Most of Peru’s rich history is proudly on show above the ground; towering over your head in the shape of well-preserved colonial architecture or ancient Inca sites perched high on knife-edge cliffs. However, there is even more to be found under our feet and armed with a spade and a keen pair of eyes you could be the first person to see it for hundreds of years. Dating back to the 5th Century, the ceremonial site of Huaca Pucllana is one of Peru’s cultural wonders. The project is attempting to uncover and restore the site, but lack of funding means volunteers are needed to get busy excavating, cleaning, registering and cataloguing in order for the work to continue.
Project details:
This project was set up in 1981 by local government and the Institute of National Culture to preserve, uncover and then maintain the site of Huaca Pucllana, a 15 hectare archaeological site in Lima. Huaca Pucllana was constructed in the 5th century from adobe bricks and soon became an important ceremonial and administrative location.
Why volunteer at this project:
Volunteers are needed because the project lacks the resources to carry out all the survey and environmental education work that is necessary.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
As the locals do not speak that much English, you'll get more from your experience by learning some Spanish before you start your project. You should have an interest in archaeology, and it helps if you are methodical and precise due to the nature of the work.
Your role as a volunteer:
Typical activities will include archaeological excavation, cleaning, registering and cataloguing archaeological material and teaching English to guides on an informal basis.
Please note that during summer, there will be no digs occurring due to the intense heat, it is not possible to work outside at this time.
Where the project is based:
Huaca Pucllana is located in the attractive Lima suburb of Miraflores, which is about 5 miles from the centre of the capital.
Accommodation is in homestays with local families. All the homestays are well equipped with electricity, running water, hot showers, kitchen facilities etc.
You will need to arrive into Lima (LIM) on your specified arrival date.
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