The world is filled with fascinating sites and the best of these are included on the World Heritage list compiled by UNESCO. You'll find many great heritage sites in South America but may find that getting from one to the other can be a challenge, especially if you only have a couple of weeks. Therefore you may want to consider an all-inclusive Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour. These tours not only include the two most famous heritage sites on the continent but several others in between.
Off Ecuador's coast is the archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. It's the way that the wildlife here evolved into unique species adapted to their environment that made Charles Darwin come up with the theory of evolution. A cruise around Galapagos will let you appreciate the wildlife but you can also explore by hiking. Snorkeling and diving as well as kayaking are some of the ways to explore the marine life here.
After the islands, you'll return to Quito, the Ecuadorian capital. It was one of the first cities to make the heritage list and the Old Town is a treasure trove of colonial architecture. Explore the museums, the parks and the markets and for spectacular views, take a ride in the Teleferico, the second highest cable car in the world.
Next up is another city with a historic center that is a heritage site. Lima is the capital of Peru and boasts a wide range of museums, as well as stunning beaches and surf culture. It's a good place to try Peruvian cuisine too, such as the national dish, ceviche.
From Lima you travel to Cuzco, another city on the heritage list. It used to be the Inca Empire's capital. From this Andean city you get to explore more heritage sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas but you'll also visit indigenous villages and can try out a range of adventure sports.
The most famous Sacred Valley site is a collection of ruins known as Machu Picchu. Its history is a bit of a mystery but the site is sacred to people of Inca descent. While you can walk here via the Inca Trail, your tour operator will probably include the breathtaking train trip instead.
When you pack, make room in your luggage for good hiking shoes and warm clothes for the Andean locations, even if you visit in summer. You'll also need a good sunscreen and while a Spanish phrase book or even a pocket dictionary isn't essential, it will help you to communicate without having to rely on your guide. For water sports either in the Galapagos Islands or in Lima, you might want to pack your own wetsuit too since the water is very cold.
A quick online search will provide you with plenty of tours to choose from. Many tour operators have designed packages that revolve around Galapagos and a trip to Machu Picchu. You can even choose whether you want to start in Ecuador or would rather begin your journey in Peru.
Off Ecuador's coast is the archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. It's the way that the wildlife here evolved into unique species adapted to their environment that made Charles Darwin come up with the theory of evolution. A cruise around Galapagos will let you appreciate the wildlife but you can also explore by hiking. Snorkeling and diving as well as kayaking are some of the ways to explore the marine life here.
After the islands, you'll return to Quito, the Ecuadorian capital. It was one of the first cities to make the heritage list and the Old Town is a treasure trove of colonial architecture. Explore the museums, the parks and the markets and for spectacular views, take a ride in the Teleferico, the second highest cable car in the world.
Next up is another city with a historic center that is a heritage site. Lima is the capital of Peru and boasts a wide range of museums, as well as stunning beaches and surf culture. It's a good place to try Peruvian cuisine too, such as the national dish, ceviche.
From Lima you travel to Cuzco, another city on the heritage list. It used to be the Inca Empire's capital. From this Andean city you get to explore more heritage sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas but you'll also visit indigenous villages and can try out a range of adventure sports.
The most famous Sacred Valley site is a collection of ruins known as Machu Picchu. Its history is a bit of a mystery but the site is sacred to people of Inca descent. While you can walk here via the Inca Trail, your tour operator will probably include the breathtaking train trip instead.
When you pack, make room in your luggage for good hiking shoes and warm clothes for the Andean locations, even if you visit in summer. You'll also need a good sunscreen and while a Spanish phrase book or even a pocket dictionary isn't essential, it will help you to communicate without having to rely on your guide. For water sports either in the Galapagos Islands or in Lima, you might want to pack your own wetsuit too since the water is very cold.
A quick online search will provide you with plenty of tours to choose from. Many tour operators have designed packages that revolve around Galapagos and a trip to Machu Picchu. You can even choose whether you want to start in Ecuador or would rather begin your journey in Peru.
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