Amazon Jungle Conservation Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!