• Life On Land

Supporter at Amazon National Park

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Live and work in one of the most prestine landscapes of the world
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with the locals
  • Get more passionate about protecting our planet Earth while living and working in evergreen breathtaking nature
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures
  • Ignite your passion for cultures and countries beyond your own. You'll gain invaluable insights into the world's rich tapestry, nurturing your curiosity for international diversity.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Be a volunteer in this amazing Biosphere Reserve. It is located in the Peruvian Amazon jungle and gives you the chance to immerse into the adventures of the wilderness.

This volunteer program gives you the opportunity to live and work in the middle of the Peruvian Amazonas region in south eastern Peru. It is a region that is famous for its rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures. The territory reaches almost 19,000 km2 and was declared a national park in 1973, to ...

About the program

This volunteer program gives you the opportunity to live and work in the middle of the Peruvian Amazonas region in south eastern Peru. It is a region that is famous for its rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures. The territory reaches almost 19,000 km2 and was declared a national park in 1973, to serve as a protection and preservation zone for local flora and fauna. Today, native indigenous people still live in this isolated national park, shielded from the rest of the world. Much of the area can only be visited for research purposes. 

It is of upmost importance to consider the concerns of the local population, when trying to find sustainable and economical ways to come up with a long-term solution to the problematic sensitivity of the park’s ecosystem. National and international volunteers support this NGO’s efforts to protect the vegetation and wildlife while contributing to the preservation of conservation areas and the development of sustainable tourism.

Your participation in this volunteer program should be derived from your desire to help the environment and the native population of the Peruvian rainforest. The project requires eco volunteers to work creatively and independently, and is not the best option for volunteers who are looking for a highly organized and supervised program.

During the free time volunteers can enjoy the many wonders that this reserve offers, such as observing local wildlife in their natural habitat or investigating the diverse species of native flora, many of them with medicinal qualities or just spending your time relaxing in this tropical paradise with a book in hand and your thoughts of the fast pace of life you left behind, far away.

Typical day

Volunteers do not need to have any special knowledge or skills. Volunteers need to be willed to live in a remote area in the middle of nature.
Volunteers responsibilities may include organic gardening, planting, reforestation, maintaining the infrastructure, data collection of flora and fauna. It is ...

Typical day

Volunteers do not need to have any special knowledge or skills. Volunteers need to be willed to live in a remote area in the middle of nature.
Volunteers responsibilities may include organic gardening, planting, reforestation, maintaining the infrastructure, data collection of flora and fauna. It is important to note, that there are activities that require a certain level of independence, initiative, and intermediate Spanish skills, such as environmental education workshops and community work with the indigenous people.

This volunteer project is located in the Peruvian Amazon jungle and gives you the chance to immerse into the adventures of the wilderness. You will learn a lot about the rainforest and the local culture, not only during your daily volunteer work, but also during fun activities, such as swimming, hiking, water sports, and animal watching. During your life in the jungle you will be surrounded by an immense variety of species, plants, colorful birds, apes, reptiles, and other exotic animals.

The activities that can be carried out within the protected area are:
  • Sustainable Agriculture. Cultivation of organic polyculture fields for the reproduction of alternative and sustainable resources.
  • There are plantations of copuatzu (white cocoa) and other fruit trees. These seedlings require special care (control, cleaning, transplanting, seedbed preparation, composting, inventories, etc.
  • Patrol. The reserve has 3 trails for wildlife observation activities (monkey species, wild boar, coatis, anteaters, porcupines, exotic birds, insects and sometimes cougars, jaguar tracks etc. The work consists in registering and photographing the largest number of existing species in the reserve.
  • Reforestation Activities: The goal is to create a natural barrier and restore the water level of the Laguna Seca Circuit.
  • Repair and sustainable maintenance of installations within the reserve.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of the hiking trails through the nature reserve.
  • Support in the wildlife sanctuary (currently undergoing organizational change due to new government proposals).
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

The work rotates according to the number of volunteers, weather conditions and the current needs of the project. A day could look like: Volunteers get up very early for a delicious local breakfast. Then they get the backpacks and tools ready and head into the jungle towards the organic plantations. On the way, the paths are cleared of vegetation (if necessary) and the fauna is observed. During the morning the volunteers work in the organic plantation and are back at the volunteer house for lunch. They have time to freshen up, have lunch and rest. Afternoon are free or volunteer do activities and tasks related to the maintenance of the facilities, painting, repairing, beautifying facilities, etc. Depending on the needs of the project, volunteers and coordinator visit the village to make purchases or we look for local people to work for a few days. Volunteers can take advantage of the village visit to connect with their family, recharge their batteries. From time to time, volunteers and coordinator visit the animal rescue shelter to lend a hand there as well.

