The Llama Travel Blog

In light of Charles Darwin being born 210 years ago today, you might be interested to find out a little bit more about how the Galapagos Islands contributed to the theory of evolution. Here you can find a simple guide to the science behind this theory, as well as what to expect on a holiday to the Galapagos.

From the lava landscapes and cactus forests to the abundant sea lions, iguanas, tortoises and boobies that call the Galapagos home, these islands are an iconic destination. The cost of visiting the Galapagos Islands depends on a range of factors such as the time of year and whether you choose to stay in hotels or embark on a cruise. With this in mind, we’ve created a list of FAQs to facilitate your Galapagos holiday research and help you to decide which option suits your budget and needs.

The Amazon. Otherwise known as the ‘Lungs of Planet Earth’ because it produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen. It is a vast rainforest reaching into Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia, and boasts one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Life here moves at a different pace, and you’ll find it easy to slip into the jungle way of life – early starts to watch the sunrise, daily excursions to visit remote tribes and learn about their culture, boat trips to see endless wildlife and night-time adventures to discover the magic that goes on when the sun sets and the jungle comes alive with nocturnal creatures.

I was lucky enough to enjoy a few days in the Ecuadorian Amazon earlier this year, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Here are a few of my highlights...

Ecuador is world famous for the Galapagos Islands – an archipelago which more-than-deserves its reputation. Not only is the wildlife there abundant and easy to spot, but Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was formed here, and to this day the islands are an important destination for scientists.

However, while Galapagos is undoubtedly special, there is more to Ecuador than these offshore islands.

Here are some of the features of mainland Ecuador which make it worth visiting.

You've been dreaming about visiting the Galapagos and now your flights are finally booked. Your departure date is looming and packing remains on your to do list. What exactly do you need for a trip to the Galapagos? This is a common question we receive, and although each traveller's needs may be slightly different, there are a few staple items which will make anyone's Galapagos visit more pleasant and convenient. Here's what you should pack for a trip to the Galapagos. 

A hotel-based stay is an increasingly popular option for Galapagos trips, thanks to its affordability and comfort. The islands are explored on a series of day trips and here Jordan discovers the island of North Seymour.

“Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture.” - Mark Kurlansky

Hacienda Zuleta is a stunning and luxurious farmstay in the Ecuadorian paramo of the Imbabura province, outside Quito. It is a very special destination, as Catherine, our marketing executive discovered recently.

Llama Travel’s Travel Consultant Matt has travelled all over South America, from the dense jungles of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest to the colonial cities of Colombia, but for him, a certain volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean will always be a particularly special place. Read on to see why Matt thinks that the Galapagos Islands are as extraordinary today as they were when Darwin first set foot on them almost 180 years ago.