Jungle Conservation—Volunteer in Peru!

We would spend the days doing often manual labour and venturing deep into the jungle to collect data, but we still had a lot of time to bond with other volunteers and the staff. Emily, Aldo and Cristobal were all very helpful and they really embodied genuine passion for the conservation of nature. I highly advise anyone interested to try the program, as you really begin to appreciate the Amazon and its importance

I really appreciated all of the help I got from Maximo throughout my time here. Both the general orientation and the jungle conservation orientations were thorough and necessary. Some things I would recommend future volunteers to pack is a dry bag, something like a trash bag or better that you can put wet clothes inside. Also, some crocs or rubber slip-ons that you can get wet. On the other hand, something you shouldn´t bring is big rubber boots that can´t get wet on the inside. I would suggest bringing only Wellys.

I was genuinely really impressed with the whole experience at Maximo Nivel. I booked the trip through another organization that helps find volunteer work abroad, and the coordinator undersold the experience by a longshot. So, when I arrived, I was not expecting it to be as good as it was.

Overall it was an awesome experience. Cristobal and Emily were wonderful and made our group feel like a family. The food was delicious, activities were very fun especially tree planting and gardening, and the people were lovely!

I had the best 3 weeks in the amazon rainforest at the Panthera sanctuary taking part in multiple conservation projects from working with the jungle and also learning about the different wildlife. I wasn't expecting to eat so well in the jungle environment, which was better than expected. Everything was organised from start to finish, which meant the process of arriving in Peru was smooth.

I had a amazing time in Peru , felt very accommodated by the team at Maximo , as well as the team at the Panthera Sanctuary ! -- - --------------------------------------------------------------------

Maximo is a very well organized organization full of kind and helpful staff. Their projects are fun and a great experience overall. You can tell the staff and volunteers are all engaged and enthusiastic about having a great time and helping communities.

Program is run with warmth and efficiency. The immersion in the unique natural landscape has been an experience second to none. Cristóbal, Javier, Jamie and Erica are absolute legends!!!!! Watch out for Cristóbal! Highly recommend anybody with a sense of adventure to participate in this program.

Life is slow and productive Things WILL get mouldy There is no reception but it's such a great detox and the perfect amount of society when you go back to Puerto Maldonado on the weekends. The guides are legends and will tease you when you go through/fall in the swamp take it in stride, They make the best stories! Can't wait to come back!!!

It was great I enjoyed all the different sustainability work opportunities. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the environment and getting away from society. I saw so many cool creatures and plants.

Fantastic programme in a great location in the Amazon. Very nice staff and activities, and the work done is impactful and worthwhile. Great food served and comfortable living arrangements. Would highly recommend. ?

I stayed three months at Panthera Sanctuary and it was the best experience ever. The staff at Panthera were amazing, so incredibly kind and funny, and they make sure you are always doing something new. I made some incredible memories and friends at Panthera Sanctuary that I never forget!

Maximo Nivel made sure to check up on us and make sure everything was running smoothly. Even though we were in the jungle with no wifi I have never had a better time in my life. The staff at the jungle made sure we had everything we needed and that we were having a good time. It gives you a chance to disconnect and do something positive and if you are clumsy like me a chance to laugh at yourself and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

I went to Panthera Sanctuary In the Amazonian Rainforest and an experience that was a great mixture of beautiful and challenging. Many Beautiful animals, plants, stars, and sunsets. But, also many creepy crawlies.

For about four weeks, I was staying at Reserva Tierra Linda inside the Amazon Jungle (buffer zone). Pablo was our supervisor and caretaker. Pretty much all I have to say is that this was hands down one of the best times of my life! The jungle is incredible. We did reforestation work like planting trees and removing invasive species. As well as other necessary jobs like clearing trails for researchers and reestablishing the eating and hang out area when needed. We had the opportunity to go into town to teach English to the kids several times and that was a big highlight for me as well! Pablo was a great leader that made our jobs even more fun with his great sense of humor. He is a very dedicated person, especially to his work, and it was just amazing talking with him about everything he has done for Tierra Linda. I definitely recommend this program for anyone looking to do amazing work and see amazing things!

