Red-Tailed Hawks Explore Peru During Project Week
Peru, a megadiverse country, is home to a wide range of habitats, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a rich cultural and historical heritage. This June, as warm winds swept across the stone walls of Machu Picchu, our Red-Tailed Hawks set off from BASIS Independent McLean for a journey they’ll never forget.
Led by Biology teacher Dr. Isquith and French teacher Madame Seye, the group embarked on an eye-opening adventure through Peru’s most iconic sites. Here, Dr. Isquith reflects on the experience:
“Our trip to Peru was an unforgettable adventure filled with rich history and breathtaking landscapes.”
Day 1-2: Lima >> Cusco
Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral of Lima, Miraflores, San Isidro, San Francisco Convent, and the Huaca Huallamarca archaeological site.
“In downtown Lima, we explored the magnificent main cathedral and the San Franciscan Monastery, including its intriguing catacombs—fully immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant culture.”
Day 3-4: Cusco >> Sacred Valley
Tambo Mach’ay, Qenko, Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Ollantaytambo Fortress, Pisac Indian Market, Wildlife Sanctuary, Ollantaytambo Fortress, Pisac Indian Market, and Wildlife Sanctuary.
“We then traveled to Cusco, where we marveled at two remarkable archaeological sites that highlighted the extraordinary achievements of the Inca civilization.”
Day 5-6: Machu Picchu
“The highlight of our journey was visiting the stunning Machu Picchu, where towering mountains surrounded this awe-inspiring site built by the Incas.”
Day 7-8: Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands & Taquile Island
“We concluded our trip at Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world—where we engaged with the warm and welcoming people of the Uros Islands. We learned about their unique customs and connected with local children. It was truly a fantastic trip!”
Indeed, it was a fantastic trip. These Project Week trips expanded our students’ learning to a global scale, encouraging them to become curious, collaborative learners and team players. They reflected on classroom knowledge while absorbing new insights in real-world settings.
Project Week is a BASIS Independent Schools tradition in which students work with dedicated faculty on multidisciplinary projects or international trips during the final week of the academic year. Through these diverse experiences, students broaden their interests, embrace new challenges, and gain invaluable skills through cooperation, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Stay tuned for more reports on the international trips!