Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts and coastal plains, and its three prominent topographical bands are Costa, Sierra and Amazonia. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory! The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that add to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.
This is a minimum two-week and maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $805 for two weeks and $6,750 for 24 weeks.