My friend and I decided to go through Maximo Nivel so that way we could be more immersed in the culture and lets just say we definitely were immersed. We got to explore and do what we want and still be able to visit the hot spots such as Machu Picchu! The people are very patient and work with you to meet your needs. Come! You wont regret it!

I loved the jungle, it was a way for me to get out of my comfort zone and it did! I saw animals and landscape I would probably never see again, I met incredible people, got scared and learned a lot about fear and how to control it. Thanks for everything, I will definitely come back.

Panthera is a wonderful sanctuary run by Pierre, a French herpetologist, who explores the jungle and conducts research on the animals that live there. Each day is different which makes thing exciting and challenging at the same time! One day you may go cayman spotting, the next you may go to the lake where the water is so clear that you can catch the fish barehanded and the next you may do some trail maintenance while taking a hike to a gorgeous waterfall. The work can be difficult but everything you do is rewarding and you can learn a ton about the local flora and fauna. Thank you Panthera and Maximo Nivel!

Expect Thoreau at Walden Pond, except a guy named Pablo living in the Peruvian jungle. The lodge is as much about conservation as it is about living humbly and appreciating the tranquility of nature. Pablo decided to live where he does to help heal the forest and to live freely, at an arms distance from our contrived society. He also chose the specific location because the altitude is not muggy or buggy and its above the towns so the river is pristine. He's at peace there, as was I. After six weeks I felt mellow and perfectly content in silence, reading and self reflecting. Almost to a flaw because more people came the last two weeks and I had noticeably lost some social skills, but they also dislodged my introverted inertia which I think was healthy for me at the time. The best experience there, or anywhere, is a happy medium of engagement with society and detachment from it. The answer to every question imaginable in the jungle is "whatever you want." Or wherever, whenever, and however. Expect total freedom and lack of structure based on the shared understanding that when people have the right to do what they want, they want to do what is right. Whether that be help cook, work purposefully, do the dishes, swim in the river or anything else that may be happening. It all runs smoothly. No need to ask questions about what the plan is for today because nobody knows until it happens...a sort of functional chaotic order. You might go to the town or work or nap or read all depending on the circumstances but Pablo doesn't make plans and pretty quick you'll lose track of the date and the time, living in rhythm with the sun. Everything I could say about logistics and what not you would find out soon enough upon arrival and find yourself perfectly comfortable with it. Only truly required thing to know ahead of time is bring peanut butter. Or any kind of breakfast spread would be greatly appreciated by all. Of everything I'm writing that's by far the most objectively valid statement I can make about Tierra Linda: bring peanut butter. ...and plenty of reading materials for bedtime and the midday siesta when its too hot to work(Btw Pablo would appreciate any books in Spanish-he ran out a while ago). In terms of any gifts or bring-and-leave-behind type stuff: infinite books, any foods from the city, a portable hammock would be cool, and Risk would be perfect for rainy days if someone could come through. There's plenty more I want to say, but words don't do it justice. Some experiences are better had than told. Oh yea, effectively limitless bananas.

I volunteered at ITA in March 2015 for two weeks. The experience has been absolutely amazing and enlightening. I loved learning about the different techniques used for conservation research. The amount and variety of hands-on experience was great, we got to handle and tag birds, set butterfly traps, track animals, plant palm trees and work at the farm. Volunteer group leaders Helmut and Noe are very friendly and will always provide ample information about the projects. Bring lots of bug spray and a raincoat if you are going in the wet season months. The food is very repetitive, but I personally loved it because everything is fresh and natural. Depending on the number of volunteers staying at ITA, it can either get very loud or very quiet, I got to experience both in my two weeks there. My suggestions are - be flexible and open-minded about the tasks you are asked to complete, prepare to have very short notice before an assignment (bit of a lack of scheduling here, but I didn't mind), ask questions, absorb information, enjoy the experience and you will become a slightly different person by the time you leave Casa ITA. At least that worked for me :) Feel free to email me with questions: [email protected]

The few days we spent at ITA were great fun, we got to do a lot of hard work but it was all worthwhile!! My experiences in the Amazon will follow me for the rest of my life with my greater appreciation for nature and farming as well as a greater passion for my work back home in Hawaii in conservation and outreach. I'm very thankful for the team at IVHQ, Maximo, and ITA for all their efforts. I would encourage anyone and everyone to try this wonderful program.