FIELD PROGRAM

2026 Maya Archaeology Field Program: Río Azul Regional Archaeological Project (RARAP)

 

Location: Mirador–Río Azul National Park, Petén, Guatemala

Season: May 2026 to June 2026 (Students participate in one 4-week session)

Application Deadline: Rolling until full; priority deadline April 15, 2026
Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Program Type: Field School, Volunteer
RPA Certified: No

Affiliation: The University of Texas at Austin

Project Director: Dr. Carlos Morales-Aguilar

Director, Río Azul Regional Archaeological Project (RARAP)
Research Associate, Department of Geography & the Environment, UT–Austin

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Project Description

The Río Azul Regional Archaeological Project (RARAP) operates within the vast Mirador–Río Azul National Park in Guatemala, a protected tropical forest in northeastern Petén rich in monumental architecture, ancient causeways, defensive systems, reservoirs, and dense tropical forest. The region forms part of the Three Rivers Region, a key corridor that connected major Preclassic and Classic Maya polities.

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The field program offers students a rare opportunity to participate directly in ongoing scientific research focused on human–environment interactions, landscape archaeology, LiDAR-based settlement analysis, ceramic chronologies, and environmental reconstruction.

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Participants receive instruction in:

• Archaeological excavation and stratigraphic recording

• Mapping and survey using LiDAR, GPS, and total station

• Remote sensing interpretation (LiDAR/photogrammetry)

• Ceramic, faunal, and lithic analysis

• Environmental and geomorphological sampling

• Documentation of Maya architectural features and defensive systems

• Tropical forest ecology and conservation issues

 

Students will also visit nearby archaeological sites within the region, depending on logistics and security conditions. Evening lectures, group work, and camp life foster a collaborative learning environment where students interact with researchers from France, Guatemala, and the U.S. RARAP welcomes students from all disciplines—anthropology, geography, geology, environmental science, history, biology, and more, creating a highly interdisciplinary field experience.

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Period(s) of Occupation: Late Preclassic, Terminal Preclassic, Early Classic, and Late Classic Maya
(with ongoing research into microrregional political and territorial dynamics)

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Project size: 10-20 participants

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Available Seats: 3

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Mimimum age: 18+

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Experienced Required: None. Training is provided in all field and laboratory methods.

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Room & Board Arrangements: Students stay at the Ixcanrio Archaeology Camp, a remote facility inside the Mirador–Río Azul National Park jointly used by park rangers and archaeological teams.

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Amenities include:

• Filtered water

• Fuel-powered electricity (limited hours)

• Satellite internet (Starlink) for limited communication

• Washable toilets and basic showers

• Designated kitchen and dining area

• Sleeping quarters in tents

• Full-time, well-trained, Guatemalan camp cooks

 

As the camp is remote, many comforts of home (TV, full internet, A/C, hot water) are unavailable, in exchange, students gain a rare experience living and working inside a protected tropical forest, and practice speaking Spanish, French, and Q'eqchi' Mayan language. Camp chores rotate weekly among participants, supporting sustainability and cooperation. Special diets may be accommodated with prior communication.

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Program Cost (estimated): USD $2,300.00 covers room & board, camp fees, ground transportation from Flores, field equipment use, and weekend excursions. Does not include airfare or personal gear. To save your spot it is required to deposit a non-refundable fee of $300.00.

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Academic Credit: Credit may be arranged through the student’s home institution. UT–Austin students may register for ANTH or GRG field coursework depending on departmental approval.

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Contact Information:

Dr. Carlos Morales-Aguilar

Director, Rio Azul Regional Archaeological Project
Department of Geography & the Environment, University of Texas at Austin
Email: carlos.moralesaguilar@austin.utexas.edu 

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