I was able to improve my Spanish speaking abilities and start to understand it better. The people in Peru were really sweet. I loved volunteering at the zoo and enjoyed working with all the animals and people there. It was a new experience but I was able to make new friends along the way.
Archaeology Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Preserve natural history
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Local homestay
Program fees
From £670 for 2 weeks
What's included
Find out here
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.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who have a keen interest in history and the cultural preservation of ancient sites.
Project details
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.
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?
Get personalized recommendations >
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.
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IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Archaeology project
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IVHQ Childcare project
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IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
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Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
YV
Yazmin Velasquez
25 Jul 2024
...
RM
Rebecca Martin
19 Jul 2024
My whole family was able to experience a completely new way of living in the world. The surroundings were incredible and unspoiled by technology. My children gained even more insight than I did. We frequently discussed the things we take for granted and other ways we could help people on the project and at home. Our language lessons were impeccable and overall, we gained a greater appreciation for life as we know it.
...
GV
Gabriella Venables Kyrke
17 Jul 2024
Go in with an open mind and get stuck in the work, it might not all be glamorous but you definitely learn a lot!
...
ZS
Zoe Soto
15 Jul 2024
The local support team was amazing and they far exceeded my expectations!! They were professional, empathetic and enlightening.
I believe when working with the seniors at the nursing home I made an impact on their lives daily. I made them feel seen and important by giving them daily hand massages, painting nails and playing ball with them.
...
LM
Leonor Monteiro
15 Jul 2024
It was the first time I travelled so far by myself and I had never been away from home for so long. I was extremely nervous coming to Cusco, but that immediately changed once I met my housemates. They were all travelling solo and just as nervous as I was so we bonded very fast and formed lifelong friendships. The volunteering itself was also an incredible experience, the staff were very caring. The local team was exceptional, they were available to help with whatever we needed. I feel like I definitely made a difference, even if it was just for the 3 weeks I was here. I really loved my time in Cusco and I’m sad to see it come to an end. It was definitely a worthwhile experience that I’ll cherish forever.
...
KC
Kaitlyn Cabral
15 Jul 2024
This has been a true experience of growth and independence for me. Although embarking on this trip alone I have made lifelong connections with other volunteers and felt as though I’ve also made lasting impacts at my placement. I would highly recommend taking the step outside your comfort zone as this past month as been truly one of the best experiences.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
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
The program orientation begins every Monday. Volunteers must arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before orientation. Orientation will be held within 24 hours of your arrival.
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, and you will be greeted by a member of the local team.
If you are traveling in Peru before your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Cusco the day before your program orientation.
Our local team will host the orientation at their offices in Cusco. Orientation begins on Monday morning and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Cusco, such as:
- Introduction to Peru
- Overview of Peruvian customs
- Language lesson details
- Rules and expectations
- Health and Safety
- Travel opportunities in Cusco
- Introduction to your project and placement
The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
On arrival, you will be transported to your accommodation and introduced to your host family for your first night in Cusco. You will complete orientation and transfer to the Archaeology Project site the following day.
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.
IVHQ Archaeology project homestay bedroom
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately £269), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £269) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $820 Equivalent to $59/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,107 Equivalent to $53/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,378 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,668 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,958 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,538 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,118 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,698 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,858 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 20 weeks | $6,018 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 24 weeks | $7,178 Equivalent to $43/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £269) 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
- Personalised 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!
£114
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
£400
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!
£305
Check what's required to visit Peru
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
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.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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