We
invite MAA members to join the MAA Peru Expedition, July 7-19, 2008, and
our pre-trip to the Galapagos Islands. These extraordinary locations offer
some of the most exhilarating cultural, wild, and archaeological sights
in South America. This will truly be a journey of a lifetime, with a special
focus on mathematics of the Incas!

Including
Cuzco and Machu Picchu!
MAA
PERU EXPEDITION
- SOLD
OUT
JULY
7-19, 2008 with
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS PRE-TRIP
JULY 1-7, 2008
Our 13-day expedition
to Peru will explore the cultural heritage and scenic wonders of this
Andean nation, with a special look at the great archaeological/mathematical
sites in
Peru, and its mathematical heritage including quipus, ethnomathematics,
mathematical history, and current mathematics education. Sites will include
the Inca capitol of Cuzco (the “center of the world” in the
Quechua language); Machu Picchu, the heart of the Inca Empire and one
of the archaeological wonders of the world; and the Nazca Lines, 2,000-year-old
figures of butterflies, hummingbirds, and a condor. In addition, we will
explore the step pyramids of Pachacamac, the Urubamba Valley, Chincheros,
and the fabulous museums in Lima, site of some of the earliest mathematical
publications in the Western Hemisphere.
Co-leading this expedition
will be Dr. Douglas Sharon, retired director of the Hearst Museum of Anthropology
at UC Berkeley and a Peru expert, and Carrie Brezine, a Ph. D. candidate
at Harvard University and khipus (quipus) expert.
Doug Sharon is a popular
leader of Peru Expeditions for AAAS and Sigma Xi. His research focus is
the diverse cultures of Latin America and the shaman’s ancient healing
art. He was instrumental in acquiring protection for Chachapoya mummy
bundles found in steep cliff tombs on the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
He currently is doing research in Peru and establishing a nonprofit to
further ethnobotanical research in Peru.
Carrie Brezine received
her BA in Mathematics at Reed College and is manager of the database of
khipus (quipus) at Harvard. She has lived and traveled extensively in
Peru and in Europe to study the importance of khipus. She speaks Spanish
and Quechua and is a weaver in the Andean tradition. She looks forward
to sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the advances the Incas have
given to science, mathematics, agriculture, and local cultures.
We will explore four
types of mathematical content on the trip:
- Incan quipus (khipus),
an Inca system of knotted cords used for accounting, taxes, and census
records.
- Ethnomathematics,
including weaving, Inca architecture, and patterns in general.
- Early Spanish American
mathematical publications.
- Present day mathematics
and mathematics education in Peru.
Please join us as
we explore the heritage of Peru!
PERU DAILY
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - MIAMI
TO LIMA, PERU
Mon July 7
Passengers depart Miami (or other US gateways) for Lima, Peru. Transfer
to the Jose Antonio Hotel (4 nights) in the Miraflores District of Lima.
DAY 2 - LIMA
CITY TOUR & ANTHRO/ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM
Tues July 8
Buffet breakfast,
followed by trip orientation and introductions. Begin your exploration
of Lima. Founded by Pizarro in 1535, Lima's height was during the 17th
century. We will visit the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by the Cathedral,
museums, government buildings, and an active business center. Afternoon
visit to the Anthropology & Archaeology Museum, for an introduction
to the cultural heritage of Peru, including khipus. Introductory lecture.
Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 3 - LIMA
GOLD MUSEUM & NATIONAL LIBRARY
Wed July 9
This morning, we’ll have a visit to the Gold Museum, for a look
at the extraordinary collection of gold artifacts from many Peruvian cultural
sites. Afternoon visit with Peruvian mathematicians, including a visit
to the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional de Peru) to see the first
mathematical books in Peru.
(B)
DAY 4 - PURUCHUCO
& LIMA
Thurs July 10
Depart on a
morning excursion to the site of Puruchuco northeast of Lima where 21
khipus were found which are now housed in the Puruchuco Museum. This khipu
archive shows the way in which census and tribute data were synthesized,
manipulated, and transferred between different accounting levels in the
Inca administrative system. Afternoon for more mathematical contacts in
Lima. (B)
DAY 5 - LIMA
TO PACHACAMAC & NAZCA
Fri July 11
Depart for Pachacamac archaeological site south of Lima, built in 1350
AD, called the Temple of the Sun. The size of this site and height of
the step pyramids give you a good impression of the wealth of the community
and the importance of religion to these people. Continue down the coast
to Nazca. Nazca and Ica people have produced some of the most intricate
weavings found in Peru, as well as the large figures outlined on this
arid Pacific coastal landscape. Overnight in Nazca at La Maison Suisse
(1 night). Slide lecture. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - NAZCA
TO PARACAS
Sat July 12
Take a morning
scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. From the air we will see 2000-year-old
figures of hummingbirds, lizards, a monkey, and condor that are hundreds
of feet long. Depart for Paracas, situated on the coast near the Ballestas
Islands, Peru’s premiere coastal wildlife sanctuary. (1 night).
