Two of the best travel destinations in the world can now be visited in one trip. South America is still a land of unpredictable adventure with undiscovered ruins, impenetrable jungles and the wildest rivers. Several travel companies are now offering a Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour to combine the best that nature and culture have to offer.
To reach the Galapagos islands you have to fly from the Ecuadorean city of Guayaquil. It takes about 4 hours to reach the archipelago which lies out in the Pacific Ocean. You will arrive on Santa Cruz island and then board a cruise to visit other smaller islands and their incredible wildlife. Boats vary in sizes from one hundred passengers down to just a small group of six or eight. The size of the boat determines the facilities it will have but in general they go to the same places.
Visits to the archipelago are limited in order to preserve the pristine nature. The Government of Ecuador decided to enforce a quota system so that they could control the number of ships and planes carrying tourists. The groups are coordinated so that they do not all visit the same islands at once. This means the visitor can enjoy the animals and plants in peace.
The main thing which draws people to the Galapagos is the animals. They are famously chilled out and will not run away when humans approach. This means there are unbelievable photo opportunities and interactions with wildlife which cannot be had anywhere else. A basic trip lasts 7 days and visits a range of the islands to see all the different species on offer. Many are endemic such as the marine iguanas which evolved on the volcanic coasts.
From Ecuador the tour moves on to Peru another Andean nation with a massive array of micro-climates and archaeological mysteries. To get to Machu Pichu the tour will go to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. It is worth a visit just to see the beguiling mixture of the old and new which exist side by side in Cusco. Many of the local indigenous people, the Quechua still farm the land and sell their products in the market. They also make incredible textiles.
Make sure you have charged your camera batteries for the visit to Machu Picchu. Just getting there is an adventure but the site itself is breathtaking. Early morning visitors get to see it at its most magical as the mists rise from the ruins to reveal the surrounding jungle covered mountains.
Once at the site it is best to have a guided tour so that a local expert can explain about the history of the citadel and what it was used for. Features such as the sun temple and observatory are unique and fascinating. The Inca's were skilled engineers who had a world view based on the movements of the stars so it is best to understand the intricacies of the site from a local person.
The Inca Empire was one of the most fabulous things experienced by the conquistadors when they reached South America, they could not believe its riches. Combining a visit to Peru with the stunning Galapagos islands is the trip of a lifetime. When booking your trip make sure to check the weather with your agent. Also if there is a specific animal you want to see on the islands make sure it will be there at that time. Many of the seabirds, for example are only there when nesting.
To reach the Galapagos islands you have to fly from the Ecuadorean city of Guayaquil. It takes about 4 hours to reach the archipelago which lies out in the Pacific Ocean. You will arrive on Santa Cruz island and then board a cruise to visit other smaller islands and their incredible wildlife. Boats vary in sizes from one hundred passengers down to just a small group of six or eight. The size of the boat determines the facilities it will have but in general they go to the same places.
Visits to the archipelago are limited in order to preserve the pristine nature. The Government of Ecuador decided to enforce a quota system so that they could control the number of ships and planes carrying tourists. The groups are coordinated so that they do not all visit the same islands at once. This means the visitor can enjoy the animals and plants in peace.
The main thing which draws people to the Galapagos is the animals. They are famously chilled out and will not run away when humans approach. This means there are unbelievable photo opportunities and interactions with wildlife which cannot be had anywhere else. A basic trip lasts 7 days and visits a range of the islands to see all the different species on offer. Many are endemic such as the marine iguanas which evolved on the volcanic coasts.
From Ecuador the tour moves on to Peru another Andean nation with a massive array of micro-climates and archaeological mysteries. To get to Machu Pichu the tour will go to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. It is worth a visit just to see the beguiling mixture of the old and new which exist side by side in Cusco. Many of the local indigenous people, the Quechua still farm the land and sell their products in the market. They also make incredible textiles.
Make sure you have charged your camera batteries for the visit to Machu Picchu. Just getting there is an adventure but the site itself is breathtaking. Early morning visitors get to see it at its most magical as the mists rise from the ruins to reveal the surrounding jungle covered mountains.
Once at the site it is best to have a guided tour so that a local expert can explain about the history of the citadel and what it was used for. Features such as the sun temple and observatory are unique and fascinating. The Inca's were skilled engineers who had a world view based on the movements of the stars so it is best to understand the intricacies of the site from a local person.
The Inca Empire was one of the most fabulous things experienced by the conquistadors when they reached South America, they could not believe its riches. Combining a visit to Peru with the stunning Galapagos islands is the trip of a lifetime. When booking your trip make sure to check the weather with your agent. Also if there is a specific animal you want to see on the islands make sure it will be there at that time. Many of the seabirds, for example are only there when nesting.
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