THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION SOCIETY

THE SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION SOCIETY

KOTA MAMA IV

1st August to 1st October 2002

BACKGROUND This expedition follows Kota Mama III, one of the Scientific Exploration Society's largest and most vigorous expeditions. Two traditionally built boats reached Bel?m o n 6 t h September 2001 after an historic voyage of almost 4300 kms from the Andes to the Atlantic in 83 days. Exciting archaeological discoveries were made in Bolivia and we now return to f oll ow up o n these and investigate new leads.

PHASE 1 Kota Mama IV will be split into 2 phases - each a month long. The team will work a l o n g s i d e l o c a l B o l i v i a n a r c h a e o l o g i s t s i n d e ns e f o r es t . I n t h e f i r s t p h a s e several important pre-Inca or Inca sites in the mountains near Samaipata will be examined. One area is at Parabanocito - a follow up of a discovery from 1999 of a 14th Century Inca road and strange circular structures whose function is as yet unknown. The other is in the A m b o r o N a t i o n a l P a r k w h e r e n o archaeological explorations have been carried out before. Locals speak of ruins in the jungle that are considered to be from the Pre-Colombian era. This area is thought by some to be the last refuge of the Incas.

PHASE 2 Using local mahogany boats the second phase will return to explore sites along the Beni River that were discovered during Kota Mama III and need further investigation and conservation. These include a cemetery at the confluence of the Kaka and Beni Rivers, Petroglyphs in the spectacular Beo Beo Gorge and a burial site at Puerto Salinas. This area has had little human disturbance so wildlife abounds -- capybara, caiman, anaconda, monkeys and a plethora of birds can be seen and wildlife studies will be carried out throughout.

Community aid projects will include medical, dental and educational work.

COSTS The cost of the expedition is ?2600 per phase or ?3000 for the whole expedition. This includes return airfare, all accommodation, transport, food and the briefing weekend.

DO YOU NEED SPECIAL SKILLS? The expedition is split into the two phases for those who can only come for part of the time. This is a very vigorous and demanding expedition, which could reveal many secrets of ancient civilisations. Some knowledge of Spanish is essential. We are particularly looking for doctors and dentists as well as people with experience in surveying, archaeology, biology, IT and mechanics.

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For an APPLICATION FORM please contact Melissa Dice at Expedition Base, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PB. Tel: 01747 854898 Fax: 01747 851351 Email: base@ses- Website: ses-. For more details on the

Kota Mama Expedition visit

Registered Charity No 247410

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