Amazon Jungle Conservation Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco
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.
Highlights:
- Programs start every Monday
- Affordable fees from CA$1151 for 2 weeks
- Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
-
Help protect the Peruvian jungle and its amazing wildlife
-
Discover the incredible natural environment of Peru
-
Stay in rustic bungalows at an Amazon jungle conservation center
Key information
This program is ideal for:
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 by providing invaluable help with a range of conservation tasks.
The Amazon Jungle Conservation project is an immersive volunteer experience where you’ll be based in the heart of the jungle, 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:
- Reforestation
- Trail conservation
- Home-base maintenance
- Animal inventories
- Research projects
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.
Apply For FreeNot sure which program to join?
Peru photo gallery
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 creditRead reviews from Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteers in Cusco
”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!”
Brooke, American, 27
Read reviews from Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteers in Cusco
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
The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before orientation. Orientation will be held within 24 hours of your arrival.
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 and you will be greeted by a member of the local team. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
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.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at their offices in Cusco. Orientation begins on Monday morning and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Cusco – introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, language lesson details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Cusco, 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.
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 orientation and transfer to the Amazon Jungle Conservation site. To get to the volunteering site you will take a 10-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.
Pricing
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 | CA$1151 Equivalent to CA$82/day |
| 3 weeks | CA$1544 Equivalent to CA$74/day |
| 4 weeks | CA$1930 Equivalent to CA$69/day |
| 5 weeks | CA$2316 Equivalent to CA$66/day |
| 6 weeks | CA$2702 Equivalent to CA$64/day |
| 8 weeks | CA$3475 Equivalent to CA$62/day |
| 10 weeks | CA$4247 Equivalent to CA$61/day |
| 12 weeks | CA$5019 Equivalent to CA$60/day |
| 16 weeks | CA$6564 Equivalent to CA$59/day |
| 20 weeks | CA$8108 Equivalent to CA$58/day |
| 24 weeks | CA$9652 Equivalent to CA$57/day |
- Accommodation
- Meals
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- 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.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$470) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in CAD.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cusco generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as lunches (except for Amazon Jungle Conservation, Andean Immersion, and Eco-Agriculture Conservation volunteers), in-country tours, and Spanish language lessons.
Free-time experiences & tours in Peru
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Peru! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Peru program.
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
Enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure with the ATV & Zipline Combo!
Adrenaline fueled ATV/Quadbiking experience in the Salt Mines & Lagoon!
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
Enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure with the ATV & Zipline Combo!
Adrenaline fueled ATV/Quadbiking experience in the Salt Mines & Lagoon!
No experiences or tours for Lima, yet...
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 partner staff in Cusco. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Volunteers interested in taking Spanish lessons can arrange these directly with the IVHQ Program Manager prior to departure. 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 hour a day - starting at CA$92 per week
- Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at CA$107 per week
- Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at CA$214 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: When you apply for your IVHQ volunteer program, make a note in your application of the language classes you’re interested in.
Once you’ve paid your registration fee, your IVHQ Program Manager will be able to book your place on the classes you have chosen.
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
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
| 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.
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
