The Llama Travel Blog

Last September I visited Chile, and took on the Las Torres Trek. September is right at the start of the tourism season there, and it was only a few weeks after many of the hotels had re-opened. While there I discovered not only why the Las Torres trek is such a must-do, but why Llama Travel only offers this holiday from November to April. 

So you’ve decided that you want to go on a wildlife holiday in Latin America, but as you do more research, you realise that there are more options than you thought. Here we break down the main options, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Estancia Cristina is a remote ranch in Argentinian Patagonia. It boasts an amazing setting where the Andes Mountains cast shadows across the land and massive glaciers float on the surrounding lagoons. The crisp, fresh air here and the enormity of the landscape is well worth the early morning start! 

I have now made the journey between Cusco and Puno by coach, on the PeruRail Titicaca train and the Belmond Andean Explorer train. Whilst I have enjoyed all the trips, I found the Belmond Andean Explorer to be by far the most enjoyable, combining glamour, romance, luxury and service. It is not cheap, but it is very special.

In 2017 I headed out to Central America for a little over 3 weeks, spending most of that time in Guatemala. I can tell you with confidence it is an absolute must see. Here are four reasons why:

A hotel-based stay is an increasingly popular option for Galapagos trips, thanks to its affordability and comfort. The islands are explored on a series of day trips and here Jordan discovers the island of North Seymour.

Llama Travel director, Luca Newbold, hadn’t visited Rio in 18 years, but when he did finally go back, he discovered a city more lively and inviting than ever. This is his account of his recent trip to Brazil’s most iconic city.

On visiting Machu Picchu, some people are content to wander amongst the ruins, while others are keen to get a different perspective on them. Climbing Huayna Picchu, the sugarloaf mountain which rises above the ruins, is a favoured challenge when it comes to seeking out an elevated vantage point. Becky, our Australia sales manager did the climb on a backpacking trip a few years ago, and here she reminisces on the experience.

The main area of Machu Picchu is quite compact and a three-hour tour of the site allows plenty of time to explore this. However, Machu Picchu is much more than just the main ruins, and there are several other visits that can be made in the area. My favourite of all of these is the climb up Machu Picchu Mountain. This is hard work, but immensely rewarding, with the best views in the area.

“Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture.” - Mark Kurlansky