27 janvier 2015

Exotic Explorations Are Part Of Machu Picchu And Galapagos Combined Tours

By Janine Hughes


Exploring Ecuador and Peru on the same itinerary prompts lots of questions. These disparate places require specific transportation and guides. How you visit will depend on how you hope to experience your destinations.

There are many top notch machu picchu and galapagos combined tours which give you the chance to explore these two very exotic and popular locations on the same vacation. Which you choose will depend on price, length of time available and travel order. Experienced travelers who have combined these two often recommend visiting Machu Picchu first, and then heading to the Galapagos last. The trip to reach the heights of Peru can be arduous, as the higher elevations can cause acclimation difficulties for awhile, so even hardy and healthy fitness buffs tend to go their first and relax on the islands next.

There are several ways to reach the Peru highlands. Most tourists arrive in Lima by plane. Once landed, they can be greeted by their tour guide and board the bus that will accompany them to their hotel and stay with them throughout their tour. Guides for this type of trip are well versed in the culture and history of the area, providing interesting lectures and discussion during travel times. Other travelers will choose to hike the Inca Trail or take a train to get to the highest points in the Andes. Remembering that Peru also has the fascinating Amazon, Lake Titicaca and Lima itself might help tourists to opt for additional side tours.

Quito, Ecuador is the most often used point of arrival for international tourists. As the capitol city and gateway to the many points of interest in the country, many plan lodgings and tours that depart from it. If your vacation time allows, you could add day trips to beautiful colonial cities located in the Andes or to see the amazing Amazon, with its intriguing rain forest inhabitants. When ready, your Galapagos Island cruise would then be the highlight of your trip.

The islands made famous by Charles Darwin as his inspiration for the theory of evolution are closely monitored as part of the National Park system. Visitors to the Tortoise Reserve set in the highlands of Santa Cruz island are guided by trained park naturalists. Entry each day is limited to specific hours, and roaming away from set trails is not allowed. Preserving the park for future use and protection of the native species is a priority.

It is exciting to learn that you can stay overnight while visiting the system of islands that make up Galapagos. Both luxury tents and eco-lodging are available at reasonable prices. Savvy tourists do recommend booking a cruise around the coastline, with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals at all times.

Combination tours with diverse plans are available in appealing abundance. Booking is an easy matter of choosing price, length and your desired activities. Because you will be spending time in two countries, you will want to see as much as possible while there. Do make use of side excursions whenever possible, because the small addition in cost is well worth it once you have already made the effort to travel far to get there.

Your tour guide will be an essential part of a combined trip if you do not speak Spanish. Guides into other regions may speak other native dialects, but they are generally very knowledgeable about their specific region. For the first time visitor, the combined tours are wonderful simply due to these well versed tour leaders, so going it alone is not the best advice.




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