samedi 9 août 2014

Explore The Best Of South America With A Galapagos And Machu Picchu Tour

By Annabelle Holman


South America boasts a large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, its sheer size makes it difficult to see everything the continent has to offer unless you can take a year or so off work to go explore. If you're pressed for time, a great idea is to go on an organized Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour. This way you get to see several heritage sites in one trip and you don't have to deal with the headache of travel arrangements from site to site.

The Galapagos Islands are a fascinating natural heritage site off the coast of Ecuador. It was here that Charles Darwin found the inspiration for his theory of evolution. The archipelago is a national park that is home to many unique species and most tours will let you explore by cruising from island to island. Apart from wildlife viewing, you can go hiking, diving, kayaking or try a range of other outdoor activities.

After Galapagos, your itinerary will take you to Quito. Ecuador's capital was one of the first two cities to be declared heritage sites. Its historic center is notable for the colonial architecture and the large number of heritage buildings, churches and plazas and fascinating museums. The best way to appreciate the view is with the second highest of its kind in the world, the cable car known as the Teleferico.

The next city you'll visit is Peru's capital, Lima. The historic center here is on the world heritage list as well and Lima has an excellent selection of museums. You may also opt for a day at the beach and a bit of surfing. One thing not to miss is ceviche, the seafood dish that is regarded as the national dish of Peru.

Another heritage city you'll visit is the former Inca capital of Cuzco. This city in the Andes Mountains is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There are several heritage sites in the area and for living heritage, you can tour some of the indigenous villages near here. Another option is to go for adventure sports, especially whitewater rafting.

The highlight of any trip into the Sacred Valley is undoubtedly the magnificent Machu Picchu. This mysterious sacred city is a marvel of engineering and the views are breathtaking. While many people arrive here by walking the Inca Trail, most organized tours include a scenic train journey 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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