Monday, September 22, 2014

Take A Galapagos And Machu Picchu Tour

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By Karina Frost


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.

These incredible islands and the world famous Inca citadel are now on many people's bucket list. They are incomparable. A trip combining both of them is a dream for lovers of nature, culture and history. Besides the two main attractions there are lots of other wonderful things to experience in Peru and Ecuador.

To access the Galapagos visitors must take a flight from Ecuador. This means a visit to the capital city of Quito which lies in a high Andean valley surrounded by volcanoes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself thanks to a beautiful colonial city center. There are plenty of things to keep anyone happy with museums, unique churches, restaurants and monuments to visit.

Each day normally consists of a couple of walking tours and snorkelling. In between tours the boats move to different islands. This means you will get to see everything including the famous marine iguanas, giant tortoises and flightless cormorants. Snorkelling trips also provide opportunities to get close to penguins, sea lions and even hammerhead sharks while swimming over sunken volcanoes.

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.

Machu Picchu is a truly stunning destination. It is just over 120 kilometers from the city of Cusco in the high Andes mountains. All visitors must take a train or walk the Inca Trail from Cusco. Tickets for either of these options and entrance to the archaeological site must be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment. The trip winds its way down through the high valleys into the cloud forest on the ridges overlooking the Amazon forest. It is a spectacular journey.

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.

A tour encompassing the best of Ecuador and Peru has lots to offer. Both countries have unique cultures, endemic wildlife, wild jungles, Ancient cities and more. Taking an organised tour is the easiest way to see it all. The best way to find a tour is to shop around as they are all slightly different. Some companies offer bespoke tours. Make sure to check the weather as rainy season affects both places.




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