Quick Facts
Program code
PE-WN103
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare, Nature Protection
Country
Peru
Location
Nature Reserve close to Manu National Park
Program start
year-round, flexible start and end dates always on weekdays
Duration
15 days or 30 days
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
8 am - 4 pm EST
info@southamerica-inside.com
WhatsApp
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
Program details
The Manu National Park is located in the middle of the Peruvian Amazonas region in south eastern Peru. The territory reaches almost 19,000 km2 (7,336 m2) and was declared a national park in 1973, to serve as a protection and preservation zone for vegetation and wildlife. Additionally, it aims to preserve the traditional lifestyle and culture of the native Peruvian population. Due to UNESCO recognizing the unique species and rich diversity in this region of Peru, the Manu National Park was declared part of the world natural heritage and biosphere reserve in 1987.
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. This volunteer project is supervised by a Peruvian NGO (non-governmental organization), which cooperates with local residents to improve sustainability and the consideration of the political rights of the indigenous population.
It is of upmost importance to our partners, to always 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 Manu National 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.
Your participation in this volunteer program should be derived from your desire to help the environment and the native population of the Peruvian rainforest.
Tasks
The tasks that volunteers can help with in this project do not require any prior knowledge or skills. However, there are plenty of tasks that require the volunteer to be disciplined and responsible. Tasks may include planting, maintaining the infrastructure, data collection of flora and fauna, and the reintegration of animal species. It is important to note, that there are activities that require a certain level of independence, initiative, and advanced Spanish skills, such as environmental education workshops and community work with the indigenous people.
No matter where your help is needed, your personal skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. Through your dedication, motivation, and support, you can help find alternative ways to preserve and develop the reserve even further. Furthermore, you can always rely on the understanding and the support of your project supervisor.
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.
Accommodation
The type of accommodation that will be arranged for you depends on your work area and tasks as well as the duration of your volunteer work. Volunteers live in a two-story volunteer house with 6 double rooms.
Volunteers who live here, typically help with the reforestation and maintenance of the reserve. For those who are more interested in helping with environmental workshops or animal protection centers, a host family accommodation is usually arranged.
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.
There is no electricity in the reserve and there is running water. Visits to the nearest village are used to charge electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, batteries). The distance to the village is 10 minutes by boat. Volunteers need to bring flashlights.
There is no internet connection in the project, only a cellular connection. In the close-by village there is internet connection.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
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 sloths, 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.
Language skills
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Peru (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Peru directly with us!
Requirements
- English skills. Basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Peru!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Yellow fever vaccination for stays >1 month; please ask your doctor for advice.
- The volunteer project begins with an orientation session in Cusco. The journey from Cusco to the nature reserve and back to Cusco is included in the program costs (bus and boat trip). Accommodation costs in Cusco however, must be covered by the volunteer.
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in Nature Conservation in Peru includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (vegetarian)
- Transportation from Cusco to the project site and back to Cusco
- Orientation session in 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
Note: The volunteer project begins with an orientation session in Cusco. The trip from Cusco to the nature reserve and back to Cusco is included in the program costs (bus and boat trip). Accommodation costs in Cusco must be borne by the volunteer.
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 9300 (minimum stay 15 days)
Program fee: US$ 1,245 (30 days)
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
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