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CONSERVATION IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

BIENVENIDO! - Welcome to the Amazon Rainforest.

Live and work in the most awesome jungle in the world - the AMAZON!  This project is located in the MANU Biosphere Reserve in Peru, surrounded by Amazon Rainforest.

This is a multi-activity project - volunteers benefit from the training components and actively assist in the environmental monitoring study at multiple locations. As you stay longer, you will 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.

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
     
FREE TREK: If you are on this project for 2 months or longer, you'll take part in a 4 day/3 night trek either to the very popular Hot Water Springs OR Whitewater Rafting down the river.

On this page:
      .

About Peru, information on the country and the voluntary projects you can do there
Conservation project in the Amazon Rain Forest - a colourful tree frog

Return to the Peru Home Page and
the list of all our projects in Peru

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

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The Project takes place at a Centre (see photo right) based in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, which is a large conservation area located in the South Eastern corner of Peru in the Parque Nacional Manu. It consists of various types of rainforest (The Amazon) and is rich in diversity.

The importance of the Manu Biosphere Reserve was recognised in 1987 when it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It achieved this largely because of its renown as an area of abundant wildlife and high species biodiversity, many of which have yet been documented.

The park is approximately the size of Wales (20,000 sq km). Some of the area is being opened up to limited ecotourism (and tourists pay up to US$300 per day to stay in the ecolodges!). The closest city is Cusco which is approximately 8 hours drive by 4x4 vehicle.

The Rainforest Centre that we work with lies within the Reserve near to a road and river. It is about 45 minutes drive from the nearest village (Salvacion). The design of the facility complements its surroundings using a fusion of traditional thatched techniques with modern design, while utilising the latest in natural resource management to maintain the site. As an added bonus, there is a waterfall that borders the site!

Click here for MAP

This is a multi-activity project - volunteers benefit from the training components and actively assist in the environmental monitoring study at multiple locations. As you stay longer, you will 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.

4 Day / 3 Night Trek - Hot Springs OR Whitewater Rafting:
You can do this project for 1, 2, 3 or more months. If you are on the project for 2 months or longer, you can take part in a 4 day/3 night trek either to the very popular Hot Water Springs or Whitewater Rafting down the river. (The choice of trek will be allocated at the time and dictated by factors like number of volunteers, weather, etc.) In either activity, you'll spend time camping out.

The Centre and its Environment:
The Centre itself covers 640 hectares in a seemingly endless rainforest which stretches across Brazil and to the Atlantic Ocean. This is the Amazon! Mammals in the area include peccaries, puma, jaguar, armadillos and various monkeys. Tortoises and lizards are also present.

Currently 365 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including parrots, hummingbirds and the rather bizarre Hoatzin. The resident bird expert, Claudia, is very enthusiastic about birds and her knowledge is truly exceptional. As one of our people said, "Working with her is a privilege!" Like any jungle there are lots of insects and there are also tarantulas and snakes, but these are not frequently seen.

"I have visited rainforests a great many times and this is the best that I’ve seen."
There are many trails in the forest that are very productive in terms of wildlife because they are not used by tourists, but one of the main reasons the area was selected for study was that within a reasonably small area there is land that has been impacted by agriculture and human activity in the past. This is why there are such a variety of forest types within the private reserve (forests in different stages of re-growth as well as in different ecosystems).

It is through comparative studies between the old and new forest that conservationists aim learn more about the effect of human activity on biodiversity as well as the ability of forests to regenerate.

The environment is relaxing, with nice weather, good views, excellent accommodation and very pleasant company. Entertainment is very much home-made and there is a real community spirit among the volunteers whilst still allowing for ‘personal space’. Volunteers are well cared for whilst still having the excitement of being in the jungle. All the staff are enthusiastic, helpful and caring. There are some opportunities for engaging in leisure activities such as swimming and climbing.

The trip from Cusco to the Centre in Manu:
You will arrive in Cusco, where you'll be met by members from the Project and taken on to the Centre in Manu. This journey is by road (4x4 vehicle) and takes from 9 to 10 hours. Almost the entire journey is along an unpaved road and the last few miles are very unmade indeed! For some of the way it is a typical Andean road along the side of a mountain with sheer drops, but the road is relatively ‘quiet’ with maybe 6 -10 vehicles passing every hour.

