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.

This trip has been in the offing since nearly two years ago when I was having lunch with Flo at our favourite eatery. She said to me, “Mum, do you still want to go to Peru?” . It’s something I’d dreamt of since learning about the people of the Andes at junior school, aged about 9 or 10 and had been inspired by the pictures of the people, their textiles and the mountains. We spent some time comparing companies and decided to go with Llama Travel, who gave us a good price and seemed friendly, experienced and well organised (the clue is in the name!).

So here I am in a twin room at the Casa Andina Select Hotel in Lima at the end of our first full day.

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.

For many people who visit Argentina, going to a tango show is an essential part of their trip. On a recent visit to Buenos Aires, Karen from Llama Travel spent an evening at Café de los Angelitos, watching the impressive tango routines whilst tucking into a three-course dinner.

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...

On my latest trip to Costa Rica I had the opportunity to visit a private cloud forest reserve called the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Reserve. Having previously visited other cloud forests in Costa Rica I was pleasantly surprised by this place.

All across Latin America, meat reigns supreme. As a vegetarian travelling in the region, you will find your options pretty limited, depending on where you’re travelling. However, there are ways to avoid meat slipping onto your plate.

The first trick is to be mindful of the fact that Latin America culture does not embrace vegetarianism – far from it. In many cases people struggle to comprehend the concept at all. This means that you need to be specific about what you do not eat.

So you’ve decided you want to visit Costa Rica. You’ve heard the weather is warm, the locals are friendly and its one of the most biodiverse places on earth. It sounds like the holiday of your dreams. Only problem is that the more research you do, the harder it seems to make a decision about where to visit. Two popular destinations among visitors to this little country are Manuel Antonio and Corcovado. Two national parks, both on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. So what is the difference? How do you choose one over the other?

Buenos Aires is a sprawling metropolis on the banks of the Rio Plata. With its strong history of immigration (particularly from Italy), Buenos Aires boasts a uniquely European feel for a South American city. Long boulevards are lined with trees and beautiful buildings. Traditional cafes and tango clubs can be found on many corners, and the local population is as diverse and quirky as you'd expect to find in any big city. 

The Amazon Rainforest is humming with life, from the large mammal species all the way down to the tiny frogs and insects. This is of course why so many travellers venture into the humid depths of the jungle. If you have a trip planned, these are some of the animals you might encounter while you're there.