It is now possible to enjoy two of the most fascinating and exciting locales in the Southern Hemisphere in a single tour. Travelers eager to visit these historically significant locations will visit both natural and archaeological sites over a period of two weeks or more. Machu Picchu and Galapagos combined tours reveal the mysteries surrounding the native Inca people who built this city in the sky, and observe the same creatures Charles Darwin saw.
Both of these locales are meaningful to historians, but in very different ways. Located in the remote mountains of Peru, the ancient city balances precariously between verdant mountain ridges at an altitude approaching 8,000 feet, on the eastern face of the Andes. Early European conquistadors were intent on the destruction of the Inca empire, and few cities escaped oblivion, with one notable exception.
It remained hidden from Western eyes until the early 20th century, when a Yale University professor found it in an unexpected turn of events. He was actually searching for the fabled empire capital named Vilcabamba, but instead discovered something that was astounding to archaeologists. The site was largely intact, hidden by the lush vegetation that had overgrown the stone structures.
Because of its remote location, Spanish conquistadors were not aware it existed, and today most buildings and hillside terraces remain. All are carefully made from granite stones interlaced expertly without mortar. Some are thought to be temples, but the entire site was spiritually important. Nearly five hundred years later, thousands of people are drawn to the unparalleled and breathtaking natural beauty.
The contrast between this Peruvian lost city and the Galapagos Islands belonging to Ecuador cannot be ignored. The stone city in the clouds is thought to have been a religious or spiritual site, but the Galapagos Islands inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to write a book that is shook traditional Western religious assumptions. The islands were stumbled upon by Europeans during the early 16th century, and later became a haven for pirates and whalers.
The flora and fauna living here have characteristics that exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant Galapagos tortoises were once bountiful, but after being indiscriminately slaughtered for their meat, they are nearly gone. When Charles Darwin visited in an official capacity as naturalist, he was astounded by the physical adaptations that most creatures had undergone, and his conclusions shaped modern biological science.
Many creatures here show no fear of human beings, allowing visitors to see them close up. Although this is an incredibly rich and important ecosystem, it has enjoyed protection for many years, and has escaped common exploitation. Visitors to the thirteen islands can witness sea-going iguanas, birds with special adaptations not found elsewhere, and even tropical penguins swimming next to cinder-cone volcanoes.
These two different but equally fascinating worlds can be combined into one visit. Most tours take a minimum of two weeks, which allows enough time to travel the distances between countries. Because two nations are involved, it makes sense to plan the journey with help from a travel adviser or agent. Available travel packages fit a variety of budgets, making it easy to take the vacation of a lifetime.
Both of these locales are meaningful to historians, but in very different ways. Located in the remote mountains of Peru, the ancient city balances precariously between verdant mountain ridges at an altitude approaching 8,000 feet, on the eastern face of the Andes. Early European conquistadors were intent on the destruction of the Inca empire, and few cities escaped oblivion, with one notable exception.
It remained hidden from Western eyes until the early 20th century, when a Yale University professor found it in an unexpected turn of events. He was actually searching for the fabled empire capital named Vilcabamba, but instead discovered something that was astounding to archaeologists. The site was largely intact, hidden by the lush vegetation that had overgrown the stone structures.
Because of its remote location, Spanish conquistadors were not aware it existed, and today most buildings and hillside terraces remain. All are carefully made from granite stones interlaced expertly without mortar. Some are thought to be temples, but the entire site was spiritually important. Nearly five hundred years later, thousands of people are drawn to the unparalleled and breathtaking natural beauty.
The contrast between this Peruvian lost city and the Galapagos Islands belonging to Ecuador cannot be ignored. The stone city in the clouds is thought to have been a religious or spiritual site, but the Galapagos Islands inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to write a book that is shook traditional Western religious assumptions. The islands were stumbled upon by Europeans during the early 16th century, and later became a haven for pirates and whalers.
The flora and fauna living here have characteristics that exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant Galapagos tortoises were once bountiful, but after being indiscriminately slaughtered for their meat, they are nearly gone. When Charles Darwin visited in an official capacity as naturalist, he was astounded by the physical adaptations that most creatures had undergone, and his conclusions shaped modern biological science.
Many creatures here show no fear of human beings, allowing visitors to see them close up. Although this is an incredibly rich and important ecosystem, it has enjoyed protection for many years, and has escaped common exploitation. Visitors to the thirteen islands can witness sea-going iguanas, birds with special adaptations not found elsewhere, and even tropical penguins swimming next to cinder-cone volcanoes.
These two different but equally fascinating worlds can be combined into one visit. Most tours take a minimum of two weeks, which allows enough time to travel the distances between countries. Because two nations are involved, it makes sense to plan the journey with help from a travel adviser or agent. Available travel packages fit a variety of budgets, making it easy to take the vacation of a lifetime.
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