Collaborative Archaeology? Reflections on Forms of Heritage Reappropriation in the Community of San Luis de Cañete, Lima, Peru

This article presents a critical approach to and from collaborative archaeology using the case of the Cerro de Oro Archaeological Project (PACO) in San Luis de Cañete, Peru. In contexts marked by informality, infrastructural exclusion, and legal ambiguity, archaeological sites often coexist with marginalized populations whose daily struggles challenge conventional heritage management frameworks. This article evaluates PACO’s ten-year transition from traditional research to a new approach to collaborative archaeology that puts the communities' needs at the center. The conclusions highlight the importance of sustained relationships, shared agendas, and a commitment to addressing community-defined priorities as key components of ethical and impactful archaeological practice.