How A Galapagos And Machu Picchu Tour Will Let You See World Heritage Sites In South America With Ease

By Annabelle Holman


The world is filled with fascinating sites and the best of these are included on the World Heritage list compiled by UNESCO. You'll find many great heritage sites in South America but may find that getting from one to the other can be a challenge, especially if you only have a couple of weeks. Therefore you may want to consider an all-inclusive Galapagos and Machu Picchu tour. These tours not only include the two most famous heritage sites on the continent but several others in between.

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 the islands, you'll return to Quito, the Ecuadorian capital. It was one of the first cities to make the heritage list and the Old Town is a treasure trove of colonial architecture. Explore the museums, the parks and the markets and for spectacular views, take a ride in the Teleferico, the second highest cable car in the world.

The next city you'll visit is Peru's capital, Lima. The historic center here is on the world heritage list as well and Lima has an excellent selection of museums. You may also opt for a day at the beach and a bit of surfing. One thing not to miss is ceviche, the seafood dish that is regarded as the national dish of Peru.

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.

No trip into the Sacred Valley is complete without visiting its most famous and most mysterious site, Machu Picchu. This magnificent city of ruins is a showcase of the Incas' engineering prowess. The views are spectacular, not only once you're here but also while you're traveling to the site by train.

When you pack, make room in your luggage for good hiking shoes and warm clothes for the Andean locations, even if you visit in summer. You'll also need a good sunscreen and while a Spanish phrase book or even a pocket dictionary isn't essential, it will help you to communicate without having to rely on your guide. For water sports either in the Galapagos Islands or in Lima, you might want to pack your own wetsuit too since the water is very cold.

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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