(B,L,D)
DAY 7 - BALLESTAS
ISLANDS TO LIMA
Sun July 13
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the dock and board the boat to visit
the Ballestas Islands, surrounded by the nutrient rich waters of the Humboldt
Current. These offshore islands are home to thousands of Peruvian boobies,
Guanay cormorants, and Humboldt penguins, all different species from what
you will see in Galapagos. Afternoon visit to the Museum of the Nacion,
with outstanding examples of weavings, ceramics, traditional costumes,
and gold jewelry. Jose Antonio Hotel (1 night). Dinner with folkloric
show at Dama Juana Restaurant. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 - LIMA
TO CUZCO & PISAC
Mon July 14
Fly to Cuzco,
the center of the Inca world, the oldest continually occupied city in
the New World, and its archaeological capital. Afternoon visit to the
Pisac archaeological site. Pisac is nestled deep in the Urubamba Valley
with an important local market and an Inca cliff-side fortress high above
the city. We will see the life of local people, little changed from hundreds
of years ago. Casona Yucay Hotel (2 nights). (B,L,D)
DAY 9 - CHINCHEROS
& OLLANTAITAMBO
Tues July 15
Depart for Chincheros,
a small Andean town with an attractive plaza and church, built on a foundation
of Inca stonework. It is set in a scenic valley, surrounded by high Andean
peaks. The quaint town is known for its pottery and woolen weavings of
alpaca goods. Enjoy a picnic lunch near Chincheros, and visit a local
weaving family. Afternoon visit to Ollantaitambo, where Manco warriors
defended the village and archaeological site against Hernando Pizarro
in 1536. You can see defensive walls above the ancient site. Slide lecture.
(B,L)
DAY 10 - MACHU
PICCHU & CUZCO
Wed July 16
Transfer to
Machu Picchu by train and bus. Have lunch overlooking Machu Picchu, with
Huayna Picchu peak behind it. Afternoon visit to Machu Picchu, the famous
“lost city” of the Incas, with a focus on astronomical aspects
of the site. See the courtyards, granaries, renowned stonework, terraced
fields, all situated on a knife-edge spine of the Andes. Take return train
and coach to Cuzco. Casa Andina Cuzco Plaza Hotel (2 nights). (B,L,D)
DAY 11 - CUZCO
ARCHAEOASTRONOMY
Thurs July 17
Morning tour
of Cuzco including the Plaza de Armas, and surrounding archaeological
sites, including Sacsayhuaman, with special attention to the archaeoastronomical
aspects of the Cuzco area. Cuzco’s main streets are lined with Inca
foundations for colonial buildings. Cuzco was the center of the Inca world
and has a network of paved roads radiating in all directions. Afternoon
to continue exploring Cuzco’s archaeoastronomy links. Farewell dinner
with folkloric show this evening. (B,D)
DAY 12 - CUZCO
TO LIMA
Fri July 18
Flight to Lima. Transfer to the Miraflores district of Lima for personal
interests in Lima. Evening transfer to the airport for return flights
to the USA. (B)
DAY 13 - MIAMI
TO HOME
Sat July 19
Arrive Miami.
Go through customs & immigration. Take connecting flights home. (Meals
aloft)
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is a guide only and is subject
to change. Your leaders will keep you informed.
Peru Expedition
Fee: $3,995 per person twin share (plus air fare of $650 plus
tax per person from Miami to Lima, round trip on American Airlines, plus
$295 in-tour flights).
Singles:
We encourage singles to register twin share. If you do not have a roommate,
you must pay the $795 additional cost for single accommodations. Limited
singles are available.
Expedition
Fee Includes: Land transport; group airport transfers; accommodations
twin share in first class and country-style hotels which reflect the cultural
heritage of Peru; meals as indicated; group entrance fees; tips to local
guides and drivers; baggage handling; leadership, administration.
Expedition
Fee Excludes: Air fare (quoted separately); some meals; independent
transfers; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone
calls, bottled water, snacks, passport, personal insurance, or Foreign
Airport Departure Tax.
What to Expect:
This expedition is planned for the travel enthusiast who would enjoy exploring
and learning about the fascinating cultural heritage of Peru, with a special
look at mathematical aspects of the Incas and other early cultures. Visit
cities and villages, museums, and archaeological sites and discover the
coastal desert, Paracas wildlife reserve, the high Andes, and attractive
Inca and Spanish Peruvian people. Travel is by motorcoach, train to Machu
Picchu, and scheduled flights with daily outings on foot of 1 to 2 miles
at a leisurely pace.
Temperatures will
be in the 60's to 80's during the day, and may drop into the low 50's
in the Andes at night. We will spend several days at elevations from 7,500
- 11,000 feet. If concerned, please consult your physician before registering
for this expedition. (No smoking in vehicles, during lectures, or meals,
please.)
Reservations,
Deposits & Payments: The Peru Expedition is limited to 30
paying participants. To ensure your place on the expedition, please send
your deposit of $500 per person to:
MAA Peru
Expedition
c/o Lisa Kolbe
Mathematical Association of America
1529 18th Street NW
Washington DC 20036
Final payment is due
90 days before departure.
Cancellations
& Refunds: The initial deposit is refundable up to 90 days
before departure, less a handling fee of $100 per person. There is no
refund for any cancellation after the 90-day period. No refunds are made
for unused services. Trip cancellation insurance will be offered for purchase
which will protect passengers in the event of unexpected medical problems.
Passengers with pre-existing medical conditions can be protected by purchasing
the insurance within 14 days of the date on their confirmation letter.
This would allow you to get reimbursed for your trip payments by the insurance
company.
Questions?
Please call:
Lisa Kolbe,
MAA
Phone (202) 293-1170
Fax (202) 293-3412
or
Marisa Eide,
Betchart Expeditions Inc.
Phone (800) 252-4910
Fax (408) 252-1444
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