Excursions
The regional director for Duke in the Andes will be putting together a full calendar of program-sponsored activities and excursions. The excursions described below have been offered in the past. Please check the program itinerary for your semester to know which excursions will be offered.
In spring 2011, Duke in the Andes students traveled to Machu Picchu and Cuzco, Perú to learn about Incan culture. It is still under discussion whether this excursion will be repeated in spring 2012, or if the group will return to the Galapagos Islands. Either way, the excursion will be spectacular!
Otavalo and Highlands
Students travel to indigenous communities near Otavalo to visit rural centers of power such as the Cascada de Peguche. There they will observe ceremonies and rites related to practices based in the Andean cosmovision that harmonizes body and spirit with natural forces, including a traditional shaman cleaning. The group will visit workshops where artesans produce the now-famous Otavalo crafts. They will stay one night in an eco-tourism community where they will enjoy native music and songs. Students will also meet with indigenous leaders in Otavalo. Duration: 2 days.
Video: Paseo a Tulipe (c) Danielle Johns
STUDENT VOICES
"We went to a small rural village for a weekend ... in which we lived with indigenous families and got a chance to experience the indigenous lifestyle in the sierra region of Ecuador. Everything about this experience was amazing, and I really learned a lot about different styles of life."
-Student Evaluation
Amazon Region
This expedition to the tropical jungle combines explanation of the great ecological diversity that is the Ecuadorian Amazon as well as the culture of the Awa (Wouarani), Kitwuas y Shuar communities situated on the shores of the Napo and Tiputini Rivers. The group stays at the Estación Científica de la Universidad Católica, which has modern and comfortable amenities. The expedition includes guided walks, canoe tours to the indigenous communities, and discussions and lectures. Duration: 4 days.
Esmeraldas and Coast
Students will examine the afro-Ecuadorian culture in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. They will visit the communities of Cantón de San Lorenzo and Borbón, where work is being done in defense of the mangrove swamps and the tropical forest, and where afro-Ecuadorian identity is on the rise due to ethnic education and music (Black music workshop of the famous Papa Roncón complemented by the oral history of Maestro Juan García). Duration: 4 days.
STUDENT VOICES
"[Esmeraldas was my favorite excursion.] We spent one night in a town called Playa de Oro, which was an Afro Ecuadorian community. The people we met there were really friendly and welcoming. We played soccer with some of the kids, and in the evening there was a big party."
– Sarah, Smith College
Galápagos Islands
Students travel to the Galapagos Islands, studying the flora, fauna, and environment. In the past, the excursion has included visits to the Baltra, Plazas and/or Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, Daphne, Las Salinas, Puerta Carrión, and the Twin Craters. Duration: 4 to 5 days.
Video: Giant turtle in Galapagos (c) Amanda Kelso
Last revised: 31 August 2011
