The citadel of Machu Picchu heads the list of “The seven wonders of Peru” selected according to a new survey done by a Group of Public Opinión from the University of Lima. Machu Picchu was declared a Cultural and Natural Patrimony of Humanity by the Unesco in 1983 and it is one of Peru’s main attractions. Not only because of the citadel iinherited from our ancestors Incas, but also because it presents a biodiversity of flora and fauna a great variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, butterflies and its magical flora.
On the top of a mountain that domains the Canyon of the Urubamba river, this sanctuary was a centre of worship, astronomy observations and a private place for Pachacutec’s family. According to archeologists, Inca Pachacutec was the first leader who expanded his domains through the valley of Cusco and beyond. Macchu Picchu was one of his greatest works.
The survey that took place on the 26 and 27th of May, interviewed a number of 497 people from 32 districts in Lima and Callao, randomly selected. They had the option of selecting between 21 places from the whole country. The margin of error was /- 4.48%. The card given to the people who did the survey had the name and the photo of each place.
Machu Picchu presented the support of 93.6% of the people, The Nasca lines in Ica presented 59.1% of votes, the snow peak Huascaran (Ancash) had 54.5%, Lake Titicaca (Puno) 44%, The Lord of Sipan (Lambayeque) 42.9%, the Reserve of Manu (Madre de Dios and Cusco) 39.9% and the Paracas Reserve (Ica) 38.9%. Peru have lots to offer for the tourism industry, but Macchu Picchu surpass all the rest.
Few regions of the world offer the range of stunning desert landscapes and unique flora and fauna that can be found in Central Australia. On top of these natural riches, Central Australia is also home to several rich and vibrant indigenous cultures producing some of the most interesting art in the world today. Whether you are seeking lavish luxury or an authentic safari adventure, Central Australia has something for everyone.
The unofficial capital of Central Australia is Alice Springs, which makes a great base from which to explore the region. Accommodation of every kind for every budget is available in this medium-sized desert town, and the town is also home to many quality indigenous art retailers. Alice Springs is accessible by air via Australia’s national carrier Qantas, by rail via the Ghan (one of Australia’s great train journeys) and by road from Darwin or Adelaide.
Alice Springs has a population of around 28,000 and lies at 700 metres above sea level almost in the geographical centre of Australia, about 1500 kilometres from the nearest major city in any direction. As is typical of a desert environment, Alice Springs and Central Australia are predominantly dry, with blue skies from April to September. During the hot summer months (October to March), temperatures in Alice Springs in the low 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are not uncommon, while throughout the winter months (May to September) overnight minimums in Alice Springs can fall as low as minus 7 degrees C (19 F). Alice Springs has an average annual rainfall of only 275 mm, with rainfall typically occuring during the hotter months from October to March.
From Alice Springs, a range of stunning locations can be accessed. The best known and most popular destinations are Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
Uluru (also Ayers Rock or The Rock) is located in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park about 450 km southwest of Alice Springs. This Central Australian icon is a monolith more than 318 metres (986 ft) high and 8 km (5 miles) around, and extends 2.5 km (1.5 miles) into the ground. It is about 21km from Uluru to the tourist town of Yulara, which has a population of 3000 and is situated just outside the park. Uluru is noted for appearing to change colour as the light strikes it in different ways at different times of the day and year, and is a particularly remarkable sight at sunset.
Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, is a group of 36 rounded rock formations located about 30km from Uluru within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The tallest dome of the Kata Tjuta group, Mt Olga, is higher than Uluru and stands at 457 m in height. The name Kata Tjuta means ‘many heads’ in Pitjantjatjara, the local indigenous Australian language, and is as sacred to the indigenous people as Uluru. Many ceremonies were, and are still carried out at Kata Tjuta, particularly at night, and many Pitjantjatjara legends are associated with both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Kings Canyon (also known as Watarrka) is among Central Australia’s most stunning natural features, and is located about 400 km southwest of Alice Springs. The road to Kings Canyon follows the southern side of the Gill Ranges which gradually rise over a distance of 50 kms to over 100 metres by the time they reach the canyon. Watarrka National Park contains Kings Canyon and the western end of the George Gill Range. The scenic landscape of the area contains rocky ranges, rockpools and gorges, and is a refuge for many plants and animals. The canyon walls rise above the valley of Kings Creek and are spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Closer to Alice Springs, many spectacular natural locations including rock pools, gorges, mountains and dry river valleys can be found within an hour’s drive east or west of Alice Springs in the MacDonnell ranges. Particularly popular with travellers are Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian tour topics such as
If you are looking for an amazing, freefall experience than look no further than California. California offers various extreme sports centers which allow you to take part in tandem skydiving and they also offer many programs for the more serious skydiver.
Why Consider Tandem Jumping in California?
