Machu Picchu and the Galapagos

Carole and Richard Witkover traveled with a group of fellow photographers to Peru and Ecuador. In Peru we visited small villages, the picturesque Incan city of Cuzco, and the capitol, Lima, but the star attraction was the legendary hidden city of Machu Picchu. Traveling from Lima at sea level we reached altitudes of 12,000 feet in the Andes near Cuzco. There were many opportunities to meet and photograph the people as we visited schools and local markets.

In Ecuador we spent time in the capitol of Quito (12,000 feet) and the city of Guyaquil, but the highlight was the week we spent on a boat visiting 9 of the Galapagos Islands. It was the flora and fauna of these islands that provided Charles Darwin with the inspiration for his Theory of Evolution. Travelers to the islands are strictly limited in number and duration of visit to minimize the impact of man on the environment. As a result, the animals have little fear of man, allowing photographers to get up close, even to nesting birds.

This presentation differs significantly from the "old family style slide show" of the past. Using modern digital technology, it includes multiple soundtracks for narration and local background music, pan and zoom effects ala "Ken Burns" (Jazz, Baseball, The Civil War...on PBS), movie clips and animation. It is a truly multi-media show. 

We will introduce the program with a discussion of background information, followed by a question and answer period. The program includes a brief review of the history of the area. Significant currents events may be included in the discussion. Our large size photographic prints of scenes from the show will be displayed and discussed.  The formal show runs 35-45 minutes and the total presentation from 60-90 minutes.

Some images from the show