MexiMayan Academic Travel, Inc.
12 S 675 Knoebel Drive, Lemont IL, 60439
1-800-337-MEXI (6394)
meximayan@meximayan.com
Origins of the MMT Chasqui
Aztecs, Mayas, Incas! For most of us these are familiar names, but few Americans recognize the special characteristics of these unique pre-Columbian cultures. But travelers who have adventured with MexiMayan can because helping Americans to fine-tune adventure and study has been a special goal of MexiMayan Academic Travel since its inception.
MexiMayan Academic Travel, Inc is an Illinois state chartered non-profit educational organization that works directly with individuals and organizations in the planning and execution of cultural/educational adventures each year to a select number of destinations. All experiences have special experiences as a focal point. For example cultural experiences have included watching the descent of the Maya plumed serpent as he slowly emerges from his hidden lair far below the Temple of Kukulkán at Chichén Itzá during the autumnal primal equinox. Other adventurers have adventured into the awesome grandeur of the Andes Mountains to trace the origins of the Inca Empire. Other itineraries have investigated the lost glory that once constituted the imperial Aztecs and the astronomical achievements of the Mayas.
That little fellow on the upper right of the page was discovered on a small piece of pre-Columbian jewelry. He is the Chasqui, the messenger and courier of the Sapa Inca, the great ruler of the Inca Empire that was destroyed by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro. At its peak it was bigger than the Roman Empire. It was an empire held together by a masterful system of roads and steps-up and down the mountains-that were traversed by the Emperor's royal messengers, the Chasqui. The Chasquis carried messages and light articles, such as fresh fish for the Inca. The runner alerted his relief by blowing a shell horn. Historical documents show him with a quipu, a basket, and a mace of office.
The Chasqui were superbly conditioned runners. Anyone who has traveled through the Andes understands the challenge of altitude to humans. Training and preparation was the regimen of the Chasqui.
Available for purchase or loan is the MexiMayan DVD, Rediscovering the Mysterious Mayas With Northwestern University Adventurers and Friends. For information you may call toll free:
800 337-MEXI.
The Chasqui prepared for their special service by intense training. Mexi-Mayan Academic Travel, Inc has similarly prepared for its role in educational travel. Its logo, the Chasqui perfectly represents an organization dedicated to bringing the best news of cultural/educational travel to individuals, groups, and educational institutions.
December 20, 2009
Drawing by Inca chronicler:
Felipe Guaman Poma De Ayala