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Previous class field trips (Anth/Span 298)

students ending Ciudad Perdida Trek in Colombia
Above: Students ending the Ciudad Perdida trek, Colombia 2009.

Previous class trips have included the ancient and modern cultures of:

2009 class trips

Ancient and modern cultures of Colombia

COLOMBIA / BRAZIL
RIGHT AFTER GRADUATION: JUNE 15–JULY 4, 2009
COST: $2750 (subject to modification)
Begin this academic adventure in the World Heritage city of Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast. Following in the footsteps of pirates, explore old Spanish fortresses and wander through narrow, colonial, cobbled streets. Leaving the city, hike through the remote Tayrona National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The goal is to reach Ciudad Perdida, the monumental remains of a huge city built by the ancient Tayrona people. Along the way, trek through indigenous Kogui villages, splash across creeks and streams, and sleep in a hammock. Heading into the highlands, celebrate Colombian independence in a small, colonial town in the Cordillera Oriental. Shout "olé" with the locals at a bullfight, enjoy parades and music as well. Finally, fly to the Amazon Rainforest, stay in a jungle lodge along the Brazilian side of the river, climb into the tree canopy, and search for monkeys, myriad birds, pink dolphins, and alligators. This is a very good opportunity to acquire some Spanish if you do not know any, or hone the skills that you already have. Participants must be physically prepared for the demanding six-day hike. P.E. classes are strongly recommended during winter and spring quarters. Sound exciting? Check with us–we'll fill you in on the details.

Colombia trip ad

rare Quetzal bird

Ancient and modern cultures of Guatemala & Honduras

GUATEMALA / HONDURAS
SPRING BREAK: MARCH 19–29, 2009
COST: $1600
Guatemala is home to many archaeological sites of the ancient Maya. On this academic excursion, we will visit the jungle sites of Tikal, Ceibal, Aguateca, and Yaxhá. In the Motagua Valley, we will admire gigantic carved, stone stelae, some as tall as thirty feet. Across the border, in Honduras, we will explore the archaeological ruins as well as the present day town of Copán. We will hike into the mountains to a tiny village accessible only by footpath, and spend a day and night with a Kek’chi Maya family. This is an area where the rare, beautiful, symbolic quetzal bird may be sighted. At least four small towns are on our agenda, with time to explore markets, sample local cuisine, admire colorful clothing, and chat with friendly people. Among the towns is Livingston, a center of the Afro/Carib Garífuna people, located on the Caribbean shoreline. This is a very good opportunity to acquire some Spanish if you do not know any, or hone the skills that you already have. Sound interesting? Check with us for more details and space availability.

Above: Rare quetzal, Guatemala