Anth/Span 298 class field trips to Latin America

• 2012 Class Trips
• Past Class Trips
• Past Class Trips Slideshows

Earn five academic credits by participating in a class trip to different parts of Latin America. Learn about and take part in regional cultures; study the archaeology, anthropology, and history of indigenous and Spanish speaking peoples. Fieldtrips are designed, arranged, and led by long-time Centralia College professors and experienced travelers Greg van Alstyne and Laura Yocom. Every effort is made to assure quality, safety, and affordability. For more information on any of the trips, contact Greg van Alstyne, gvanalstyne@centralia.edu, 736-9391 ext. 552; or Laura Yocom, lyocom@centralia.edu, 736-9391 ext. 455.


Left: Laura Yocom, professor of Spanish, and Greg van Alstyne, professor of Social & Cultural Anthropology, at Tikal, Guatemala.

2012 Class Trips

ANCIENT & MODERN CULTURES OF BELIZE

SPRING BREAK:
March 23–April 1, 2012
Cost: $1800

Belize, formerly British Honduras, is home to several archaeological sites of the ancient Maya. On this academic excursion, we shall be visiting several major Maya ruins, complete with stepped pyramids, temples, ball courts, and plazas.

Take a break from archaeology and trek through a Central American, tropical, rainforest jaguar reserve. At dawn, wake up to the raucous calls of jungle birds and the roaring of howler monkeys in the tree canopy overhead.

Next, splash across a frigid river and clamber through an underground cave system to an ancient Maya ceremonial burial site.

Then head for the coast for a dose of the azure blue of the Caribbean. While there, experience the cultural epicenter of the Afro-Carib Garifuna people.

Finally, bunk overnight in a local Mopan or Kek’chi Maya village and take part in their traditional way of life.

BOLIVIA, PARAGUAY, ARGENTINA

June 18–July 13, 2012
Cost: $3550 (subject to modification)

Bolivia

Fly into La Paz, the highest capital in the world, at 12,000 feet. Rise early to explore the monumental pre-Incan ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, journey past herds of llamas tended by colorfully skirted women in bowler hats. Travel to the fabled silver mountain of Potosí and tread the underground paths of indigenous miners. Leave an offering to ‘Tío’, the guardian of the mineshaft. After soaking up the colonial atmosphere of red tile-roofed Sucre, put on your walking shoes as we trek through three highland villages as we enjoy local culture, food, lodging.

Paraguay

Descend the precipitous eastern slopes of the Andes into the wild lowlands of the arid Chaco. Follow the course of the mighty Paraguay River into the very center of the continent to the Pantanal, the vast wetland with the greatest concentration of mammals in the world. Bunk at Tres Gigantes Biological Research Station and be on the lookout for jaguars, anacondas, capybaras, caimans, and the three giants: nutria, armadillo, and anteater. Then, sling your hammock on the Aquidabán riverboat for a couple of days and watch the Paraguayan world go by, bound for the river port capital, Asunción. While there, get used to city traffic again as we tour its 19th century monuments and buildings. Head east across Paraguay to Bella Vista and sip mate at the factory in this German immigrant community.

Argentina

Explore the ruins and imagine life in the 17th century Jesuit missions, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To cap off our adventure, thrill to the panoramic power of the largest waterfall in the world at Iguazú.

Previous Class Trips

Previous trips have included the ancient and modern cultures of:

• Brazil/Venezuela
• Central America
• Colombia
• Guatemala/Honduras
• Peru
• Southern Mexico