Unearth and discover ancient treasures as you involve yourself in cultural heritage preservation efforts. Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley of Peru, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to dig deep into the mysteries of ancient Incan civilization.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining and exploring significant historical sites. You will always work alongside seasoned archaeologists who will guide you through the intricate layers of the Inca and Pre-Inca ruins.

Assisting with site maintenance and upkeep will be your primary role. However, there may be opportunities to participate in new excavation projects within the historical sites of the Sacred Valley. Alongside the archaeological preservation team, you can expect to dedicate your valuable time to tasks including, but not limited to:

Assisting in the conservation and upkeep of national heritage sites through mapping, cleaning, and maintenance of sites
Exploring areas for new excavation sites
Classifying artifacts
Attending lectures to expand your knowledge of the ancient Incan civilization
Engaging in community events to support the local population.
Activities are determined based on field conditions and the archaeological sites’ specific needs, so you must be open and flexible in your assigned tasks.

Important to note: This project required a high level of physical fitness, as there is a lot of hiking, climbing, and being on your feet for long periods of time. It also demands a significant level of focus and commitment. It’s essential to approach the work with the gravity it deserves, ensuring that each task is handled with the utmost care and dedication.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Human activity has altered almost 75% of the earth’s surface and around 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. Nature is critical to our survival. We must promote kindness to animals and use regenerative techniques to combat deforestation, conserve biodiversity and protect wildlife.

Why do Archaeology volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?

As a volunteer for archaeological digs, you get the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the oldest and most historic cultural sites in the world. Support preservation efforts for historical artifacts while developing your personal and professional expertise by:

Gain on-field experience in archaeological digs and artifact preservation
Enhance your communication skills in Spanish
Get an authentic experience of life in the rural Andes
Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture
Discover the country’s abundant natural resources, such as precious metals and stones

Volunteer requirements

All volunteers must be at least 18 years old to join this project
Archeology volunteers must have a high level of physical fitness
All volunteers must provide a criminal background check prior to departure
All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
All volunteers must speak fluent English.

Please note that while Spanish knowledge is not required for this project, it is strongly recommended to aid your placement work and homestay experience.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

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Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Peru photo gallery

IVHQ volunteer on Medical and Healthcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ volunteers on Animal Care project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on childcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ Animal Care volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on Archaeology project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on Medical Campaign project in Peru

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

IVHQ volunteer on Construction and Renovation project in Cusco

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer on Medical and Healthcare projectproject in Cusco

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ volunteer on Teaching project in Cusco

IVHQ Teaching project

Archaeology volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ volunteer on Andean Immersion project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteer on dentistry project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ volunteer on the Holiday Experience project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ Cusco, Peru Animal Care volunteer project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ Cusco, Peru Archaeology volunteer project

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ childcare volunteering abroad project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Andean Immersion volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers on childcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers on the childcare project in Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Archaeology volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ Cusco, Peru volunteer on the Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

Andean Immersion volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on the Peru, Cusco Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ childcare volunteer abroad project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer and animal pen on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ dentistry volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ Peru Archaeology volunteer project in Cusco

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ volunteers on Medical Campaign project in Peru

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

IVHQ childcare volunteer project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers on the Holiday Experience project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

Volunteers on the Animal Care IVHQ project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer cooking traditional food on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteer on Construction and Renovation project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer on Medical and Healthcare project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ volunteers on Amazon Jungle Conservation project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project

IVHQ volunteer working outside on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteer on Teaching project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Teaching project

Volunteers on the Holiday Experience project with IVHQ in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Medical Campaign volunteer project in Peru

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

IVHQ volunteering on childcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteers on the Andean Immersion project in Peru, Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteers on Animal Care project in Cusco

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ Peru Cusco volunteer project in dentistry

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ Peru, Cusco Medical Campaign volunteer project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Holiday Experience IVHQ volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Volunteer on childcare project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

Andean Immersion IVHQ volunteer project in Peru, Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Volunteering on Construction and Renovation project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Holiday Experience volunteer project with IVHQ in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Animal Care project

Volunteering on Andean Immersion project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Volunteer on childcare project in Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Volunteering on childcare project in Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers on dentistry project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Holiday Experience volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Medical Campaign volunteer project in Peru, Cusco

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Volunteering on Animal Care project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Animal Care project

Peru Cusco Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteer project with IVHQ

IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project

Volunteer on childcare project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Peru, Cusco volunteers working on the Medical Campaign project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Andean Immersion volunteer project in Peru, Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ Holiday Experience volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

Exploring central Cusco in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring an art gallery in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend

Train journey to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Train to Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Group of IVHQ volunteers in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Cusco markets in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco markets during an IVHQ weekend

Machu Picchu tour in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Machu Picchu iduring an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers at Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Lois Lloyd

04 Oct 2024

I have done two volunteer program with IVHQ, and most recently the Amazon Jungle Conservation program in Peru. I felt very prepared by the guidance and resources provided by IVHQ. They gave me all the information I needed but was happy I could also ask questions if needed. The jungle conservation changed my life, opened my eyes to a new way of living and provided me a new set of skills.

If you are hesitant, look at reviews on different sites, but I can fully say that I would 100% do a third program and have recommended several people to IVHQ as it is a safe and reliable company.

...

Aden Weldegiworgis

04 Oct 2024

Volunteering changed my perspectives and showed me that this type of volunteering is in alignment with my purpose. Take the chance, it might be the very thing your soul needs to prosper.

...

Beatrice Paolini

04 Oct 2024

I gained so much from this experience that is impossible to put into words. I gained a new perspective on life, a deeper understanding of what it means to be immersed in a different culture, new friends who made the experience so much fun and diverse, and for all this I am forever grateful.