The scenery is variable and often stunning, including barren mountains, cloud forest, seemingly endless jungle, impressive valleys. There are places of interest to stop every hour or so, either to take photos or buy refreshments. The journey is very interesting (but long) and adds to the sense of adventure!

The last part of the journey (10 minutes) involves crossing a river by boat. The Centre is only accessible by boat as the road ends on the other side of the river.

Rainy Season: The rainy season is between November and April with the worst of the rain occurring from February to March. Work at the Centre does continue through the rainy season because the arrays (working paths) are designed to be useable throughout the year.

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ABOUT YOUR WORK

On your arrival (this is in the late afternoon) and after settling in, you'll have a short, informal welcome and orientation session. The following day you'll be taken on a guided walk into the forest. This will be followed by a half-day introduction to the rainforest and how it works. You'll also be told about the kind of projects you can become involved in. These will change according to what is required at the time you are there.

As mentioned above, this is a multi-activity project. There are many different projects and types of projects on the go at the same time, but you will also be guided and encouraged to work on your own projects as well. "When I arrived, all the volunteers were working on their own projects and they took great pride in showing me what they were doing. They all felt their efforts were benefiting the local community." (Paul White, Travellers) The degree to which you'll run or assist on such projects will depend upon your abilities.

Below are some examples of the types of activities that are carried out at the Centre:

Mammal studies:

  • Population surveys carried out by walking the paths and recording what you see.
  • Installing and maintaining mud pits on paths (these are footprint traps used to indicate species type, number and frequency of use).
  • Checking the mud pits and taking plaster casts.
  • There is a project which involves observing a small colony of night monkeys at the edge of the campus. This occasionally has to stop because there is nobody to do it, so your help in this would be appreciated.
  • Data input (onto laptop spreadsheets). This is very useful as it enables more observations to be made.

Bird Studies:
  • Population surveys are carried out by walking the paths and recording what you see.

  • This is also enhanced by the use of recordings played through speakers to attract individuals – very interesting! Due to the large number of species, volunteers assist the scientist with this, often by watching the sky for larger birds whilst the scientist concentrates on the small species in the undergrowth.

  • Observations at clay licks. These are areas where flocks of parrots, parakeets and macaws predictably visit. It is part of a study occurring in a great many parts of the Amazon.

  • Mist netting. Scientists capture wild birds in order to ring them and take measurements, etc. They are then released unharmed. Your assistance with this is appreciated because it's a two-person job.

  • Hummingbird feeding project. Construction of a ‘garden’ of different coloured hummingbird feeders (plastic bottles filled with sugary water), to try and associate species with different coloured plants.

  • Other feeding studies based upon feeders spread around the campus.

  • Data input.

  • "Anybody with an interest in birds would find this to be a particularly superb opportunity." Paul White


Plant Studies:
  • Observation
  • Recording
  • Data input.

Associated jungle projects:
  • Cutting paths to form new ‘arrays’ for surveying the jungle. Arrays are large grids (each path is around 1 km long). They are the trails that the observers use when recording wildlife.
  • Mapping the paths and arrays. Volunteers go out with GPS units and use the information to draw maps of the area.

Other projects on the Site:

The Centre is keen to develop sustainable practices on the site as trials. Where successful, these can then be introduced to the local population. Currently a volunteer has started a reed-bed system of filtering the waste water from the centre. This will need maintaining.

Another volunteer set up a compost system and taught the staff to use it to make compost from the kitchen waste. This has tied in nicely with another volunteer's work to try and plant a garden on the site outside the accommodation buildings, (where the soil is particularly poor).

Work is also going on to set up a vegetables and fruit garden, as anything brought in from the town tends to rot fairly quickly. As you can see, there is a lot of scope here to develop new ideas and/or projects. This is a placement where you can really make a difference, particularly if you have initiative.

Teaching:
If you can provide any 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, do homework, etc. (Incidentally, there are also many opportunities for you to practice and improve your Spanish - or to start learning it from scratch!)

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ACCOMMODATION


The Centre has breathtaking views over the canopy, Madre de Dios River and surrounding areas. There are also numerous other viewpoints situated around the reserve.
This project is Idyllically placed on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest, on a hill next to a river. It has a ’nice’ feel to it. It is relaxed and peaceful, and has been tastefully constructed in keeping with its surroundings. At present the area has six thatched buildings. Three are accommodation houses with a classroom/workroom on the ground floor and a bedroom area above and you'll be sharing a room with other volunteers. All buildings have open walls and are fresh and airy.

