Overview
This fascinating program combines immersive learning, advanced technologies, and collaboration with local communities to offer a transformative experience in the northern Andes of Peru. You’ll study weaving techniques and textile production to explore how archaeology and living traditions can preserve heritage and community. Reflect on 2000 years of history to the present day as you integrate archaeology and ethnography, diving into Andean identity and resilience through contact with local artisans. Supplement your fieldwork with visits to museums and archaeological sites, providing a deeper context for Cajamarca’s cultural history.
Field school highlights:
- Connect with local communities as you learn directly from Indigenous weavers and artisans about their traditions.
- Explore an array of technologies and techniques to better understand archaeological interpretations, like drone-based landscape analysis, ethnobotanical survey, and zooarchaeology.
- Explore the diverse landscapes of Peru, from the coast to the Andean highlands.
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates | June 22 – July 20, 2026 |
| Course Type | Ethnoarchaeology |
| Instructors | Dr. Solsiré Cusicanqui |
| Credits* | 8 semester (12 quarter) –anticipated for 2026 |
| Apply By | April 1 |
| Fees Due By | April 15 |
| Program Fees | (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition** | $4,900 |
| Transcript Fee* | $350 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | $100 |
| Room & Partial Board | $1,435 |
| TOTAL: | $6,820 |
**Tuition includes cost of in-country travel
*Please email admissions@ifrglobal.org for any application issues.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program fills or final deadline passes.
Instructors
The directors welcome emails and inquiries about the research elements of this project. More general information (tuition, health insurance, and payment schedule) can be found under the ‘Students’ tab above. Any further questions may be addressed to IFR staff. Additional details about research, course schedule, travel, accommodation, and safety can be found on the syllabus. Contacting the directors or the IFR office is encouraged and appreciated. It may help you determine if this field school is a good fit for you.
Testimonials
This is a new IFR field school. No student testimonials are available at this time.
Payment & Student Fees
Application Fee: There is a $45 fee to submit an online application.
Deposit Payment: A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 3 weeks of program acceptance in order to secure your place. The remainder of your program fees are due by the deadline indicated under “Course Details”.
*Transcript Fee & Academic Credit Opt Out: If you wish to participate in an IFR field school without earning academic credits, you will not be charged a transcript fee.
For more information about payment, fees, and policies, please see details under our Payment & Finances and Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy pages.
Accommodations
Updated housing information will be posted for 2026 as available. Some meals are provided by the program, while others will be purchased by students – see the Course Schedule on the 2026 syllabus for a breakdown of meals.
Information below outlines 2025 details – please refer to 2026 syllabus for updates. You’ll have a range of housing in this program as it moves locations throughout your time. Rooms may be single or double, depending on availability.
In Lima, Cajamarca, and Lambayeque, you’ll stay in a branch of Costa del Sol Hotels. Breakfast and lunch will be provided in these locations, but you will be responsible for your own dinner from local restaurants or supermarkets.
While in, San Miguel, you’ll be housed in a traditional hacienda house that has been converted into a hotel, located two blocks from the main plaza. All meals will be provided while in San Miguel, prepared by local families.
This program will try to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, but you should communicate with the program director in advance, and consider reaching out to discuss any specific dietary needs before applying.
Travel Info
Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions and various other factors may force the cancellation or alteration of a field school. IFR recommends students only purchase airline tickets that are fully refundable and consider travel insurance in case a program or travel plans must change for any reason.
General information for this program is below, but keep in mind we will discuss any updated travel information and regulations during the required program orientation, which could affect travel plans.
You can fly into the Lima (LIM) airport, where you will be met by program staff on the program start date.
Travel during the program itself will vary and be arranged by the program.
If you miss your connection or your flight is delayed, please call, text or email the field school director immediately. A local emergency mobile phone number will be provided to all enrolled students.