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VOLUNTEER IN
ARCHAEOLOGY
VOLUNTEER IN ARCHAEOLOGY DIGS IN PERU
Peru has an amazingly rich, historical tapestry with a 4,000-year continuum of civilizations including Caral–Supe, Chavín, Paracas, Nazca, Moche, Tiwanaku, Wari (Huari), Lambayeque (Sicán), Chimú, and Chachapoya–and finally culminating in the well-known Inca Empire. The entire country of Peru is layered with ancient societies, each stacking architecture, technology, art, religion, and government on top of the next. Carefully uncovering and protecting this history requires dedicated professionals and volunteers. The Archaeology program is a unique and important undertaking offered in the beautiful Sacred Valley–one of Peru’s many historical and agricultural centers, just 90 minutes from the city of Cusco.
Because the Sacred Valley is close to Cusco, volunteers can easily return to the city on weekends if desired.
Why I Maximo Nivel
I participated in the archaeology program in the beautiful Sacred Valley and absolutely loved it! I met so many nice people, made friends, ate amazing food, got to participate in the excavations, and found bones and the coolest ceramics. I also had one week in Cusco for my Spanish lessons and learned so much in that one week. All in all, I made so many wonderful memories and got to take a sneak peak into one of my dream careers.
WHAT WILL YOU DO AS AN ARCHEOLOGY VOLUNTEER?
International volunteers working in the Archaeology Program live in a small town in the Sacred Valley, approximately 90 minutes from the Maximo Nivel institute in Cusco. This offsite, community-based placement provides a near-complete immersion experience into Peruvian life. You may also choose to study the traditional Incan language of Quechua or join online Spanish classes offered daily.
If you are scheduled to work in the Archaeology Program, you receive the regular volunteer orientation on Day 1, followed by an orientation specifically for the archeology project. During your orientation, travel to/from your project is clearly explained and you receive your transportation tickets, which are included in your program fees. Depending on project and bus schedules, you leave for your volunteer placement on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. Note that volunteers who arrive on Monday instead of Sunday may not arrive to their volunteer site until Tuesday or Wednesday. At the end of your program, your transportation back from your project site is also included in your program fees. Volunteers usually return either Friday night or early Saturday morning.
VOLUNTEERING IN THE SACRED VALLEY
The Sacred Valley stretches from the town of Pisac to the village of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is one of the few remaining populated Inca villages and it is one of the starting points to reach Machu Picchu. The valley’s climate and fertile terraces made it the primary agricultural corridor of the Inca state, supplying Cusco’s population and supporting long-distance trade routes. The valley’s combination of elevation, geography, and long human occupation makes it one of the densest archaeological corridors in South America. The region contains more than 300 registered archaeological sites, ranging from ceremonial centers to agricultural laboratories, administrative hubs, and fortresses. Many sites in the valley still hold unmapped or partially documented structures, which is why community-led preservation work continues year-round. Today, international volunteers are an important part of these efforts to rebuild the world’s knowledge of ancient Peru and preserve these unique indigenous cultures.
We bring structure and organization to your volunteer program, and we match you with the best project according to your personal goals and the positive impact you want to have. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH
MAXIMO NIVEL?
Maximo Nivel has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Our volunteer program fees are affordable and transparent.
- New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
- Professional Field Managers
- Volunteer programs available from 1-52 weeks
- All-inclusive—accommodations, meals, and many extras
- 24/7 in-country support
- Academic credit available
- No Registration or processing fees
- All-inclusive program fees from $735
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT
FOR VOLUNTEER ABROAD & SERVICE LEARNING
Maximo Nivel is one of the few organizations in the world to offer academic credit for volunteer abroad and service learning programs. Our School of Record issues official transcripts and academic credit for your program. Get the credit you earn!
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