Volunteer in the Manu Biosphere at the Peru Amazon Conservation Project!
Volunteer at the Peru Amazon Conservation Project in the spectacular Manu Biosphere and take part in serious Conservation work in the rainforest.
1 to 12 weeks from £1,125 / US$1,350
Volunteer at this project to protect the Amazon Rainforest and our Future! In 1987 the reserve was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have a variety of tasks helping to protect the Amazon. Volunteer and have an experience in the Peruvian Amazon that you will never forget.
Project Overview
Join the jungle team in the unrivalled Manu National Park in the Peruvian Rainforest. Work alongside international and Peruvian staff in their efforts to conserve this important Eco system at the Peru Amazon Conservation Project!
Volunteers get to monitor many different species, check camera traps and trek deep into the jungle. Live as a conservation volunteer in the Amazon Rainforest for a once in a lifetime experience!
Volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon and make a real lasting difference!
This programme allows you to make a real difference volunteering as a research assistant to the project staff. You can gain new skills and learn all about amazon conservation efforts to protect the rainforest and its wealth of species.
Join us in Peru at one of our most adventurous volunteer programmes and help save the Amazon!
Project Summary
The Project: The Peru Amazon Conservation project is based in an idyllic setting deep in the rainforest of Peru where you will work to protect rainforest that still harbours endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, sloths, anacondas, river otters, caiman and a myriad of other species.
Project Location: The Peru Amazon Conservation Project is located in the Manu Biosphere Reserve; This region of Peru is one of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Volunteers at this project need to arrive into Cusco. After the project orientation in Cusco, you will start your journey into the Amazon with your fellow volunteers.
Main Volunteer Activities: Forest regeneration, animal monitoring (birds, mammals, amphibians, butterflies and reptiles), bio gardening, capacity building, and agroforestry.
Hours: Volunteers work for 6-8 hours per day, with one free day per week.
Duration: Volunteer placements are year-round and for 2 to 12 weeks.
Accommodation: Shared rooms.
Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ , with a passion for conservation, learning and the outdoors.
Peru Conservation Project History
Our local project partner has been working in Peru for over 15 years. They are at the forefront of rainforest conservation and regeneration efforts in Manu. The research project is dedicated to conservation and sustainable community initiatives that are helping to protect the spectacular Manu Biosphere Nature Reserve.
The project location
The project is located approximately eight hours by vehicle and boat from Cusco (split over two days to visit other local ecosystems). This means not only do you get to explore the stunning rainforest of the Amazon River Basin, but it is also easy for you to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley before or after your placement.
Volunteers spend a busy first two days in Cusco, where they receive their project orientation, meet the staff and other volunteers. You will also go on a Cusco town tour, complete registration and get ready for their trip of a lifetime! On the way to Manu, volunteers will visit a range of different eco systems on the drive the nature reserve. Volunteers will stay one night in a beautiful cloud forest before arriving into Manu for the 45 minute boat ride to the research centre and volunteer accommodation.
Volunteer placements at this project
Why the project need volunteers
The Amazon rainforest, which is the biggest and most diverse rainforest in the world, covers more than half of Peru and is home to thousands of unique animals and endangered species, plants and ecosystems – some of which are only found locally.
The project receives no state funding, but through volunteer support, private donations and grants, the project continues its vital work in monitoring biodiversity in the Amazon and creating greater awareness of the threats to the greatest rainforest on the planet. Volunteer at this unique research project working to save the Amazon!
Typical Volunteer Duties
Volunteers at the Peru Amazon Conservation Project are expected to work six days per week. Sundays are rest days for volunteers to play games, hang out with your fellow volunteers, go for a swim, build a camp fire, or relax with a cold drink.
During your first few days at the project, volunteers undergo a rigorous training and induction schedule. This will ensure you know how to live in the rainforest and effectively work on the project. Then you will be taken out to the rainforest and introduced to the vital work you will be taking part in.
You will receive training in tropical ecology, species identification (auditory calls, foot prints, visual markers and flight patterns), compass and GPS use, emergency first response procedures, data recording, processing findings, and a range of other conservation methods.
There are also regular talks and debates held by staff members, where you will be able to learn more about different local endangered species, plants, eco systems, indigenous groups, and everything else in between!
