) naturally attract solo adventurers. We ensure inclusive experiences with like-minded travellers while maintaining flexibility for independent exploration options during itineraries.
How do you support local communities?
We contribute annually to Andean NGOs, employ local guides, and partner with community-run accommodations. Our tours prioritise local businesses for meals, transport, and services, ensuring economic benefits reach host communities directly.
What fitness levels are required for treks?
Trekking grades vary from moderate to challenging. While no technical skills are needed for most routes, good cardiovascular fitness is essential. We provide detailed preparation advice and offer graded trip options to match different ability levels.
How are emergencies handled during expeditions?
All tours have 24/7 local support networks. Remote expeditions carry satellite communication devices. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, with established evacuation protocols and partnerships with regional medical facilities for emergency response.
Can trips be customised for special interests?
Yes, 70% of our bookings are tailor-made. Whether focusing on photography, birdwatching, or family adventures, we create bespoke itineraries that align with specific interests, accessibility needs, and preferred travel styles.
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