Some vacations take you to destinations that feel futuristic, while archeological tourism transports you to a completely different era in the past. Whether you’re excavating the prehistoric species of megafauna, minivan-sized marsupials, deep in the outback of Queensland, Australia, or tracing the Roman archaeological landscape surrounding Malta’s Domus Romana, you will be time-traveling through human history, one discovery at a time. Across the world, excavation sites hold secrets that could change what we know about ancient civilizations. And the best part? You don’t have to have any previous archaeological experience to get in on the action.
The Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) is one of the world’s largest fieldwork resources, offering continuously updated listings, and the details needed for projects worldwide.
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Before you apply, note that the listings are provided by project directors or staff members and not the Archeological Institute of America (AIA). Any and all questions should be directed to the designated contact. The AIA can remove any posting listed at any time. You should also consider your budget, schedule, physical health, and any other requirements for the experience you’re interested in before applying. Preparing for a dig is just as important, as it involves following best practices, paying attention to details, and considering important guidelines.
For those who are unable to join a dig in person, the AIA and ARCHAEOLOGY Magazine’s Interactive Digs will bring the experience to you. Follow excavations worldwide through field notes, journals, photos, and videos, making you feel like part of the team from anytime, anywhere.
Program type: Field school, volunteer, staff position
Minimum age: 18 and older
Join an international team of researchers in the Ecuadorian Andes for the 2025 Foothill Ecuador Summer Program, a three-week field experience blending archaeology and anthropology. Participants will assist with excavation, artifact cataloging, and community projects while living in Cangahua (Cayambe). The program includes lectures, cultural excursions, and service learning. Ideal for those interested in archaeology beyond excavation, it offers academic credit and hands-on experience. Spanish skills are a plus. Program runs June 28 through July 18, 2025, and costs $2,500.
Program type: Volunteer
Minimum age: 16 and older
Participate in CORE Archaeology’s cultural programs in Cusco and support the Ministry of Culture and national park staff at Machu Picchu. Volunteers assist with conservation, maintenance, education, and awareness initiatives, all under the supervision of licensed archaeologists. Activities vary with the seasons, with dry season (April through November) and wet season (December through March) affecting project tasks.
CORE Archaeology’s program in Cusco, Peru, is fully supervised by archaeology professionals. Photograph by Jonathan Irish, Nat Geo Image Collection
Volunteers will receive a full schedule before starting and can also contribute to other archaeological sites in the Cusco region through maintenance, education, and other initiatives. All CORE Archaeology programs include accommodation, food, transportation, museum entrance fees, and materials in the customized prices. Program runs year-round. A certificate of participation will be given to all project volunteers for completion of their placement.
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Program type: Field school, volunteer
Minimum age: 18 and older, or accompanied by a guardian
Choose from three program options:
The first program includes 3.5-weeks in northern Mongolia, recovering artifacts from looted cemeteries. Despite theft and destruction, volunteers will assist with cultural heritage preservation, field conservation, and bioarchaeology while working in remote locations. Participants should be physically fit for rugged terrain. Program runs June 22 through July 18, 2025, with a starting cost of $3,550.
The second program is physically challenging; participants will travel by horseback and on foot to explore and map ancient sites. Building on discoveries from previous field seasons, the team will collect new data and work with national park rangers to interpret their findings. Program runs July 22 through August 18, 2025, and costs start at $3,950.
The third program does require experience horseback riding, including rough trail conditions, “and a strong stomach.” Participants will gather important data using zooarchaeological methods on reindeer carcasses that were caught in an avalanche in a remote, difficult-to-reach region. Program runs August 14 through September 5, 2025, and costs $4,250.
(Related: Who should really be allowed to dig for dinosaurs?)
Program type: Volunteer, staff position
Minimum age: 18 and older
Join archaeologists at Tell Timai, the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Thmouis in Egypt’s Nile Delta. Known for its prized Mendesian perfume (also known as the ‘scent of the Gods’), Thmouis played a key role in the rise of early Christianity. This season’s excavation focuses on Roman monumental architecture and the rise of Christianity.
Participants will stay with the Dig House in the nearby town, with shared rooms and basic amenities, including heated showers. The project retains a cook and cleaning staff. Program runs June 16 to July 25, 2025, and participants are also sought for the winter season in December 2025. Contact the project director for fee information.
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Go with Nat Geo: Nat Geo Expeditions offers numerous history- and archaeology-themed adventures, from exploring Greece’s ancient monuments to seeing the pyramids in Giza to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu.
Ashley Packard is a freelance writer covering travel, culture, lifestyle, and more. View her portfolio at www.ashleypackard.com.