2026 Peru Sican

Location: Ferreñafe, Peru

Season: June 21, 2026 to July 25, 2026

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://anthroctr.org/program/2026-peru-sican/

Discount for AIA members: None

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Anthropocene Research Center, Northern Arizona University

Project Director:
Dr. Kayeleigh Sharp (NAU), Lic Manuel Antonio Roque Soplapuco (Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruíz Gallo) and Dr. Izumi Shimada (Southern Illinois University)

Project Description:

Northern Peru has long been regarded as one of the primary cultural centers of the ancient Andean civilizations of South America. The more than 5,000 hectares that comprise the Pómac Forest Historical Sanctuary, a protected natural area located 31.5 km from Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Peru make up one of the most ecologically and culturally diverse locations on the planet. It is home to more than 50 adobe pyramids and thousands of archaeological sites affiliated with local pre-Hispanic groups including Northern Gallinazo and Sicán, as well as the world-renown Inka.

Within this fascinating cultural and ecological setting, students will experience rich multi-cultural heritage spanning over 10000 years of prehistory and take in the natural wonders of the Pacific Ocean, arid coast, and high Andes mountains. During fieldwork, students will be immersed in an interdisciplinary journey witnessing first-hand how ancient inhabitants of northern Peru survived and thrived over the last several millennia.

During the 2026 field season, you will participate in cutting-edge remote sensing surveys and targeted excavations in the Pómac sanctuary. While learning, you will help expand our understanding of ancient lifeways that shaped and were shaped by the unique characteristics of this rare ecological zone.

Period(s) of Occupation: Middle Horizon, Late Intermediate, Late Horizon

Notes:
Tuition is $4,870; Earn 8 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record -- Culver Stockton College

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Full Session

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Experience Required: None. This is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research under the direction of a range of specialists in the field. Field work involves physical work and exposure to the elements and thus requires a measure of understanding that this will not be the typical university learning environment. You will have to work outdoors in physically demanding environments, and students will get sweaty and physically tired. Students are required to come equipped with sufficient excitement and an adequate understanding that fieldwork requires real, hard work, in the sun and wind. The work requires patience, discipline, and attention to detail.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Included in tuition cost

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credit Units through our School of Record -- Culver Stockton College