Volunteering at this project is physically demanding, and can include walks of up to 10 kilometres over uneven and muddy terrain in a hot and humid environment. We therefore require that all volunteers have a high level of physical and mental fitness, and also enjoy being outdoors all day. If you are unsure about the requirements of this project, and your health, age or fitness, please contact us and we can talk in more detail about whether this project is suitable for you!
To learn more about what it is like to volunteer at the Peru Amazon Conservation Project, read about Rosie's experience here!
A Typical Day
Example of a typical day's activities at the Peru Amazon Conservation Project (please note that this does depend on seasons, project focuses during your placement etc.) Some days have an early morning start and some days volunteers work into the evenings:
- 5.30 am Visit the clay lick, and monitor the Blue Headed Macaws
- 7 am Breakfast
- 7.30 am Trek into the forest to check camera traps
- 12.30 Lunch
- 1-3 pm Rest
- 3-5 pm Work in the MLC biogarden
- 5 pm Spanglish lessons whilst helping with dinner in kitchen
- 6.30 pm Dinner
- 7.15 pm Night transect for amphibians
- 10.30 pm Return to lodge with amphibian bounty. Shower, hot chocolate then bed (Note there would be no early start the following day due to the late night).
Accommodation
Internet is available for at an hourly rate, but being based in such a remote location can mean that the connection can be sporadic and unreliable. Volunteers are asked to bring environmentally friendly and bio-degradable toiletries if possible.
Conservation volunteers are provided with three nutritious and delicious meals per day. Meals will be typical local food, including rice with beans, eggs, vegetables, soups and occasional meat. Dietary restrictions can be catered for, so please inform us if you have any allergies or food restrictions. Volunteers assist the chefs in preparing meals, which is a great opportunity to learn some traditional Peruvian recipes and practice Spanish!
Free Time
Whether you plan your entire trip in advance or decide to wait until you get to Peru, our local team are all very well travelled and can offer advice and help in planning the perfect itinerary for your weekends or for travel before or after your placement. Here are just a few of Peru’s treasures to whet your appetite.
Cusco
Cusco is a beautiful city that has something to offer everyone from Inca ruins and splendid Spanish colonial architecture to elegant squares and outstanding mountain scenery. The historic city centre is a lively hub of cafes, restaurants and bars with dozens of boutiques, markets and shops offering an astonishing range of unique locally made goods to take home as a souvenir of you trip to Peru. There are museums, galleries, churches and monasteries to visit and every Sunday sees a magnificent civil parade in the City’s stunning main square, the Plaza de Armas.
Cusco’s Indian and Catholic traditions are frequently celebrated with street parades, live music and food stalls springing up across the city at any excuse. There are also some wonderful walks and hikes in and around the city centre. You can stroll amongst whitewashed houses and along the cobbled lanes in the Bohemian quarter of San Blas or climb high above the city to the Inca fortress at Sacsayhuaman and take in the unrivalled views of the city and the surrounding Andes.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see on anyone’s Peru itinerary. Barely half an hour’s drive from Cusco and you will find a magical, steep-sided valley where fresh mountain rivers and streams tumble between ancient mountains and majestic glaciers.
The Sacred Valley’s centuries-old towns and villages are home to remarkably reserved Inca forts and citadels; markets with traditional textiles and souvenirs draw visitors to lovely towns like Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. The amazing salt terraces and pre-Inca agricultural terraces at Maras are also an easy day trip from Cusco.
Machu Picchu
Surely the number one reason that many visitors come to Peru is to visit the incomparable wonder of Machu Picchu. Whatever you read and no matter how many photos you have seen, nothing can quite prepare you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river.
Machu Picchu is easily accessible from Cusco. You can go there by luxury train, trek the amazing Inca Trail high in the Andes or take any other number of routes all ending with lost city itself. Built, but never completed by the Incas around 1450 the Inca capital was only re-discovered in 1911. The breath-taking lost city of the Incas is now discovered by hundreds of enthralled visitors every day.
Lake Titicaca
For long weekends or those travelling before or after their placement with us, Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world is under 5 hours from Cusco by car or 7-8 hours by bus. Here you can take a cruise on the lake, visit the famous floating Uros Islands or do a spot of star gazing in one of the least light-polluted skies on the planet.
