Unique Community Development and Conservation Project in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round but with fixed start and finish dates.

Description: BIENVENIDO! On this multi-activity project you'll benefit from the training components and actively assist in the environmental monitoring study at multiple locations. As you stay longer, you'll take on increasing levels of data collection and project management responsibilities (depending on your abilities). The longer you participate on the project, the more skills you will develop.

You'll begin your project in the ancient Inca capital city of Cusco where you'll receive an induction and orientation before embarking on the fascinating journey through the High Andes to the Cloud Forest in the Amazon and then on to the Centre via motorised canoe down the Madre de Dios River. The entire journey is an exciting adventure!

This multi-activity project is an opportunity to live and work in the greatest jungle in the world - the AMAZON!

ON THIS PROJECT YOU WILL:
--> Visit one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world
--> Experience life in the Amazon jungle
--> Trek through the rainforest
--> Live in a beautiful, traditional lodge
--> Participate in important conservation projects
--> Train with experienced guides and conservationists
--> Understand survival issues for rainforests and endangered species
--> Contribute towards scientific research
--> Explore a variety of different ecosystems
--> Adventure through mountains, rivers and forests

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Peru.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping conservation and knowing that your efforts are making a difference
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
You'll work within a large conservation area inside the Amazon, located in the southeastern corner of Peru. The park where Travellers volunteers work is rich in species. Over 1,000 birds have been identified, 15,000 plants species and 13 species of monkey as well as jaguar, tapir, black caiman and the giant otter.

The closest city is Cuzco, once the hub of the Inca Empire and now famous as the gateway to the incredible Machu Picchu. Here you can sink into the Peruvian pace of life while doing something that will really make a difference, not only within Peru, but to the Earth itself!

You'll work at a well established conservation centre located in a private reserve of what appears to be infinite forest, stretching from Peru across Brazil and to the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Amazon!
The facility is designed comfortably, using natural resources and, as an added bonus, there is a waterfall bordering the site! Local mammals include peccaries, puma, jaguar, armadillos and various monkeys. Tortoises and lizards are also present as are 365 species of birds.

YOUR WORK:
The purpose of the work is to monitor and better understand rainforest biodiversity with a view to providing sustainable solutions and improved rainforest conservation.

Projects undertaken will fall under three main areas; conservation, sustainability and education. No previous experience of conservation is necessary. You will receive on-site training and assist in environmental monitoring at multiple locations. Ongoing projects you may help on include the frog house, mammal monitoring, parrot monitoring and the ecology club. Duties will include scientific monitoring and surveillance of wildlife, data collection and interpretation, collection of sample species and construction (such as building hides and observation posts).

As with all conservation projects, your work will depend on what is required at the time your project takes place. It is also governed by uncontrollable factors, such as the weather, nesting seasons, etc. There is a lot of scope here to develop new ideas and/or projects and to really make a difference.
The environment is wonderfully relaxing, with nice weather, good views, excellent accommodation and great company! Entertainment is very much home-made and there is a real community spirit among volunteers. You will be well looked after. Opportunities for leisure include swimming and climbing, white-water rafting and canopy climbing!

TEACHING ENGLISH: (optional)
If you can provide any informal English language tuition and practice for the staff at the centre, this would be very much appreciated. They are very keen and are happy to attend classes and do homework. Incidentally, this is also a great opportunity for you to learn or improve your Spanish!
Extras!

Highlights: ACCOMMODATION:
Placed on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest, on a hill next to a river, this accommodation is, to be honest, idyllic! It has a special feel to it. It is relaxed and peaceful and has been tastefully constructed in keeping with its surroundings. There is a Western bathroom and a large sink in which to do your laundry. There is a dining and relaxation quarter as well as a library and covered hammock area. Lighting is by candle as there is generally no electricity on the site, although there is a generator run for a few hours each night to charge batteries etc. Food is provided and you'll have three meals per day.

LOCATION:
From the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, the mysterious Inca ruins and the ultimately inspiring Machu Picchu experience, a trip to Peru is a journey into a magical dimension! As anyone who has heard tales from other travellers knows, Peru is simply sublime...

Think of the Amazon and you'll conjure up images of steamy emerald forests pulsing with life, from the masses of plants and animals to the native tribes that still live deep in the heart of this incredible jungle. The Amazon is one of the last undiscovered territories on earth, and you can become a part of helping to conserve this ancient giant.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you.

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY:
"This was one of the best experiences I ever took part in. Things are organised (and) true to ecology..." - Charles Walker.

"Our first day in the rainforest we saw a group of dusky titi monkeys. On the second day we were privileged to go on a hike to a primary forest. There we had luck on our side, and saw a howler monkey, woolly monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys, as well as the fruit loops toucan. By the end of the trip we also saw a herd of 30 squirrel monkeys, making five types within less than two weeks. The entire bio-reserve runs very well, with facilities as good as a cosy clean home..." - Charles and Danya.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length. Starts from USD 1,495

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included

Experience Required: yes

AND NO! No previous experience or qualifications are required, but you must have lots of enthusiasm, patience, adaptability and a sense of adventure!

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: Everyone welcome from 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995