Animal Rehab in the Amazon Rainforest

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Wake up to the sounds of the jungle, explore the rainforest by foot, on the river, or on the highest canopy walkway in South America
  • Live in the Amazon Rainforest and work to protect wildlife and indigenous plants
  • Help rehabilitate wild animals and become part of our ongoing efforts to preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations
  • Explore the rainforest and make cultural experiences in the vibrant country
  • Be fully immersed in the astounding nature and beauty that Peru has to offer


Especially good for

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Volunteer in the Amazon Rainforest and help with wildlife rehabilitation, reforestation, and vital conservation efforts.

This project is ideal for adventurers and thrill-seekers with a passion for nature and the outdoors. This is a once in a lifetime chance to do animal volunteer work abroad and live in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest! 

On top of making a difference, you will gain plenty of practical wildlife ...

About the program

This project is ideal for adventurers and thrill-seekers with a passion for nature and the outdoors. This is a once in a lifetime chance to do animal volunteer work abroad and live in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest! 

On top of making a difference, you will gain plenty of practical wildlife conservation experience. You’ll work closely with some of the top minds of biology and rainforest conservation.

If you have an interest in conservation, biology, or environmental science, you’ll enjoy the hands-on fieldwork, and you’ll contribute to ongoing research projects. You’ll need to be comfortable with getting your hands dirty, and be willing to skip some home comforts! Animal conservation volunteering abroad is not for the faint-hearted.

You don’t need previous experience to join. You’ll be supervised by experts, and our staff is always available to provide guidance and advice.

Your conservation work will focus on these main areas:

Collect data

By observing and recording details about the species you see during surveys, you’ll help us better understand how to protect them. This type of work can include: 

  • Bird censuses conducted from a canopy platform
  • Collecting video footage using camera traps
  • Recording data on species characteristics during trail hikes

With the help of your work, we produce a technical report every year to demonstrate our environmental impact. The data for these reports comes directly from our volunteers’ daily observations. Thanks to this work, Taricaya is increasingly recognised internationally as a research centre. It has contributed a number of important research papers at international conferences, especially in the field of ornithology.

Animal release programme

At Taricaya, we run an animal release programme. This work involves our project partner, Animal Defenders International (ADI). ADI confiscates illegal pets or circus animals, including Amazon rainforest monkeys. We then rehabilitate these rainforest animals at the rescue centre, and release them into the wild if possible. These are usually endangered species like scarlet macaws, whose populations are steadily decreasing in the Amazon. 

You’ll help with feeding these animals and doing general maintenance. This includes tasks like cleaning enclosures or repairing fences. Although this may sound like menial work, it’s a chance to get up close to beautiful wildlife, while also helping prepare them for a life of freedom. For animals raised in captivity who can’t be released, you’ll be helping to give them the quality of life they deserve. 

Breeding programmes

You’ll also help with our turtle breeding programme and do things like patrolling riverbanks for turtle nests, collecting the eggs, and incubating them at the centre. This protects them from poachers. When the eggs hatch, watching hatchlings scurry across the sand making their way to water is a heart-warming moment! It also makes a huge impact on the populations of these species in the wild. 

You’ll also help with catching and breeding endangered butterflies. Our butterfly catching methods are completely safe and leave the butterflies unharmed. We can then house them in optimal conditions for our rainforest animal research, help them breed, and study their behaviour.

Pilot farm

We have a pilot farm where we work on developing and perfecting sustainable farming techniques. We then teach local people about sustainable farming to reduce the negative impact of farming in the area. Your role is to tend the crops and help us raise awareness about sustainable farming. Sustainable farming will make Amazon Rainforest reforestation much easier.

We also run a mahogany programme. We grow mahogany trees close together and study them. This particular Rainforest habitat project shows local loggers that this is a cost-effective alternative to cutting down trees from the rainforest. We are also able to share the timber from these trees to use in production. You will help with maintaining the plantation and taking measurements.

Raise awareness

We work to raise awareness about conservation on both a local and a global level. Through research and publications, Taricaya provides groundbreaking data that draws attention to the work we’re doing in the Amazon rainforest and its ecosystems. You’ll be involved in collecting this data and contributing to large-scale research work.

You can also help with raising awareness about conservation in local communities. For example, you could run a recycling competition in a local school. Or you could conduct a workshop on the small things people can do to combat climate change.



Typical day

During your project, you’ll follow a timetable and normally work between four and six hours each day. You’ll start work at around 8 am and then break at 11:30 am as the day warms up. You’ll begin work again in the cooler afternoons from about 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. 

Your project work runs from ...

Typical day

During your project, you’ll follow a timetable and normally work between four and six hours each day. You’ll start work at around 8 am and then break at 11:30 am as the day warms up. You’ll begin work again in the cooler afternoons from about 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. 

Your project work runs from Monday to Friday with your weekends free.

In the morning, you can do things like feeding the animals at the rescue centre, working in the pilot farm, or work with the rainforest spider monkeys by collecting data on them.

You’ll break for lunch to avoid the midday heat. During this time, you can relax, read a book, or chat with your fellow volunteers.

