Rainforest Conservation for Teenagers

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 15 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Work at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve and live at a camp in the heart of the jungle.
  • Count wild animals in the rainforest and record their numbers for scientists, and help care for animals at our rehabilitation centre.
  • Get off the beaten track and build trails in the jungle so conservationists and volunteers can venture further.
  • Volunteer Service Hours: 50


Especially good for

Age 15+
Singles

About the program

Live in the Amazon Rainforest and help protect endangered animals and ecosystems

Ever dreamed of going on a real jungle adventure? Seeing spider monkeys swinging free in their own patch of paradise? Waking up amid towering trees and the sound of creatures greeting the day? Have all of these wishes and more come true when you sign up to volunteer in the Amazon Rainforest. 

You ...

About the program

Ever dreamed of going on a real jungle adventure? Seeing spider monkeys swinging free in their own patch of paradise? Waking up amid towering trees and the sound of creatures greeting the day? Have all of these wishes and more come true when you sign up to volunteer in the Amazon Rainforest. 

You will live and work in the heart of the Amazon. How many people do you know who can say they did that? Every day will bring new outdoor adventures. You will see animals, birds, insects, and plants you’ve only read about in magazines or seen on TV before.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in conservation, you couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to get some practical experience! The skills you gain as a volunteer on this project will be a great addition to your university application or CV. It’s also a great experience to mention in interviews.



Typical day

During your time at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve, you will:

  • Conduct wildlife surveys to help us keep track of animals in the area
  • Feed and care for animals at the rescue and rehabilitation centre
  • Help preserve and protect freshwater turtles
  • Expand your horizons with a jungle adventure

Typical working ...

Typical day

During your time at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve, you will:

  • Conduct wildlife surveys to help us keep track of animals in the area
  • Feed and care for animals at the rescue and rehabilitation centre
  • Help preserve and protect freshwater turtles
  • Expand your horizons with a jungle adventure

Typical working hours are from 8am to 5pm. Your work will focus on the following areas:

Wildlife surveys

You will help us keep a record of the various bird and animal species roaming around the reserve by doing surveys. Sometimes you will observe wildlife from viewing decks and walkways high up in the forest canopy. Other times, you will collect data from camera traps or scour the river banks for turtle nests.

We have identified almost 500 different species of bird alone in the reserve. You will also get to see incredible wildlife, such as various species of monkey, big cats, giant anteaters, and tapirs!

Thanks to our extensive research in the area, Taricaya Ecological Reserve is now known globally as a biodiversity hotspot. It has played host to international courses and famous film companies, from National Geographic to the BBC.

Care for animals at the rescue centre

The rescue and release programme at Taricaya has been running for 16 years. It was the very first of its kind in Peru. It is now recognised as one of the top rescue and rehab centres in Peru. All the animals in the centre require a lot of attention daily. You play a vital role in taking care of them. This includes feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures, draining and refilling pools, and assisting on-site vets when necessary.

We’ve had many successes over the years, such as releasing more than 5 groups of spider monkeys back into the wild. We have also rescued a number of spectacled bears from circuses and did the first ever relocation of a jaguar in Peru.

Preserve and protect freshwater turtles

Freshwater side-necked turtles are endemic to lakes and rivers throughout the Amazon. However, poachers steal their eggs and this has had a devastating effect on the population. To help, we run a relocation programme for turtle nests. We have built artificial beaches at Taricaya where they can hatch safely.

As a volunteer on a High School Special, you will arrive between June and August. This is the perfect time to help with the cleaning and preparation of artificial beaches. You will also get to spend some time searching for nests to transfer them to the artificial beaches for their incubation period.


Free-time activities

The jungle adventure of a lifetime

This project offers you the unique opportunity to live in and explore a part of the Amazon jungle that few other people have had the privilege of seeing. What’s more, you’ll do this with others teenagers from all over the world and make new friends as you go ...

Free-time activities

The jungle adventure of a lifetime

This project offers you the unique opportunity to live in and explore a part of the Amazon jungle that few other people have had the privilege of seeing. What’s more, you’ll do this with others teenagers from all over the world and make new friends as you go along.

You will get to experience a bit more of the surrounding area during a weekend trip. This will typically entail a camping trip down river or a visit to Puerto Maldonado.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 15 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 15 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

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

  • Training and workshops from our experienced local staff

  • Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns

  • Access to our local office with internet connection

  • Certification of project completion

  • Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

  • A cultural awareness course

  • Organised weekend tourism trips

  • Dedicated full-time staff members with you 24 hours a day

Airport Pickup at Puerto Maldonado Airport

You’ll fly into Peru at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ). However, if you’re joining our Conservation Project, you’ll fly to Padre Aldamiz International Airport, also known as the Puerto Maldonado International Airport (PEM).

Our friendly and dedicated staff in Peru will be at the airport when you arrive. They will have clear Projects Abroad signage. If you land in Cusco, your first stop from the airport is our Projects Abroad office in Cusco. Here, you will have your induction before being taken to your host family.

If you’re doing a Conservation Project in the Amazon Rainforest, 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 Lodge. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your time together.

On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer or intern of the same sex and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.


Food & Beverages

Your programme 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 Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) in Puerto Maldonado. 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


23 June 2024 to 06 July 2024 - 2 weeks
21 July 2024 to 03 August 2024 - 2 Weeks
04 August 2024 to 17 August 2024 - 2 Weeks
05 January 2025 to 18 January 2025 - 2 Weeks
22 June 2025 to 05 July 2025 - 2 weeks
20 July 2025 to 02 August 2025 - 2 Weeks
03 August 2025 to 16 August 2025 - 2 Weeks

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks 2,470€
Average fees 1,235€/week

Program fees

1,235€ per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 15 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 2 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

Clement Bourcart rating5

2020 at International Development Internship

The work was value-adding, stimulating and I was able to shape the scope of my project in conjunction with the organisation, ensuring my skills were used in priority areas for the company. People at my placement company were extremely welcoming, friendly, and inspiring. The host family ...
Caroline Maher rating5

2020 at Giraffe & Lion Conservation in Kenya

I am the kind of person that will take every moment and try to make the best of it. I loved getting up every morning and getting in the Jeep to go do whichever job was on for the day. Some were harder than others. Just driving through the conservancy on our way to the job was amazing. Seeing the ...
Adriano Cantelmi rating5

2020 at Shark Conservation

I loved the trip we had to Suva with Nafice on the weekend where we went on a tour around the city and then went to the waterfalls. I loved the tagging trip we had with Mili. We didnt catch any sharks but the trip itself was so much fun. We watched the sun set and saw a bandit sea snake. The ...
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 ...
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 ...
Ida Johansen rating5

2020 at Animal Rehabilitation Assistant

Google Translate: Being able to work closely with animals, how open the other volunteers were and how much there is to find when not at work. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Original Review: Å kunne jobbe tett med dyr, hvor åpne de andre frivillige var og hvor mye det er å ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Puerto Maldonado

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