Ecological Conservation Project in Peru
Project Summary
Our volunteer in conservation Peru project is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, eco-minded individuals and those interested in cultural anthropology. The projects are varied and offer a chance to make a hands-on difference with preserving Peru's natural and cultural splendor. Conservation efforts in Peru include biodiversity inventory efforts, eco-tourism development, native culture preservation and re-forestation labors. As in most developing countries, there is a shortage of resources for conservation and preservation projects and volunteers fill in the staffing gaps.
Applicants should designate project topic interest and cultural or eco-experience, as there are a variety of projects to choose from including both research and preservation opportunities. Our Peruvian conservation partners are a number of well-established nature reserves (private and public), many NGOs and national parks.
- Program: Volunteer in Peru
- Projects: Ecological Conservation Project in Peru
- Start Dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
- Location: Cusco, Urubamba and Junín
- Departure and End Point: Cusco, Peru
- Language Need: Basic to intermediate Spanish fluency
- Accommodation and meals: Homebase or Host Family and Peruvian meals three times daily
- Activities: vary based on project placement
- Working Hours: 15-30 hours per week
Role of Volunteer
When you volunteer for environment in Peru, there are several projects located in rural and urban areas throughout this fantastic country and they focus on cultural and natural preservation and conservation. Each conservation project is different. Please contact us for details about a project you are interested in so that we can provide additional and important information.
Andean Cultural Preservation and Conservation:Work and live in an indigenous village with a local family and absorb traditions, help with agriculture and animal husbandry, support construction and other community projects. Your goal is to support these very poor communities while helping them to preserve their traditions and customs.
Municipal Forests and National Parks: Maintain municipal forest trails, promote new projects or assist in the office. Nursery projects include maintenance and agricultural efforts. Direct placements into the national park system are optional in which volunteers will maintain trails, educate visitors and more.
Re-forestation:Support a local Cusco organization that is taking charge reforestation in the surrounding areas. Volunteers plant trees in nearby communities and work to control the growth of the tree population. Placement in this project is available from September to December, which is the best time to plant trees.
Bio-diversity:Catalog bird and monkey species on the edge of Manu National Park, the biggest best-preserved rain forest area of Latin America. Volunteers also support work in the orchid garden.
Grassroots Conservation: In conjunction with live biology students and other professionals, volunteers work to teach people local villagers the importance of conserving their natural resources and preserving their physical spaces and natural abundance. There is also a reforestation program during certain times of the year. Volunteers live in a lodge in the rain forest.
Zoo project:Volunteers support the local Cusco zoo where most resident animals are from the Andean region. Volunteers assist with cleaning and maintenance as well as with educational efforts, mostly with Cusco schoolchildren.
Gardening projects: Volunteers interact with children as they work in local orphanage or community center gardens and/or orchards
Skills/Qualification Needed
There are no specific qualifications for conservation volunteer in Peru project other than beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish being preferred. If you cannot speak Spanish, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Studies program in Cusco, which can run simultaneous to your volunteer project or immerse in this program for a week prior to your project start. The project staff will provide any necessary orientation and training to perform volunteer activities adequately. Volunteers should be enthusiastic and/or interested in environmental and conservation topics in developing countries, as well as enjoy the outdoors, be flexible and proactive.
Volunteer in Peru: Project Locations and Free Time Options
All of Global Crossroad's Peru volunteer project locations (Cusco, Urubamba, Arequipa and Junín) are adjacent to fabulous travel, adventure and cultural activities! Machu Picchu tops the list for most Peru volunteers with its majestic and alluring simplicity beckoning from its perch high in the mountains. Reaching the summit does not have to be a week-long commitment! There are options for everyone – trains or trekking will get you to the top in time to witness a breathtaking and magical sunrise.
Local cultural on-goings are easy to seek out with the help of our local in-country staff and other volunteers. Regardless of your project's location, there are colorful festivals and markets to peruse, many types of Peruvian delicacies to sample and simple outings like bike rides or casual walks during which you can witness animals, birds and the natural beauty of Peru.
Peru's landscape is varied and ranges from the high tips of the Andes Mountain range to dense Amazonian jungles to the exquisite beaches along the Pacific. There is truly something for everyone in Peru. The adventurer, bird-watcher, quiet canoe-paddler, scuba diver, mountaineer, beach connoisseur, foodie and amateur cultural anthropologist will all find just the right activity in Peru!