Archaeology in Peru as a Group

Learn from archaeologists and work with a group to uncover ancient civilisations and history in Peru

Destination

Peru

Age

18+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

During school holidays

Accommodation

Homestay

What’s included

Transportation

To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

Certification

Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

Activities, Training & Equipment

All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

Pre-departure Support

Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

Request info

Starting at €2,530 for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments
1100+ verified Trust Pilot reviews
Risk Free Booking Guarantee

Trip Overview

Uncover ancient Peruvian secrets

Examine archaeological dig sites alongside experienced professionals, contributing to our understanding of Peru’s rich history.

Unlock your archaeological potential

Learn valuable archaeological techniques from local experts, including mapping, artefact classification, and the maintenance of dig sites.

Inca trails and historic tales

Witness the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, including the majestic Andes Mountains and the ancient city of Machu Picchu

Pick up some Spanish

Pick up basic Spanish phrases and greetings while there, fostering deeper connections with the local community and your host family

Bond with your group

Work collaboratively with your group on archaeological projects, fostering teamwork and creating lasting memories

View Itinerary

What you need to know

Overview

Are you a history enthusiast? Do you want to know more about how the ancient Inca people lived? If so, this is the project for you!

This project is also ideal if you want to explore an interest in archaeology, history, or anthropology. The experience you get will add value to your CV, and a professional archaeologist will teach you what you need to know.

This project is available for anyone who is 18 and over. You do not need any experience or qualification to take part. Our staff and archaeological team in Peru will guide you through all your work activities and will oversee all your weekend activities as well.

Aims & Impact

The main aim of this project is to advance research into the ancient civilisations of South America. We work with experienced archaeologists to do this. This partnership allows us to uncover and protect ancient Incan and Pre Incan structures and artefacts.

This kind of research is critical. By having a deeper understanding of the past, we can see how it has shaped our present. This is also a way to protect history and cultural heritage.

We rely on volunteers like you to help us do this. Travelling to Peru is also a way for you to gain experience and do something different and unique. It is especially valuable if you want to study history, anthropology, or archaeology at university. You’ll learn from professional archaeologists and do hands-on work at some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Join us in Peru and work with other volunteers to continue to uncover the past and explore your passion for archaeology and history.

Activities

In Peru, you’ll join a group of adults and take part in various exciting archaeological activities. Your project work can include the following:

Work with professional archaeologists and help with their activities at famous sites
Attend presentations to learn more about the ancient Incan Empire
Help preserve and maintain national heritage sites
Take part in community outreach days to give back to the local community

Your work will focus on the following areas:

Work with professional archaeologists and help with their activities at famous sites

You will spend a large amount of time working at archaeological sites. You’ll join our archaeological team, and they’ll teach you everything you need to know. You’ll gain experience with activities like:

Mapping
Workshops (drawing, registry works, ceramics and weaving)
Cleaning and maintaining current sites
Exploring areas for new sites
Classifying artefacts

Attend presentations to learn more about the ancient Incan Empire

We also teach you a lot about archaeology outside of sites. Our staff will organise presentations for your group to give you a deeper insight into local history and events. You’ll learn about the famous ancient Inca death cults, the Great Inca Rebellion and more.

Help preserve and maintain national heritage sites

As an Archaeology volunteer, you’ll become part of our efforts to protect and preserve natural heritage sites.

You’ll work at Incan and pre-Incan ruins in and around the Cusco area. Unfortunately, some of the ruins here have been damaged by tourists in the past. You’ll help preserve and maintain these sites so we can protect the country’s history.

Take part in community outreach days to give back to the local community

Aside from archaeological work, there will also be opportunities to help the local community. We will organise community outreach days in disadvantaged areas. For example, you can paint and renovate a play area at a local school.

Map & Location

Step into the home of the Inca Empire, where the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon Rainforest. Peru is the third-largest South American nation and about 60% of it is covered by rainforest. It’s also the origin of the mighty Amazon River.

Peru is a popular tourist destination for its rich history and culture, incredible biodiversity, and, of course, Machu Picchu. If you aren’t persuaded yet, this ought to do the trick: it’s home to about three-quarters of the global alpaca population!

Cusco

Cusco, nestled in the Andes in southeast Peru, was the capital of the mighty Inca Empire. Now home to half a million people, the stunning city welcomes over two million tourists a year, many of which hike the nearby Inca Trail to find the famous Machu Picchu.

Thanks to a high elevation and subtropical climate, Cusco benefits from comfortable temperatures year round. You’ll also find a lively city centre with busy social spots, a fascinating mix of architecture, and easy transport access.

Food & Accommodation

We’ll take care of all the essentials during your time in Peru. You’ll have a comfortable living space with a carefully selected host family, three nutritious meals a day, and access to safe drinking water. We’ll also organise all your travel to and from your placement.

Your host family’s home will be clean, safe, and secure, and you’ll be welcomed as a local from the moment you arrive. Share your stories and culture with your host family and other Projects Abroad participants over incredible home-cooked meals and experience Peruvian culture and hospitality every day.

We will try to match you with another person of the same gender and similar age so you can share your experience with a like-minded traveller. Who knows, you might just make a new friend (or a few) on your travels!

Meet your team

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Peru Arrival Procedures page.