Peru: From the Amazon to the Andes

Spring 3-week, 2008

The Faculty

Kimberley Phillips, Professor of Psychology and Biology

The Course

Biology 101: Beginning Field Biology
                   or
Biology 300: Field Biology
(4 hour lab courses; Gen Ed Category SM)

The Program

The focus of this course is an exploration of tropical ecosystems, from the Amazonian rainforests to the Andean highlands.  The bulk of the course will be spent in the field at the Tambopata National Reserve, part of the Amazonian Tambopata Madidi Wilderness on the Peru-Bolivia border and one of the most important hotspots in the world.  At Tambopata we will study the biodiversity and community ecology of habitats and species native to Peruvian rainforests.  This site is especially known for its extraordinary mammalian and bird diversity.  Several topics will be covered in depth.  These include the general ecology of Peruvian tropical rainforests, identification of rainforest flora and fauna, ornithology, primate behavioral ecology, and rainforest conservation tours, faculty-guided observational projects, and independent student explorations.

Final days will be spent in and around Cusco, cumulating in a four day hike to Machu Picchu.  This region provides rich archaeological evidence of the power of the Incan empire and remains a major Quechuan cultural center.  Exposure to tropical ecology in the first part of the course will stimulate discussion of the influence of ecology on human populations, specifically on early Peruvian civilizations (i.e., pre-Inca and Inca cultures).  In particular the group will explore how ecology influenced the development and fall of pre-colonial Andean cultures.

Course Highlights Includes:

• Field work in a pristine Amazonian rainforest.
• Observing monkeys (up to eight species), iguanas, sloths, jaguars, and countless tropical birds under the warm equatorial sun.
• Learning about tropical ecology and Incan culture and history.
• Hiking the classic Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu at sunrise.

The Travel

The entire trip can be considered a field trip, as nearly all time will be spent at various field sites: Posadas Amazonas and the Tambopata Research Center (southeastern Peru), Cusco, Machu Picchu and surrounding areas.  At the sites in southeastern Peru we will wake up before sunrise to hike through the forests and observe and identify various animals and plants.  After breakfast, mornings are typically spent in the forests.  Each participant will have directed observations to conduct, other times having time to explore the forests on their own.  After lunch, everyone will have a time for relaxation or study.  After dinner the group will meet for lectures and discussions.  On at least two occasions the group will take a guided night hike to observe nocturnal wildlife such as owl monkeys and olingos.  From the group base in Cusco, exploration will occur in the sacred Urubamba Valley and the ceremonial center of Sacsayhuaman  before beginning the classic four day trek to Machu Picchu.

Travel Dates:

Will occur between April 17 and May 5, 2008

Estimated Program Costs:

Approximately $3,800 above tuition and fees.
Costs include round-trip airfare Cleveland - Lima, airfare Lima - Puerto Maldonado, hostel costs in Lima, food, 8 days in the Peruvian Amazon (Posadas Amazonas and TRC), airfare Puerto Maldonado - Cusco, hostel costs in Cusco, excursions to local Inca sites around Cusco, hiking the Inca Trail, and airfare Cusco - Lima.  This is the best current estimate and is subject to revision.  Personal expenses, passport fees, and independent travel are not covered.

A $75 non-refundable fee is due upon receipt of the trip application.  This fee is used to pay for processing costs and an International Student Identity Card, passport holder, and luggage tags.

Application Deadline:

October 15, 2007

For more information, please contact:

Study Abroad Coordinator
Hiram College
P.O. Box 67
Hiram, OH  44234
Phone: (330) 569-5160
Fax: (330) 569-5381
E-Mail: mickks@hiram.edu