Peter Stewart spoke to us about his trip to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu in April. The Galaoagos lie 1000 km off the cost of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. They sit on the equator with a constant 25 drgree temperature. Peter and Sue joined a National Geographic expedition with 90 passengers and 60 crew. The Galapagos are volcanic and renowned for the wild life inhabiting its land and surrounding seas. This was first recorded by Charles Darwin and was the inspiration that lead him to research and develop The Theory of Evolution. There are many species found only on these Galapagos Islands and as there are no natural predators the wild life present is unafraid. Peter showed photos of giant tortises, blue and red footed boobies, marine and land equanas and frigate birds.
From the Galapagos Sue and Peter flew to Lima and then on to Cusco in Peru. Cusco is at 3400 metres and was the capital of the Inca Empire from the 13 - 16 century before being overrun by the Spanish conquest. It is today a world heritage site. The altitude effected Peter along with pneumonia that developed on arriving in Peru. Despite feeling unwell Peter and Sue travelled by train to Machu Picchu an Inca citidel which is 80km from Cusco. This is also a world heritage site and was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world. The buildings are constructed of dry stone walls and the hillsides terraced for agriculture. The surrounding landscapes are rugged with deep river gorges and very steep hillsides. One can only be impressed by the community Incas developed in such a challenging enviroment.