Study Tour to Peru 2008
The 2008 Study Tour to Peru was the 6th season in which Andrews University has invited LaSierra University Professor of Religion and Society, and Stahl Center Director, Charles Teel, to coordinate a tour which follows in the footsteps of Fernando and Ana Stahl, missionaries to Peru.
We flew from Chicago, to Miami to Lima, and on to Iquitos on the shores of the Amazon. We traveled by boat on the Amazon, 
arriving at this beautiful jungle lodge where we stayed for the weekend.
It was the rainy season while we were there and the river was high. Instead of the usual jungle hike on Sabbath, we explored the area by boat.
Mariella Beazley found a friend at a family zoo. Maurice Jagan found a treasure to take home.
Sunday we left Iquitos and the jungle behind... heading for new adventures. We arrived at Lima and stayed at Hotel La Plaza. Some of the sites we visited were the Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Monestary & catecombs and the Museum of the Inquisition. This is Anthony Weston in one of the plazas. 
We also stopped by a park and shopping center close to the ocean. The scenery is beautiful, but too cold for swimming so we didn't try.
From The The next day we flew on to picturesque Cusco, once the Inca Empire capital. We enjoyed two nights at Hotel Corihuasi. Early Wednesday morning several students visited the Cusco food market.
Around noon we left Cusco by bus to catch a train to
Machu Picchu.
We stayed at Hostal Pachacutec in Aquas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu for a VERY EARLY departure to the top of the mountain next day.
We had the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu at sunrise this year! It was awesome! Since it had rained the entire day before, we were blessed with lots of sunshine. Michelle and Giselle Adame climbed a long way to have the privilege of looking down from above, on Machu Picchu.
After hiking and exploring a couple of hours, we returned by train to Cusco in time for lunch and more adventures.
Because of a limited time schedule, some of us visited Sacsayhuaman and some of us visited a local orphanage. Deborah Roquiz played her flute for the children at the orphanage and then let the students try to play the flute. They loved it. Afterwards a game of soccer with the students from the orphanage and Andrews University was enjoyed by all.
Friday morning, VERY early, we dragged our possessions up the hill to board a tour bus took us through the highlands of Peru to Puno and Lake Titicaca. As we got close to Puno we stopped at a working Hacienda where we were treated to a homemade meal provided by a very gracious host. The food was kept hot over outdoor ovens. Dr. Stella Greig was along on the tour.
Mandi Powell enjoyed getting acquainted with one of the many llamas which we all enjoyed watching and petting.
As we arrived in Puno, we traveled by Taxi cholos to get from the bus down to the lake. Ashley Raethel and Brittany Bell enjoyed the ride. 
Lake Titicaca is huge, very blue and awesome as we visited the floating islands which make up their community. 
The people that live on the islands are very friendly, sang songs for us and of course, took the opportunity to sell their wares.
There are many Seventh-day Adventists who live and worship in a new floating church made by a Maranatha group in 2006. We were given a tour of the inside of the church.
The purpose for the tour is to study the culture of the Incas, and see the dramatic effect on their culture brought about by one Adventist missionary couple, as well as experiencing the religious changes that have occurred in Peru in the last few hundred years.
Many students have felt that the trip has changed their lives. They have become friends with students they didn't know before. Some have decided to become missionaries either short term or longer. All have returned to Andrews with a more grateful heart for what they have and the freedom to become whoever they wish to be. Living a life of service has taken on new meaning.
Tour Dates
March 13-23, 2008
Courses that were offered for the Tour This Year
BHSC440-040 - Topics in Cultural Psychology 2-4 credits
RELG360-040 - Comparative Spirituality 2-3 credits
BHSC440-041 - Topics: Social Changes & Trends from the Incas to Modern State 2-3 credits
If you missed the tour this year, begin thinking about 2010. We usually have a few open spots for non-students. For information or to put your name on a list, send an email to: bpeck@andrews.edu