Last summer, I discovered the Inca Project in Peru while searching for a meaningful way to spend my vacation. The project's aim is to protect an Inca archaeological site. I chose to join the project as it provided a chance to travel and participate in an actual archaeological excavation. Although I felt excited about the experience, I was also apprehensive since I had never traveled alone to such a far-off destination. The excavation site was located near Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, set high in the Andes mountains. Getting to Cusco proved to be a challenge; I had to change flights twice, first in Los Angeles, California, and then in Lima, Peru, before finally reaching Cusco, 32 hours after departing from Korea. Upon my arrival, the local staff greeted me warmly with a "Buenos días, Yena." The director then introduced me to the other international volunteers who had arrived simultaneously. They hailed from various countries, including England, Canada, the United States, and Belgium.

Cusco is a stunning city filled with ancient architecture. We spent two days in Cusco, taking time to recover from our long flight and acclimate to the high altitude. During our stay, we explored the city and its surroundings. On our first day, we visited Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca structure renowned for its massive stones. The site features a large square surrounded by three imposing walls. I was struck by how tightly the enormous stones were fitted together. The following day, we traveled to Pisac, a historical site situated on a mountainside in the Sacred Valley. On our way there, we passed through a lively town with a bustling main square and market filled with locals. At the market, I purchased a charming doll handmade by a woman. For dinner that night, we enjoyed ceviche, a dish made with fish marinated in lime juice. This delicious sweet and sour local specialty was accompanied by sweet potatoes and corn. It was my first experience with Peruvian cuisine, and every dish we tried was incredibly tasty.

After visiting Cusco, we traveled to Huyro, where we would begin our work. My heart raced with joy at the stunning landscape. I felt enthusiastic about the tasks ahead. The staff and other volunteers who had come to Huyro earlier greeted us warmly. The following morning, we commenced our work at the site. To reach our destination, we trekked uphill for thirty minutes. I envisioned we were in an Indiana Jones film, forging a path through the woods in search of remnants from the ancient Inca civilization. At the archaeological site, we removed weeds and cut down trees that had overgrown the area. While excavating, we unearthed fragments of ancient pottery. The lead archaeologist, a Peruvian, found a sizable piece of pottery and speculated it might have been part of a container used for storing beans. By early afternoon, the heat and thin air had left me feeling drained. Nevertheless, after days of dedicated effort, I felt proud to have contributed to such a meaningful project aimed at preserving the remnants of the ancient Inca civilization.

In addition to our archaeology projects, we dedicated one morning each week to visit a local elementary school. There, we engaged with the children through teaching and play, followed by reading sessions in the library during the afternoons. Despite their limited resources, the children's joy and gratitude for what they had touched me profoundly. Toward the end of our stay, after fulfilling our volunteer commitments, we took a train to the remarkable ruins of Machu Picchu. The ancient city, perched high on a mountain, offered breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley below. It was hard to fathom how the Inca managed to construct such an impressive city in such an elevated location. We were astounded by the remarkable architectural skills of the Inca civilization, which thrived over five centuries ago. After my unforgettable experience in Peru, I returned to my daily routine back home. Those joyful moments passed so quickly, and I wished I could have extended my stay. Participating in the Inca Project was a true gift, teaching me the value of volunteering; I gained far more from the experience than I ever contributed.