Peru Approval Process

To dig for archaeology in Peru, you must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Culture (Ministerio de Cultura). The process includes:

• Submitting a detailed research proposal

• Providing credentials of the lead archaeologist (must be licensed in Peru)

• Including maps, excavation plans, and conservation strategies

• Getting approval from local communities if the site is on communal or Indigenous land

• Complying with national heritage laws and agree to deposit findings in a registered museum

Unauthorized excavation is illegal and can lead to serious penalties.

Additional Information

Must submit a detailed proposal for an Archaeological Research Project (PIA) to Peru's Ministry of Culture (Ministerio de Cultura). Foreign researchers must collaborate with a Peruvian archaeologist and institution to receive official authorization. The entire application must be completed in Spanish.

https://plataformamincu.cultura.gob.pe/Administrados

Request for authorization to carry out an Archaeological Monitoring Plan (PMAR) from the Ministry of Culture.

This authorization allows archaeological accompaniment by a professional archaeologist , at least, during the execution of infrastructure and service works.

Its purpose is to establish the necessary actions to prevent, avoid, control, reduce, and mitigate potential negative impacts on archaeological evidence found in the soil and subsoil during the development of productive and extractive public and private investment projects, which could affect assets comprising the Nation's Cultural Heritage.

Step-By-Step Approval 

Step 1:  Partner with a Licensed Peruvian Archaeologist
Foreign researchers must collaborate with a Peruvian archaeologist who is registered with the Ministry of Culture. 

To locate a licensed Peruvian archaeologist, you should contact the Ministry of Culture in Peru or reach out to local universities and museums with archaeology departments.

Here’s how to get started:

• Contact the Dirección General de Patrimonio Arqueológico Inmueble, part of Peru’s Ministry of Culture. They maintain the registry of licensed archaeologists and approve excavation permits.

• Reach out to major Peruvian universities like Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos or Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Their archaeology departments often collaborate with international researchers.

• Explore museum networks such as Museo Larco or Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú. Many museum archaeologists are licensed and active in fieldwork.

• Use academic networks like ResearchGate or LinkedIn to search for Peruvian archaeologists with published work or excavation experience.

You’ll need a formal collaboration agreement with a licensed archaeologist to proceed with any excavation permit. Let me know if you want help drafting an outreach message or identifying specific institutions to contact.

Step 2: Develop a research proposal

What to Include in the Proposal

• Title and Objectives
  Clearly state the purpose of the excavation: what questions you're trying to answer and why the site is significant.

• Site Description
  Include maps, GPS coordinates, and a summary of known or suspected archaeological features.

• Methodology
  Detail how you’ll excavate, record data, handle artifacts, and ensure site preservation. Include techniques like stratigraphic excavation, photogrammetry, or soil analysis.

• Team Composition
  List all personnel, especially the licensed Peruvian archaeologist (required), and their roles.

• Timeline
  Provide a realistic schedule for fieldwork, lab analysis, and reporting.

• Conservation and Curation Plan
  Explain how artifacts will be preserved and where they’ll be stored (usually in a registered Peruvian museum).

• Ethical and Legal Compliance
  Affirm adherence to Peru’s heritage laws and international standards. Include community engagement plans if relevant.  

Step 3: Submit to the Ministry of Culture (Dirección General de Patrimonio Arqueológico Inmueble)

The Ministry of Culture(Direccion General de Patrimonio Arqueologico Inmueble) will review your proposal. They will check for scientific  merit, legal compliance,  cultural sensitivity, and other factors.

Submission Details:

• Where: The application is submitted to the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters in Lima or to the relevant Regional Directorate of Culture if the site is outside Lima.

• How: Typically, submission is done in person or via official channels, and the documents must be in Spanish. Some regions may accept digital submissions through the Ministry’s online portal, but this varies.

• What to include: Your full proposal, maps, credentials of the Peruvian archaeologist, landowner/community permissions, and any required institutional backing.

Step 4: Obtain Landowner and Community Permissions

Types of Land and Required Permissions

• Private Land:
  You must get written consent from the legal owner. This often includes a notarized letter or signed agreement allowing archaeological work.

• Communal or Indigenous Land:
  You must engage in formal consultation with the community. This includes:

  • Explaining the purpose and impact of the excavation

  • Gaining approval through community assemblies or leadership councils

  • Documenting consent in writing, often with signatures from elected representatives

• Protected Areas or National Heritage Sites:
  Additional approval is needed from the Ministry of Culture and possibly the Ministry of Environment. These areas have stricter regulations and may require environmental impact assessments.

• Legal compliance: Digging without landowner or community approval is illegal and can void your permit.

• Cultural respect: Many sites are sacred or historically significant to local populations.

• Permit approval depends on it: The Ministry of Culture will not issue a permit without proof of land access and community engagement.

You must secure written permission from landowners and consult with communities if the site is communal or Indigenous. This step ensures legal access and respectful collaboration, and it's mandatory for permit approval.

Sample Letter of Consent(private landowner):

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to respectfully request permission to conduct archaeological research on your land located at [location]. This project is part of a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Culture of Peru and will be led by a licensed Peruvian archaeologist.

The excavation will follow all legal and ethical guidelines, and we are committed to preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the site. We will share findings with the community and ensure that all artifacts are properly conserved and deposited in a registered Peruvian museum.

If you agree to grant access, please sign below to confirm your consent.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Institution or Affiliation]
[Contact Information]

Step 5: Wait for Approval

If approved, you will be given an official permit.

The approval process still continues after a permit is issued; your actions during and after the excavation affect future approval attempts. 

Ready to Get Started?  

Go to the Excavation Information and Reports module to begin the application process.