The Llama Travel Blog

Chile is currently one of the fastest countries in the world to be vaccinating, with over 40% of the country’s population already having received their first jab. On April 12^th, the UK government is set to announce how international travel will restart, and with this in mind, we want to tell you why Chile should be high on your list for a post-lockdown getaway. To make the most of the warmer months in the southern hemisphere, our Chile holidays run from October to April, so you can plan to travel to Chile in late 2021 or 2022. From the moonlike landscapes of the Atacama to the lakes and mountains of Patagonia, keep reading to find out how you can discover Chile’s wide open spaces and nature at its best.

A Llama Travel favourite and one of the best lodges in Ecuador, Sacha Lodge is a haven for nature lovers, with a stunning setting in the heart of the Amazon Jungle. With fantastic conservation efforts and unique facilities including a rotating exploration crane, canopy walk and observation tower, the lodge promises an unforgettable stay in an area teeming with monkeys, sloths, caimans, turtles and prolific birdlife including vibrant macaws and toucans.

With incredible wildlife, lush rainforests and tropical beaches, Costa Rica is the perfect place to book for a post-pandemic retreat, brimming with green spaces and sustainable lodges where you can really get back to nature and appreciate the simple things in life. We’re excited to show you the new options we’ve introduced for those who want to take advantage of Costa Rica’s amazing biodiversity combined with its reputation for adventure, including a three-day extension to the multi-award-winning Pacuare Lodge. Nestled within 25,000 acres of pristine rainforest, the eco-lodge takes you away from civilisation with a fabulous gourmet restaurant, infinity pool, birdwatching and hiking trips, all included in the price.

Read this blog to find out eight of the new and existing activities that allow you to take a step back from the hectic fast-moving world and appreciate the natural paradise of Costa Rica. 

Since having our movements limited over the last year, many of us have discovered a newfound appreciation for walking, cycling and anything that lets us enjoy the great outdoors. But we know that many of you are itching to get beyond your local area. That's why we've compiled a range of new active adventures for you to start planning, so that you have something to look forward to when it's finally time to shake off the post-lockdown cobwebs.

From horse riding in Patagonia and kayaking in the Chilean Lake District, to white-water rafting in Costa Rica or trekking the classic Inca Trail, our activities allow you to discover the jaw-dropping scenery of Latin America and Africa from a whole new perspective. Keep reading to be inspired by 11 outdoor adventures in Latin America and Africa. 

Although none of us could have predicted how 2020 would pan out, one of the silver linings for Llama Travel has been the time we've been able to dedicate to improving our holidays. We’ve just added a fantastic range of active excursions. So, for those who want to try something more adventurous when on holiday, this is possible. But for those who prefer taking things at a more relaxed pace, you can still do that. It’s your choice.

Scroll down for some of the new activities we now offer, from kayaking on Lake Titicaca, to horse riding in Patagonia and white-water rafting in Costa Rica. And if you fancy delving deeper into the local culture, we’ve added options so you can now make an authentic Pisco Sour cocktail in Lima’s oldest hotel, experience Rio de Janeiro like a local or cook up a three-course feast in Mexico.

Welcome 2021 and farewell 2020. It’s been… interesting.

I know that I am no different to many others in that the end of 2020 has brought about a period of reflection on the difficult circumstances of Covid-19, and plans for how things will be different in 2021. I am focusing on the positives of the past year, and would like to share these with you, along with what we can do in the coming year to make Llama Travel a better company, regardless of general circumstances. 

Over the last few months, we’ve been busy working behind the scenes on exciting new destinations to pin on the Llama Travel map. In July 2019, we introduced a whole new continent, Africa. Using our expertise and the same combination of high quality, excellent value and small group flexible tours that we offer in Latin America, our Africa holidays have a mix of amazing wildlife, culture, activities and scenery, paired with authentic lodges and great cuisine. Until now, we’ve only offered trips to Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Victoria Falls.

We’re excited to announce that our next country is located in East Africa, sitting on the equator and offering everything from game-filled national parks and picturesque mountain scenery to palm-fringed white sandy beaches. Here’s what our Product Manager, Scott, saw during his time in Kenya - all the photos in this blog are his own. 

Stuck on what to pack for your Botswana safari experience? Here are some recommendations to help you plan and pack everything you need for your Botswana adventure.

Showcasing a varied landscape from the soaring Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and all the way to the coast, Peru has plenty more to offer than just Machu Picchu, full of archaeological wonders which bear testament to a history of vibrant civilisations and architectural mastery. Situated just outside of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas contains everything from small local ruins to entire ancient cities with UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Elsewhere in the 1.2 million-square kilometre country, hundreds of other archaeological riches can be found. Keep reading to find out our top archaeological sites to visit.

Being able to travel is a privilege - experiencing new cultures, taking in extraordinary scenery and indulging in mouth-watering cuisine from all over the world. But never has this felt truer than now.

As our movements are restricted and we wait for the current situation to improve, we can’t help but dream about the places we’d like to visit when it’s safe to do so. We know that top of the agenda for many people will be the destinations where you can be at one with nature, with wide open spaces and few people to share your holiday with.

If you’ve signed up to our newsletter, you’ll know that we’ve recently launched some amazing prices for our 2021 holidays, with discounts of up to £600 per couple and a guaranteed refund or option to rebook if we can’t operate your trip.

Keep reading to find out our top five post-pandemic holidays in Latin America and Africa where you can escape the crowded beaches and chock-a-block cities to experience the world’s natural beauty.