(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 02, 2009 ) Southwest Ed-Ventures

MONTICELLO, Utah—For travelers with a bent towards history or for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, Southwest Ed-Ventures offers the ultimate experience. Small groups led by insightful guides with a focus on hands-on learning; these are the hallmarks of each Southwest Ed-Venture. The May 18-23 Chaco Canyon trip is no exception and one of the most compelling trips offered.

“Exploring the Archaeology of Chaco Canyon,” departs from Farmington, New Mexico. The six- day trip explores a once prosperous culture that vanished several centuries ago.

What remains of the once flourishing trade center is found within the 34,000 acres known today as Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The Anasazi people once inhabiting the valley in Northwest New Mexico farmed the lowlands, built multistory stone and mud buildings, and traded as far south as Mexico. But 700 years ago the 5,000 inhabitants vanished, an apparent demise of a community and culture that continues to baffle researchers. What is clear and makes the disappearance even more puzzling is the substantiation that Chaco Canyon was a thriving community at the time it disappeared. What the industrious Anasazi left behind is the focus of this Southwest Ed-venture trip.

The itinerary calls for moderate hiking, one route ending at the canyon rim where the horizon seems endless, making it easy to understand how the Hopi place name for Chaco Canyon is Yupkoyvi, "the place beyond the horizon." Participants are filled with wonder exploring the ruins of public and ceremonial buildings, examining engineering techniques considered advanced for the time, and witnessing artistic clues about the Anasazi in the form of drawings left for eternity within rocky outcrops. Even the canyon’s night sky and how it was likely an integral piece of this culture is the topic of an *archaeoastronomy program given by the park service.

This trip, in partnership with Elderhostel is for the active outdoor person with hikes ranging from 1 to 6.5 miles round trip. Lodging is primitive camping in the park with flush toilets and plenty of potable water. The deadline to reserve is approaching quickly. Check out the rich itinerary of “Exploring the Archaeology of Chaco Canyon,” to learn more about travel to an ancient urban center still amazing and inspiring visitors a thousand years later.

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*a field of study examining of how people from past cultures viewed and understood the stars and planets.

The all-inclusive rate for this trip is $869.00. It covers all meals, transportation from/to Farmington, New Mexico airport, expert staff and guides, group equipment, and park fees. Airfare, personal items, alcohol, and sodas not included. Single Supplement is $60 for 1 night at motel in Farmington and tent rental. (Tents, sleeping bags and pads are available for rent.).

Contact Information:
Southwest Ed-Ventures
Kitty Cayo
Tel: 480-219-0085
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