In June, Kara and Rick traveled to Peru and Cusco and visited Machu Picchu and then flew to Quito, Ecuador and took a 4-night cruise out to the Galapagos Islands.  

MACHU PICCHU & THE INCA TRAIL

To get to Machu Picchu, you fly into Cusco from Lima and then take a train to Machu Picchu.  Cusco is known as the "Archaeological Capital of the Americas" and abounds with beautiful colonial buildings.  Machu Picchu is "The Lost City of the Incas" and was discovered in 1911 by American Explorer Hiram Bingham.  It was an important ceremonial center during Inca times.  The buildings are surrounded by agricultural terraces and soaring peaks.  Another way to get to the site is to walk the Inca Trail on a 27-mile winding road which requires 3 to 5 days.  Kara and Rick opted for the 3-hour train ride.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - OFF THE COAST OF ECUADOR

Covering an area of about 3,200 square miles, the Galapagos Islands lie off Ecuador's Pacific Coast.  There are 13 major islands, six minor ones and scores of islets that are all part of Ecuador's National Park system.  The Galapagos Islands became famous when Charles Darwin visited there in 1835 and afterwards wrote his famous book, "On the Origin of the Species".  The animals that live here have never developed a fear of humans and one can see up them close and personal.

MV Corinthian

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