Boston Flora

Tag: Peru

  • Saturday, December 28 – Monday, January 6 – New Year’s in the Galapagos

    Ring in the New Year and a new decade on a comprehensive itinerary to the most spectacular outer islands of the Galápagos aboard the 20-passenger premium-class yacht, the 142-foot Origin. The Galápagos Islands are a paradise of diverse landscapes and an amazing array of wildlife species. Most of the animals have never learned fear of humans, enabling astonishing up-close encounters. With pristine beaches, plentiful sea turtles, playful sea lions, and rocky reefs, the Galápagos offers unforgettable snorkeling and swimming experiences.

    • Enjoy two guided shore excursions per day, led by an expert naturalist guide to experience the islands’ birds, reptiles, plants, and volcanic formations
    • Venture out in a kayak or meander along stretches of secluded beaches, swim with playful sea lions, or snorkel among penguins and sea turtles
    • Get up close to the shore life on Zodiac rides through mangroves and along the cliffs.

    There is an optional post trip extension to Machu Picchu January 6 – 12. Discover the breathtaking Lost City of the Inca, Machu Picchu. Fly from Lima to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire. From Cusco, transfer to the lovely town of Yucay in Urubamba Valley. Visit the Pisac market plus the weaving and the llama, alpaca and vicuña center of Awanacancha. Along the way, explore the massive fortress of Sacsayhuamán among other Incan sites. Overnight in Yucay, which is located at a lower elevation, to allow for an easier acclimatization. The next day, take a dramatic train ride through the Urubamba Valley to the enchanting and mystical site of Machu Picchu. On the return, spend two nights in Cusco and absorb a colorful mix of past and present. This seven-day post-tour extension includes deluxe and first class accommodations, all excursions entrance fees; train ticket; six breakfasts, four lunches, and two dinners; air transportation from Lima to Cusco and back; airport taxes; airport-to-hotel transfers; and the services of a Peruvian guide. Accommodations include the Wyndham Costa del Sol in Lima, the Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa in the Urubama Valley, Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel in Machu Picchu and the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco Hotel in Cusco.  Airfare from Guayaquil to Lima is not included. Additional information and itinerary will be sent to confirmed travelers.

    This Harvard Business School exclusive trip will be lead by Daniel Lieberman, the Edwin M. Lerner II Professor of Biological Sciences; Affiliate of the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; and Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology. Complete details can be found at https://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/new-years-galapagos-2019

  • Thursday, December 4, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – “Jwal sulul li’be!”: Exploring the Muddy Path of Conservation and Development in Central America

    EcoLogic Development Fund, based in Cambridge and Guatemala, has worked to empower rural communities to protect and restore tropical ecosystems in Mexico and Central America since 1993. EcoLogic believes that what makes conservation stick is skilled local leadership and enduring community-level commitment. On Thursday, December 4, Anne Elise Stratton, a Tufts senior, will present her summer research in a lowland Caribbean Guatemala protected area. She’ll explain challenges farmers face with climate change, corn production, and agroforestry as well as her insights and anecdotes from fieldwork. Devyn Powell, Tufts class of 2014, joined EcoLogic’s staff before graduating last spring. She will add to Anne Elise’s presentation by leading lunch participants in a conversation about career paths, sustainability and climate, and EcoLogic’s special role and theory of change applied across the region – especially how a small NGO tackles deforestation and landscape restoration beyond protected areas alone.

    Anne Elise Stratton worked as a field intern for EcoLogic this summer in the Sarstún region of Guatemala, where she is also pursuing research about seed selection and exchange in the area. She is currently a rising senior at Tufts, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies with a focus on food systems. Devyn Powell, EcoLogic Development Fund Communications Officer. Devyn is responsible for the development and implementation of EcoLogic’s communications strategy. Prior to joining EcoLogic, Devyn helped coordinate online communications, website management, and graphic design for the Tufts Institute of the Environment. She spent time in Ancash, Peru, where she conducted field research exploring climate change adaptation strategies for rural farming communities, and has also lived in Costa Rica. Devyn was raised in Portland, Oregon, and earned a BA in International Relations and Environmental Studies from Tufts (Class of 2014). She is proficient in Spanish and knows some Portuguese and Japanese.

    Lunch & Learn lectures take place every Thursday from 12:00-1:00pm at the Lincoln Filene Center, Rabb Room on the Medford Campus during the academic year. The Tufts Institute of the Environment generously sponsors lunch. If you are interested in participating in the Lunch & Learn program as a guest lecturer/participant, contact environmentalstudies@tufts.edu.

    You can’t make it to the talk? No problem! Watch it live here from your computer or smart phone.

  • Thursday, October 30 – Sunday, November 9 – NGC Galapagos Island Tour

    National Garden Club members, families, and friends will have the
    opportunity to experience the fascinating Galapagos Islands aboard the National
    Geographic Endeavour, an expedition ship equipped to give you the most engaging
    experience possible, October 30 – November 9. You will have numerous options for viewing the endemic wildlife of the Galapagos with naturalists. There will be opportunities each day to tour the shoreline in a zodiac or kayak, take a gentle short walk or long hike with a guide, snorkel, or enjoy an undersea experience on the National Geographic Endeavour’s glass bottom boat.

    A week long optional extension will be an exploration of an extraordinary melting pot of Peruvian history and culture. You will see the architectural achievements of the Incan empire including Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and the vast Sacsayhuamán Fortress (pictured). And you’ll experience the decorative arts: pottery, textiles, jewelry, and sculpture that reveal the sophistication of their artisans. You’ll discover firsthand how the past echoes through contemporary life. Expert guides will introduce you to the art, music, and cuisine of this
    remarkable country. And each night your active days end at a succession of gracious and elegant hotels.

    NGC members participating in the optional post-voyage extension will be eligible to receive refresher credit for Gardening Studies School and/or Landscape Design School. The price for Galapagos aboard the National Geographic Endeavour ranges from $6290 to $10,280, depending upon cabin category. The optional Peru extension is priced at $4990 double occupancy. The full itinerary and hotel brochure may be viewed at http://gcfm.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=N99Vguqcb-A%3d&portalid=0. For more information, contact Mary Ann Bryant, NGC Tours Chairman, at maryannbryant1@gmail.com or call 770-893-1570.