Lima
You are almost certain to travel through Lima on your way to Cusco, but Peru’s capital is worth a stop before or after your placement with us. There is excellent shopping in the ocean-side district of Miraflores, wonderful galleries and museums in trendy Barranco, some truly impressive Spanish colonial buildings in the historic centre and amazing restaurants throughout the city.
Arequipa
Less than a day’s drive from Cusco, the city of Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city. It is known as the white city due to the colour of the historic buildings constructed using local white stone called sillar. Like Cusco, Arequipa is located in the Andes mountains bit at a lower altitude so enjoys almost year-round warm and sunny weather. The city is overlooked by the magnificent dormant volcano El Misti.
Arequipa is also the staging post for trips to the Famous Colca Canyon.
Volunteer with Globalteer at the Peru Conservation Project and receive specially negotiated discounts with a well-respected agency in Cusco who can arrange services such as visits to Machu Picchu, Amazon trips, Lake Titicaca as well as many other amazing trips in Peru and South America.
Financial Transparency
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is completely financially transparent to you, our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:
To discover why you should consider choosing Globalteer, please visit the following page:
Why do we charge a fee for volunteering?
Globalteer requests a donation from volunteers to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives and support our partner programmes. In return, Globalteer provides volunteers with an amazing, responsible and ethical volunteer experience and in-country support from the Globalteer team in Cusco. Ensuring that your placement is responsible as well as rewarding, safe and enjoyable takes a good deal of work.
A summary of Globalteer’s total expenditure for the last financial year is shown below:
Donations and Grants 60% – This includes a share of volunteer placement fees, grants we have secured for our projects and donations managed by Globalteer that are made by individuals and groups to our projects and partner projects.
Support Costs 29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.
Operational Costs 11% – Costs of running Globalteer.
What’s Included
√ Free airport pick up from Cusco international airport.
√ Transfer by road and boat from Cusco to the project.
√ Accommodation for the duration of your stay.
√ Three meals a day at the project.
√ Peru orientation guide and induction on arrival.
√ Free Cusco town tour.
√ In-country support from the volunteer co-ordinator.
√ All necessary project equipment and materials.
√ All necessary project training by experienced staff.
√ Transfer back to Cusco at the end of your placement
√ Free Globalteer tote bag and welcome pack.
√ Project donation.
What’s not included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Vaccinations and inoculations
- Additional meals & drinks
- Personal kit
What do everyday items cost?
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol, and there are approximately 4.20 Soles to the pound and 3.20 Soles to the US dollar. The cost of living in Peru is low compared to most countries in the developed world. The costs of some typical items are:
- Bus ride up to half an hour - 1 Sol
- Taxi journey up to 10 minutes - 4 Soles
- Meal in a market - 6 Soles
- Bottle of soft drink - 1.5 Soles
- Coffee - 5 Soles
- Meal in a restaurant - 10 Soles to 40 Soles
Quick Summary of the Peru Amazon Conservation Project
The Peru Amazon Conservation project is based in an idyllic setting deep in the rainforest of Peru.
You will work to protect rainforest that still harbours endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, tapirs, sloths, anacondas, river otters, caiman and a myriad of other species.
The Peru Amazon Conservation Project is located in the Manu Biosphere Reserve; This region of Peru is one of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Volunteers need to arrive to Cusco for this project. After your project orientation you will begin your trip into the amazon with your fellow volunteers.Forest regeneration, animal monitoring (birds, mammals, amphibians, butterflies and reptiles), bio gardening, capacity building, and agroforestry.
Volunteers work for 6-8 hours per day, with one free day per week.
Our volunteer accommodation is totally in keeping with this unique environment.
Accommodation is comfortable and airy, with rooms being either twin or triple share. Mosquito nets, a plastic storage box, and bedding are provided.
Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ , with a passion for conservation, learning and the outdoors.
Volunteers should also have a moderate level of fitness as this project requires hiking through the rainforest to carry out some of the tasks.What’s Included:
√ Free airport pick-up from Talara regional airport. √ Standard accommodation for the duration of your placement. √ Free use of dive equipment (for certified divers). √ Peru orientation guide and induction on arrival √ Free daily transport to and from your project sites √ In-country support from our project team and Globalteer staff. √ All necessary project equipment and materials. √ All necessary project training by experienced staff. √ Project donation.
