from 1,344€

Excellent 4.8rating (5)

Wildlife Conservation/Amazon Rainforest/Internship

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Explore the Amazon Rainforest with other volunteers/interns!
  • Improve your Spanish skills with our 4 hours per week Spanish lessons!
  • Learn how to make artisanal chocolate!
  • Enjoy camping trips and the beautiful nature of the Amazon jungle!
  • Visit Indigenous Communities, Boiling River, local plantations, crystal water streams and much more!

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

El Sira Communal Reserve / Codo Del Pozuzo Natural Reserve are home to at least 300 bird species, 124 mammals and 140 reptiles identified to date.

People with special knowledge in the field of biology could help us by observing and documenting different species in this rural area of biodiversity. The idea of this project is to be able to document all kinds of possible biodiversity through photos and videos in order to develop different ...

About the program

People with special knowledge in the field of biology could help us by observing and documenting different species in this rural area of biodiversity. The idea of this project is to be able to document all kinds of possible biodiversity through photos and videos in order to develop different types of teaching materials to share with the community and different Peruvian and international schools.

El Sira Natural Reserve / Codo Del Pozuzo Natura Reserve

WILD LIFE

One of the places in Peru that biologists, birdwatchers and explorers cannot miss is, El Sira Communal Reserve (Spanish: Reserva Comunal El Sira).
This is a protected area in Peru created on 23 June 2001 and located in three regions: the Huánuco Region (Puerto Inca Province), the Pasco Region (Oxapampa Province) and the Ucayali Region (Atalaya Province and Coronel Portillo Province).

The whole area is extremely rich in birds including many localized lowland and foothill birds such as Blue-headed Macaw, Curl-crested Aracari, Sulphury Flycatcher, Black-capped and White-bellied Parrots, Wing-banded Wren, Crested and Band-bellied Owls, Solitary Eagle, Koepcke's Hermit, Black-streaked Puffbird, Creamy-bellied Antwren, Peruvian Tyrannulet, Cerulean-capped and Jet Manakins, Fiery-throated and Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Olivaceous Piha and Rufous-brown Solitaire.

Of the mammals in the El Sira Communal Reserve, 54 species are of special importance due to a threat category, such as: giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), pacarana (Dinomys branickii), river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), manatee (Trichechus inunguis), bush dog (Speothus venaticus), spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth), jaguar (Panthera onca) and otter (Lontra longicaudis).

In addition, 203 species of BIRDS have been registered, especially the Passeriformes with 63 species. The Sira is one of the greatest areas of bird endemism of the planet (Peruvian East Andean Foothills). Among the most representative endemic species of birds is the Paujil del Sira or Piurí (Pauxi unicornis koepckeae), a subspecies of horned curassow that lives only in the El Sira mountain range.
The Sira curassow, a large bird in the Cracidae family is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Also endemic are the Sira tanager (Tangara phillipsi) and the Sira hummingbird (Paethornis koepckeae).

Picture yourself walking among the ear-deafening noise of hundreds of parrots and macaws, an unforgettable cacophonic experience as you explore the Amazon jungle. Imagine having a close encounter with a beautiful male toucan, with his powerful and long beak, or seeing the colorful macaws as they soar above the trees. Experience the overwhelming image of a Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) hauling his coin-sized tail discs or moving through the bushes at 14,000 feet.
There is also a large possibility of future scientific discoveries of species and subspecies of birds in areas of the reserve that are relatively inaccessible and that, as a consequence of their remoteness, may add new records of species not previously encountered.

In addition, some 105 species of reptiles have been reported, of the families of the Amphisbaenidae, saurians and especially snakes. Also 68 species of amphibians, mostly toads and frogs of the families Hylidae and Leptodactylidae, are known from the reserve. Finally, 111 species of bony fish have been reported, the most diverse being Characiformes.

FLORA
Some 190 species have been collected, including 8 endangered species, such as tall or red cedar (Cedrela odorata), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), quinilla (Manilkara bidentata), ceiba (Ceiba pentandra), ishpingo (Amburana cearensis) and palo rosa (Aniba rosaeodora). In the high parts the vegetation consists of trees with thin stems and small crowns, with a high presence of epiphytes: Bromeliads, orchids, ferns, Piperaceae, lichens, Sellaginaceae and mosses; while in the lower part there are taller and more vigorous trees with diameters exceeding 1.5m, in whose branches there is a varied plant community, composed of bromeliads, ferns, orchids and anthuriums, among others. There are 44 registered orchid species.




Typical day

We will work on monitoring physical and biological variables and on the preservation of threatened species and protecting their ecosystems. The project will involve geographically locating different ecosystems and working on the accessibility, research and conservation of the area. There will be ...

Typical day

We will work on monitoring physical and biological variables and on the preservation of threatened species and protecting their ecosystems. The project will involve geographically locating different ecosystems and working on the accessibility, research and conservation of the area. There will be a specific focus on any priority required by local scientists.

It is necessary to document all kinds of possible biodiversity through photos and videos in order to develop different types of teaching materials to share with the community and different Peruvian and international schools. 

Depending on availability, Interns will have the opportunity to work in either El Sira Communal Reserve or Codo Del Pozuzo Regional Reserve. The group will be trekking for approximately 4 hours within the jungle to reach the working field at El Sira Communal Reserve or one hour to the working field at Codo Del Pozuzo Regional Reserve. Camera traps will be utilized to capture the variety of wildlife. 

Volunteers/interns typically work a 6-hour day shift starting at 9:00am from Monday to Thursday.


Free-time activities

The following activities for volunteers are included:

-Hiking at the Amazon rainforest - Swimming at local streams and rivers -Visit local plantations -Trek to local caves

-Camping in the rainforest, fishing, bonfire, exploring, documenting, etc. - Fishing at local stream with local fisherman using a ...

Free-time activities

The following activities for volunteers are included:

-Hiking at the Amazon rainforest - Swimming at local streams and rivers -Visit local plantations -Trek to local caves

-Camping in the rainforest, fishing, bonfire, exploring, documenting, etc. - Fishing at local stream with local fisherman using a net.


 Volunteers can also do the following activities during their free time:

 -Explore the Amazon rainforest - Play sports with locals such as soccer or volleyball - Fruit picking around the village - Bonfire around the Pachitea riverside - Fishing -Swimming - Birdwatching - Visit Austro-German Community (Included in package)


Ayahuasca Ceremony with local shaman - Visit the Boiling River - Visit indigenous communities - Boat trips - Yoga, and more.                                  (Not included in package)


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

Biololgy, Biotechnology, Environmental, Zoology, Botany at University level

Required Documents

CV

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

-Photography -Team work -Introspection -Camping -Scout -First aid -Survival -Communication and navigation techniques

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 - 15:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Semillas Life

We are a non-profit organization and as such we do not distribute any surplus income as profit or dividends. Nonetheless, just as a for-profit organization, we have costs for our operations which we need to cover in order to be able to exist. By being a non-profit, we can keep costs down and make our placements more accessible than other programs. We aim to keep our operational costs as low as possible by working efficiently, ensuring that we can make a real and positive impact in the present and are able to keep the organization moving forward into the future. One of our main sources of regular income are the financial contributions from our volunteer/interns for their placements, without these we would not be able to pay our staff or sustain our organization. Your financial contribution also directly funds our projects, so you are having a positive impact just by signing up. 

PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES:

-Transportation from/to the airport of Pucallpa or bus station. This ride to/from our village takes 5 hours approximately.

-Food (breakfast & lunch) from Monday to Thursday.

-Spanish lessons (4 hours per week). Volunteers/interns have the option to require more hours of Spanish lessons for an extra fee (US$10.00 dollars per extra hour).

-Week Of Adventure Package: (5 trips to different spots in the rainforest including a camping trip). 

-Volunteers will participate in our artisanal making chocolate workshop.

-Fruit picking: Volunteers/interns will participate in fruit picking activities with our Crew.

-Transportation fees during the Week of Adventure package are included.

-Certificate of participation by our NGO and local city hall.

Airport Pickup at Capitan Rolden Airport

Our Personnel will meet volunteers/interns at David Abensur Rengifo airport or bus station in the city of Pucallpa and bring them to our village. We will provide a photo of the driver to the volunteers/interns so, they can recognize the driver. This ride from Pucallpa our village takes approximately 5 hours.

Accommodation

-Accommodation: Volunteer/interns stay in one of our shared huts (cabins) Toilette and shower are located in our backyard. We will provide photos of the accommodation if required. Also, a kitchen and gas are provided where volunteers/interns can prepare their own food at any time. Depending on availability, a bedroom can be shared by three/two volunteers/interns or private for one volunteer/intern. We provide a bed, mattress, bedsheets, blanket, pillow and mosquito net. We also provide hammocks for relaxing time as well as tents for camping trips. Wi Fi is also provided 24/7 in all our huts (cabins).

Food & Beverages

Food:


Breakfast and lunch are provided from Monday to Thursday.

Breakfast: consists of coffee or milk, porridge, bread, butter, jam, eggs and fruits.

Lunch: consists of one entry dish. it can be a soup or salad. The main course is served either with chicken, fish, beef, pork, etc. Refreshment juice is also served.

Vegetarian and Vegan food can be prepared if required.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Capitan Rolden Airport (PCL) in Pucallpa. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Arrival & Orientation:

Our Personnel will meet volunteers/interns at David Abensur Rengifo airport or bus station in the city of Pucallpa and bring them to our village. This ride from Pucallpa to our village, takes approximately 5 hours. We recommend volunteers/interns to arrive on weekends (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), so together we can explore the village and get to know some of our village attractions before starting volunteering on Monday.

