3. Peru Program
• Basic facts
• Cultural overview
• Former student perspective
• Faculty perspective
• Resources
• Storyteller video
4. Coordinators
Sarah Boreen Jennifer Bohac Kim Fox Katy Lane
Program Coordinator Director Manager Associate Director
Flourish Traveling Aggies Public Partnership & Outreach Education Abroad
5. Presenters
Dan Rodolfo ‘Ropo’ Dr. Amanda Carolina
Stypa Beltran ‘69 Stronza Quiroga
Director of Sales Regional Director Anthropologist & Professor Storyteller
Orbridge Earth Day Network Texas A&M University Tres Cuentos Podcast
12. Peru Over Time
• 20,000 years of civilization began when the first
settlers arrived in Peru – the early time period is
known as Pre-Inca that produced civilizations which
left a wealth of archaeological and cultural heritage.
• Inca Empire from 1200-1500 AD is considered the
most important civilization in South America and the
Inca population principally worshipped the Earth
and Sun, and that their head of state, the Inca King
was the child of the Sun.
• Inca and European cultures clashed with the
Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century
and over time, rebellions flared up.
• Peru was declared an independent country in 1821,
but was defeated in war with Chile in 1879 –
followed by a slow return to civilian rule
• During the 1979s there was a military dictatorship
and as of 2000, Peru has had consecutive
democratic governments.
From Educational Travel Consortium
13. Peruvian Fast Facts
• Peru is comprised of three major regions: the
coast, Andean highlands, and Amazon
rainforest.
• The city of Cuzco is higher in altitude (11,200
feet above sea level) than Machu Picchu
(8,040 feet above sea level).
• Most North American travelers visit Peru
between May and November to experience
Peru’s ancient archaeological sites, legendary
wildlife and adventure experiences.
• Caral, four hours north of Lima, is the oldest
city in the Americas and serves as the third
oldest civilization in the world.
• Peru is known internationally for its great
cuisine – the country has been recognized by
the World Travel Awards as South America’s
leading culinary destination for several years.
From Educational Travel Consortium
14. People & Culture
• The Sun Festival is one of the most important
festivals of the imperial city of Cusco and pays
homage to the Sun god.
• Peruvian cuisine is considered some of the
best in the world, including fusions between
Spanish, Africans, Chinese, Japanese and
Italians.
• The Peruvian Paso Horse is the result of the
Spanish and Berber breeds for 300 years and
trots in a series of synchronized movements of
the front and rear legs in parallel manner.
From Educational Travel Consortium
15.
16. Lima | Cusco | Sacred Valley
• Upon arriving to Lima, fly east over the Central
Andes' peaks and plateaus to the ancient capital
of Cusco, and then transfer to the Sacred Valley.
• Relax and sample traditional flavors during lunch
at a lovely local restaurant before exploring this
region of Inca sites and indigenous villages.
• In the village of Pisac, discover a vibrant market
with the colorful handicrafts for which this region is
known: weavings, musical instruments, alpaca
sweaters, jewelry, ceramics, and much more. Find
a fruit and vegetable market at the main square
where villagers from miles around visit, barter, and
shop. Join this lively scene surrounded by the
beauty of both the merchants' wares and the
traditional clothing worn by locals.
17. Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu
• Visit Ollantaytambo, a "living" Inca town. Here,
Inca descendants inhabit the largely unchanged
homes of their ancestors and continue to
maintain ancient customs and traditions. The
massive fortress, perched among steep stone
terraces carved into the hillside, is where the
Inca won their greatest victory against
the conquistadores.
• Then board a Vistadome train to Machu Picchu,
the most important site of the vast Inca empire.
Enjoy views of the mountains, villages, and Inca
vestiges as you descend into the Sacred Valley.
From there, a short bus ride takes you to the
archaeological site of “The Lost City of the
Incas."
• Begin a guided exploration of the enigmatic
citadel. As it lies before you, learn about the
archaeology and history of Intihuatana (the Sun
Dial), the Sacred Plaza, and the Temple of the
Sun, with plenty of time to wander, hike, and
take pictures of the photogenic site.
18. Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley | Cusco
• Experience the wonder of a quiet morning at
Machu Picchu, imagining the sanctuary as it was
centuries ago. Enjoy an in-depth look at this
amazing place and its surroundings.
• Adventurers are welcome to hike the
surrounding trails to other discoveries. Ascend to
the Sun Gate or hike more challenging paths,
such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu
Mountain.
• After lunch, return to Ollantaytambo via the
Vistadome train, and then continue to Cusco.
• Enjoy a local restaurant offering exquisite
Peruvian cuisine and a festive atmosphere.
19. Cusco | Saqsayhuaman | Kenko | Villa
Tipon
• Explore Cusco's streets still flanked in places by
Inca walls built with gigantic carved granite
blocks. View the unique masonry up close to
truly appreciate the astonishing perfection and
mass of this true Inca marvel.
• Walk the plaza of Saqsayhuaman, an Inca
complex overlooking Cusco, with stones so
enormous the largest is estimated to weigh up to
200 tons.
• Visit Kenko archaeological sites before going to
the colorful San Pedro local market, which offers
a sense of everyday life in Cusco.
• Visit Villa Tipón, which is just outside the city of
Cusco and set in the midst of awe-inspiring
mountains and incredible gardens full of vividly
colored flowers. A local family hosts a delicious
Peruvian lunch followed by a traditional Shaman
performing an Andean ceremony.
21. Traveling Aggies + Orbridge
Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Sacred Valley
February 9 - 14, 2021
(following the Galapagos Islands tour)
To learn more, visit:
texas-am.orbridge.com
Did you know?
57 Traveling Aggies guests have visited Peru & Machu Picchu with Orbridge since 2016
33. AFRICA
Okavango Delta, Botswana
SOUTH AMERICA
Amazon
Two Stories of Ecotourism
What are the relationships between people and wildlife?
How does ecotourism influence those relationships?
What incentives and support does ecotourism provide for conservation?
38. Ecotourism works best for protecting species when:
• There is a park or protected area
• With a clear spatial boundary
• Local families get direct economic benefit
• Community-based monitoring and enforcement are strong
64. Local income in first 10 years: US $2,378,080
– Divided among
households
• $150 in 2001
• $650 in 2006
• $800 in 2007
– 20-30% increase
– Reinvested in
communal
projects
$15,439
$47,786
$28,000
$70,000 $70,000
$82,964
$109,000
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Years 2001-2006
• Employment: 20-25 people at a time, 2-year rotation
• Average 25% increase in household income
73. Thank you!
• Connect on Facebook: http://tx.ag/AroundtheWorld
• Activities & Resources: http://tx.ag/AroundtheWorldResources
Join us June 25 at 11 am for Antarctica!