Two the most exciting and fascinating spots in the Southern Hemisphere can now be enjoyed together. Intrepid travelers who have around two weeks to spend experiencing these historical South American locations will see significant world archaeological and scientific sites. Machu Picchu and Galapagos combined tours unlock the secrets of the Incas who built the ethereal mountain aerie, as well the volcanic islands that inspired Charles Darwin.
Although both locales are significant, they are not alike. Located in the mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is balanced atop a precarious space between two ridges of the Andes, at nearly 8,000 feet high. When the Europeans methodically destroyed the Inca empire, few cities survived intact. Most were destroyed forever, but this city escaped because of its high-altitude isolation.
The city remained unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century, when a professor from Yale University inadvertently rediscovered it while searching for another legendary Inca city called Vilcabamba, the last capital prior to the Spanish defeat. What he found astounded the archaeological world. The stunningly beautiful location was covered by vegetation, but underneath was a city.
The structures and terraces used for growing crops escaped destruction simply because they were remote, and the Spaniards were not aware they existed. They are made of granite, and stones are expertly placed without mortar. They have endured five hundred years in spite of weather and earthquakes. Today, thousands of visitors come here each year to witness these breathtaking sights, and usually leave inspired.
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 flora and fauna living here have characteristics that exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant Galapagos tortoises were once bountiful, but after being indiscriminately slaughtered for their meat, they are nearly gone. When Charles Darwin visited in an official capacity as naturalist, he was astounded by the physical adaptations that most creatures had undergone, and his conclusions shaped modern biological science.
Today visitors still marvel at the unique creatures, many of which show no fear of humans. Because of the overwhelming abundance and importance of this ecosystem, it is carefully protected, and has generally not been exploited. There are sparkling beaches featuring sea iguanas, an abundance of unique plants and birds, including tropical penguins. Each of thirteen islands boasts unique creatures found nowhere else.
These two worlds can be combined in several tour packages. Most trips take two weeks or longer, to allow enough time for travel between the two disparate locales. Because there is more than one country involved, most people work directly with their travel agent or adviser when making plans. Available packages can be found that fit nearly any budget, making the trip of a lifetime affordable for most adventurous travelers.
Although both locales are significant, they are not alike. Located in the mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is balanced atop a precarious space between two ridges of the Andes, at nearly 8,000 feet high. When the Europeans methodically destroyed the Inca empire, few cities survived intact. Most were destroyed forever, but this city escaped because of its high-altitude isolation.
The city remained unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century, when a professor from Yale University inadvertently rediscovered it while searching for another legendary Inca city called Vilcabamba, the last capital prior to the Spanish defeat. What he found astounded the archaeological world. The stunningly beautiful location was covered by vegetation, but underneath was a city.
The structures and terraces used for growing crops escaped destruction simply because they were remote, and the Spaniards were not aware they existed. They are made of granite, and stones are expertly placed without mortar. They have endured five hundred years in spite of weather and earthquakes. Today, thousands of visitors come here each year to witness these breathtaking sights, and usually leave inspired.
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 flora and fauna living here have characteristics that exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant Galapagos tortoises were once bountiful, but after being indiscriminately slaughtered for their meat, they are nearly gone. When Charles Darwin visited in an official capacity as naturalist, he was astounded by the physical adaptations that most creatures had undergone, and his conclusions shaped modern biological science.
Today visitors still marvel at the unique creatures, many of which show no fear of humans. Because of the overwhelming abundance and importance of this ecosystem, it is carefully protected, and has generally not been exploited. There are sparkling beaches featuring sea iguanas, an abundance of unique plants and birds, including tropical penguins. Each of thirteen islands boasts unique creatures found nowhere else.
These two worlds can be combined in several tour packages. Most trips take two weeks or longer, to allow enough time for travel between the two disparate locales. Because there is more than one country involved, most people work directly with their travel agent or adviser when making plans. Available packages can be found that fit nearly any budget, making the trip of a lifetime affordable for most adventurous travelers.
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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!