| Students Introduced to the Inca Culture in Peru during January Interterm Trip
 Described as having the most diverse landscape of any country on Earth, Peru can lay claim to the world’s driest desert, the second highest mountains, and being part of the largest rain forest, which, according to religion professor Herb Smith, “makes the Land of the Incas a gorgeous country to visit.”
As impressive as the landscape is, the Inca Culture was the primary reason for the McPherson College January 2005 interterm trip to Peru. Led by Drs. Herb and Jeanne Smith, professors of religion and education respectively, the purpose of the trip was to introduce the students to the Inca Culture. “Anytime people can come into contact with another culture, it is to their benefit,” Herb said.
One of the many places the students visited was Machu Pichu, the remains of an ancient Inca city. The Smiths describe it as the most spectacular archeological site of the Incas having ethereal terraces. A junior from Howard, Kan., Josie Ireland, described Machu Pichu as “adventurous and breathtaking.”
Another highlight of the trip was Cuzco, a 17th-century city frozen in time, which Herb refers to as the navel of the Inca Empire. Jeanne added, “The city and the country of Peru as a whole are truly still Peruvian and have not been over-developed by the western world.” The travelers drank a mixture called coca tea to help them cope with the 11,000 foot altitude at Cuzco.
Pachacamac, which has the largest pyramidal religious complex in South America, took more man hours to build than the pyramids in Egypt. The site, known as the oracle of the Andes, was a place where unblemished children and animals were ceremoniously sacrificed.
During the trip students learned much about each site they visited. They also had the opportunity to learn about weaving and about the art of traditional healing. Visiting a school in the village of Cia Cay, they saw an example of the education system in Peru. Before leaving, the group donated almost $400 as well as pens, paper and other supplies to the school.
To sum it up, the Smiths say, “Our January trip to Peru was extraordinary.”
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