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MACHU PICCHU AND THE GALAPAGOS

Seen With Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

By CHRIS OWEN

June 16^th, 2023

Expect The Unexpected

In Galápagos, one thing is certain: expect the unexpected! Surrounded by wildlife on land and at sea, you never know what might happen. And that’s been the draw since Darwin landed in 1835.

Lindblad Expeditions pioneered expedition travel to the remarkable Galápagos Islands more than 50 years ago. Today, they lead expeditions year-round to this magical archipelago famed for its vibrant wildlife.

Encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions in their natural habitats, unfazed by your presence.

Enjoy multiple adventures each day on land and undersea, including walks and hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, in the company of local expert guides.

Framed with first class hotels along the way, our Lindblad/National Geographic trip was simply enchanting.

The islands are known for their famously fearless wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution. And that's just part of the story. Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world

The Galapagos Islands, also known as the Galapagos, is an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. It is a province of Ecuador and consists of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and more than 100 islets. The archipelago is famous for its unique wildlife and played a significant role in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Lindblad naturalists were fully prepared to lead our expedition and were with us every step of the way.

The Galapagos Islands are known for their incredible biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are home to various iconic creatures, including the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and Galapagos sea lions. The absence of natural predators on the islands has allowed wildlife to evolve in isolation, leading to unique adaptations and behaviors.

The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination. The islands offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, including volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Activities such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife watching are popular among tourists.

To preserve the fragile ecosystems and protect the unique wildlife, the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve were established. These protected areas enforce strict regulations to limit human impact on the islands and ensure sustainable tourism.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, also spelled Machupijchu, site of ancient Inca ruins located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains. It is perched above the Urubamba River valley in a narrow saddle between two sharp peaks—Machu Picchu (“Old Peak”) and Huayna Picchu (“New Peak”)—at an elevation of 7,710 feet (2,350 metres). One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Although the site escaped detection by the Spaniards, it may have been visited by the German adventurer Augusto Berns in 1867. However, Machu Picchu’s existence was not widely known in the West until it was “discovered” in 1911 by the Yale University professor Hiram Bingham, who was led to the site by Melchor Arteaga, a local Quechua-speaking resident. Bingham had been seeking Vilcabamba (Vilcapampa), the “lost city of the Incas,” from which the last Inca rulers led a rebellion against Spanish rule until 1572.

He cited evidence from his 1912 excavations at Machu Picchu, which were sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society, in his labeling of the site as Vilcabamba; however, that interpretation is no longer widely accepted. (Nevertheless, many sources still follow Bingham’s precedent and erroneously label Machu Picchu as the “lost city of the Incas.”) Evidence later associated Vilcabamba with another ruin, Espíritu Pampa, which was also discovered by Bingham. In 1964 Espíritu Pampa was extensively excavated under the direction of the American explorer Gene Savoy.

The site was much deteriorated and overgrown with forest, but Savoy uncovered remains there of some 300 Inca houses and 50 or more other buildings, as well as extensive terraces, proving that Espíritu Pampa was a much larger settlement.

Machu Picchu was further excavated in 1915 by Bingham, in 1934 by the Peruvian archaeologist Luis E. Valcarcel, and in 1940–41 by Paul Fejos. Additional discoveries throughout the Cordillera de Vilcabamba have shown that Machu Picchu was one of a series of pucaras (fortified sites), tambos (travelers’ barracks, or inns), and signal towers along the extensive Inca foot highway.

Visitors to the Galapagos Islands are required to follow specific guidelines to protect the environment. These guidelines include staying on marked trails, not disturbing or feeding the animals, and not taking any plants, animals, or rocks from the islands. The aim is to maintain the natural balance and integrity of this extraordinary archipelago.

Overall, the Galapagos Islands are a remarkable destination for nature lovers and those interested in scientific exploration. They offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the wonders of evolution and experience a truly unique environment.

...until we meet again

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