There is a direct relationship between archaeology, tourism and the economic well-being of Peruvians. Archaeological projects impact the communities near their work, yet the goals of archaeologists are not always shared or understood by these communities. This paper examines the Public Interest component of an archaeological project on the north coast of Peru to determine what works, what does not, and what could be improved for the future. The role of foreign archaeologists and their projects in local communities is explored from both ethical and practical standpoints, and placed in the larger context of the archaeological tourism in Peru.