News

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. 

Although the current covid situation is still ongoing, the positive vaccine news, and the opening up of borders in Latin America and Africa, means that we can all start looking to the future with a bit more hope, and maybe start thinking again about plans that have been put on hold. It’s fantastic to see many countries and sites in Latin America and Africa reopening, and the UK government has just added Chile, Namibia and Uruguay to the safe travel corridor list. Tourism is a vital part of these economies and we feel a great responsibility to help them get back on their feet. 

These past few months have been a surreal blur but we are seeing green shoots in many of the destinations we sell. There are lots of good things going on in Latin America and Africa - read on to find out about borders reopening, wildlife thriving, ancient ruin discoveries and more. Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this blog to recieve regular offers and updates on our destinations. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has been tough for everyone, and as the country takes steps to a return to some more normal activities, I would like to share my thoughts on what has happened and what might come. I am thankful that everyone at Llama Travel has been fine, and no one here has been badly affected by the virus directly. My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss due to this disease. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that this has brought about the toughest period in the near-twenty year history of Llama Travel, and in the travel industry in general.

Like many aspects of our lives, the way in which we travel is changing as a result of the current pandemic. Nobody knows exactly what will happen, but it is possible that we won't take our freedom to travel for granted, safety precautions will be heightened and we'll think more carefully before clicking a button to book a holiday. To make the most of your trip to another continent, why not combine several destinations and tick a few more places off your list while you're there? 

As the world comes to a standstill and we all wait patiently for a time when we can visit our favourite places once more, there are still many reasons to be cheerful. If you want a break from all the negative news and a reason to put a smile on your face, scroll through our blog to find out some good news from many of our destinations in Latin America and Africa including Peru, Galapagos, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

"Travel makes us wiser and more sensitive. It allows us to be free. This pandemic will fade away, but your bucket list will not."

- José Koechlin, Founder of Inkaterra

The annual British Airways flight sale has kicked off, with fantastic flight deals to some great Latin America destinations. You can already save up to £300 per person using our discount vouchers but now you can save even more! Get amazing flight deals and discounted premium economy upgrades on selected dates.

Strolling up the street towards the local market, the din of buyers and sellers negotiating deals gets louder as you approach the entrance. On the block leading up to the large covered area, the pavements burst with temporary stalls and once inside, the intensity of a local market in full swing hits you.

A stall laden with colourful fruit catches your eye, and next to it, one astonishes you with its variety of root vegetables. Further down the aisle you can buy fruit smoothies and milky drinks and then you turn a corner and are suddenly confronted with a hunk of meat hanging off a hook, a pig head resting on the corner of the counter and the distinct smell of raw meat.