Plan Your Trip
South America’s pride, the Andes is the continent’s 4,500-mile-long spine that has earned the title of the world’s longest continental mountain chain. With awe-inspiring landscapes that are must-see spectacles in themselves, this cordillera is also home to dozens of distinct cultural groups, each possessing their own language, history, and civilization – yet all sharing the same spirit of the Andes.
No matter what destination you’re considering to visit along the expansive backbone of the South American continent, contact Surtrek South American Travel so that we can start planning your Andean adventure.
Amazingly long (4,300 miles), and surprisingly thin (between 120 to 430 miles wide), the Andes is also the world's highest mountain range outside of Asia ...high enough to leave you breathless in more ways than one.
This region extends from north to south through seven South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela), hosting several high plateaus and major cities that are ideal destinations for any vacation.
In deciding on which Andean vacation to choose, you may want to consider which Andean city will best serve as your base. We think that the following five Andean cities deserving special consideration for those seeking unforgettable Latin American travel experiences.
In sum, on a summer vacation to this region, you will find snowcapped Andes Mountains towering above, seeming to glow in the moonlight. The Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile especially are well suited for everything from active nature adventures to indulgent shopping and dining in its big cities or more relaxed activities like daily walks, hikes, and archeological digs. For a break from the routine, the Andes has it all!
The Andes is a land waiting to be explored and sensed. Whether hiking or horseback riding in the foothills Ecuador’s Cotopaxi Mountain, observing the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu, or even bargaining for handicrafts at the Otavalo market, there’s a mystical air about the Andes. In this region, otherworldly experiences await you everywhere, be it the vast Uyuni salt flat or the Mars-like Atacama Desert. For adventure seekers, you’ll find mountain trekking, whitewater rafting, or herding wild horses across the lunar landscape of the paramo highlands the thrill of a lifetime. Then too, opportunities for cultural contacts with indigenous communities abound, whether at local markets, working haciendas, or visits with local families or schools. Similarly, you will get a chance to step back in time as you experience legendary Inca and pre-Inca sites such as Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and Ingapirca. And, to top all of this off, the Andes is also known for its unique chances for wildlife watching, as you can observe herds of wild alpacas grazing across Altiplano plains and majestic condors floating through mountain canyons. For these and other experiences, Surtrek welcomes you on your own unique and personalized journey through South America’s Andes.
Most definitely! The vast Andean region is generally a safe place to visit, especially those areas that you’ll be visiting while accompanied by your experienced Surtrek guides. Like any destination — especially one so extensive as the Andes — there are sites that travelers should avoid, but your local guides will direct you well away from any area with a questionable reputation. Travelers should also note that the crime rates in the Andes and the US cities aren’t too different, though travelers should exercise a little extra caution and use “common sense.” You can avoid putting temptation in the path of questionable people by never leaving your belongings unattended; keeping your wallet, purse, cell phone, and money on you and close to you; not carrying large sums of cash on you, withdrawing money inside the bank, etc. By following these and other common-sense tips, you’re much more than likely to have an incident-free and highly rewarding travel experience here in the Andes.
When traveling to and through the southern Andes (southern Argentina &/or Chile), keep in mind that the Southern Hemisphere’s summer takes place during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. This means that the best time to visit the southern Andes is from November to early March – though you'll meet up with larger numbers of tourists during this peak season.
As for the northern “Tropical” Andes of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia, the temperatures here remain relatively constant throughout the year. While the destinations here can be easily visited year-round, the very best months to visit this region is during the dryer period that extends from May to November. The somewhat rainier “wet season” extends from December to April. Also, note that Machu Picchu is closed in February due to rain and for maintenance.
In most parts of the Andes, you’ll experience all four seasons in one day – from the intense, high-altitude sun during the daytime to chilly winter-like nights.
Though you’ll receive a detailed packing list after you book your once-in-a-lifetime Andean adventure tour with Surtrek, the following tips and general pack list provides useful guidelines for traveling in the Andean mountains:
Andean Packing Tips
Essential Items
As for the essential items to bring along when traveling through the Andes, this list is meant to be suggestive rather than comprehensive:
Keep in mind, wherever you choose to journey across the vast Andean mountain chain, you’ll be met by a Surtrek representative the moment you touch down at the closest international airport. From there you’ll be continuously accompanied by this representative or guide throughout your adventure until the time of your final departure.
Based here in the Andes since 1993, Surtrek has been introducing adventurous travelers to authentic, environmentally friendly, tailor-made luxury travel experiences across South America. Over this time, we have become adept at offering some of the best and most complete tour services through and across the Andes.
With our experienced travel team of 25 members strong — including native speakers of five different languages — we will work one-on-one with you to custom-design an Andean tour that perfectly suits your particular interests and needs.
Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?
Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!
“A note to thank you immensely for all your guidance & assistance in planning & completing our South American tour, including Quito, Galapagos, Santiago & Rapa Nui. It truly was an adventure & a fitting celebration of our 60th wedding anniversary”
