Archaeology Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco

Even though I registered for the program very last minute, IVHQ did an amazing job helping me find the project perfect for me, and provide me information to best prepare for my volunteering. Emails were answered in a timely manner, and all of my questions were answered with great detail. The program guide also helped me get a better idea of how the project worked, and how I could prepare myself.

I feel I gained a new appreciation for different cultures, and a few found love for immersing myself in unknown environments. Learning about a culture is so different than experiencing it, and this project allowed me to find myself within another culture and my own.

For anyone hesitant to take part in this program: just go for it!! I was hesitant as well, but I couldn’t be happier that I participated in it. Honestly, there is a lot of getting used to at the beginning which can cause a great deal of anxiousness, but keeping an open mind and having little expectation is key. Go with the flow and enjoy the culture and beautiful nature surrounding the area!

This experience really opened my eyes to how big the world. I would tell someone who is hesitant to do it and don't look back because it will be the time of your life.

I really enjoyed the online courses before we departed that IVHQ provided to help us prepare. Once arrived, the local team were amazing! Very informative and always accessible. I feel like I grew so much. The program was so immersive, and I really felt like I connected with lots of the locals.

IVHQ was very responsive and helpful, and the local team was always available, happy and was consistently in contact. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn how other cultures live their day-to-day, not to expect the same amenities that they have at home and embrace the differences.

This trip, especially the Amazon conservation program, was one of, if not the best experiences of my life. I highly recommend it. I was scared at first as I was a solo 17-year-old female traveler but I felt very safe with IVHQ's support. I learned so much about myself, plants and animals, and other cultures. I was also scared about not having service in the jungle for two weeks, but it was such a nice experience. I got so close to some of the coolest people I've ever met, and made such amazing memories. I could go on forever about this program, you should definitely do it if you are thinking about it.