Free-time activities

The nature reserve is located at the edge of the Manu National Park, about 250 km east of Cusco, Peru. Due to poor road conditions, the journey from Cusco can take up to 8 hours by car. The facilities of the nature reserve, where the Volunteer House is located, can only be reached by boat.

However, ...

Free-time activities

The nature reserve is located at the edge of the Manu National Park, about 250 km east of Cusco, Peru. Due to poor road conditions, the journey from Cusco can take up to 8 hours by car. The facilities of the nature reserve, where the Volunteer House is located, can only be reached by boat.

However, all the effort to get there is worth it a thousand times, because the Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Here you will find the deepest jungle, high mountains, adventurous bridges, and an incredible abundance of exotic animals such as different monkey species, spectacled bears, jaguars, colorful birds and parrots as well as lizards, to name just a few.

Indigenous communities are the only humans who permanently settle in this area. The Manu National Park is a true Garden of Eden and the perfect place for everyone who wants to put their priorities far, far away from every hectic pace of modern everyday life and want to immerse themselves in a completely different, simple, sometimes difficult, but beautiful way of life.

There are rumors that Paititi, a legendary but long-lost Inca city is hidden in this area - but no one has found it yet. Due to the remote location and lack of internet connection, you will have little contact with your normal life during your time in the project. This may sound terrifying at first, but it can also be very healing, relaxing and educational.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

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, Friday and Saturday from 07:30 - 14:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

The volunteer project includes:

  • Shared room in Volunteer House
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner (mainly vegetarian)
  • Orientation session in Cusco
  • Transportation from Cusco to the project site and back to Cusco
  • Advice from our experienced staff
  • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  • Your placement in the volunteer project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Packing list
  • Country handbook
  • Intercultural guide
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

Accommodation

Volunteers live in a two-story volunteer house. There is running water, but no electricity in the reserve. Visits to the nearby village (about 10 minutes by boat) are used to charge electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, batteries). There is no internet connection, only a cellular connection. In the close-by village there are internet shops (extra costs). 

Food & Beverages

The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are provided according to the living circumstances in the jungle, which means that mainly vegetarian food is available, since the storage of meat dishes is rather difficult.

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

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 is up and running your round.

*****The program duration is 15 days or 30 days. *****

All volunteers have to start in Cusco as the volunteer program begins with an orientation session in Cusco. So, please plan for 1 additional day in Cusco. This day/night is not included in the program. The trip from Cusco to the nature reserve and back to Cusco is included (bus and boat trip). Accommodation costs in Cusco must be borne by the volunteer.

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,103€
3 weeks 1,261€
4 weeks (max. stay) 1,417€
Average fees 452€/week

Program fees

452€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 4 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 South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

South America Inside

Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, English, Spanish

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

•  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

•  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

•  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

•  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

•  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

•  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

•  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

•  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

128 reviews · rating4.6

Mattia Malfanti rating5

2024 at Countryside School Assistant

Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...
Regina N. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
Nathalie K. rating5

2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
Alex S. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
Stacey Garratt rating5

2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
Gabriel P. rating5

2024 at Community Worker for Children

Letzten Mittwoch bin ich in Libera gelandet. Die Reise war relativ lang und mit Verspätung. Nach 15 Stunden bin ich dann im Hostel angekommen. Ich brauchte einen Moment um mich dran zu gewöhnen. Ich blieb bis am Sonntag in Liberia und habe auch dort schon Leute kennen gelernt 🙂 Am Sonntag ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Pilcopata

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Conservation Work in Peru
Contact Marion
  Very high response rate
German, English, Spanish

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