Adventurers can now visit two fabled Southern Hemisphere locales during one journey. Those who can spend at least two weeks experiencing the sights and sounds of these South American locales will witness unique island historical sites, as well as archaeological wonders. Machu Picchu and Galapagos combined tours touch the islands where Charles Darwin was inspired, and reveal the mountain mysteries of the Incas.
Both of these locales are meaningful to historians, but in very different ways. Located in the remote mountains of Peru, the ancient city balances precariously between verdant mountain ridges at an altitude approaching 8,000 feet, on the eastern face of the Andes. Early European conquistadors were intent on the destruction of the Inca empire, and few cities escaped oblivion, with one notable exception.
It remained hidden from Western eyes until the early 20th century, when a Yale University professor found it in an unexpected turn of events. He was actually searching for the fabled empire capital named Vilcabamba, but instead discovered something that was astounding to archaeologists. The site was largely intact, hidden by the lush vegetation that had overgrown the stone structures.
Because of its remote location, Spanish conquistadors were not aware it existed, and today most buildings and hillside terraces remain. All are carefully made from granite stones interlaced expertly without mortar. Some are thought to be temples, but the entire site was spiritually important. Nearly five hundred years later, thousands of people are drawn to the unparalleled and breathtaking natural beauty.
The contrast between this Peruvian lost city and the Galapagos Islands belonging to Ecuador cannot be ignored. The stone city in the clouds is thought to have been a religious or spiritual site, but the Galapagos Islands inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to write a book that is shook traditional Western religious assumptions. The islands were stumbled upon by Europeans during the early 16th century, and later became a haven for pirates and whalers.
The flora and fauna living here have characteristics that exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant Galapagos tortoises were once bountiful, but after being indiscriminately slaughtered for their meat, they are nearly gone. When Charles Darwin visited in an official capacity as naturalist, he was astounded by the physical adaptations that most creatures had undergone, and his conclusions shaped modern biological science.
Current visitors still are amazed by the animals who occupy the islands, most of which have not learned to fear human beings. The ecosystem is like no other, and enjoys governmental protection that has prevented commercial exploitation. There are swimming iguanas who live on seaweed, tropical penguins, carnivorous finches, and many other amazing creatures still living on the thirteen islands.
These two different but equally fascinating worlds can be combined into one visit. Most tours take a minimum of two weeks, which allows enough time to travel the distances between countries. Because two nations are involved, it makes sense to plan the journey with help from a travel adviser or agent. Available travel packages fit a variety of budgets, making it easy to take the vacation of a lifetime.
Both of these locales are meaningful to historians, but in very different ways. Located in the remote mountains of Peru, the ancient city balances precariously between verdant mountain ridges at an altitude approaching 8,000 feet, on the eastern face of the Andes. Early European conquistadors were intent on the destruction of the Inca empire, and few cities escaped oblivion, with one notable exception.
It remained hidden from Western eyes until the early 20th century, when a Yale University professor found it in an unexpected turn of events. He was actually searching for the fabled empire capital named Vilcabamba, but instead discovered something that was astounding to archaeologists. The site was largely intact, hidden by the lush vegetation that had overgrown the stone structures.
Because of its remote location, Spanish conquistadors were not aware it existed, and today most buildings and hillside terraces remain. All are carefully made from granite stones interlaced expertly without mortar. Some are thought to be temples, but the entire site was spiritually important. Nearly five hundred years later, thousands of people are drawn to the unparalleled and breathtaking natural beauty.
The contrast between this Peruvian lost city and the Galapagos Islands belonging to Ecuador cannot be ignored. The stone city in the clouds is thought to have been a religious or spiritual site, but the Galapagos Islands inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to write a book that is shook traditional Western religious assumptions. The islands were stumbled upon by Europeans during the early 16th century, and later became a haven for pirates and whalers.
The flora and fauna living here have characteristics that exist nowhere else on the planet. Giant Galapagos tortoises were once bountiful, but after being indiscriminately slaughtered for their meat, they are nearly gone. When Charles Darwin visited in an official capacity as naturalist, he was astounded by the physical adaptations that most creatures had undergone, and his conclusions shaped modern biological science.
Current visitors still are amazed by the animals who occupy the islands, most of which have not learned to fear human beings. The ecosystem is like no other, and enjoys governmental protection that has prevented commercial exploitation. There are swimming iguanas who live on seaweed, tropical penguins, carnivorous finches, and many other amazing creatures still living on the thirteen islands.
These two different but equally fascinating worlds can be combined into one visit. Most tours take a minimum of two weeks, which allows enough time to travel the distances between countries. Because two nations are involved, it makes sense to plan the journey with help from a travel adviser or agent. Available travel packages fit a variety of budgets, making it easy to take the vacation of a lifetime.
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