South America boasts a large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, its sheer size makes it difficult to see everything the continent has to offer unless you can take a year or so off work to go explore. If you're pressed for time, a great idea is to go on an organized Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour. This way you get to see several heritage sites in one trip and you don't have to deal with the headache of travel arrangements from site to site.
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.
Another heritage city you'll visit is the former Inca capital of Cuzco. This city in the Andes Mountains is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There are several heritage sites in the area and for living heritage, you can tour some of the indigenous villages near here. Another option is to go for adventure sports, especially whitewater rafting.
The most famous Sacred Valley site is a collection of ruins known as Machu Picchu. Its history is a bit of a mystery but the site is sacred to people of Inca descent. While you can walk here via the Inca Trail, your tour operator will probably include the breathtaking train trip instead.
When you start packing for your journey, remember that especially at the high altitudes of Quito and the Inca sites of Peru, it can be very cold at night. Take comfortable shoes and enough warm clothing but also plenty of sunblock. If you're planning on water sports in the Galapagos Islands or Lima, you may want to pack a wetsuit. The Humboldt Current means that the water along the west coast of South America is cold. A Spanish phrase book or pocket dictionary will come in handy too, although your tour guide will be able to help you with any language difficulties.
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.
Another heritage city you'll visit is the former Inca capital of Cuzco. This city in the Andes Mountains is the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There are several heritage sites in the area and for living heritage, you can tour some of the indigenous villages near here. Another option is to go for adventure sports, especially whitewater rafting.
The most famous Sacred Valley site is a collection of ruins known as Machu Picchu. Its history is a bit of a mystery but the site is sacred to people of Inca descent. While you can walk here via the Inca Trail, your tour operator will probably include the breathtaking train trip instead.
When you start packing for your journey, remember that especially at the high altitudes of Quito and the Inca sites of Peru, it can be very cold at night. Take comfortable shoes and enough warm clothing but also plenty of sunblock. If you're planning on water sports in the Galapagos Islands or Lima, you may want to pack a wetsuit. The Humboldt Current means that the water along the west coast of South America is cold. A Spanish phrase book or pocket dictionary will come in handy too, although your tour guide will be able to help you with any language difficulties.
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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