The Andean HUACA Project

The Andean HUACA Project, or "HUACA" (WA-kah) for short, uses this acronym to mean Human Understanding through Archaeology and Cultural Awareness. A “huaca” in Quechua is a place or object that has spiritual and sacred value, such as a temple or even a small rock. HUACA is an immersion in the ancient and modern worlds of the Peruvian Andes, and our journey there will be guided by such questions as, "What is civilization?", "How does colonialism change a society?", and "How do cultures preserve their identities despite outside influences?"

This is a physically rigorous program and participants should expect to be active every day at high altitudes (10,000+ feet above sea level) on walks, jaunts, hikes, and a challenging multi-day trek. We will visit sites in and around Cusco, the “navel” of the Inca empire; the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo; and the crown jewel of Inca innovation—Machu Picchu. Our trek will take us well off the beaten path, to altitudes above 16,000 feet, where we will take in breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and connect with ancient wisdom. Our program culminates with a peer-to-peer exchange with youth of the Q’eros Nation (the closest ascendants of the Inca, who live in Ccochamocco at ~14,000' above sea level). The program will be peppered with well-timed breaks to indulge ourselves in some of the finer elements of Peruvian culture and cuisine.

Knowledge of the Spanish and Quechua languages is not required, but an open mind and a willingness to take on diverse perspectives is expected. Prepare yourself for the learning adventure of a lifetime!