Monday, August 18, 2014

See The Best With A Galapagos And Machu Picchu Tour

By Linda Ruiz


A trip to South America is the stuff of bucket lists. The continent has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife, archaeological sites, mysterious cultures, adventure and fun. It is now possible to do a Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour to see two great attractions in one trip.

Ecuador and Peru are both special countries with lots to offer us as travelers. They both have rich histories of mysterious cultures set in beautiful landscapes with volcanoes, glaciers, jungles and deserts. Ecuador is on the equator and so has a fantastic climate all year round. Peru is larger and has an incredible array of micro-climates, the weather will depend on where you are in the country.

Now it is possible to follow in his footsteps and take a tour of these unique islands. They are all very different and so in a few days of visits it is possible to see an incredible array of animals which cannot be seen anywhere else. Depending on the time of year it is possible to see lots of different nesting seabirds, sealions, penguins, hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas and the famous tortoises.

As well as daily land safaris, it is also possible to swim and snorkel from the boats. The area has an incredible range of marine life as it sits in the confluence of three major ocean currents. At different times of year it is possible to see hammerhead sharks, several species of whale, turtles, dolphins, penguins, seahorses and huge numbers of fish.

The archipelago is reached by plane from mainland Ecuador, either from Quito or Guayaquil. The visitor numbers are strictly controlled to preserve the pristine environment so using a tour company is the easiest way to make sure you get the best of your trip. Boat sizes vary, some have a few cabins and a few can carry about one hundred passengers.

Just south of Ecuador is Peru, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Exploring the ruins and cultural exhibits from one of the most innovative Pre-Colombian civilizations is a trip of a lifetime. The best sites, including Machu Picchu are high in the Andes mountains, a place of stunning natural beauty.

Any tour has to take visitors to Cusco. This was the Inca capital and is now a charming historical city with modern amenities. From there, travelers take a unique train ride down the Sacred Valley to the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu. It is situated in the high jungle and the climate is totally different from a few miles away in the city, it is humid and warm with palm trees and orchids.

A day in Machu Picchu is something you will never forget. It is amazing to arrive early to watch the morning clouds lift to reveal the ruins and surrounding jungle. Guided tours take a couple of hours so that you can understand what the different areas were used for and then you can explore freely to take photos and just soak it in.

A trip of this nature requires quite a lot of organization. Both places require special passes and have to enforce rules to preserve their current states. An organized tour always includes a guide who makes sure that travelers understand the rules and have everything they need. It is a hassle free way to see two of the most precious places in the world.




About the Author:



No comments: