Volunteer in Peru: Rainforest Research and Conservation

by Natucate

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$300-600Program Costs

5.0 / 5Overall Rating

1Review

2013Year established

$300-600Program Costs

5.0 / 5Overall Rating

1Review

2013Year established

Program Overview

Do you want to contribute to the research of the Amazon rainforest and learn about the rich flora and fauna of the Peruvian rainforest?

Become part of an international research team of students, interns, and volunteers and support the protection and conservation of the rainforest through monitoring and research programs in tropical South America.

As a volunteer, you will support the maintenance of the protected area, help monitor wildlife, tree, and plant species, and assist the current studies of students or researchers. As a student or intern, you can conduct your own research on other topics and get help with your scientific project and fieldwork or support other students with their data collection.

Everyone can use this opportunity to learn about valuable research tactics, fieldwork, and identification skills useful for study, career, or personal development.

Please note: Be advised that the presence of insects and other critters is common in this area. Also, hygiene standards will certainly be lower than what you are accustomed to.

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Program Highlights

Learn first-hand how the Peruvian Amazon is being protected and explored.

Get hands-on training in ecosystem monitoring, exploration, and conservation.

Better understand the human impact on the Amazon rainforest.

Live in an isolated research station with a sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Work with volunteers and research lovers from all over the world.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration

Some Program Activity Costs

Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan

Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)

Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)

Training

Pre-Departure Orientation

Assistance Booking Travel

Academic Credit

Emergency Support

Quick Details

Location

Peru

Starts At$300-600

Availability

Year(s) Offered:Year Round

Duration:

2-4 Weeks
5-8 Weeks
9-12 Weeks
Summer

Age Requirement18+

Types & Subjects

Causes:

Biological Research
Conservation
Environment
Wildlife

GuidelinesAll Nationalities

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Updated May 22, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

Peru

Available Terms / Availability

Years Offered
Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

Language
English
Education
Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

Dormitory
Group living
Guest House

Application Procedures

Other
Phone/Video Interview
Written Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

2-4 Weeks
5-8 Weeks
9-12 Weeks
Summer

Starts At

$300-600

Salary & Compensation

No salary

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Natucate

5.0

1 review

Rating breakdown

Top categories

Volunteer Placement

5.0

Program Administration

5.0

Community Engagement

5.0

Day to Day Life

5.0

Living Situation

4.0

Health & Safety

4.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

Sina KohlerSwitzerland · June 2023

Hands-down the best way to explore the Rainforest

While I stayed in the project for 5 weeks I not only learned a lot about nature and conservation, I also had the opportunity to get to know the Peruvian culture including the very tasty local meals. There were lots of Biology researchers at the camp, whom I could assist on their daily research activities. If I had a question, they would always take their time to explain and show me the gems of the rainforest like birds, trees, frogs, monkeys and many more things. What I loved most about my time at the project was the variety of activities and how many new skills I gained. We had to learn how to orientate ourselves in the Amazon and which animals are dangerous, also how to work with a machete has been taught. Every day became an adventure! In the evening we would play cards or watch a movie together. It was a truly amazing time and I made many new friends. I recommend this project to every person who is wild at heart and wants to get to know the rainforest alongside young and enthusiastic experts

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Natucate.

What happens after my arrival?

After being picked up by boat from Puerto City and arriving at the station, you will receive an introduction to the research work. The rules and protocols of the station will be explained to you. You will also be given a first orientation tour of the reserve. A staff member will show your room, the kitchens, and the rest of the research station.

What are my main tasks?

Behavioral studies of black spider monkeys: Collect data about movement, behavior, diet composition, and habitat use
Mammal transect: Register all observations to determine the diversity, abundance, and population density of mammals
Camera traps: Monitor cameras placed over mineral licks to document the biodiversity of vertebrates
Vegetation study: Visit the ten plots to measure the diameter, height, and number of living versus dead trees

How big is the group?

The reserve's number of volunteers and researchers varies greatly, but it is usually between 4 and 20 people. Usually, the dry season (May to October) is more popular. Volunteers and researchers come from all over the world, but mainly from France, America, and Germany.

What does accommodation look like?

You stay in a comfortable bungalow with clean water and electricity. The cabins are open so you can enjoy the beautiful view and sound of the forest.

Each bungalow includes a shower and toilet and has enough room so that 1-4 people sleep comfortably together. Shared spaces include a kitchen, living room, working area, and a hammock.

At the station, we use solar energy to minimize environmental impact and buy only locally produced vegetables.

Is it possible to have vegetarian/vegan meals?

Vegetarians and vegans are welcome. Vegans should bring their personal supplements. Remember that you must bring them with you or buy them in town at the latest. You will not be able to get any supplements at the research station. You could, for example, pack nuts as an additional source of protein.