After your break, you’ll do things like a bird census or working in the butterfly house. Keep in mind that some of the work is seasonal and you will work on various different tasks during your time in Peru.

During your free time, you can make the most of your stunning surroundings. You can go on group hikes or play board games with the other volunteers. 

Over the weekend, you’ll have the option to go to Puerto Maldonado by boat.


Free-time activities

Peru is a vibrant country with a mix of activities for every kind of volunteer. Whether you’re into arts, culture, history, or nature, there’s sure to be something for you!

One of the biggest attractions of Peru is the Inca history. There are awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Coricancha, ...

Free-time activities

Peru is a vibrant country with a mix of activities for every kind of volunteer. Whether you’re into arts, culture, history, or nature, there’s sure to be something for you!

One of the biggest attractions of Peru is the Inca history. There are awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Coricancha, Tambomachay, and of course, Machu Picchu.

Over a weekend, you can take a trip to the village of Pisac, where you can browse bright, eye-catching textile markets. Don’t miss out on seeing the llamas and alpacas too!

There are also lively restaurants, the perfect place to spend an evening relaxing and enjoying local cuisine, like ceviche.

We run a variety of projects in Peru so you’ll likely meet many other volunteers on your trip. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect and travel as a group. However, you’re welcome to travel independently if you prefer. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Projects Abroad

  • Accommodation

  • Food (three meals a day)

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival

  • Transport to and from your work placement

  • In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff

  • Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team

  • Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources

  • A supervisor/mentor at your work placement

  • Training and workshops from our experienced local staff

  • Access to our local office with internet connection

  • Certification of project completion

  • A cultural awareness course

Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

You’ll fly to Padre Aldamiz International Airport, also known as the Puerto Maldonado International Airport (PEM).

You’ll have an exciting next step in your journey once you’re with our staff. You’ll take a two-hour boat ride along the Rio Madre De Dios river to get to Taricaya, our base for conservation work.

We cover the cost of all transfers to and from each airport.

Accommodation

You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers during your stay at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together. Each bungalow sleeps four people and has a private bathroom.

The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. 

Food & Beverages

Your program fees include three meals a day.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

The project runs all year round, so you can join whenever it suits your schedule. The minimum duration is one week, but we recommend staying longer to have an even greater impact.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 1,920€
2 weeks 2,285€
3 weeks 2,650€
4 weeks 3,015€
8 weeks 4,475€
12 weeks (max. stay) 5,935€
Average fees 1,207€/week

Program fees

1,207€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Projects Abroad during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Projects Abroad

Outstanding 5 rating (207 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1992

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Bethany

Spoken languages: English

About the project

For over 30 years, Projects Abroad has been the world's leading provider of international volunteer programs, internships, and life-changing travel experiences.

Meet your organization

For over 30 years, Projects Abroad has been the world's leading provider of international volunteer programs, internships, and life-changing travel experiences.  

We connect passionate individuals with impactful projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a better future for all.

Why Choose Projects Abroad?

  • Impactful projects: Make a real difference in communities worldwide while gaining valuable skills and experience.
  • Responsible travel: We champion sustainable practices and ethical interactions, ensuring your journey is both enriching and responsible.
  • Safety first: Your well-being is our top priority. We provide comprehensive support and 24/7 assistance throughout your experience.
  • Trusted provider: Over 130,000 participants have trusted us with their transformative journeys.
  • Diverse opportunities: Choose from a wide range of projects in healthcare, conservation, education, and more.

Join Projects Abroad and embark on a transformative adventure that will broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of the world, and empower you to create lasting change.

207 reviews · rating5

Alexandra Gibson rating5

2019 at Animal Rehab in the Amazon Rainforest

I enjoyed all of my experience. But Doing the activities like bird banding at the taricaya centre. Really getting involved with data collection and understanding the importance of field which would have to be the most ...
Georgina Redfern rating5

2019 at Animal Rehab in the Amazon Rainforest

I really enjoyed spending time and bonding with all the animals. They all had such different personalities and I soon got to know who was who. I think they also got to know us as some of the animals definitely liked some humans more than others! Now I’m home I really miss walking in the jungle ...
I loved being so emerged into the amazon and doing insect walks, camera traps, bird bonding, trial clearing, and so much more. Opportunities so be in touch with the local animals and see stuff beyond my imagination. It was so beautiful and peaceful. To work hard and lay in a hammock and read book ...
Camelia Rivera rating5

2018 at Animal Rehab in the Amazon Rainforest

I loved collaborating with people from all over the world during our activities. Everyone had so many interesting facts and great stories about Taricaya, its animals, and its past. ..
Phoebe Coupland rating5

2020 at Medical Intern

The most enjoyable experience in Nepal was the Chitwan safari on one of our leisure activities that went for the weekend. In CMC hosptial working in maternity and the operation theatre, we had the amazing experience of being able to watch a lot of babies being ...
Alice Hayes rating5

2020 at Medical Intern

I enjoyed the safari in the national park, i also enjoyed working in the hospital (especially maternity and operating thertre) an expirincing how its is ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Puerto Maldonado

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