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.
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.
The site lay hidden beneath a thick layer of greenery until a century ago, when it was uncovered by a Yale University faculty member looking the legendary lost Inca city called Vilcabamba, a regional capital before Spanish incursion. The enormity of this discovery rocked the world of archaeology. When the vegetation was cleared away, the incredibly beautiful setting revealed a remarkable city.
Because it was also unknown to the conquistadors, the terraces and most structures survived mostly intact. Walls were constructed of quarried granite, and built without mortar. There are buildings considered temples, as well as steep hillside terraces used to grow crops. After nearly five hundred years, the legendary site is visited by thousands of people each year, and the views are unparalleled and breathtaking.
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 unusual creatures inhabiting the volcanic island chain are remarkable. Trusting giant Galapagos tortoises were easily slaughtered by whaling ship crews for their meat, which was ideal for provisioning. Other island fauna exists nowhere else on Earth, a fact which alerted Charles Darwin, who was there in an official capacity as an appointed naturalist. His explanation of evolution has shaped modern 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.
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.
The site lay hidden beneath a thick layer of greenery until a century ago, when it was uncovered by a Yale University faculty member looking the legendary lost Inca city called Vilcabamba, a regional capital before Spanish incursion. The enormity of this discovery rocked the world of archaeology. When the vegetation was cleared away, the incredibly beautiful setting revealed a remarkable city.
Because it was also unknown to the conquistadors, the terraces and most structures survived mostly intact. Walls were constructed of quarried granite, and built without mortar. There are buildings considered temples, as well as steep hillside terraces used to grow crops. After nearly five hundred years, the legendary site is visited by thousands of people each year, and the views are unparalleled and breathtaking.
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 unusual creatures inhabiting the volcanic island chain are remarkable. Trusting giant Galapagos tortoises were easily slaughtered by whaling ship crews for their meat, which was ideal for provisioning. Other island fauna exists nowhere else on Earth, a fact which alerted Charles Darwin, who was there in an official capacity as an appointed naturalist. His explanation of evolution has shaped modern 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.
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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