My advice to someone who wants to join the project is to approach the situation with an open mind and an open heart, all the rest will follow.

...

Nuria Vilar

25 Sep 2024

The program was very well organised, with strong communication that made me feel cared about. I had confidence during the whole trip.

...

Brett Coulter

18 Sep 2024

The preparation details from IVHQ were easy to follow and I was well prepared when I got to my destination. It was a good feeling renovating the recreation center everyday and knowing the space will be used to help members of the community. Do it! Its life changing!

...

Bonnie Engelman

26 Aug 2024

I gained a strong sense of purpose, which had been lacking for me since I retired from teaching. Although I dislike having to rise early, I did so easily, had my breakfast (sometimes with freshly squeezed orange juice!), walked a mile to the zoo, where ultimately I took on the job of gardener. Then I walked another mile to the school, where I had daily, hour long Spanish lessons, one on one with a number of professors, all of them great. Then I took the Batman bus back to the apartment, where I did a lot of reading and interacting with mi familia.

I also enjoyed extra activities each weekend, including, visiting Machu Picchu, horseback riding in the mountains, zip lining (at age 70!) and also exploring an Alpaca farm and various archaeological sights. Lucky for me, the prices of these activities were most reasonable and the guides that I had were warm and wonderful. I am still in touch with my family and the women who run the zoo. I've shared dozens of photos with them.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Archaeology volunteer abroad project in Peru, Cusco with IVHQ

Location

You will spend your first night in Cusco, and following orientation on Monday, you will travel with the local team to the project site. You will be based in a small farming village in the Sacred Valley, set on the Urubamba River just south of Cusco.

Arrival and orientation

Volunteers need to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before their start date.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the local team’s main office and then to your homestay. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Peru prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Cusco on the day before your program orientation.

The local team will aim to complete your general program orientation shortly after you arrive, no matter what day you arrive, in order to acclimatize you to your surroundings in Cusco as quickly as possible. Orientation lasts around 2 hours and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program – introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, language lesson details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Cusco, introduction to your project and placement. This is also followed by a walking tour. Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the day, with the last being around 4:00 PM. If you arrive after this time, don’t worry; the local team will ensure this is completed first thing the following morning.

Volunteer schedule example

A typical schedule for the Archaeology project might be as follows:

Weekdays

Volunteers on this project work Monday to Saturday and relax on Sundays. A typical schedule might be as follows:

8:00 AM	Breakfast at your accommodation.
9:00 AM	Volunteer work begins.
1:00 PM	Return to your homestay for lunch.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM	You can rest, explore independently, or participate in various cultural immersion activities around the house/farm, such as processing cacao, learning to cook with local ingredients, or other immersion activities alongside your hosts.
6:00 PM	Dinner at your accommodation.

In the evenings, you can relax, play traditional games like Sapo, and converse with other volunteers and hosts.

Weekends

Because of the remote location, volunteers tend to stay at the placement during the weekends and keep enjoying the immersive experience of living with a local family. We recommend bringing books, games, or other activities. Volunteers can return to Cusco at their own expense.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers stay in a nearby farming village hosted by a local family. Volunteers can expect to share a room with others of the same gender. Living is rustic but comfortable. There is cold running water, electricity, and no internet.

Please note that homes in Peru are not typically heated, but your hosts can provide additional blankets upon request. We also advise wearing layered clothing. Due to the altitude, temperatures can drop at night.

Meals

While in Cusco (Sunday and Monday when you first arrive), volunteers receive breakfast and dinner, and are required to purchase their own lunch. Once you’ve transferred to the project location you will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.

A typical Peruvian breakfast consists of bread, spreads and fruit or bread and eggs accompanied by tea or coffee. Lunch and dinner commonly consists of potatoes and rice, with some vegetables or protein (commonly chicken). You should not expect to have meat everyday.

Please advise us in advance regarding any dietary requirements so that we make special arrangements for you. However, it’s important to be somewhat flexible due to the limited resources at this location.

Archaeology volunteer project homestay bedroom in Peru Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Archaeology project homestay bedroom

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteers orientation in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ volunteer orientation

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
2 weeks	$830 Equivalent to $59/day
3 weeks	$1,117 Equivalent to $53/day
4 weeks	$1,388 Equivalent to $50/day
5 weeks	$1,678 Equivalent to $48/day
6 weeks	$1,968 Equivalent to $47/day
8 weeks	$2,548 Equivalent to $46/day
10 weeks	$3,128 Equivalent to $45/day
12 weeks	$3,708 Equivalent to $44/day
16 weeks	$4,868 Equivalent to $43/day
20 weeks	$6,028 Equivalent to $43/day
24 weeks	$7,188 Equivalent to $43/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$427) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cusco generally find US$100 - $150 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such lunches, public transportation, personal spending money, etc..

Breakfast and dinner while in Cusco when you first arrive
Breakfast, lunch and dinner while at your project site
Airport pick-up
Round-trip transfer from Cusco to project site
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Discounts on language lessons
Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Airport drop off after program finishes
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Free-time experiences & tours in Cusco

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Cusco! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cusco program.

Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)

Prepare to be in awe of this unique landscape and surroundings on this overnight tour!

CA$202

Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)

Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.

CA$703

Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!

CA$537

View all experiences

Check what's required to visit Peru

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Lima
Population	32 million
Languages	Spanish
Currency	Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Time zone	UTC-05:00

Weather and climate: Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. In the mountains, rain is frequent during summer and temperatures and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle has heavy rainfall and high temperatures, with the exception of its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

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