In the heart of the Amazon, in Peru, get involved as an ecovolunteer to protect the local flora and fauna. The program takes place in one of the world's richest biosphere reserves. All volunteer programs here
In Peru's Manu National Park
Southeastern Peru is home to Manu National Park, located in the center of Peru's Amazon region. This region, which covers almost 19,000 km2 (7,336 m2), has been a national park since 1971, and serves as an area for the conservation and protection of local flora and fauna. The traditional way of life and culture of the indigenous Peruvian population are additional objectives of this conservation project. Manu National Park was designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Natural Heritage Site in 1987, UNESCO having recognized the rare species and rich diversity of this region of Peru.
Consideration of indigenous population policies
Indigenous populations continue to live in this isolated national park, sheltered from the outside world. Much of the area can only be visited for research purposes. This volunteer project is run by a Peruvian NGO (non-governmental organization), which is working with the local population to improve sustainability and the political rights of the indigenous population. It is essential for the local NGO to always take into account the concerns and needs of the indigenous population when seeking practical, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to ecosystem sensitivity. National and international volunteers support the NGO's efforts to protect vegetation and wildlife while contributing to the preservation of conservation areas.
The role of the volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon jungle
No prior knowledge or expertise is required for the tasks volunteers can take part in as part of this project. You'll be able to take action at various levels, including planting, maintaining infrastructure, collecting data on flora and fauna and reintroducing animal species. It's essential to bear in mind that some activities, such as environmental education workshops and community work with indigenous populations, require a certain amount of independence, initiative and advanced Spanish language skills.
The importance of your enthusiasm
Your expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm are always much appreciated. With your commitment, inspiration and support, you can help develop new strategies to preserve and develop the reserve. This volunteer project, located in the Peruvian Amazon jungle, offers you the chance to immerse yourself in nature. You'll learn a lot about the rainforest and the local culture, both during your daily volunteer work and in your outdoor activities.
The following activities can be carried out in the protected area:
- 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 plants require special care (inspection, cleaning, transplanting, seedbed preparation, composting, inventories, etc.).
- Patrolling. The reserve has 3 trails for wildlife observation (monkeys, wild boars, coatis, anteaters, porcupines, exotic birds, insects and sometimes cougars, jaguar tracks, etc.). The aim is to record and photograph as many of the reserve's species as possible.
- Reforestation activities: The aim is to create a natural barrier and restore the water level in the Laguna Seca circuit.
- Repair and long-term maintenance of reserve facilities
- Cleaning and maintenance of hiking trails through the nature reserve
- Support for the nature reserve (currently undergoing organizational change due to new government proposals).
Nota Bene: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time, season, current project needs and personal motivation. Some volunteers may not be fully involved in all tasks.
Dates
- Minimum 2 weeks all year round
Fees
- Application fee: €150
- Program cost: €910 (for a minimum stay of 15 days) €1,225 (30 days)
Included in price
- Shared room in the volunteer house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Transfer from Cusco to the nature reserve and back (bus and boat), including one overnight stay
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteer internship in Peru
- English-speaking support in the country
- Peru manual
- Intercultural guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Not included in price
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance
Nota Bene: the volunteer project begins with an orientation meeting in Cusco. The trip from Cusco to the nature reserve and back to Cusco is included in the cost of the program (bus and boat trip). Overnight accommodation in Cusco is the responsibility of the participants.
Accomodation
Six double rooms on two floors make up the volunteer house. The reserve is maintained and reforested with the help of local volunteers. The reserve has running water, but no electricity. To recharge electronic devices (e.g. cell phone batteries), volunteers take a 10-minute boat ride to the nearest village. As it is difficult to store meat dishes (there is no refrigerator), meals are provided according to jungle conditions, which means that vegetarian options predominate.
In the project, there is only a cellular connection; there is no internet connection. There is an internet connection in the neighboring village.
Location
Approximately 250 km east of Cusco in Peru, the nature reserve is located on the outskirts of Manu National Park. The journey from Cusco can take up to 8 hours by car, due to the poor condition of the roads. The project where the volunteer program takes place is only accessible by boat. But the long journey is well worth it! Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. It is home to a wide variety of exotic animals, including sloths, spectacled bears, jaguars, colorful birds and parrots, as well as different kinds of reptiles and other mammals.
A veritable Garden of Eden
The only human settlements in this region are those of indigenous communities. Manu National Park is a veritable Garden of Eden, and the ideal place for anyone wishing to refocus their priorities away from the hectic pace of modern daily life and immerse themselves totally in a different, direct, sometimes difficult, but beautiful way of life.
A lost Inca city
Paititi, a legendary but long-lost Inca city, is said to lie here, but no one has yet discovered it. You won't be in constant contact with your daily life while working on the project, due to its remoteness and lack of internet access. Although it may seem adventurous at first, this experience can be very soothing, educational and healing.
You can enjoy swimming, hiking, water sports and animal watching. You'll be surrounded by a wide variety of species, plants, birds, monkeys, reptiles and other exotic animals as you live in the jungle. This experience in the heart of the jungle is unique, but don't expect to find conventional tourist activities!
Partner agency
Le partenaire is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German living in Chile. Marion specializes in organizing solidarity and participatory trips, ecovolunteer programs, language stays and educational programs throughout Latin America. This agency offers missions in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador... Whether you're a student, professional or retired, its trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a different way from that of a simple tourist. All stays with South America Inside