Llama Travel FAQs

A: Llama Travel is a family-run company, established in the UK in 2002. The company was founded by Luca Newbold, who had lived in Peru for four years and travelled all over Latin America, and Charles Newbold, former Managing Director of Thomson Holidays (Tui). We specialise in creating small group tours to Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Our goal is simple: to offer well-organised and flexible holidays, with great value, while travelling in a small group.

A: Our focus is on offering the best possible holidays at the best possible prices. We’ve been recognised with multiple awards for our excellent service and value, and 99% of our past customers say they would recommend us to a friend. You can read what people say about travelling with us [here]. What’s more, we know that customer service is essential. So when you call us, you’ll speak to a person. Our sales team loves travel, and wherever you want to travel, you can speak to someone who’s been there.

A: Selling directly to our customers means we can keep prices lower by avoiding agents’ fees. It also means you speak directly with our knowledgeable team, who know our holidays inside-out. We love getting to know our customers and believe that direct contact allows us to deliver the best possible service, with enthusiasm and expertise at every stage of your journey.

A: Your money is completely safe when you book with Llama Travel. All our flight-inclusive holidays are protected by the ATOL scheme (ATOL 5804), which means you’re covered in the unlikely event of airline or company failure. You’ll receive an official ATOL Certificate at the time of booking, confirming your protection. For more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. For holidays that do not include flights, your booking is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers, providing the same high level of financial protection. For further information, visit www.ipplondon.co.uk . Llama Travel is also in a strong financial position, and we take our responsibility to our customers seriously, so you can book and travel with total confidence.

A: Our small group holidays are flexible and designed to give you more choice. In many destinations, we use modular itineraries that can be combined in different ways, so you can tailor your holiday, but it allows us to keep our prices as low as possible. For example, our core Peru tour, Incas & Conquistadors, can be combined with modules visiting Lake Titicaca, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, the Amazon rainforest, the Nazca Lines, and more, creating your perfect trip.

A: Our groups are small, with a maximum of 18 people. This keeps the experience personal and flexible, while still offering great value. Travelling in a small group allows more time with your guide, easier access to sights and a friendly, sociable atmosphere with like-minded travellers.

A: Our holidays are designed for UK travellers who enjoy exploring in small groups. Most people travel as couples or with friends, and we also welcome solo travellers, typically aged 40 to 70.

A: We never compromise on quality. We have set up our UK operation to be as efficient as possible. And because of the way we work in destinations, we work with specific hotels, so we are able to negotiate excellent rates. Our modular approach means we keep customers together, allowing us to offer the best possible prices. By selling direct and working closely with trusted local suppliers, we can negotiate excellent rates without cutting corners.

A: Yes, absolutely. You’ll have support throughout your trip from both our UK office and our trusted local partners. While most trips run seamlessly, if anything unexpected arises (like a flight delay or strike), we’ll assist you and keep you informed. Help is just a phone call or email away.

A: We’re here to support you every step of the way. If something unexpected happens during your holiday, such as a flight delay, strike or local disruption, our UK team and trusted local partners will work quickly to make alternative arrangements and keep you informed.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we brought all our customers home safely and refunded everyone who couldn’t travel, with no quibbles. That same level of care and integrity continues today, so you can book knowing you’re in safe hands.

A: Breakfast is included every day. Some tours also include lunch and/or dinner, particularly during excursions or at full-board stays such as Galapagos cruises or wildlife lodges. However, eating out is part of the pleasure of travelling to a new place, so we also give you plenty of opportunities to discover the local cuisine on your own. You can find full meal details in each holiday’s day-by-day itinerary.

A: Yes. Flights from London are included in the price for all of our holidays. Regional departures are also available for a supplement – just ask our team for details. If you would rather book your own flights, we can also arrange holidays without flights.

A: Each country has different requirements, and these can vary by age. You can visit www.travelhealthpro.org.uk for general guidance, or check the “Essential Information” section on your chosen holiday page for destination-specific details. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel health clinic for the latest vaccination and medical advice.

A: For most of our destinations, UK citizens do not need a visa in advance, but details for each country are listed in the “Essential Information” on each holiday page.

A: Yes, there is a single supplement, as hotels charge extra for single occupancy. The cost varies by destination and hotel. Many of our travellers join us solo, and our team can advise on the single supplement for your chosen holiday.

A: You can pay your deposit by debit or credit card, and your balance by bank transfer. We don’t accept credit cards for balance payments because card processing fees are high, and avoiding these costs helps us keep our prices as low as possible. All payments are protected under our ATOL and IPP schemes, so you can book with complete confidence.

A: Yes. All our holidays include checked-in luggage on flights.

A: All entrance fees are included on our excursions, so you don’t need to pay locally.

A: In the rare event of a flight cancellation, our team – both in the UK and locally – will make alternative arrangements to keep your holiday running smoothly. We’ll liaise with the airline and update you throughout the process.

A: Yes, we’ll do our best to accommodate changes, subject to availability and any applicable amendment fees. Please contact us as early as possible if you’d like to make a change.

A: If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible by phone or email. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you cancel – full details can be found in our booking conditions. We always recommend taking out travel insurance that covers cancellation.

A: We often have discounts on our holidays. Just check the holiday you are interested in. You can find current offers on our website or by signing up to our newsletter to be among the first to hear about them.

A: Your final travel documents – including your itinerary, flight details, and contact information for local partners – will be sent to you around two to three weeks before departure. You’ll receive them in the post, so you have a hard copy of all documents.

A: Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf, summarised the main visa and passport requirements for our destinations to help you prepare for your trip. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination, and details for each country are listed in the “Essential Information” on each holiday page.

A: Staying connected abroad is easy. Most hotels and cafes offer free WiFi, and mobile coverage is good in most destinations. If your UK network includes international roaming, you can use your phone as usual. For cheaper data, consider an eSIM such as Airalo or Nomad, which you can set up before you travel, or buy a local SIM card when you arrive. You’ll need your passport for registration, and your guide or hotel can help.