Amazon Conservation Project Peru
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.
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Activities
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.
Itinerary
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.
Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:
After arriving at Cusco Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your first two nights’ accommodation. You will receive a short briefing of your schedule for the next few days, before having some time to explore the city and acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 2 - Explore Cusco:
After an induction and orientation with your group in the morning, you will be able to explore Cusco and experience some Andean culture. Today is also an opportunity to ensure you have everything you need for your time on the project. At the end of your day, you will go back to your hotel for a good night's sleep before travelling into the jungle the following morning!
Day 3 - Transfer to the Cloud Forest Lodge:
Today you will begin your trip to the Manu Biosphere over the Andes and through the cloud forest. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystems and hopefully spot the national bird of Peru, the Andean cock-of-the-rock! You will be accommodated in the Cloud Forest Lodge for the night.
Day 4 - Transfer to the Manu Biosphere Reserve:
After breakfast, you will start the approximate 3-hour transfer through the foothills of the Andes to the Amazon lowlands, getting a taste of rainforest life as you go. The final leg of the journey is a 30-minute walk through the rainforest to the boat dock and a short boat ride on the meandering Amazon River to the Manu Learning Centre. Upon arrival, you’ll spend the rest of your day settling in, exploring your new surroundings and getting to know the project team.
Day 5-8 - Training Period:
These days are your training days when you will learn about the aims and achievements of the project, as well as the necessary skills and knowledge you will need to constructively participate in conservation tasks. The training will involve field-based learning, watching presentations and visiting local communities. During this time, you’ll also be invited to an official welcome party!
Day 9 - Final Day of Training:
This is considered your last day of training, and today could see you taking part in a workshop, joining a community project, or assisting with an element of conservation fieldwork. Be sure to rest up tonight, as you will need to be up bright and early to take part in the next day’s activities, where you’ll be a fully-fledged member of the team.
Day 10-31 - Project Days:
Conservation activities during these days will vary according to which tasks the volunteers are assigned each day. There are usually morning and afternoon work sessions, with meals and breaks in between, and Sundays are a rest day for everyone. For an idea of the schedule on a typical day during this time, please request the project guide.
Day 32 - Transfer Back to Cusco:
Take some time to soak up your final moments in the Amazon jungle and bid farewell to the Manu Learning Centre staff, as after breakfast, you will transfer back to Cusco, re-joining the hustle and bustle of city life. You’ll be accommodated in a city hostel for the night.
Day 33 - Final Day:
This will be your final day, with checkout before midday. At this time, you can be transferred to the airport for your return flight or commence any independent travel plans. Please note that the return airport transfer is not included and will incur an additional small fee.
Durations & Prices
Accommodation
Accommodation
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.
Meals & Beverages
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.
Project Details
When Is The Best Time To Volunteer?
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.
Getting There
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.
Visa Requirements
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.
Fitness & Skills
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.
Vaccinations
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.
Videos
Discover The Amazon Conservation Project In Peru!
Take a look and see how could you help preserve one of the most biodiverse environments on earth.
Volunteer Experiences
Watch as volunteers Bex and Reefa talk about their experience on the Amazon Conservation Project in Peru.
Gallery
Reviews
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.
Every day was different because you just do not know what will happen in the forest. My favourite survey was the butterfly-survey and once I had three colourful butterflies on my face. I will never forget this day.
Download Project Guide
What's Included
- Accommodation
- An airport transfer from Cusco Airport on your first day
- Transfers between Cusco and the Manu Biosphere Reserve
- An overnight stay in the cloud forest
- Full training & orientation programme
- Three meals per day
What's Not Included
- Flights
- An airport transfer back to Cusco Airport on your final day
- Soft and alcoholic beverages and snacks
From $1,869.00
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Up to 12 Persons
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All Meals Included
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15 - 71 Nights
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Set dates - enquire for details
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Minimum Age 18