The main reason that people choose to tandem jump is because it is generally a lot safer than ordinary jumping. You have someone attached to you who have jumped over 1,000 times and they worry about pulling the ripcord whilst you just admire the view and the experience. As well as offering tandem jumps, most of California’s extreme sports centers also offer accelerated freefall programs as well as accelerated student programs too. It is thought that you will experience 90 seconds of freefall whilst you are harnesses to an instructor and then you will glide down to the ground once the ripcord has been pulled for roughly 5-7 minutes.
One of the best centers to go with in California is the Skydive Santa Barbara and that is situated near the Lompoc airport which makes it easy to get to. When driving to the center from Santa Barbara it should only take you roughly 45 minutes to get there. All you need to do is set off north onto 101 and then when it comes take the highway 1 exit after you have gone past the Gaviota tunnel. Continuing north, you will soon reach the Lompoc traffic light where you will then turn left to Ocean and you should drive on until you reach the H street. Next turn right and carry on until you get past Central Avenue. You should find that the Lompoc airport is on your left and you drive through the airport where you will then find the center right next to the Airport beacon tower.
Once there you can expect to find tandem jumps priced at around $199. That is for your first jump only however and if you want a second jump that will cost you $159. If you are a serious skydiver and you want to take part in the AFF program, then you should expect to pay $149 per level and there are 7 levels available until you are allowed to go solo. It is no good just simply turning up either, you will need to book roughly 1-2 weeks ahead of your vacation and it will cost you $50 deposit per person. You will also find that the center offers extras such as oxygen if you are going on a high sky dive.
If you do want to take part in tandem jumping, you should also try the Skydive Taft which is situated in the Taft airport. It also allows you to take part in freefall programs too and it also allows you to relax in its barbeque and patio area. If the center is too far for you then you will be pleased to know that a bunkhouse is offered. Here you can expect to pay around $180 for your first tandem jump, though if you are going with a group it will be a little lower. If you want to take part in the AFF programs then you can expect to pay $280 upwards. If you belong to the military, if you are in a birthday group or if you are a student then Skydive Taft will also offer you a discount.
When looking to get to Skydive Taft, if you are driving from Los Angeles then it is roughly one hour and 45 minutes away. You will need to take the Interstate 5 northwards until you reach exit highway166 and then you need to turn left. You will then drive on for 23 miles until you reach Maricopa and you should then turn right onto the highway 119/33 which is situated by the Shell station. Continue on for 8 more miles and you will make it to Taft. Once you get to Kern Street, turn right and you will see that Skydive Taft is in the first hanger of the airport.
Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on this subject for skydiving-parachuting-guide.com skydiving-parachuting-guide.com . A website with tips on skydiving-parachuting-guide.com/tandem.html tandem skydiving.
Virginia is For Lovers?… Virginia Is For Families !
Yes, they used to say Virginia is for Lovers, but times have
changed…Virginia is now for Families.
Have you been trying to think of a great family vacation idea
that has it ALL?
How about a beach, some family fun theme parks, a great family
waterpark, some fun entertainment that will also be educational
for the children ?
Well…you can do it all in Virginia, oh! add in some great shopping too ! Virginia is a great family vacation idea!
What more could you possibly ask for?
Set your plans for some summertime family fun in the eastern
half of Virginia. There you will find Busch Gardens, Virginia Beach, Paramount’s Kings Dominion, Water Country USA , Colonial Williamsburg and many, many more attractions all within a short driving distance.
Bring a little of the “Old Country” into your families lives, as
you stroll through the different countries of the world on your
family vacation. At Busch Gardens you can taste the special
cuisine of each country, and enjoy some entertainment and rides too!
How about some more fun with a history lesson too… Make your
way to “Colonial Williamsburg” for a delightful day. You’ll travel back in time to learn the history of this great country and how our ancestors used to live.
Virginia can get pretty warm in the summertime, so gather up the
family and make your next stop at one of the Best Rated Water
Parks in the Country, “Water Country USA” and have
a splashing COOL time ! Inside this great park, you will
discover all that is talked about in “great water parks”. Many
fun waterslides and don’t forget “Big Daddy Falls” a family
favorite waterslide designed so the whole family can ride together!
There’s still some more thrills and entertainment, Paramount’s
Kings Dominion has just opened their newest roller coaster for
2006 “The Italian Job Turbo Coaster”. This very popular
parks offers “family rides”, and “kiddy rides” as well.
Whew…now it’s time to relax…what better place to relax than
a beach…Virginia Beach! The kids are all wound up having
such a good time. Let them continue their fun and high energy
at the beach. Mom and Dad, put your feet in the sand and plant
yourself for a few days and relax!
Ahh…what a great week and what a great way to finish it off!
Sue Lattrelle helps families find the perfect Family Vacation Spots.
Go to ~ thebestfamilyvacationspots.com thebestfamilyvacationspots.com
to find many helpful hints aimed at making your next Family
Vacation YOUR BEST!
