15 Reasons To Be Positive

1. Peru Flights Set To Resume

Coronavirus cases in Peru are decreasing and the Minister of Transport has said that the government will restart international flights to neighbouring countries in October. The UK government is still advising against travel to Peru, but it is encouraging to see that several of our destinations are starting to reopen to tourists.

Find out more about our Peru holidays.

2. The Galapagos Have Received Their First Tourists

Tourists have returned to the Galapagos for the first time since the islands went into a strict lockdown in March. As the main contribution to the local economy, this will help the local community, and the taxes from visitors will go to supporting the Galapagos National Park.

Find out more about the Llama Travel Galapagos options. 

3. Jaguars Spotted on Costa Rica’s Beaches

Several species have been recorded in unusual locations including jaguars in Guanacaste, deer in Manuel Antonio and manatees around Limón. In other news, during the pandemic, Costa Rica recorded a 26% reduction in carbon emissions compared to last year.

View our Costa Rica holidays and beach extensions here. 

4. Brazil Is Back On Track

Whilst international news broadcasters focus mainly on politics, Brazil’s grassroots level response to Covid-19 has been overwhelming and sadly overshadowed. Brazil is proactively involved in the development of a viable vaccine that could save millions. The pandemic is far from over but for now, Brazil is back on the right track.

Visit Brazil in 2021.

5. Guatemala's Indigenous Population Helps Contain Virus

The indigenous people of Guatemala were hit hard by the pandemic, but they are seeking solutions by drawing on their own ingenuity, using traditional practices to contain the virus. International organisations are encouraging sustainable development that respects ancestral wisdom and harmony with nature.

Have a look at our Guatemala itineraries online.

6. Botswana Floodwater Highest For Five Years

Despite 2020 being a year of upheaval for Botswana's tourism industry, the annual floods into the Okavango Delta returned at greater levels than the last five years. This has meant that the animals have had a chance to regroup and reproduce, creating some exceptional wildlife sightings for those lucky enough to still be in the bush.

Browse our brand new Botswana & Victoria Falls holidays here.

7. Chile’s National Parks Reopen

Chile is on its way to recovery thanks to a step by step plan where restrictions can be eased on safe and sociable activities. Chileans are now able to enjoy their ski resorts, national parks and trekking routes. Easter Island is also preparing to relaunch tourism.

Click to find out more about Chile.

8. Jaguars Are Being Brought Back to Argentina’s Wetlands

Jaguars are the biggest cats in South America but their numbers have dramatically decreased over the years due to hunting and deforestation. A project called 'Rewilding Argentina' is seeking to introduce these majestic creatures back into the wetlands of northeastern Argentina.

Learn more about Argentina's wildlife here.  

9. Namibia Borders Opening

In September, Namibia officially opened its borders, with protocols including temperature checks and negative Covid-19 tests provided on arrival at the airport. Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa are recommencing flights to Windhoek, with other airlines planning to follow suit.

Discover Namibia's mind-blowing landscapes for yourself in 2021.

10. South Africa Moved To Level 2 Lockdown

In light of the steadily declining number of Covid-19 infections in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would move to lockdown level 2 in August. This means that restrictions on inter-provincial travel have been lifted and restaurants, parks, gyms and nature reserves have reopened.

Start planning your South Africa trip today.  

11. Pre-Hispanic Ruins Discovered In Mexico

Two carved stone monuments dating back 1,500 years have been found atop a mountain in central Mexico. According to archaeologists, the site was built by the Zapotecs and would have had seven pyramids, a ceremonial area and a games court. Read the article here.

© BBC

Find out more about our Mexico holidays and extensions here.

12. Colombia Voted Top Bird Species Country

At Global Bird Day, Colombia was selected as the world's top country in bird species for the fourth consecutive year. The regions with the most bird registrations were Antioquia with 600 species, Valle del Cauca with 548 species and Meta with 532 species.

Speak to us to find out why Colombia is many people's favourite country in South America.

13. Award-winning Bolivia

Bolivia has been nominated for several awards in this year's World Travel Awards, including the Uyuni Salt Flats as South America's Leading Tourist Attraction. Often forgotten about on a trip to the continent, Bolivia boasts otherworldly scenery and a rich indigenous heritage.

Think about extending your Peru trip to visit Bolivia too.

14. Panama Canal Plans Water Management Project

Issues surrounding the right amount of water passing through the canal have plagued Panama for years, as when rainfall is limited and nearby lakes get too low, restrictions have to be enforced. The comprehensive new system should improve the canal's functioning and secure Panama's drinking water supply.

Read more about Panama on our website.

15. Zimbabwe Resumes International Flights

Zimbabwe has already resumed domestic flights and will resume international flights on October 1st in an effort to boost tourism, with all passengers required to show Covid-19 clearance certificates.

See all our Zimbabwe options here.

We have been spending time improving our product so that when it is safe to travel again, your holiday will be a fantastic one. Visit our website to see our holiday programmes for 2021, with discounts of £300 per person. Our flexible booking conditions will remain in place and you will get a full refund or the option to rebook if we cannot operate the holiday.

To hear more updates about our destinations in Latin America and Africa opening up their borders and restarting tourism after the lockdown period, sign up to our newsletter where you will also receive our latest discounts and new holiday programmes. Or give us a call on 020 7263 3000 to speak to us directly.