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.
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.
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.
The Galapagos are situated just off the coast of Ecuador in the west of South America. It is a small country with lots to offer in a small geographical location. Flights to the islands leave from Guayaquil on the coast so all visitors must pass through Ecuador. From there it is a short flight to Lima, the capital of Peru.
Visitors to the Inca site have to travel from Cusco which was the capital of the empire. The city itself has lots to offer including a new museum showing artifacts found by the explorer who discovered Machu Picchu. They were hosted in a museum in the US for many years but have recently been returned home.
From Cusco there is a train service to Aguas Calienetes, the town just underneath the citadel. It takes a few hours as it trundles down the sacred valley with snow capped mountains and into the high jungle. In that short space of time the climate changes from cool, dry mountain air to humid cloud forest with orchids, bromeliads and humming birds.
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.
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.
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.
The Galapagos are situated just off the coast of Ecuador in the west of South America. It is a small country with lots to offer in a small geographical location. Flights to the islands leave from Guayaquil on the coast so all visitors must pass through Ecuador. From there it is a short flight to Lima, the capital of Peru.
Visitors to the Inca site have to travel from Cusco which was the capital of the empire. The city itself has lots to offer including a new museum showing artifacts found by the explorer who discovered Machu Picchu. They were hosted in a museum in the US for many years but have recently been returned home.
From Cusco there is a train service to Aguas Calienetes, the town just underneath the citadel. It takes a few hours as it trundles down the sacred valley with snow capped mountains and into the high jungle. In that short space of time the climate changes from cool, dry mountain air to humid cloud forest with orchids, bromeliads and humming birds.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment