Amazon Basin Research and Conservation, Peru, Further Details
Why is this programme more costly than others?
The main reason why the programme cost is more than others is solely because the work we do, specifically the research in very remote locations, does cost a lot. Here are some points which explain why this is the case:
- Because volunteers will be undertaking scientific research and monitoring, they may use this opportunity to learn valuable research and identification skills which can (if they wish to) be used for their studies or careers. We also allow parallel research to be undertaken for their own purposes, so long as they ask permission first.
- That because our work is fairly widespread, volunteers will get the opportunity to experience at least 2-3 different areas (in one phase) within the Tambopata area of rainforest, which means they will experience different types of rainforest, different species of animal and different research bases/eco-lodges.
- That all the profit from volunteer fees is put straight back into vital research and monitoring of wildlife in the Amazon rainforest, and thus provides better understanding of the rainforest and the animals within so that we can better protect both.
That there are many opportunities for volunteers to have personal, hands-on experiences with hundreds of wild Amazon birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, insects and even sometimes mammals. This also provides fantastic photo opportunities. - Lastly, that we provide patient and thorough teachings through training sessions and highly experienced team coordinators. Volunteers can expect to learn in-depth about local wildlife, local people, rainforest threats/impacts, deforestation, conservation solutions, climate change, outdoor orientation and survival tips in the rainforest, and much more.
Our programme partner, Fauna Forever, not only believes in the importance of the research we are conducting, but we have much bigger aspirations to help protect and improve the Amazon rainforest. And, we believe strongly in the education and inspiration factors for volunteers who work with us. We want to help people from all different parts of the world, from all different age groups and ethnicity backgrounds, to understand why the Amazon Rainforest (and all of its inhabitants) are so important for our planet and for every one of us, and to feel inspired to join us in protecting it.
A few quotes from some of our most recent volunteers:
"This isn't just another gap year programme - this is the real thing so if you're faint hearted and afraid of a challenge stay away. Everyone else will have the time of their lives! You will see and do things you won't believe and come away with stories you couldn't make up. This is not only an exclusive and prestigious experience to have completed, but it's as exciting and as genuine as volunteer projects come." Nella Beavor (England)
"Before arriving in Peru I prayed my experience would be so great, so memorable and so unique that afterwards I wouldn't be able to imagine my life without it. My prayers have been answered!" Terry Burwell (USA)
It was a privilege to work on the Fauna Forever Tambopata project helping to conserve incredible wildlife. It's in an area of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest where something spectacular can happen at any moment, and often does. What a great experience. When can I come again? - Paul Greaves (England)
"I dreamed about going into the rainforest my whole life and this fulfilled that dream. All of the sightings and experiences gained were beyond my imagination." - Martina Jurcovicova (Czech Republic)
"I never thought that in my lifetime, I would ever touch and hold frogs or snakes! Through my own choice though, while in the jungle, the researchers helped me overcome this fear. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thanks!" Fahrol Jaafar (Malaysia)
Extra Experiences
A number of additional experiences are available during a phase, though some are dependent on the locations visited, including:
Relaxing walks through the forest, during both day and night
Visiting local communities, farms, Brazil nut extractors, and Park Guards
Camping at oxbow lakes to see the Giant river otters (and many other dawn- and late afternoon-active species)
Ascending to the canopy, 30 metres above the forest floor, to spot arboreal species by climbing up observation towers and canopy walkways
Swimming in freshwater streams and rivers
Observing early-morning activity at some of the largest and most active macaw and parrot clay-licks in the world
Visiting local mammal clay-licks
Football and volleyball with the locals
Included activities in town (Puerto Maldonado):
Visiting the local serpentarium
Hanging out at a jungle lodge and Thai restaurant outside town which has a swimming pool and many rescued monkeys that frolick in the trees above
Visiting the local butterfly farm
Visiting the Amazon Shelter - an animal rescue centre
Sampling many of the wonderfully exotic local foods and drinks at various restaurants (dont forget to ask for Lucuma icecream too!).
Browsing the Puerto Maldonado market for fresh fruit, veg and cheap DVDs!
Climbing the Biodiversity Obelisk a tall tower with panoramic views over the jungle town (considered the 5th ugliest building in the World, come see it to believe it)
Other attractions in the region (before or after the project and not included):
Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Puno, Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island
The Los Amigos Research Centre (CICRA)
Kayaking down the Tambopata or Madre de Dios rivers
Ayahuasca
Manu National Park
Cloud forest of the Cuzco Region
Rio Branco in Brazil
La Paz in Bolivia
Weather & visa information
In terms of weather, the temperature is much the same throughout the year with mean monthly temperature ranging from 20° to 28° C. The year is divided into two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season runs from November to April. Though it rains most days, there are still plenty of sunny periods and it can get quite humid. The dry season runs from May until October, during which it rains infrequently (5-6 days a month), but as ever it is still humid. Throughout the entire year, the sun usually shines during at least part of the day.
Volunteers from around the world are able to arrive in Peru without a pre-arranged visa, and can pick up a free tourist visa on arrival which is valid for up 6 months (do ask for 6 months if you want it). Anyone staying longer than the stated visa expiry date granted on arrival in Peru will accumulate a daily penalty fine this is not recommended.
Medical information
The Amazon rainforest in Peru is within a malaria zone, and although it is rare in Tambopata we still recommend to take malaria pills when in the jungle. Yellow Fever and Typhoid injections are also required, and outbreaks of Dengue have been reported in the past. Rare cases of Leishmaniasis are also known. However, it is best to consult your own GP to find out about recommended vaccinations and treatments.
Feedback from Previous Volunteers
If you're interested to read more about ex-volunteers feedback on the Amazon Basin Research and Conservation Project click here. We will be happy to provide you with further details if you want to get in touch with some of them.
How to get involved?
If you are interested in joining this project, you will need to fill out the online application form (you can also print it out and send it to us by post) to secure a placement on the project, please complete and submit the form including two references and your deposit of £170. If for some reason, your application is declined, we will reimburse this deposit fully. However for those who are accepted, 10% of the full amount needs to be paid within 10 days of being confirmed on the project, with the remainder (90%) to be paid one month before departure. Once the full sum is paid, you will receive a pre-departure package with all detailed information on your project, Peru, suggested items to bring etc.