The bathroom is a separate block consisting of six cubicles, each containing a (Western) flush toilet, handbasin and cold shower. There are also extra washbasins, and a large sink in which to do your laundry.

There is a dining and relaxation area, with tables and a few armchairs, as well as a library and covered hammock area.

Lighting is by candle (not allowed in bedroom areas) and there is generally no electricity on the site. There is, however, a generator which is run for a few hours every night in order to charge camera batteries etc. We recommended that you take out a portable headlight torch and a few other items, but we'll provide you with a list of recommended items to take with you before you leave.

Food: Food is provided and you'll have three meals per day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is wholesome and mainly vegetarian. Often pasta or rice, soup, fruit juice. Not 5 star (it’s the jungle after all) but very acceptable. There is always a flask of hot water, tea, coffee and filtered (safe) drinking water available in the dining room. The cook is able to cater for a number of specialised diets, although choices may be limited.

Entertainment / Leisure:
This is the Amazon Jungle - unique and exciting and wonderful and tranquil and awesome - but it isn't a placement for people who want to party the night away. There are board games, books to read and other ‘quiet’ activities. At night this has to be by candle light. Most people start their work early and get up between 4 and 5 a.m., consequently people tend to go to bed early.

"Some nights we watched a DVD on the laptop, (somewhat surreal, sitting in a jungle clearing watching a laptop crawling with moths!) Occasionally we just sat and socialised over a beer."

During the day there are activities such as swimming in the river, complete with vines to swing from ("Hello Tarzan!"). (You can only swim if supervised and depending on river conditions.) The manager is a keen climber and may be persuaded to teach you how to access the canopy, (climbing trees using ropes). Some scientists use this method in their work when studying birds. It is safe (when under instruction) but can be difficult.

Although there are lots of places to visit in Peru, there are few external places to visit while on your project. In the dry season Salvaccion is a 1¾ hour walk away (after crossing the river) and it is a safe walk. In the wet season it may be possible to reach another village by boat, but it would not possible to walk to Salvaccion. Sometimes it may be possible to get a lift with other volunteers or staff and perhaps spend a few days in Cusco. Generally, however, volunteers tend to stay at the Centre for the duration of their placement and visit Cusco at the end of their project.

What is required of You:

You don't need any special qualifications to do this Project, but if you do have initiative and you are adaptable, it does help.

As with all our destinations, the Peruvian culture and heritage is different to Anglo-Saxon cultures and this must be borne in mind. 

Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity! 

Once you have applied for a placement, we will send you a very detailed Peru Information Book, as well as an equally detailed Safety Guide - both of these will help to make your stay in Peru one that you will never forget!

To read about the extensive Support & Backup we provide in our countries, please click here.

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TRAVEL
You have the option to arrange your own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Ltd., ATOL No. 6856. (Read more about Murray Rogers Travel Ltd.) Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up before leaving for your placement.

Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination country. Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa and the level of your air ticket, of course.

If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get a changeable ticket. We meet you at the airport regardless of whether you make your own travel arrangements or not.

You'll fly into Cusco where you'll be met at the airport. From the airport you'll be taken into Cusco to a hostel/hotel and arrangements will be made for you to have some food, telephone home, change some money, etc. You'll then be taken overland and finally across the river to the Centre.

Cusco: From Cusco the main attraction is Machu Picchu and/or the Sacred Valley. The Inca Trail currently has a 3 month waiting list although sometimes ‘strings can be pulled’!

 VISAS:. In countries where visas or immigration documents are required, we'll send you all the necessary forms and information and make the process very easy for you.

To read about the extensive Support & Backup we provide in our countries, please click here.

We can also arrange your flight dates to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a fascinating and wondrous country!

PRICES:

To see the Prices of this project and all our other projects in Peru, please click here

Prices include
  • Food & accommodation while on your project,
  • 2 T-shirts, if required for your project
  • All support and backup during your programme
  • Meeting you at the nearest airport, where appropriate, but exclude international travel.

Return to the Peru Home Page and
the list of all our projects in Peru

TO APPLY FOR THIS PROJECT, PLEASE CLICK HERE

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