The Llama Travel Blog

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...

Most people are drawn to South America for its mind-blowing landscapes, diverse culture and outstanding nature that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. However, while these are all undoubtedly great reasons to visit, the continent’s cities have a lot to brag about too, each one holding something special and unique. From colonial architecture to exotic coastlines and mountain backdrops, these places are well worth spending a few days in. Here are a few of our favourites:

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.

Looking out at the lake, the surrounding mountains were perfectly mirrored in the glassy water. The air was nippy - frescito, as the locals would say – and each breath in gave me a little jolt of energy. I sat on the remains of an adobe wall, now little more than a haphazard pile of bricks, and took in the scenery.

Peru is as diverse as it is beautiful and like many destinations, the people you meet are as much a part of the experience as the sights. The Peruvian highlands, which encompass Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca (and more) are home to indigenous people who keep their traditions alive, providing an important insight into how highland communities live. 

For visitors to Torres del Paine, Llama Travel offers two trekking options. The Las Torres Trek is a full day trek of approximately seven hours, crossing uneven terrain, including rustic rope bridges, while the Hike to Lake Sarmiento option is an easier 3 hour walk with gentle undulations.

In either case, you will be exposed to the unpredictable weather conditions of Chilean Patagonia, and packing the right equipment is key to your enjoyment of either trek.