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

Email:

To: Galapagos Islands pre-trip 2008

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