Jungle Conservation Program

Get the opportunity to volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon!

Our conservation project is located in the Amazon Rainforest on the outskirts of Manu National Reserve outside of Cusco. Volunteers will be involved in various types of work such as reforestation, animal observation and animal care.

THE PROJECT

The Volunteer work involves a commitment to collaborate, creating alternative development, initiatives and participation in the action, supporting the personnel to maintenance the reserve and the development of the activities in the conservation area. 

What makes this program unique is the fact that you have complete freedom as a volunteer. The more you put on these programs, much more valuable and effective they become for the environment and the local people.

The project requires volunteers to work creatively and independently, and is not the best option for volunteers who are looking for a highly organized and supervised program.

Volunteers normally work for 4 hours a day and the rest of the day they have free to explore the amazing area.

The type of work that you choose to undertake will depend upon your expectations and skills. You may choose works or may discuss with us before your arrival the type of work you would like to undertake and we can advise you of the possibilities.

• Maintenance/cleaning, transplantation, seedbed preparation
• Watching wildlife in their natural habitat
• To record, create herbal and develop statistical data of the existing flora and its medicinal benefits.
• Support the rescue center wildlife
• Organic agriculture
• Reforestation
• Cleaning and maintenance of the paths / trails
• Construction camp
• Repair and maintenance of structures
• Personal research projects, thesis students are received depending on the subject of application.

Please note that the reforestation and observation workload is often limited when it rains (December to March). As a result, you may be working inside the lodge doing craftwork or working with the local school. Teaching English in the native community is another option for volunteers who are interested in working within the indigenous community.

• Volunteer placement
• Volunteer project management and administration for your selected program length
• Program and Safety orientation
• Pre-departure support
• 2 nights accommodation in Cusco (upon arrival and departure)
• Accommodations – Mondays through Saturdays at Lodge
• 3 meals per day at the lodge
• Airport pick-up
• Volunteer certificate 
• Transport to volunteer project the first day
• 24/7 support from our staff in Peru

Accommodation:

Meals and accommodations are included. Volunteers will stay in the lodge where they will live with other volunteers. Volunteers can expect to share a room with one or two other volunteers. Three meals per day are included while staying in the lodge. However, we need to stress that supplies are limited and you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible. Mosquito nets will be provided for all PEVolunteer’ volunteers for their stay in the jungle.

Arrival in Cusco!

Once you arrive in Cusco, please pick up your bags and then step out of the airport. Our PEVolunteer representative will be waiting for you there with a sign that has your name written on it.

The first day of volunteer’s program (normally Sunday) is upon arrival in Cusco, Volunteer will be pickup from the airport and then transfer to our host family. Here volunteers will have the day to rest and acclimatize.

First day! Your Introduction

Volunteers orientation will begin on Monday at around 9:00 am at our office in Cusco and will be conducted by our staff. It will cover everything you need to know for your volunteer placement in the city including an introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, Spanish Classes, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Peru, and an introduction to your project and placement.

The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Once our orientation is complete, volunteers will be transported to their projects usually by public bus, with some exception of some walking distance projects. Upon arrival, Volunteer will be introduced to projects Directors and can start working at the same day.

Although volunteers will not be able to take Spanish lessons during their time in the jungle, we will happily arrange classes for before and after their project in the jungle. Please note additional fees may be applied for housing and/or classes.

Classes are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. PEVolunteer strongly recommends these for all volunteers unless they are extremely fluent. If a volunteer’s Spanish is none to basic, then volunteers should strongly consider these courses as they will allow them to work and communicate with all parties more efficiently during their stay.

These language courses are organized on your arrival in Peru at the program orientation. The language course is tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to PEVolunteer’s volunteers.

While our programs are flexible and can be fit to your requirements, an example of a typical day is as follows:

Monday to Friday:

7:30AM- Breakfast at the lodge.

8:00AM- 12:00PM- Volunteer leaves the lodge and walks to the project with other volunteers and the coordinator. The coordinator will delegate your duties each day.

12:00-2:00 PM- Lunch at the lodge.

2:00PM- After volunteering you are free to explore the jungle and enjoy your free time.

7:30PM- Dinner at the lodge.

During the weekend, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of the jungle.

Long weekends volunteer can choose to go back to Cusco can be taken to travel further afield such as Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca.

At PEVolunteer we organize fun and interesting tours for our volunteers, so just let us know where you would like to go!

– The minimum age for volunteers is 18 years old unless traveling with family members over 18 or their school.

– No previous volunteer experience or other qualifications are necessary as all skills are useful in our projects.

– We do require volunteers to be aware that they will encounter cultural differences in Peru, which they must be prepared to respect.

– Our volunteers must be willing to engage in their project and be open-minded towards the dissimilarities they may encounter.

– Fill out our application by clicking “Apply Now”. Make sure to add info@pevolunteer.org to your email safe list to ensure receipt of our response.

– A no-refundable, no-transferable payment of US$250.00 must be paid at time of booking.

– After reserving your place please book your flight and send us your flight information so we can schedule your airport pick-up. Also, visit your doctor for any vaccinations you may require and do not hesitate to ask us any questions that you may have.

– Upon receipt of your details you will be sent our in-depth pre-departure brochure full of indispensable tips regarding preparation and packing, your destination and its customs, your accommodations, travel requirements and suggestion.

– The remaining total is due 5 days before the start of your program.

– Join us Helping and Traveling in Peru!

• National and International flights are not included
• Please let us know for any additional night
• Insurances are not included
• Please have a valid passport at time of travel
• Meals during time in Cusco are not included
• Departure transfer is not included