South America Explorers

Superfood Origin: Quinoa, an ancient protein-rich grain, has been cultivated in the Andes for over 5,000 years.

4

Living Traditions

Centuries-old Andean customs and coastal rhythms continue to thrive in vibrant community ceremonies:

• Inti Raymi: The grand Inca "Festival of the Sun" held during the June solstice in Cusco, honoring the sun god *Inti* with colorful attire.
• Andean Weaving: Artisans in high mountain villages spin alpaca and sheep wool, creating intricate textiles with natural plant dyes.
• La Marinera: An elegant, courtship dance where partners twirl white handkerchiefs to the rhythmic cadence of the wooden *cajón*.

Sacred Camelids: Alpacas, llamas, and wild vicuñas are central to Andean culture and highland livelihoods.

Read all four sections above carefully before proceeding. Turn to Page 2 for Comprehension, Word Search & Sketch →

Peru Field Packet Student Investigation Tasks

Student:  

Part 1: Text Comprehension Check

1. Which geographic zone covers approximately 60% of Peru's total territory?

A) La Costa (The Coast)

B) La Sierra (The Highlands)

C) La Selva (The Amazon Jungle)

D) The Atacama Desert

2. Describe the landmark of Machu Picchu. Where is it located and who built it?

3. What signature Peruvian dish consists of fresh raw fish cured in citrus juice with onions and corn?

A) Ceviche

B) Asado

C) Bandeja Paisa

D) Empanada

4. What is Inti Raymi, and what ancient Andean deity does it celebrate every June?

Part 2: Vocabulary Word Search

Locate the 8 Peru-related terms hidden in the grid below (left-to-right).

L

I

M

A

P

Q

R

S

T

U

C

E

V

I

C

H

E

W

X

Y

C

U

S

C

O

B

D

E

F

G

H

J

K

A

N

D

E

S

L

M

N

O

P

Q

I

N

C

A

R

S

T

I

T

I

C

A

C

A

T

V

W

X

Y

S

E

L

V

A

Z

A

B

C

A

L

P

A

C

A

D

E

F

G

H

J

K

L

M

N

P

Q

R

S

T

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

Word Bank:

□ LIMA □ CEVICHE □ CUSCO □ ANDES □ INCA □ TITICACA □ SELVA □ ALPACA

Part 3: Draw for Comprehension

Illustrate one iconic Peruvian scene (such as the mountain terraces of Machu Picchu, a grazing alpaca in the Andes, or a plate of ceviche). Include two labeled details.

Scene depicted:  

Two labeled details:  

South America Explorers • Peru Expedition Packet Completed • Verification Signature: _______________________

Intangible Heritage: Argentine Tango is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

4

Living Traditions & Gauchos

Rural customs and camaraderie remain cornerstone symbols of Argentine national identity:

• The Gaucho: Legendary nomadic horsemen of the Pampas revered for their horsemanship, leathercraft, and spirit of freedom.
• Yerba Mate: A caffeinated herbal tea steeped in a carved gourd and sipped communally through a metal straw called a *bombilla*.
• The Asado: A traditional ritual barbecue where families and friends gather around an open wood-fired grill (*parrilla*) for hours.

Social Ritual: Sharing mate is a sacred gesture of hospitality and friendship across Argentina.

Read all four sections above carefully before proceeding. Turn to Page 2 for Comprehension, Word Search & Sketch →

Argentina Field Packet Student Investigation Tasks

Student:  

Part 1: Text Comprehension Check

1. Which natural wonder consists of 275 waterfalls spanning nearly 3 kilometers on the border between Argentina and Brazil?

A) Iguazú Falls

B) Angel Falls

C) Lake Titicaca

D) Tequendama Falls

2. What is Mount Aconcagua, and why is it notable in the Western Hemisphere?

3. What traditional herbal tea is sipped communally from a hollow gourd through a metal straw called a *bombilla*?

A) Yerba Mate

B) Café con Leche

C) Chicha Morada

D) Aguapanela

4. Describe the traditional lifestyle and cultural significance of the gaucho in Argentina:

Part 2: Vocabulary Word Search

Locate the 8 Argentina-related terms hidden in the grid below (left-to-right).

P

A

M

P

A

S

Q

R

S

T

T

A

N

G

O

U

V

W

X

Y

I

G

U

A

Z

U

B

C

D

E

F

H

J

G

A

U

C

H

O

K

L

M

N

P

M

A

T

E

R

S

P

A

T

A

G

O

N

I

A

T

V

W

A

N

D

E

S

X

Y

Z

B

C

D

E

A

S

A

D

O

F

G

H

J

K

L

M

N

P

Q

R

S

T

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

B

C

Word Bank:

□ PAMPAS □ TANGO □ IGUAZU □ GAUCHO □ MATE □ PATAGONIA □ ANDES □ ASADO

Part 3: Draw for Comprehension

Illustrate one iconic Argentine scene (such as a gaucho riding across the Pampas, the thunderous cascades of Iguazú Falls, or a mate gourd with bombilla). Include two labeled details.

Scene depicted:  

Two labeled details:  

South America Explorers • Argentina Expedition Packet Completed • Verification Signature: _______________________