ONG Semillas Life

I completed a 4-week Wildlife Conservation Internship with Semillas Life in Codo del Pozuzo, and it was hands-down the most transformative experience of my life. Even though I arrived during the rainy season, the weather only added to the sense of adventure and the raw beauty of the jungle. The program is incredibly hands-on. I spent several nights camping in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, which was an unforgettable experience—hearing the symphony of the jungle at night is something I’ll never forget. I learned so much about the local flora and fauna, from identifying tracks to understanding the complex ecosystem of this Amazonian area. Tamara, who is in charge of the program on-site, was phenomenal. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and made sure every activity was both educational and safe. We also spent time at the local primary school, where I had the chance to share my research experience with the children. Seeing their excitement about their own backyard's biodiversity was a huge highlight. What makes Semillas Life special is that while the organization is small, their impact on the community is massive. The people in the town of Codo del Pozuzo are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met, making me feel welcome from day one. I also appreciated the support system. Even though the founder, Christian, is based in Berlin, he was always available and in constant communication. He coordinates seamlessly with the team in Peru to ensure everything runs smoothly. You can tell he is truly passionate about the mission. If you are looking for an authentic, challenging, and meaningful Biology internship, look no further. I left Peru with a deeper understanding of conservation and memories that will last a lifetime. I’m already dreaming of the day I can go back!

ATTENTION! Semillas Life is not a real Conservation Ecology internship – it’s very misleading. No team, no lab, no equipment (apart from a few camera traps). No structured projects, just rushed jungle tours with no clear learning. Supervisor has no experience, doesn’t speak English, and was unprofessional (even blocked me when I got sick). Christian, the director, lives in Berlin – there is no proper on-site management. The programme is no longer in Puerto Inca (where the forest is almost gone due to deforestation). Instead they’re in Codo de Pozuzo, claiming to do “reforestation”, but it’s just planting a few trees in a school backyard. Living conditions are dirty, unhygienic, and overpriced. A nearby hotel with private bathroom and TV was cheaper than their camp. This is not conservation work – it’s just jungle tours. If you are serious about learning ecology, look elsewhere.

I had the most wonderful time in codo. The kids, the jungle, the house, the volunteers and of course Dora, Hans, Wolfgang who took such good care of us. I improved my Spanish and learned more about the area and culture in codo. I would highly recommend staying there for (at least) a month!

My two friends and I loved teaching the sweet kids in Codo del Pozuzo. And Hans and Dora are so kind and helpful. They brought us on trips, and to a big local birthday party! We do think that speaking some beginner Spanish is a good idea to communicate with both the kids and Hans and Dora. We definitely recommend doing this Workaway to get an authentic experience of Peru!

This volunteering experience was great as a teacher - I loved the work with the kids, it was super rewarding and enjoyable. Everybody involved in the program is very kind and helpful however it is managed remotely and I think the programme would benefit a lot by having more management involved on site as support to volunteers. The living situation has potential to be good however unstructured communal living can be difficult and I think the programme would benefit from more structure regarding maintaining a standard of living conditions. Volunteers have lots of free time in the morning which could be used this way. It would be great if the tours provided were facilitated with better communication - there was little planning or structure provided for these. The area surrounding the accommodation is nice and safe. Though I would still recommend this experience to a friend, I myself decided to leave early. If I was staying longer I’d like to see the financial contributions being put towards more teaching supplies or a fan for the classroom. Thanks to Christian, Hans and Dora for all the work they do - I am very grateful that they gave me the opportunity!

Well run- I felt very supported always by Hans, Christian, and others in the community. Teaching was challenging but fun, definitely try to incorporate games into lessons!! Hans would take us on weekend activities to see waterfalls, camping, fishing, make chocolate, visit an indigenous tribe etc. and him and his family really make the entire opportunity amazing!! They are all so kind and I learned a lot during my time there about the culture, history, and environment of the area. I had minimal spanish before and it really improved during my three weeks there. definitely would recommend this volunteer!!

We had a once in a lifetime experience at semillas life. Everyone was so welcoming and we felt really close living together with all the volunteers in one house. The activities the organisation planned were all really nice. Also the time at the school, teaching the locals englisch was a wonderful experience. Thank you Chris for everything!

I had an amazing time volunteering with Semillas Life! I learned so much about the Peruvian culture and also about the remote life in the Amazon. The locals are super friendly and welcoming. Teaching at the school was so much fun! You can really leave an impact. I recommend supporting the organisation Semillas Life. Thanks to everyone!!

My time with Semilla’s Life was like nothing I have ever done before!!! Having travelled around South America for 5 months, volunteering in a remote village in the Peruvian rainforest was the most authentic experience out of the whole trip. There were no other tourists which meant I really got to connect with the locals and nature. Chris arranged so many cool activities: making chocolate, cooking Peruvian dishes, fruit picking, waterfall trips, camping in the depths of the jungle!! The kids that I taught were super motivated and I could see their progression. I’d have loved to have stayed longer - the longer you stay the more the kids can learn and the better the experience. Definitely an experience I’ll never forget.

It's was a quite authentic experience since the programme is situated in a non touristy village, that is extremely beautiful with hospitable and generous locals. The more you stay the better to have a true impact in the community. There are some really motivated kids and adults that want to learn English. It might be difficult to reach but it is worth it.

I came to Peru for my internship. I’ve spent one and half month with semillas life and it was just amazing. Staying in a village in the rainforest was challenging for me, but I enjoyed it so much. Chris, Neyer and their friends were so helpful all the time. I knew my schedule and all the responsibilities that I had. The communication was clear. They were always there to help and answer all of my questions. In my free time, they prepared trips for me and other interns and volunteers. They really care about your experience and they always prepare fun activities. They’re also doing great job with the local community and I’m happy that I could help.

I had no idea what I was about to do, where I was going, nothing. But turned out to be the best month of my life. Man, I can barely describe it, it's had everything. I loved the people, the kids, my job, the nature, the culture, the food, the tiny cozy bed, everything! I would totally go again!

I spent 1 month and a half volunteering in Puerto Inca for Semillas Life, and I had the best time of my life. We meet people from all over the world, have the opportunity, thanks to Neyer to discover the county and some local traditions. If you want an immersive experience in the Peruvian culture, you should definitely come. Kids and adults in classes are really kind and interested in our culture, you learn as much as you make them learn English. If you have some ideas for the development of the volunteer’s house or the county, you can always ask and if people think it is a good idea they’ll make it happen. I highly recommend the experience

This was a fantastic, immersive experience spent in a small village in the Amazon teaching English to children in a local school. Hosts Christian, Ana were very accommodating and knowledgeable about the community and local area and this meant that we were able to explore the Amazon and local village in a way that we would never have been able to without them. Alongside teaching in the school there is ample opportunities to explore the local neighbourhood and connect with locals. I had so much fun - this is an amazing experience that I will never forget.

I was here in the Amazon for a month. Every day was so special, re connecting with nature and connecting with locals every day. I am so excited for the day I’m back in the Amazon with my semillas family.

Working with the organization was an amazing experience! The people there really want to share their culture and you live like locals. We did a lot of games with the kids which was really fun. You only have to teach on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so on the other days there's time for adventures in the jungle. Nayer took us to beautiful places where we could swim in the river. I love that I got a sense of the culture because it's a lot different from my own. I also really felt relaxed during my stay. I would definitely recommend this experience!

The semillas Life project really helps the community in Codo. You'll have plenty of free time and an immersive experience. I really enjoyed passing time with the girls and boys from the organization and with the Sra Dora family, it was amazing and i really felt at home any time

When I started volunteering for Semillas Life the organization had their main focus on educational work. I was teaching English and German, helping to set up a curriculum, training in new volunteers, organizing weekly staff meetings and preparing didactic material. Durning this work we more and more realized that we have to focus on environmental education in order approach of the local community. We started collecting trash, building trash cans for the elementary school, taking photos of local flora and fauna to use for specific didactic material and taking the students on scout field trips. These scout's trips were not only very popular and adventures, but also teaching each other more about the nature. In this way volunteers were able to learn a lot from the local children and the kids grew confidence. Because of this success Chris and the other stuff members started a cooperation with the department of conservation and investigation of biodiversity in the natural reserve of Codo de Pozuzo, Puerto Inca. This reserve is only officially existing and recognized by the state of Peru since the year 2021. Finally, the region is understanding the importance of protecting their environment. In order to due this we are looking for expert volunteers to track the biodiversity in this reserve and collect specific data. I am looking forwards to see how in future we can use the knowledge of the interns and experts and all these data and information to gain interests nationwide and internationally. Student interns can use their knowledge, but also learn more and spread the words locally and in their home countries. My work for Semillas Life was very special because I was able to build relationships with the local community, develop my own ideas, together with the group adapt our ideas and observe the grow from small project to a professional organization. I wish everyone could be part of the team and richen the organization with their little mosaic part.