We have a list of answers to questions frequently asked about the project.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou can come to the project and help!
To apply click here: Apply nowYou can also donate to support the Peru Marine Conservation Project! Donate Now!
Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
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I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background... read more in childcare I found this an amazing experience and highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about doing it. I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! The people who support you from Globalteer keep you informed and are always there through-out your trip and I hope to come back in the near future! read less
Hope Wilson
1/16/2018 -
Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.
Nick James12/20/2017 -
Everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. Volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor House was an incredible experience... read more - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. I can fully recommend volunteering with them to anyone who wishes to spend their time and energy on a worthwhile charity project! read less
Hannah Verity Stone
6/30/2017 -
It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I volunteered with Globalteer in Cambodia last year and I... read more had an amazing experience. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! read less
Fiona Mehmet1/16/2018 -
If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. I had an AMAZING experience volunteering on two different projects... read more with Globalteer. You really get to experience life in a completely different culture, whilst making a significant difference to the projects and local communities. The Globalteer staff are all so helpful and welcoming, and the little things like being picked up from the airport and being shown around the local area made my trip so much easier, and meant I settled in straight away. If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. read less
Jess Robinson
1/12/2018 -
I felt very much taken care of and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects. Coming from a country with very few organisations that offer... read more international volunteering jobs (Austria), I had to trust online reviews from other volunteers when I tried to find a suitable project for my sabbatical. And in my research, Globalteer was described as a very reliable organisation which offers an authentic insight into the countries where it operates. As a volunteer of the Cambodia Community Project for 4 weeks where I worked as a teacher in the rural Helping Hands Cambodia School outside of Siem Reap, I can only say that I had made the best choice. Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. I think my teaching job out there in the country couldn't have given me a better insight into the life of this young country. I feel very much connected with the teachers and especially these fantastic kids that I met and since my return I have been following all their projects very closely. Should you want to know more about my volunteering experience with Globalteer, you can visit my blog, which you find if you google for: evaoff4abit.wordpress read less
Eva Deix
1/14/2018 -
I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. My experience with Globalteer was amazing and I've volunteered with... read more them two years in a row now in Siem Reap. The staff are incredible and very accommodating which definitely made the idea of travelling to a new country alone a lot less daunting. The projects they have really immerse you into Cambodian culture as you're working with locals so you get the opportunity to really see how the Khmer live. Siem Reap itself is a wonderful town with plenty of restaurants, local and western, and an endless list of things to do. I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who's interested in volunteering. read less
A.N. Barry1/14/2018 -
Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor... read more House. From the Moment I arrived I was collected by staff and shown around Cusco. I also got to enjoy the weekly quiz nights with staff from globalteer. The staff went out of there way to make me feel welcome. I had an amazing time at picaflor house. The children were beautiful. Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend globalteer!!!! read less
Katrina Baxter
7/04/2017 -
I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! I first volunteered at Picaflor House Children's Community Project in... read more Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip at the end of last year - this time for just two weeks, but with my husband, as part of a wider trip through South America. Two very different visits, but both equally rewarding and life-changing. During my first trip, I met with a wide variety of lovely volunteers from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. In contrast, on our recent trip, we were the only volunteers. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. I focussed on the English classes, using my language and communication training to the full, and my husband worked in the Nursery class, supporting the children to develop their social and practical skills (and honing his fledgling Spanish). In addition, on my first much longer trip, I was able to take the odd day off, enabling me to take in the local art and culture by visiting places of interest further afield. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. The children at Picaflor are extremely lively (expect more noise, and less formal seated activity than in your average British school), but on both trips we particularly enjoyed the sporting days (as did the children!) on Fridays when everybody came together to play volleyball, football, and to skip, play on the swings and slide, and to dig in the sandpit - Chris enjoyed a particularly muscle-building day breaking up and raking the sand for the children, and I enjoyed a spot of gardening - as I said the experience was very varied! The regular, permanent staff at Picaflor are particularly supportive. We were prepared well in advance - I particularly needed this reassurance on my first trip alone, and even though on my second trip, I knew where everything was, we were confident that
