FAQs Peru Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

Peru Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

There are two distinct seasons in the Amazon; wet between December and April and dry, between May to November. Some 1,200 millimeters/67 inches of rain fall during the wet season, during which there is typically heavy rain, lasting an hour or so. Daytime temperatures are high throughout the year, but are more extreme during the dry season. During the dry season temperatures can reach 40°C/104ºF. Cold fronts may occur for two days to a week during the dry season months, especially from May to July; temperatures during these fronts may feel very cold at night. For more information on when to visit Peru please see When is the best time of year to volunteer in Peru? You can also read about the festivals that happen every June in Cusco here.
Globalteer's main office for Latin America is in Cusco. You can see who you will meet there on our meet the team page.
Volunteers are expected to work 6 days per week at this project. You will have one day off per week when you can tour the surrounding area or spend some time in Puerto Maldonado. There is a pleasant communal area at the project with books and games for volunteers and occasional social activities such as barbecues are organised by the staff. In Puerto Maldonado there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants and a very good ice cream parlour! There are also lots of tour operators who can organise activities in the local area including night time caiman tours, canopy walks and boat trips. Before or after your time in the Jungle you may wish to visit Machu Picchu. You can go there by train, trek the amazing Inca trail high in the Andes or take any other number of routes all ending with the lost city itself.
Your hours will vary depending on the numbers of volunteers and the tasks that need performing while you are there, but you should expect to work 4-5 hours a day. You will usually be expected to work early mornings and afternoons, with a break in the middle of the day.
The common language for staff and volunteers at this project is a mix of English and Spanish. Peru is a Spanish speaking country so it is beneficial, but not required, to be able to speak some Spanish.
The Peru Wildlife Sanctuary Project will typically have between 2 and 10 volunteers at a time with more during the dry season from May to August. These volunteers will come from various countries and a variety of backgrounds. Ages range from 18+ to 70, with the majority aged between 18 and 30. There are many gap year students and some animal/conservation-related researchers. The majority of volunteers are from the UK, United States, Canada and Australia. We also work with volunteers from Holland, Germany, Ireland, Japan and New Zealand although all nationalities are welcome. The majority of volunteers travel alone to the projects, although we also accommodate couples and groups.
No, there is mobile phone coverage but no internet services at the project. However, these are available in Puerto Maldonado which is only 11km away. There is also a post office in Puerto Maldonado where you can mail letters.
The project is located in the rainforest about 11 kilometres outside Puerto Maldonado so is wonderfully rural but does not have many urban comforts. You will live in simple conditions, surrounded by rainforest in shared rooms sleeping 2-3 people. There are shared toilet and shower blocks with cold water showers - there is no hot water - but the temperature is approximately 30 degrees Celsius for most of the year so a cold shower can be very welcome! Very occasionally volunteers may stay at a guest house depending on space at the project.
Food is prepared and served by the local staff. You are provided with three nutritious meals per day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Typical Peruvian meals include beef, pork, chicken and occasionally fish - with rice, potatoes, and salad and with a fantastic variety of fruits and juices. Volunteers with special dietary needs should inform us ahead of time to make arrangements. Meals are included in your donation at this project.
Of course, but we request that you use your common sense about these things. Neither drinking alcohol nor smoking are permitted when working with the animals and you would be unlikely to enjoy your volunteer experience or work effectively if you were hungover at the start of the day.
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Peruvian Sole although US dollars are widely accepted and there are many money changing shops. Many ATMs are available in Cusco for all major credit cards. US dollars have to be in good condition to use in Peru, no ripped notes! Credit cards are accepted in higher end businesses.
Peru has a low crime rate, but as is in all countries, there is a chance of petty theft, so always be vigilant. Violent robberies are rare and the most common problem is pickpockets. Thieves look for easy targets, so don't have your wallet visible and be careful in crowded areas such as markets, bus terminals and on public transport. Thousands of tourists visit Peru every year and have no problems whatsoever, so don't be paranoid. Just take the basic precautions and you will have an amazing and trouble free trip. For more information, visit our International Travel Advice Page
We recommend that you let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with animals in the Amazon Jungle and discuss the various vaccination options. For more information, visit our International Travel Advice Page
Finding the right insurance to cover your travels can be daunting, confusing and time-consuming, however – travel insurance is a must. You never know what could happen, and if you are unlucky enough to get ill or find yourself in a sticky situation, being uninsured can be really expensive and downright dangerous. This is why we strongly recommend that all our volunteers take out suitable travel insurance. We also recommend that your purchase your insurance and soon as you book your trip to cover you for all up-front costs in the event of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances. Globalteer has formed a partnership with a leading travel insurance provider to help you through this process.
Please visit our page about visas for information about entry visas.
No, you will need to wear clothes suitable for the jungle environment.
Peruvians are very friendly and often interested in you as someone different. Expect to exchange kisses on the cheek with people you know (opposite sexes and between women). A hand shake is always exchanged when meeting new people. In the Western world we are very hung up on time, with our meetings and schedules. Peruvians do not stress over time and it is not uncommon for things to happen later than arranged. Just go with the flow and forget stress – it’s better for you anyway!
No, a love of animals is the main qualification. You will be given guidance and training and will be supervised by the project staff.
Yes, on arrival you will receive orientation from the project coordinator, giving local information and advice. Basic training will be given to ensure you achieve the project objectives. You will continually be learning from the staff.
Volunteers arrive at Peurto Maldonaldo airport where they are collected and taken to the sanctuary.
Globalteer is fully committed to ensuring that your volunteer placement is responsible. More information can be found on our Responsible Volunteering Page.
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is financially transparent, our accounts are independently audited and posted online. You can read a full report on where your money goes here.
We understand what motivates volunteers and what makes a memorable volunteer experience. We have been placing volunteers at our projects since 2006 and have built up a wealth of knowledge in those years about what makes volunteering rewarding for volunteers as well as impactful for the fantastic projects we work with. You can read here why we think you should choose Globalteer.
You can read more about this project on our blogs page.