South American Adventures

South America truly has something for everyone, making it a great place to travel with a group of friends or family. You’ll be able to pick from a variety of destinations so that you can find ones that will appeal to each person in the party.

Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are best known from the studies that Charles Darwin did back in 1831. The islands were formed through volcanic eruptions allowing unique habitats to be formed off Ecuador’s coast. The animals and birds that there were left to adapt in unusual ways to their home, away from other influences.

These islands are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site providing homes for many types of protected wildlife as well as landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else. Many of the animals here also cannot be found elsewhere, such as the Galapagos penguins and giant tortoises.

Probably the best way to visit the islands is by taking a cruise, allowing you to see more of the islands as each has something different to offer. Some of them are better known for the presence of the wildlife while others are more noted for the volcanic landscapes. There are 18 main islands along with a number of rocks and islets.

Cruises are generally available in 4, 5 or 8-day options and on ships of varying levels of service and comfort from basic to luxury. Depending on the tour booked, one can also take advantage of such activities as snorkeling, diving and swimming with sea lions. Adventure packages can include horseback riding and mountain biking as well.

Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the prime tourist destinations in South America and for good reason. Many archaeological sites have been destroyed over the years by enemy conquest, looting or simply the effects of nature. There are few sites such as this that are so well preserved.

Despite the preservation of the site, researchers are not sure of its actual purpose. Many theories have been put forth but, to date, none can be confirmed. It is believed to have been constructed by the Inca Pachacutec, one of the greatest leaders of that civilization. Among the most common theories are that it was either a retreat for the Inca and the more privileged of his nobles or that it was strictly a religious site.

The complex is immense and it’s easy to spend a few hours walking around. It’s best to go early in the morning so that there are fewer people on the grounds. Walking around this ancient mountaintop citadel, often shrouded in mist, it’s easy to imagine what life was like five hundred years ago.

The site can be reached by train or by hiking. Among the hikes that can be taken are the Classic Inca Trail, 2-day Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. In the case of Salkantay, you will hike into Machu Picchu Pueblo, formerly known as Aguas Calientes, rather than directly into the site itself.

Car rental brazil |Cheap Flights to New York | 在线西班牙语课程 |