It is now possible to enjoy two of the most fascinating and exciting locales in the Southern Hemisphere in a single tour. Travelers eager to visit these historically significant locations will visit both natural and archaeological sites over a period of two weeks or more. Machu Picchu and Galapagos combined tours reveal the mysteries surrounding the native Inca people who built this city in the sky, and observe the same creatures Charles Darwin saw.
Both locations are historically significant, but in entirely different ways. Machu Picchu is found in the high country of Peru, perched precariously at nearly 8,000 feet on the eastern slope of the Andes mountains. During the destruction of the Inca empire by early European explorers, most fabled cities they had built were permanently destroyed, leaving the one that escaped hidden for centuries.
It remained hidden from Western eyes until the early 20th century, when a Yale University professor found it in an unexpected turn of events. He was actually searching for the fabled empire capital named Vilcabamba, but instead discovered something that was astounding to archaeologists. The site was largely intact, hidden by the lush vegetation that had overgrown the stone structures.
Because of its remote location, Spanish conquistadors were not aware it existed, and today most buildings and hillside terraces remain. All are carefully made from granite stones interlaced expertly without mortar. Some are thought to be temples, but the entire site was spiritually important. Nearly five hundred years later, thousands of people are drawn to the unparalleled and breathtaking natural beauty.
It is impossible to ignore the contrast between this high-Andes spiritual center, and the remote chain of islands that are administered by Ecuador. While the city in the clouds is thought to have been a center of spirituality, the Galapagos Islands provided inspiration for ideas igniting a firestorm in some Western religious groups, continuing to this day. Once discovered by Europeans, the archipelago became a favored provisioning stop for whaling ships.
The creatures living on and around these volcanic islands are still remarkable. Giant Galapagos tortoises were abundant, and were killed indiscriminately for food until nearly wiped out. The islands supported an abundance of fauna found nowhere else, and this caught the attention of Darwin, who was visiting as an officially appointed naturalist. His conclusions helped shape modern biological science.
Many creatures here show no fear of human beings, allowing visitors to see them close up. Although this is an incredibly rich and important ecosystem, it has enjoyed protection for many years, and has escaped common exploitation. Visitors to the thirteen islands can witness sea-going iguanas, birds with special adaptations not found elsewhere, and even tropical penguins swimming next to cinder-cone volcanoes.
Several tour packages combine these distinctly different worlds. Most last a minimum of two weeks or longer, and involve travel over both land and sea. Because this adventure encompasses more than one country, it is advisable to consult with a travel adviser or agent. There are available tour packages designed to fit most budgets, making the trip of a lifetime available to those eager to experience both unforgettable locations.
Both locations are historically significant, but in entirely different ways. Machu Picchu is found in the high country of Peru, perched precariously at nearly 8,000 feet on the eastern slope of the Andes mountains. During the destruction of the Inca empire by early European explorers, most fabled cities they had built were permanently destroyed, leaving the one that escaped hidden for centuries.
It remained hidden from Western eyes until the early 20th century, when a Yale University professor found it in an unexpected turn of events. He was actually searching for the fabled empire capital named Vilcabamba, but instead discovered something that was astounding to archaeologists. The site was largely intact, hidden by the lush vegetation that had overgrown the stone structures.
Because of its remote location, Spanish conquistadors were not aware it existed, and today most buildings and hillside terraces remain. All are carefully made from granite stones interlaced expertly without mortar. Some are thought to be temples, but the entire site was spiritually important. Nearly five hundred years later, thousands of people are drawn to the unparalleled and breathtaking natural beauty.
It is impossible to ignore the contrast between this high-Andes spiritual center, and the remote chain of islands that are administered by Ecuador. While the city in the clouds is thought to have been a center of spirituality, the Galapagos Islands provided inspiration for ideas igniting a firestorm in some Western religious groups, continuing to this day. Once discovered by Europeans, the archipelago became a favored provisioning stop for whaling ships.
The creatures living on and around these volcanic islands are still remarkable. Giant Galapagos tortoises were abundant, and were killed indiscriminately for food until nearly wiped out. The islands supported an abundance of fauna found nowhere else, and this caught the attention of Darwin, who was visiting as an officially appointed naturalist. His conclusions helped shape modern biological science.
Many creatures here show no fear of human beings, allowing visitors to see them close up. Although this is an incredibly rich and important ecosystem, it has enjoyed protection for many years, and has escaped common exploitation. Visitors to the thirteen islands can witness sea-going iguanas, birds with special adaptations not found elsewhere, and even tropical penguins swimming next to cinder-cone volcanoes.
Several tour packages combine these distinctly different worlds. Most last a minimum of two weeks or longer, and involve travel over both land and sea. Because this adventure encompasses more than one country, it is advisable to consult with a travel adviser or agent. There are available tour packages designed to fit most budgets, making the trip of a lifetime available to those eager to experience both unforgettable locations.
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Explore the beauty of South America by booking your Machu Picchu and Galapagos combined tours with us. To visit our online travel page, go to http://www.idealsouthamerica.com today!
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