Hoja Nueva

Hoja summer 2017

Submitted by Cyan Turner - University of Nottingham | October 13, 2017

Staying at Hoja Neuva was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There were days that involved hard work and motivation which was character building and made me feel like a better person. There were other days when I could enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest and feel at peace. I couldn't say which I preferred but I will say that it was always nice to know that at the end of a day spent at Hoja, there was a good meal and a comfortable bed! The people I met were very welcoming and that made everything all the more special because I feel like I now have lifelong friends.

Program: Agroforestry & Conservation Internships with Hoja Nueva

A great test of the self

Submitted by J - - | December 15, 2016

As I recall, I was one of the first individuals to volunteer with Hoja Nueva, before there was a legitimate internship. I was only in Las Piedras for a short time but the experience was quite impactful. Volunteering with Hoja Nueva you're going to get to see a world that most people will never get to witness, and a world that might not be around for much longer if we don't do things right. I arrived on a whim and with nothing but a single backpack. I'm not sure what their facilities are like now, but I was sleeping in a hammock in a small hut and we got up as soon as the sun came up and got down to business. This isn't a trip to take for the faint-hearted, but if you're interested in genuine personal growth you're going to find it here. It's a true test of character to go to a place completely foreign to you and learn how different people live their lives and the kind of struggles that they experience. Furthermore, the work you're going to be doing matters.

Program: Agroforestry & Conservation Internships with Hoja Nueva

A week in the Amazon

Submitted by Tyler Hartunga - University of Washington | November 16, 2016

Hoja Nueva was incredibly accommodating during my week-long stay in the Peruvian Amazon. I was able to get out into the jungle and see all kinds of wildlife (shoutout to Loco Harry, best herpetologist ever), interact with locals (Lucerna is a town full of extremely friendly people), and even contribute to building the Hoja Nueva lodge. The staff was a group of awesome people whom I would consider lifelong friends after my time there. Living along the Las Piedras river was an eye-opening experience and one I would recommend to anyone looking to get off the beaten path and see how truly beautiful the Amazon can be.

Program: Agroforestry & Conservation Internships with Hoja Nueva

Creating a waste management plan for remote developing communities

Submitted by Danielle Bogardus - University of Washington | October 30, 2016

Hoja Nueva has given me the opportunity to make my research ideas a reality. I am currently working with the community of Lucerna to create a framework for waste management for remote developing communities that can be applied regionally. This would not be possible without the facilitation of Hoja Nueva. Hoja Nueva has opened up a relationship with the community of Lucerna that gives a social depth to this project that will help insure longevity to a waste management plan. Hoja Nueva helps to address problems in the region from an interdisciplinary and creative look, while respecting the locals and the local knowledge. The new lodge is comfortable and sustainable and the cooking is traditional, with participation in the preparation being encouraged. This helps you gain an understanding of the local culture and creates more of a community while in the jungle. Community events in Lucerna are a highlight and Hoja Nueva makes sure to participate in events like birthday parties and soccer games every Sunday. Hoja Nueva has provided me the foundation to go after my research goals and I am so grateful for that.

Program: Agroforestry & Conservation Internships with Hoja Nueva