Combine Galapagos and the Inca Trail for a sunshine break
If you're looking for a destination that allows you to combine seeing historic sights and exotic wildlife with wonderful activities, why not head to South America? In walking the Inca Trail before going on a cruise around the Galapagos Islands, you can do all of these things while soaking up the sun at the same time.
By embarking on Peru and Galapagos tours you will have the opportunity to explore some of the continent's most iconic landmarks and take in beautiful sights.
The first stage of your trip sees you traverse Peru's Inca Trail on your way to the historic Machu Picchu. Nestled high in the Andes mountain range, this ancient Inca complex was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 and, upon coming here, you'll be able to explore the sprawling citadel up close.
However, there is plenty to see on the way to Machu Picchu and while the Inca Trail is just 28 miles long, the high altitude you are walking at requires you to take your time in completing it.
Initially, you will spend a couple of days in Cusco - the former capital of the Inca civilisation - where you can visit a range of beautiful buildings like the Church of la Compania de Jesus as you acclimatise.
From here, you will head to Ollantaytambo, the trail's starting point, where you can see the historic Manyaraki plaza and a variety of other Inca architecture before beginning your hike to Machu Picchu.
On your ascent through the cloudforest you will see a wide array of fauna and flora, not to mention being able to work on your tan in the process.
Stop off at Winaywayna for the chance to see some intricate Inca masonry, while the getting to the summit of Dead Woman's Pass - which is 4,215 m above sea level - sees you reach the highest point of the trail where you will be well placed to take in panoramic views of the mountain range.
While there is a wealth of wonderful sights to see during the trek, it is likely to be the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate that really takes your breath away. Here, you'll be able to see the citadel in its full glory as it is bathed in the warm sunshine before heading down from the vantage point to explore the ruins firsthand.
You can take a guided tour of the citadel and once you've taken in the sights, you'll be able to hop on a train back to Cusco. From here, you can embark on the second stage of your adventure family holiday - taking a cruise through the wonderful Galapagos Islands.
Initially, however, your tour of Ecuador will start in Quito - the nation's capital - where you will get the chance to explore the newly-renovated colonial centre prior to catching a flight to the archipelago.
Lying 600 miles to the west of the mainland, the region consists of dozens of islands and is famous for its rich biodiversity.
It is here that Charles Darwin carried out much of the research that would inform his theories on evolution and natural selection, so in taking a Galapagos cruise you'll get the chance to see some of the species that fascinated the scientist.
Head to the island of Floreana and you'll be able to see flamingos feeding and go snorkelling in the Devil's Crown crater prior to relaxing on the golden beach to top up your tan.
On Santa Cruz, meanwhile, you will find more sandy stretches in which you can chill out on, although you may also want to keep an eye out for sea lions and giant tortoises.
With so many wonderful things to captivate you, combining the Inca Trail trek with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands is bound to make for a wonderful holiday that you will never forget.
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Tags:
- adventure holiday ,
- ecuador ,
- galapagos ,
- inca trail ,
- machu picchu ,
- peru
