This trip, especially the Amazon conservation program, was one of, if not the best experiences of my life. I highly recommend it. I was scared at first as I was a solo 17-year-old female traveler but I felt very safe with IVHQ's support. I learned so much about myself, plants and animals, and other cultures. I was also scared about not having service in the jungle for two weeks, but it was such a nice experience. I got so close to some of the coolest people I've ever met, and made such amazing memories. I could go on forever about this program, you should definitely do it if you are thinking about it.
Amazon Jungle Conservation Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Protect the planet & preserve nature
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 6 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Bungalow cabin
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who are passionate about the environment, like working hard and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. It’s also an awesome opportunity if you’re looking to hit reset on life by getting outdoors, doing meaningful volunteer work and getting out of your comfort zone.
Project details
Want to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteering in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s Amazon Jungle Conservation project is a fantastic way to get back to basics and make a meaningful difference to conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest. Volunteers help with a wide variety of conservation activities that contribute to the preservation of the lush, wild landscape and the many amazing animals that call it home.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Peru’s Amazon rainforest is an incredible place to visit - full of wildlife and raw landscapes but facing its own set of challenges like climate change, increased human development and deforestation. Volunteers make a real impact in the heart of the jungle by providing invaluable help with a range of conservation tasks, and in turn contributing to the preservation of the natural environment and its diverse ecosystems and inhabitants.
When you volunteer in the Amazon rainforest you’ll get a rare insight into the rich Peruvian biodiversity while making a difference by helping with activities including, but not limited to:
Reserve & Trail Maintenance:
- Keeping the trails safe and clear of debris
- Improving and maintaining infrastructure
- Roof thatching with palm leaves when needed
- Maintaining a sustainable model for the reserve
- Nocturnal catch & release of snakes and frogs
Scientific Research:
- Monitoring reptiles and amphibians such as snakes, caimans, and nocturnal frogs
- Monitoring jungle mammals such as jaguars (though not often seen), monkeys, giant river otters, etc.
- Tracking camera data, phenology, temperature, humidity, etc.
- Observing behaviour of black spider monkey, collecting data on patterns, diet composition, and habitat use
- Education via catch and release of various bird species
Additional tasks as required:
- Planting and reforestation, and protection against deforestation
- Rehabilitation of injured animals
- Catch, tag, and release of various bird species
- Collect seeds
- Seedling propagation
- Organic gardening
Please note, as this is a remote project volunteers joining Amazon Jungle Conservation are required to be 18+. Additionally, conservation site staff speak primarily Spanish so we recommend you come with some Spanish language knowledge to aid in your experience, though this is not a mandatory requirement to join the project.
Why do Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?
As a jungle volunteer in Peru - Cusco you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Assisting with conservation efforts in the Amazon
- Protecting and conserving the natural environment and wildlife
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining conservation and research experience
- Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
- Exploring the Amazon rainforest
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers must be at least 18 to join the Amazon Jungle Conservation project.
- All volunteers are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure.
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
MC
Maya Cook
18 Dec 2024
...
LL
Lois Lloyd
04 Oct 2024
I have done two volunteer program with IVHQ, and most recently the Amazon Jungle Conservation program in Peru. I felt very prepared by the guidance and resources provided by IVHQ. They gave me all the information I needed but was happy I could also ask questions if needed. The jungle conservation changed my life, opened my eyes to a new way of living and provided me a new set of skills.
If you are hesitant, look at reviews on different sites, but I can fully say that I would 100% do a third program and have recommended several people to IVHQ as it is a safe and reliable company.
...
LM
Laura Martin
05 Aug 2024
I met a lot of lovely like-minded people who care about protecting the Amazon and the planet. I feel I gained confidence and experience in the world of conservation. My IVHQ Program Manager was fantastic from start to finish, she answered all of my long-winded questions to the best of her knowledge and always made me feel supported. The local team was incredibly supportive, professional and knowledgeable.
I would definitely advise others to join the program but I would prepare them that the living conditions are good but very basic. But if they are prepared to live without luxury and rough it in the jungle, then it is an incredible experience.
...
HC
Holly Cho
16 Jun 2023
The conservation team truly care about the work they do in saving the Peruvian Amazon through the Jungle Conservation project. They are very welcoming to volunteers, have us get involved in everything at the reserve, and teach us a lot about the plants and animals who live in the Amazon and how they try to help save that environment. The meals I received from my host family's house in Cusco before and after my volunteering were good, and the food I received during the project in Puerto Maldonado was also good. Staying with a host family when I was in Cusco was amazing, as I was able to practice my Spanish. I had an amazing time with all of the volunteers and workers there and really learned a lot about and saw a lot of the wildlife.
...
BL
Brooke Laughter
18 Jan 2022
Volunteering in the Amazon Rainforest was one of the best experiences I've had in my life. I saw so many different species, helped plant trees, picked fruit from the forest and so much more. Although it was very hard work, I enjoyed every single moment and would love to do it again!
