Tropical Ecology Study in Peru

This science-based excursion is the culminating experience for students in Science Master Jim Serach’s course, “Amazon: Ecology of the Neotropics.” Working with Mr. Serach, his class, and their studies abroad will be Science Master Jennifer Mayr.

Students will travel from the port city of Iquitos along the Amazon on a research boat, which will transport them to their research station where they will sample the biodiversity of the rainforest. The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biologically rich places on earth. Through participation in this unique program, each student will have an opportunity to design and conduct a field study, and participate in important biodiversity sampling. We will collect insects; net bats, birds, and fish; and study parasites. In addition to these biological endeavors, we will have a chance to discover some of Peru's culture as we explore Iquitos, Peru’s Amazonian port city, and visit markets and indigenous communities on the rivers. Other activities include swimming, exploring the river in boats and kayaks, fishing, day and night hiking, and even playing soccer with the local people.

Trip Dates
Friday, March 2 – Thursday, March 15, 2012
Travel dates are firm. Individual adjustments to the itinerary cannot be made.

Chaperones
Science Masters Jim Serach and Jennifer Mayr

Target Student Population
Students enrolled in “Amazon: Ecology of the Neotropics” course.

Cost
$3,100

The current approximate cost contains price of flights at time of trip research. There is the potential for this to change. Participants will be alerted to any changes at time of trip sign-up.
A list of required vaccinations for this trip will be sent home to all families.
If students do not provide records of having these vaccinations by their return to campus after the December break, arrangements will be made for the vaccinations to be administered on campus.

Note: All passports must be current six months past the return date of any School sponsored trip. Please check and plan accordingly.