
Volunteer in Peru and have a lasting impact on Amazon conservation efforts in the Manu Biosphere Reserve – one of the most diverse environments on earth.
You will take part in a variety of the research activities below, but prior to this, you will complete a training program which consists of presentations, fieldwork, educational forest walks, species recognition tasks and a first-aid course.
Please note, itineraries are subject to change and the below is simply a rough guideline. The itinerary below is based on a 4-week stay as this is the recommended minimum duration to ensure you experience all of what the project has to offer. If you stay for fewer than 4 weeks, your training period will be shorter, and the volunteer work will not be as involved. If you stay for longer than 4 weeks, the period of project days will be longer.
For the first two nights and last night in Cusco, you will stay in a comfortable hostel within the city centre in a twin room with an en-suite bathroom. Your third night will be spent in a rustic lodge within the cloud forest.
Accommodation whilst on the project in the Manu Biosphere Reserve consists of comfortable and airy pods, which each feature two or three beds and a magnificent view of the rainforest. Bed linens and mosquito nets are provided. The project aims to reduce its environmental impact, so the showers, electricity and internet connection are all solar-generated.
Three meals a day will be provided throughout your stay on the project and will be made using typical local ingredients, such as rice, beans, eggs, vegetables, and occasionally meat. The project is able to cater to many different dietary requirements, but we kindly ask that you let us know in advance of your stay so the project staff can prepare for your arrival.
In the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the climate is generally hot and humid all year, however, there are two distinct seasons:
Dry Season (April - October): During these months, the temperature is typically 30°C (86°F) and rainfall is limited, however, being a rainforest climate, you should still expect some occasional rain.
Wet Season (November - March): On average, 1,200 millimetres of rain falls during the wet season, and whilst it only rains for short periods of time, the rainfall can be very heavy. It is also much hotter during these months and temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F).
Throughout the year the weather can be variable, with tropical storms happening without much notice and temperatures often reaching very high levels, so it is important to be prepared for anything.
You will need to arrive into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco between 7am and 5pm on the start date of your project where you will be met by a project representative and transferred to your hostel in Cusco. From here, you will be transferred to every stage of the project. On your final day, the transfer back to the airport from your accommodation is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee.
If you are from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or most of the EU, you do not require a visa to enter Peru as a tourist, as a stay of around 6 months is granted on arrival for tourism purposes. As entry requirements can change, however, please ensure you check your own visa requirements before travelling.
This project involves a fair amount of walking, so volunteers must be able to walk up to 10km per day. The terrain here can be uneven and muddy, so please do take this into consideration when deciding whether this project is for you. Additionally, while there are no specific skills required to take part in this project, all volunteers must be able to carry (light) equipment and their own belongings, have the ability to climb in and out of a small boat whilst wearing a personal flotation device and be comfortable working in all manner of weather conditions.
For this project, you must be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever and Tetanus. Other vaccinations required will depend on your medical history and we recommend consulting your GP/Doctor regarding your own needs.
Take a look and see how could you help preserve one of the most biodiverse environments on earth.
Watch as volunteers Bex and Reefa talk about their experience on the Amazon Conservation Project in Peru.
Unforgettable Experience in Manu, Peru – A True Jungle Adventure with Purpose I recently returned from this incredible volunteer trip in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, and I honestly can't recommend it enough. This experience exceeded all my expectations – both in the meaningful conservation work and the deep connections I formed along the way. As a volunteer, I had the chance to collect data on Amazonian parrots, macaws, and butterflies, contributing directly to research that helps protect and restore the region’s rich biodiversity. The hands-on fieldwork was both fascinating and rewarding, and I learned so much from the dedicated researchers and local staff. The team at the project radiates positive energy and truly cares about the forest and its future. Their passion is infectious, and their support created a warm, inspiring environment. I also formed genuine friendships with other volunteers – people from around the world brought together by a shared love of nature and discovery. The daily activities were diverse, exciting, and immersive. From night walks under the stars and butterfly trap setting to bird counts at sunrise, every day brought new wonders. We went on a fungi identification hike, swam in a hidden forest pool, and... Unforgettable Experience in Manu, Peru – A True Jungle Adventure with Purpose I recently returned from this incredible volunteer trip in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, and I honestly can't recommend it enough. This experience exceeded all my expectations – both in the meaningful conservation work and the deep connections I formed along the way. As a volunteer, I had the chance to collect data on Amazonian parrots, macaws, and butterflies, contributing directly to research that helps protect and restore the region’s rich biodiversity. The hands-on fieldwork was both fascinating and rewarding, and I learned so much from the dedicated researchers and local staff. The team at the project radiates positive energy and truly cares about the forest and its future. Their passion is infectious, and their support created a warm, inspiring environment. I also formed genuine friendships with other volunteers – people from around the world brought together by a shared love of nature and discovery. The daily activities were diverse, exciting, and immersive. From night walks under the stars and butterfly trap setting to bird counts at sunrise, every day brought new wonders. We went on a fungi identification hike, swam in a hidden forest pool, and hiked to a waterfall straight out of a postcard. One of the absolute highlights was a blissful soak in a natural hot spring, complete with a clay face mask! We also rafted across a stunning lake, surrounded by rainforest echoing with the calls of exotic birds flying overhead. This trip wasn’t just a vacation – it was an adventure with purpose. If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature, contribute to conservation efforts, and build lasting friendships in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, this project is the place to be. (Show More)
Spending a month at the reserve with the project team was amazing and great for getting immersed into field research in the jungle and understanding how data is collected via different techniques to feed into the study of regenerating rainforests - which is why I went! I could definitely have spent a couple more weeks there to get more experience in the field though. We were well looked after by the field staff and the cooks and really enjoyed our couple of ecotourism trips to the local towns. We were kept busy but also had lots of time to relax in the open air living space. Most of the staff speak English but there are lots of opportunities to practice some Spanish speaking too.
It was one of the most beautiful months I’ve ever had. I shared this experience with incredible staff who were always making sure we had everything we needed. I had a fantastic group of volunteers. It was suuuuuper awesome seeing all the species of monkeys. In addition I learnt a lot about conservation in the rainforest and the importance of everyone's actions to protect it.