...
EB
Emiline Bitton
31 Oct 2021
Getting to know people all around the world was so wonderful. I loved every single minute of my program. It was extremely hard and brutal, but it was so rewarding! I was in the Amazon rainforest during Thanksgiving. The holiday is a huge deal for my family. The staff went out of their way to celebrate the holiday with the Americans on the team and make it a special day. It was my favorite Thanksgiving I've ever had!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
It typically takes around 10 hours by bus followed by a one-hour boat ride to reach the volunteer site from central Cusco. The project will be based in the Amazon rainforest near the small city of Puerto Maldonado.
Arrival and orientation
Volunteers need to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before their start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the local team’s main office and then to your homestay. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Peru prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Cusco on the day before your program orientation.
The local team will aim to complete your general program orientation shortly after you arrive, no matter what day you arrive, in order to acclimatize you to your surroundings in Cusco as quickly as possible. Orientation lasts around 2 hours and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program – introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, language lesson details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Cusco, introduction to your project and placement. This is also followed by a walking tour. Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the day, with the last being around 4:00 PM. If you arrive after this time, don’t worry; the local team will ensure this is completed first thing the following morning.
On arrival you will be transported to your accommodation and introduced to your host family for your first night in Cusco, and the following day you will complete project orientation and transfer to the Amazon Jungle Conservation site that night. To get to the volunteering site you will take a 11-hour bus ride to get to Puerto Maldonado and then a 1-hour boat trip to get to the project placement.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
Volunteers on this project work Monday to Saturday and relax on Sundays. A typical schedule might be as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at your accommodation. This may be earlier depending on activities planned for the day. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteer work begins. You may be clearing trails, assisting with research, species monitoring, or helping with the catch and release of reptiles and amphibians. |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch and break time. |
| 2:00 PM | Volunteer work continues. This might include rehabilitation of animals, light construction, planting trees and harvesting fruits. |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner at your accommodation. |
Weekends
Because of the remote location, volunteers tend to stay at the placement or visit nearby villages during their free time on Sundays. Volunteers can choose to do extra work or try lazing in a hammock overlooking the river, fishing, birdwatching, napping, observing and interacting with visiting wildlife, taking a dip in the river, playing board games or picking fruit for eating, making jam or drying.
Accommodation and WiFi
Accommodation on the Amazon Jungle Conservation project is located at the conservation reserve where you will be based. Living is rustic and communal, but comfortable. Volunteers are accommodated in bungalow cabins and mosquito nets are provided. There are flush toilets and running showers but you can expect water to be cold. Volunteers should bring their own towel, biodegradable shampoo, soap, and washing detergent, or buy them in Cusco. We also advise wearing layered clothing as the temperature tends to drop at night, due to the altitude.
All your basic living needs are catered for, but you should expect there to be no electricity, no heaters and no WiFi. This is an ideal experience for those wanting a digital detox.
Meals
Volunteers on the Amazon Jungle Conservation project will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooked by a local chef. Meals will be mainly vegetarian.
Please note any dietary requirements so we can make special arrangements for you. However, due to the remoteness of this project volunteers need to be flexible.
Amazon Jungle Conservation project volunteer social area
Amazon Jungle Conservation project volunteer bedroom
Amazon Jungle Conservation project volunteer bedroom
Amazon Jungle Conservation project volunteer social area
Amazon Jungle Conservation project volunteer social area
Amazon Jungle Conservation project volunteer house
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer Spanish lesson
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $905 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,210 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,510 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,810 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,110 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,710 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,310 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,910 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 16 weeks | $5,110 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 20 weeks | $6,310 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 24 weeks | $7,510 Equivalent to $45/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cusco generally find US$100 - $150 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such lunches, public transportation, personal spending money, etc..
- Breakfast and dinner while in Cusco when you first arrive
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner while at your project site
- Airport pick-up
- Round-trip transfer from Cusco to project site
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Cusco
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cusco program.
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)
Prepare to be in awe of this unique landscape and surroundings on this overnight tour!
$142
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
$492
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!
$388
Affordable Spanish language lessons
Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Peru - Cusco program, however on certain projects volunteer work will be restricted with limited language ability. We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our local team in Cusco. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.
- Group Class: 2 hours a day - starting at $89 per week
- Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at $95 per week
- Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at $190 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: Once you’ve paid your registration fee, you will be able to select language lessons as an “Add-on” via your MyIVHQ profile.
Spanish language lessons are not available on the Andean Immersion, Eco-Agriculture or Amazon Jungle Conservation projects due to their remote nature. However volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to practice with locals.
Check what's required to visit Peru
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lima |
| Population | 32 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN) |
| Time zone | UTC-05:00 |
Weather and climate: Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. In the mountains, rain is frequent during summer and temperatures and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle has heavy rainfall and high temperatures, with the exception of its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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