Volunteer / Interns schedule:

Day One: Our local coordinator/staff will give volunteers/interns an orientation and will accompany them to their program. Volunteers/interns will be shown how to manage the commute (tuk tuks, walking, colectivos). Volunteers/interns will be introduced to the site director and discuss their role in the project.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,344€
5 weeks 1,680€
6 weeks 2,016€
7 weeks 2,352€
50 weeks (max. stay) 16,800€
Average fees 336€/week

Program fees

336€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Semillas Life during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Semillas Life

Excellent 4.8 rating (5 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2018

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Christian

About the project

Working for the economic and social development of the less privileged communities in the Peruvian Amazon.

Meet your organization

Who we are:

 

We are a growing project working for the economic and social development of the less privileged communities in the Peruvian Amazon.  Approximately 90% of the population in Puerto Inca lives without access to basic needs such as, running water, sewage and paved roads. However, Puerto Inca, has the potential to be a touristic province. We believe that creating an infrastructure for sustainable ecotourism can help to develop these communities. For this reason, we started this project in June 2018, putting a lot of our hearts and energy into it.

 

What we do? – Mission & Vision

 

We focus on education, environment, ecotourism and cultural exchange. We believe that working together with these communities in developing different skills for its people and creating new job opportunities, not only will help to reduce poverty but to reduce activities that are damaging the environment such as, logging and gold mining with strong contaminating chemicals.  We want to give opportunities to the community to change and care for their environment like having other ways to earn money instead of destroying the Amazon rainforest.

Protecting the Amazon should be a global commitment because of its incalculable biological and ecological value.

 

Where we work?

 

We are situated in Puerto Inca, Huanuco, Peru. Puerto Inca is the largest of eleven provinces of the Huánuco Region. It is a Province as well as a district. It is located in the central Amazon of Peru at an altitude of 330 meters above sea level. It is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. This province is also home of different indigenous communities such as, the ethnicities Ashaninka, Yanesha and Shipibo-Cacataibo. An Austrian-German Community can also be found in Puerto Inca.

Puerto Inca is a very peaceful place. Visitors can walk around the village at any time without any problem.

 

Goals:

 

One of our mid-term goals is to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children by creating a safe environment for healthy physical, social, and emotional development. We want to encourage a passion and respect for the natural world to help transition eager young minds into caring, socially-conscious global citizens. Through a connection with nature, we can nurture a better understanding of the environment whilst improving their interpersonal skills with one another and other adults.

 

Who are we looking for?

 

We are looking for motivated people who are not only eager to teach others but who are willing together with the students to look at different perspectives, finding solutions, trying new things and developing ideas in a team. Especially for “our Kids Explorer” and “Teaching English” programs we would like volunteers to independently run short workshops. Therefore we are looking for volunteers who have an interest in different topics such as arts and crafts, music and drama, environment protection, DIY and repair workshops, animals, plants or taking photos and making videos and enthusiastically pass on their personal passion.  All volunteers are role models for their home culture, their behavior and their way of problem solutions. We would like volunteers to keep this in mind and also to not judge other ways of thinking and acting, instead using open and critical discussions.

 

Why choose us?

By volunteering with us, you get a unique chance to experience the stunning natural diversity and experience the beautiful local culture beyond a busy tourist industry. At the same time, you will help us to achieve our goal in giving back to our local community. We co-operate with a range of local people. Therefore, all booking fees go either straight to people in our community such as, farmers, taxi and tuc tuc drivers, hostels, restaurants, groceries, boat and tour guides, artisans, etc.  You will also help to cover the expenses of our project.

5 reviews · rating4.8

Rocío Bergero rating5

2019 at Teaching English In The Peruvian Amazon

Our experience in Puerto Inca was incredible!! From the beginning Christian kept in communication with us, answering all our doubts before traveling there. And during our stay he was always attentive to making us feel at home! The project that he is carrying out is very nice and interesting, it ...
Anne Poenisch rating4.8

2019 at Teaching English In The Peruvian Amazon

During my journey to Peru I volunteered for Semillas Life. I really liked the idea to not only teach English to local kids and adults, but beyond that to teach an appreciative approach to nature. Only what you love you will protect. While traveling through Peru, I experienced how important the goal ...
Martha Crivello rating4.8

2019 at Teaching English In The Peruvian Amazon

An amazing place. Such a great experience, such a pleasure to get to know the children, they are all lovely and really keen to learn which makes teaching easier. Lots of things to do nearby when not working, can take weekend trips also, when I was there we went camping in the jungle near the ...
Georgia Howitt-Sutton rating4.6

2019 at Teaching English In The Peruvian Amazon

We really loved our time teaching in Puerto Inca! All of the kids were so eager and enthusiastic to learn and everyone in the village was very welcoming to us. We got to know a lot of people and would definitely consider going back. We spent three months in Peru in total and we would definitely say ...
I can say that part the Amazon had the best experience for me, with camping, challenging, our conversations with other volunteers, do funny stuff, swimming in a river, fishing, joining to party in a village, and the most important thing was working with lovely local kids, playing with them to help ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Puerto Inca, Huanuco

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