We would like to inform you that in 2025, the Centre for Andean Studies at the University of Warsaw is offering students the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations at two sites in Peru – Ccopan in Ccopan (from July 15 to August 6) and Sacsayhuaman (3 weeks between July 15 and August 31; the exact date will be announced at the end of February). A minimum of three weeks (150 hours) of field and/or laboratory work is required to pass the course.
CcopanCcopan, located in the Arequipa region at an altitude of approximately 3.300 metres above sea level, is an intriguing example of an Inca administrative and ceremonial centre, which possibly served as the capital of the Inca province of Cuntisuyu. Ccopan is notable for its architecture, unique in the region, which includes a tomb made of the finest Inca stonework – probably belonging to a representative of the highest elite of the Inca Empire – and a monumental ceremonial plaza, the largest in the entire Cuntisuyu area. Participants in the Ccopan excavation will also have the opportunity to visit other archaeological sites in the region. Maximum number of students: 6.
Excavations at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, located in Cusco – the ancient capital of the Inca Empire – are being carried out as part of a project (grant 2022/47/B/HS3/03290 from the National Science Centre of Poland) to reconstruct the origins of this city and the processes that led to its development into the imperial capital known in later times. Both Cusco and its immediate surroundings represent one of the most important and interesting areas in the whole of South America from an archaeological perspective. Maximum number of students: 7.
As part of both projects, students will have the opportunity to learn about the methodology for conducting and documenting archaeological excavations in the Peruvian Andes.
The final decision to accept applicants is based on an interview. A knowledge of Spanish of at least level B1 is required to participate in the excavations.
The Center for Andean Studies covers the lodging and food expenses of the excavation participants, but the purchase of airfare to Peru and medical insurance for the duration of the stay in Peru must be done at one's own expense.
Link to the UW USOS system and further details (in Polish):
If you are interested, please fill out the attached application form for candidates and send it to the following email address: j.klaput@uw.edu.pl
Students from outside the University of Warsaw, if they meet the requirements to participate in field practices, must
– present a letter of recommendation from your home university
– sign a volunteer form with the University of Warsaw, forming a formal basis for cooperation with the University.
The first round of recruitment, i.e. the submission of applications on the forms lasts until February 5 this year. Once the initial applications have been reviewed, a date will be set for the first information meeting and interviews with candidates.
Get in touch
POLAND
University of Warsaw
Center for Andean Studies
PERU
Center for Andean Studies
of the University of Warsaw in Cusco