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Class field trips to Latin America

Laura Yocom and Greg van Alstyne

Anth/Span 298 class trips

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.


2010 Class Trips – Enroll Now!

scarlet macaws, Guatemala

Central America
FILLED

Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
SPRING BREAK: March 16–28, 2010
Cost: $1550
Subject to modification
Traipse through the cobbled streets of historic Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, stopping at imposing colonial Spanish churches, bartering in vibrant markets. Harness up and zip through the tree canopy on the slopes of Mombacho, an active volcano. Take in panoramic views of dwarf forest, cloud forest, and coffee fincas below.

Cross magnificent Lake Nicaragua past Ometepe Island, the site of two active volcanoes. Sleep on board. Wake up in the river port of San Carlos, have breakfast, and motor down a portion of the Río San Juan, which forms the southern border of Nicaragua with Costa Rica. Hang a sharp right into a tributary, the Río Frío, and enter Costa Rica by boat. Hop a local bus to the Caribbean coast, then explore the lowland tropical jungle and meander through backwater canals. View rich rainforest wildlife, and most important, nesting sites of four species of turtles.

Continue by bus along the Caribbean coast, saunter into Panama over the bridge at Sixaola, travel over the highlands to the Pacific side of the isthmus and into Panama City. Fly to the low lying, coconut palmed San Blas Islands, home of the indigenous Kuna. Stay in a cabana and revel in their brightly colored clothing and traditional designs.

For the grand finale, cruise on the Panama Canal!

Throughout this trip, practice Spanish as you converse with local people—or if you're uninitiated to Spanish, jump-start your skills. You'll be surprised at your success.

Sound interesting? Check with Greg van Alstyne or Laura Yocom for more details and space availability.

flowering plant, Guatemala

Brazil / Venezuela
Only 2 spaces available

June 15–July 10, 2010
Cost: $3500
Begin by observing life in a Rio favela, then, dance to samba music on Ipanema, rub shoulders with the bustling crowds on the teeming streets and beaches of Rio de Janeiro, believed by many to have the most beautiful setting in the world.

Head up the Atlantic seaboard to explore the twisted cobbled streets of colorful colonial Olinda, founded in 1535. Observe an African-inspired possession cult ceremony in one of the most important centers of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Then, from the bustling port city of Belem, embark upriver on the mighty Amazon. Hug the shoreline to avoid the middle current. Laze about on deck while on the lookout for small riverine communities, people in dugout canoes, pink dolphins, caimans, and snowy ibises. Four days later put in at Parintins for the wildly extravagant Boi Bumba festival, a cultural event similar to Carnaval.

With the music and pageantry still ringing in your ears, hitch your hammock on the deck of a passenger boat heading for Manaus, the historic rubber capital of Brazil. From this port city, venture north into one of the most remote areas of the equatorial rain forest, and cross the border into neighboring Venezuela to begin the 6-day trek up the sheer sided Mt. Roraima. On top, discover plants and animals found nowhere else. Gaze across the abyss at the second highest waterfall in the world.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire some Portuguese 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 Greg van Alstyne or Laura Yocom. We'll fill you in on the details.

Previous Class Trips

Previous trips have included the ancient and modern cultures of:
  • Colombia
  • Guatemala/Honduras
  • Peru
  • Southern Mexico