With its ancient cultures, colonial history and varied landscapes, it's not surprise that South America boasts plenty of sites on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Seeing all of these is difficult because they're so far apart and because travel on the continent can be a challenge. However, with a Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour you get to see not only these two World Heritage Sites but also several in between, all within the space of about two weeks.
Off Ecuador's coast is the archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. It's the way that the wildlife here evolved into unique species adapted to their environment that made Charles Darwin come up with the theory of evolution. A cruise around Galapagos will let you appreciate the wildlife but you can also explore by hiking. Snorkeling and diving as well as kayaking are some of the ways to explore the marine life here.
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.
From Quito your tour will take you to Lima, the capital of Peru. Explore the historic center, which is world heritage-listed, and the huge selection of museums. Try the ceviche, a Peruvian specialty, and wash it down with Pisco Sour. Lima also has great beaches and excellent surfing.
Next up is Cuzco, once the capital of the Incas. This heritage site high up in the Andes is the gateway to several other heritage sites in the area, including those in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your tour may include outings to indigenous villages in the vicinity or if you're looking for some serious action, you may try adventure sports such as 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.
To prepare or your trip, pack for different kinds of weather. It's important to bring enough warm clothes because even in summer, the high-altitude destinations can be very cold at night. You'll need sunscreen too and, naturally, good shoes for the cobbled streets in the cities. Tour guides normally speak English but a pocket dictionary or phrase book to help you communicate in Spanish is always a good idea. Also bear in mind that the water along the coast is cold and you won't really be able to dive, snorkel or surf unless you're wearing a wetsuit.
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.
Off Ecuador's coast is the archipelago known as the Galapagos Islands. It's the way that the wildlife here evolved into unique species adapted to their environment that made Charles Darwin come up with the theory of evolution. A cruise around Galapagos will let you appreciate the wildlife but you can also explore by hiking. Snorkeling and diving as well as kayaking are some of the ways to explore the marine life here.
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.
From Quito your tour will take you to Lima, the capital of Peru. Explore the historic center, which is world heritage-listed, and the huge selection of museums. Try the ceviche, a Peruvian specialty, and wash it down with Pisco Sour. Lima also has great beaches and excellent surfing.
Next up is Cuzco, once the capital of the Incas. This heritage site high up in the Andes is the gateway to several other heritage sites in the area, including those in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your tour may include outings to indigenous villages in the vicinity or if you're looking for some serious action, you may try adventure sports such as 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.
To prepare or your trip, pack for different kinds of weather. It's important to bring enough warm clothes because even in summer, the high-altitude destinations can be very cold at night. You'll need sunscreen too and, naturally, good shoes for the cobbled streets in the cities. Tour guides normally speak English but a pocket dictionary or phrase book to help you communicate in Spanish is always a good idea. Also bear in mind that the water along the coast is cold and you won't really be able to dive, snorkel or surf unless you're wearing a wetsuit.
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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