South America is a popular place these days. After decades of military Governments and uprisings the continent is now on the rise and has some of the most sought after destinations. Since the eighties things have completely turned around and tourism is rocketing. There are five star resorts, world class restaurants and first class travel companies. There are lots of companies offering a combined Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour.
To reach the Galapagos islands you have to fly from the Ecuadorean city of Guayaquil. It takes about 4 hours to reach the archipelago which lies out in the Pacific Ocean. You will arrive on Santa Cruz island and then board a cruise to visit other smaller islands and their incredible wildlife. Boats vary in sizes from one hundred passengers down to just a small group of six or eight. The size of the boat determines the facilities it will have but in general they go to the same places.
Tourists dream of these legendary islands because of the animals. They are not afraid of people so do not run away at the first sight of a landing boat. There is nowhere else where you can get so close to wild animals so you will get some incredible photos.
The main thing which draws people to the Galapagos is the animals. They are famously chilled out and will not run away when humans approach. This means there are unbelievable photo opportunities and interactions with wildlife which cannot be had anywhere else. A basic trip lasts 7 days and visits a range of the islands to see all the different species on offer. Many are endemic such as the marine iguanas which evolved on the volcanic coasts.
After the ultimate wildlife experience the trips move on to Peru for the ultimate in cultural adventure. Machu Picchu is now known all over the world but it is not too long since Peru was cut off from the rest of the world. This means that for such a famous place it feels quite undeveloped and unspoiled.
Machu Picchu is a truly stunning destination. It is just over 120 kilometers from the city of Cusco in the high Andes mountains. All visitors must take a train or walk the Inca Trail from Cusco. Tickets for either of these options and entrance to the archaeological site must be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment. The trip winds its way down through the high valleys into the cloud forest on the ridges overlooking the Amazon forest. It is a spectacular journey.
From Cusco there is a train service to Aguas Calienetes, the town just underneath the citadel. It takes a few hours as it trundles down the sacred valley with snow capped mountains and into the high jungle. In that short space of time the climate changes from cool, dry mountain air to humid cloud forest with orchids, bromeliads and humming birds.
The Inca Empire was one of the most fabulous things experienced by the conquistadors when they reached South America, they could not believe its riches. Combining a visit to Peru with the stunning Galapagos islands is the trip of a lifetime. When booking your trip make sure to check the weather with your agent. Also if there is a specific animal you want to see on the islands make sure it will be there at that time. Many of the seabirds, for example are only there when nesting.
To reach the Galapagos islands you have to fly from the Ecuadorean city of Guayaquil. It takes about 4 hours to reach the archipelago which lies out in the Pacific Ocean. You will arrive on Santa Cruz island and then board a cruise to visit other smaller islands and their incredible wildlife. Boats vary in sizes from one hundred passengers down to just a small group of six or eight. The size of the boat determines the facilities it will have but in general they go to the same places.
Tourists dream of these legendary islands because of the animals. They are not afraid of people so do not run away at the first sight of a landing boat. There is nowhere else where you can get so close to wild animals so you will get some incredible photos.
The main thing which draws people to the Galapagos is the animals. They are famously chilled out and will not run away when humans approach. This means there are unbelievable photo opportunities and interactions with wildlife which cannot be had anywhere else. A basic trip lasts 7 days and visits a range of the islands to see all the different species on offer. Many are endemic such as the marine iguanas which evolved on the volcanic coasts.
After the ultimate wildlife experience the trips move on to Peru for the ultimate in cultural adventure. Machu Picchu is now known all over the world but it is not too long since Peru was cut off from the rest of the world. This means that for such a famous place it feels quite undeveloped and unspoiled.
Machu Picchu is a truly stunning destination. It is just over 120 kilometers from the city of Cusco in the high Andes mountains. All visitors must take a train or walk the Inca Trail from Cusco. Tickets for either of these options and entrance to the archaeological site must be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment. The trip winds its way down through the high valleys into the cloud forest on the ridges overlooking the Amazon forest. It is a spectacular journey.
From Cusco there is a train service to Aguas Calienetes, the town just underneath the citadel. It takes a few hours as it trundles down the sacred valley with snow capped mountains and into the high jungle. In that short space of time the climate changes from cool, dry mountain air to humid cloud forest with orchids, bromeliads and humming birds.
The Inca Empire was one of the most fabulous things experienced by the conquistadors when they reached South America, they could not believe its riches. Combining a visit to Peru with the stunning Galapagos islands is the trip of a lifetime. When booking your trip make sure to check the weather with your agent. Also if there is a specific animal you want to see on the islands make sure it will be there at that time. Many of the seabirds, for example are only there when nesting.
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