The College of Architecture and Urban Studies’ Henry H. Wiss Center for Theory and History of Art and Architecture at Virginia Tech presents “The Majesty and Mystery of Peru,” its annual summer trip to a destination rich in both ancient and contemporary culture from July 31 through August 13, 2006. This trip is led by Humberto Rodriguez-Camilloni, a professor in the School of Architecture + Design and director of the Wiss Center.

Registration deadline is March 30, 2006.

The 15-day journey begins in Lima, Peru, the “City of Kings” and once the center of Spain’s colonial empire, to examine its colonial architecture and an archaeological museum containing pre-Columbian textiles, gold, pottery, and adorned mummies. The trip continues north along the Pan-American Highway on the coast of Peru to the ancient site of Caral, which is contemporaneous with the pyramids of ancient Egypt and discovered only about a decade ago, as well as the ancient site of Chavín de Huantar.

Next, the Spanish colonial cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo offer a rich heritage of artistic and architectural treasures. Important archaeological sites associated with the pre-Inca Moche and Chimú cultures include Huaca del Sol, the largest adobe pyramid of pre-Columbian America, and the city Chan Chán, which rivaled in size and splendor the city of Teotihuacán in Mexico. An exceptional example of contemporary architecture is found in the recently completed Royal Tombs Museum, which houses the Lord of Sipán collection.

Connecting in Lima, the journey continues to the colonial city of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital located high in the Andes. From the Cusco airport, the group descends into the sacred Urubamba Valley, en route to the village of Yucay, exploring the outstanding Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, where the ancient cancha enclosures and irrigation system continue to serve the community.

Next the group travels by train to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, to explore the altars, temples, fountains, staircases, and terraced gardens that make this legendary city on the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Returning to Cusco for three nights, the group visit’s the city’s colonial center, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, and other archaeological sites.

“The Majesty and Mystery of Peru” trip costs $2,495 per person (based on double room occupancy. There is an additional $375 supplement for participants who prefer a single room). A deposit of $850 is required by March 30.

For terms, conditions, and information, contact Humberto Rodriguez-Camilloni at (540) 231-5324, or Tyler Kaspar at International Seminar Design, Inc., (202) 244-1448.

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