Monday, November 26, 2012

Travel To Machu Picchu And The Galapagos For An Unforgettable Experience

By Bertulda Zerna


If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos, you will need to allow at least fourteen days. There is much to see in both these fascinating and unique areas. Tourists come from all over the world to visit these sites which have only relatively recently become so easily accessible to visitors from other countries. While the wonders of Asia and Europe have been open to the public for many centuries, the same cannot be said for the countries and attractions of South America.

Machu Picchu was developed by the Incas during the 15th century. It is fifty miles north-west of the ancient city of Cusco. Interest in the Incan ruins is now so great that daily numbers allowed on the Inca Trail which leads to Machu Picchu are strictly controlled. There are other conditions which you must meet if you want to visit this site. Controls and regulations are strictly enforced and any anomalies between your passport and registration details may result in your permit becoming invalid. You may also have to forfeit any money paid. A tour company will help you with details.

Restoration work at Machu Picchu has been ongoing for many years. It lies on the Andean slopes in the midst of tropical rainforest. The altitude is over 2,000 meters above sea level. The mud-brick buildings and terraces appear hewn out of the rocky escarpments. Crops and stock occupied the many terraces. Archaeologists cannot explain how these marvels were constructed.

Well to the south, off the coast of Ecuador, lies the archipelago named the Galapagos Islands. These are volcanic islands and are part of Ecuador. Four of the thirteen islands have a range of accommodation options, including hotels. Some of these supply budget two-star services while others are five-star.

Tourists are catered for by a vast range of water craft. Cruises of varying lengths will suit all tastes and budgets. At one end of the scale are luxury catamarans. At the other are budget-priced boats. To get between the islands quickly and easily, you can choose between small private planes and speedboats.

Diving and snorkeling are extremely popular. Horse-riding, kayaking and mountain-bike riding are also on offer. Viewing the underwater attractions takes place all year round. At times, huge schools of hammerhead sharks are seen. You may have the opportunity to swim with majestic whale sharks, penguins and lizards.

If you have a diving license, you can choose a tour which includes scuba diving. Not all boats offer this option so do your homework before leaving. If you want to visit the Galapagos during peak times, you will need to book well ahead. If you are travelling in a group, there are charter boats available.

The Galapagos has long been recognized as incredibly rich in a diverse range of birds, animals and plants. Many of these are endemic to the islands and sometimes even to a particular island. Charles Darwin documented much of the unique flora and fauna. The Research Station named in his honor is situated on the island of Santa Cruz with offices on Isabela and San Cristabal islands. By taking a walking tour, you can experience the richness of the area. If you choose to travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos you can be assured of a memorable vacation.




About the Author:



No comments: