Previously Unknown Inca Road Discovered in Peru (Artdaily.org) "Peruvian archaeologists and Spanish technicians have discovered an Inca road unknown until now.

The Inca road is made of stone masonry approximately 1 meter (3 1/4 feet) wide, with sustaining walls along the way rising some 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) high, according to a communique from the Project Ukhupacha.

Several stretches of the road have collapsed that began at what is now the Wuarqtambo archaeological premises, went up Machu Picchu mountain and then came down from the citadel.

The director of the Machu Picchu National Historical Sanctuary, Fernando Astete Victoria, said there had been evidence of an Inca road to the citadel different from the one that was known, and so its discovery became one of the Ukhupacha Project's goals. "

Explore the Inca Empire

Peru: A history lost in the ruins (telegraph.co,uk) "Nine years ago, a discovery was made about a place called Caral in northern Peru that transformed the understanding of human history in the Americas.

During the 20th century Caral remained unexplored, just one among many ancient sites dotting the coastal strip between Lima and Peru's border with Ecuador in the north. From the pyramids of the Moche people to Chan Chan, the vast adobe city of the Chimu empire, which immediately predated the Incas, succeeding city states had evolved and dissolved. All were fascinating but none was regarded as pre-eminent.

In 2000, carbon dating of a bag woven from plant fibres proved that the 163-acre site had been built between 3000 and 2100BC, making it the oldest civilisation on the continent of the Americas and contemporaneous with the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. "

Read about the History of Peru and Archaeology and Archaeological Sites of South America.

July 9th is Argentina's Independence Day holiday.

In March of 1816, folllowing Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, representatives of the various provinces met in Tucumán to discuss the future of their country. On July 9 the delegates met in the Bazán family home, now the Casa Histórica de la Independencia museum, to proclaim their independence from Spanish rule and the formation of the United Provinces of South America later the Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata.

Photo of a copy of the Declaration of Independence is displayed with the kind permission of Peter and Jackie Main. For more views, Visit Argentina's House of Independence in Tucuman.

The Galapagos continue to be a prime destination for tourists, game show winners, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

New touring adventures offer enticing attractions and with some of the more expensive cruises, a combination of sailing comfort and up close wildlife viewing. For and example, see Small(er)-Is-Beautiful New Galapagos Tour: Best Guest/Guide Ratio on Eco-Friendly Natural Habitat Adventures Classic Galapagos Trip (earthtimes.org) "Natural Habitat Adventures' new 11-day Classic Galapagos Aboard the Nina trip offers year-round 2010 departures starting from $5,595 per person double occupancy, with guest accommodations in 10 spacious deluxe cabins with en suite bathrooms. In addition to comfy, small-scale cruising, the intimate one-of-a-kind adventure includes an exclusive chance to spend the night in a tree house and tented camp amid giant tortoise habitat – as well as World Wildlife Fund-approved conservation education focused on the real-world issues that put the once pristine islands on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list. For details on the 2010 Nina “anti-cruise” – and all of Natural Habitat Adventures’ Galapagos itineraries, visit www.nathab.com/galapagos."

Related to the growing tourist base and the increasing population in the islands, this article/opinion piece from the Harvard Crimson addresses the issue, saying, "future human occupation of the islands must be regulated as closely as the tours that allow for its presence. All tour guides are also trained park rangers. It is time that the people of the islands take on a second identity as well, as more active conservators of their adopted home."

Discover the Galapagos and post your comments with the link below.

Photo of a giant tortoise thanks to ArtToday.com.