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Volunteer in Jungle Conservation in Peru - Cusco

IVHQ
Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.5 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers support vital environmental efforts in the Amazon rainforest. You will work alongside local conservation teams to help protect fragile ecosystems, restore native habitats and monitor the health of wildlife. This hands on project takes place in a remote rainforest reserve where each task contributes to long term sustainability.

Typical duties include maintaining jungle trails, planting and caring for native trees, working in greenhouses, collecting data on reptiles, amphibians, birds and primates, and assisting with research that tracks biodiversity and habitat changes. You may also help with organic gardening or small infrastructure projects.

This program is ideal for volunteers who are passionate about nature, enjoy physical outdoor work and are comfortable living in rustic conditions. No previous conservation experience is required because local guides provide full training and support. A flexible, positive attitude and willingness to adapt to a jungle environment are essential.

In your free time you can explore rainforest trails, observe wildlife, relax by the river, learn about local plant and animal species or spend time in Cusco before or after your project.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every Monday. Duration from 1 to 24 weeks
Includes accommodation (volunteer house or dormitory-style), meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 5–6 hours a day working on jungle conservation in the Cusco region
Tasks may include reforestation, trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, planting trees and helping conserve rainforest ecosystems
Opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation in the Amazon rainforest near Cusco while experiencing Peruvian jungle and local culture

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Pre-Departure Orientation
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cusco, Peru

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.5
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
4.5
Program Administration
4.5
Day to Day Life
4.5
Living Situation
4.0
Community Engagement
4.0
Health & Safety
4.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Thomas McElroyNew Zealand · May 2018

My time in the Amazon

For as long as I could remember I had wanted to explore the Amazon. In 2017, with the help of IVHQ, I did just that. The experience was a highlight of my travels and something I will never forget. We were an hour's boat ride from the nearest town, with limited electricity and no cell coverage or WiFi. The Rio Madres de Dios provided us with a means of showering, and our diet relied almost solely on non perishable foods. It was remote, basic and awesome. For the reasons listed above, there was plenty of time for cards, board games and banter amongst the volunteers. By the end of the two weeks I'd made a lot of cool and interesting new friends, some of whom I caught up with again later in my travels. The volunteering was interesting, valuable and at times challenging. Helping to develop an agroforestry plot, night time reptile monitoring missions, cutting jungle tracks and more; it was definitely varied. What I'll remember most though, is the pure thrill and excitement of being in the Amazon. Wading at chest depth through Aguajales, keeping an eye out for anacondas. Paddling though caiman filled lakes in a leaking canoe. Discovering a tarantula crawling on my boots just as I'm about to put them on. A unique experience such as this is probably best suited to a unique type of person, but don't be too put off, it's not all snakes and spiders. Just make sure you bring a head torch!

tomMay 2018

Jungle experience of a life time

Jungle Experience of a life time!!! I volunteered for 2 weeks in the Peruvian Amazon, 1 hour down the Madre De Dios river from the small town of Puerto Maldonado. It was an unbelievable experiences, and couldn't recommend it anymore. We spent our days cutting tracks, performing plant transplant, reptile monitoring and at nights we hunted for snakes in the jungle and camen on the river. For a man who isn't a fan of snakes I managed to wrap one around my neck and remove trees in an anaconda riddled swamp on the second day. Not only did the experience test my fears and introduced me to fantastic people from around the world , it also gave me the opportunity to contribute the sustainability of the sanctuary, benefiting the local community. IVHQ were excellent from the start to the finish, ensuring everything went smoothly and helped with every question asked. Big shout out to Clover from IVHQ, you were a big help!!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Jungle Conservation program with IVHQ involve?

The Jungle Conservation project near Cusco allows you to work in the Amazon rainforest on tasks like trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring and seed propagation to help conserve the forest.

  • Activities include reforestation, monitoring reptiles and birds, and infrastructure upkeep
  • Located in the Amazon rainforest region near Cusco
  • Work typically up to six hours a day and involves outdoor, hands-on tasks

When can I start and how long stay in the Jungle Conservation program?

The program starts every Monday and you can choose a stay from 2 to 24 weeks.

  • Weekly Monday start dates
  • Duration options: 2–24 weeks
  • Volunteers work Monday through Saturday with Sundays off

What are requirements for the Jungle Conservation program with IVHQ?

You must be aged 18 or older, speak English and submit a criminal background check if required.

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • English proficiency required; Spanish recommended
  • Criminal background check needed for volunteers over 18

What accommodation and support are included?

Accommodation in bungalow cabins, meals, airport pickup and full in-country support from the IVHQ team are included.

  • Stay in bungalow-style cabins in the rainforest
  • Meals provided throughout your stay
  • Airport pickup and orientation included

What skills and impact can you expect from volunteering in Cusco?

You will build conservation, fieldwork and research skills while making a meaningful contribution to Amazon rainforest protection.

  • Gain experience in ecological conservation and data collection
  • Contribute to protecting endangered species and forest habitats
  • Immerse in jungle life and Peruvian culture in a remote setting

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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