Independent Research in Bolivian Amazon
Coordinator | Erik
Coordinator | Erik
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Experience living at the Aquicuana Reserve
Gain experience doing active biology research to help conservation
Become more passionate about nature
Make meaningful discoveries at the Aquicuana Reserve
Get to know the Bolivian culture
We are looking for independent researchers to study the biodiversity at the Aquicuana Reserve, list and suggest observation projects.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Sustainable Bolivia is a NGO based in Riberalta, the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. We focus our work on sustainable community development and conservation actions.
Our volunteers have the opportunity to live and support our work at the Aquicuana Reserve and it's surroundings. This area of incredible biodiversity is located about 20 kilometers from the city of Riberalta in the Beni Department of the Bolivian Amazon. It is home to Lake San José, the plant-medicine retreat center Pisatahua, and two rural communities: San José and Warnes. Its name, Aquicuana, comes from the Tacana native language, meaning ‘land of the giant trees.’
There we promote initiatives to support education, scientific research, community development, regenerative agriculture and conservation actions.
We provide a open space for the community called "Comedor" where volunteers have internet access so that they can prepare and develop activities with the community. We also offer a Research Station and (depending on availability) accommodation in the city of Riberalta if volunteers want to visit, shop or go out during the weekends.
Scientific research is a fundamental pillar because it contributes to the quality of life and well-being of people, in the training of new professionals and in the development of professionals who are heading towards research. Your work would contribute to the community development here at Riberalta and the conservation of the Aquicuana Reserve.
Typical day
Responsibilities may include:
- Looking for specific animals in the reserve – this work will guided by a local researcher, Vincent A. Vos
- Make a list of these animals with full name, description and picture
- Prepare field guides
- Write blog articles on the work and current species in the reserve
- Possibly write or co-write scientific articles
- Create possible observation projects
- Create content: photographs, blog articles, videos
- Take initiative and suggest ideas to further develop the eco-tourism project
- Create promotion activities around fauna and flora to local institutions (schools, orphanages, etc.)
Free-time activities
In their free time, volunteers can enjoy a lot of activities around Riberalta such as enjoying the nature of the Amazon (tours, trekking) and the animals, enjoying the rivers (boat tours) or the swimming pools in the city. It is also very easy to go to Brazil where you there is a lot of amenities for shopping.
If volunteers want to travel,
there is a lot to see in Bolivia itself (easily accessible by plane)
such as the salt flats, the Titicaca Lake, the cities of La Paz, Sucre
and Tarija (this last one for the wines), the mines of Potosi and of
course its incredible nature and the parks around Santa Cruz (Amboro) or
Samaipata, and around Villa Tunari.
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (basic level)
Environment, Biology, Research at University level
CV and passport
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Ideally a biology or biodiversity degree (or currently studying)
Interest for wildlife and plants in the rainforest
Ability to work independently
Minimum commitment of 1 month
Basic Spanish
Patience and flexibility
Interest for wildlife and plants in the rainforest
Ability to work independently
Minimum commitment of 1 month
Basic Spanish
Patience and flexibility
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
- Pre-arrival support
- Research supervision by a local biologist
- Accommodation at the Aquicuana Reserve
- 3 meals a day (vegetarian/vegan option possible)
- Volunteer or internship placement
- 24-hour staff support
- Drinkable water
- Internet access
- Orientation
- Airport pick up (in Riberalta) and initial transportation to the Reserve
- Cleaning services
- Discount to Plant Medicine Retreat Pisatahua
All Prices Include:
Airport pick up from the city of Riberalta
We offer accommodation inside the Aquicuana Reserve and
share Pisatahua Retreat's infrastructure. Volunteers and interns share
dorm rooms in our sustainable ecolodges, the volunteer cabin and the
research station.
About infrastructure in Pisatahua:
We employ energy-efficient innovations to enhance the comfort and aesthetic experience of our guests. We make every possible attempt to utilize local, natural, and sustainable building materials for housing and furniture.
We use renewable energy resources and we’ve implemented simple, cost-efficient, energy and water conservation measures. We treat grey-water and recycle all our waste.
Our facilities were constructed with sustainably-harvested wood, bamboo, and palm leaves. We designed all of our infrastructure in accordance with traditional construction techniques; however, these methodologies were adapted to meet our specific needs. Local community members are employed for all our construction and maintenance needs.
All construction methods minimized the removal of vegetation. The trees whose lives we spared return the favor by cooling down the area and shielding our guests from the sun.
We constructed limited number
of elevated walkways to prevent soil erosion and protect fragile
ecosystems. These walkways also protect our guests from the jungle
elements.
Energy and Water Conservation:
Due to our remote location, we’re completely off-grid and we must generate our own electricity. Electricity use is limited to power a few appliances such as common-area lighting, water pumps, and kitchen equipment.
We’ve taken steps to minimize our water usage by implementing a few simple measures including: low-flow restrictor valves, low-flow toilets and water saving nozzles. Furthermore, guests are required to use 100% biodegradable, phosphorous-free soap and shampoo.
Some of our energy conservation measures include:
- Renewable solar energy light-bulbs
- Drying racks on clothes line
- Reusing towels and linens
- High efficiency appliances
- Energy efficient refrigeration
Our goal is to Leave-No-Trace when it comes to waste.
Anything we pack in, we bring out. We recycle everything we can in the
city of Riberalta. All organic matter from the kitchen is composted. A
conscious effort is made to reduce all packaging. Whenever possible we
purchase supplies made from recycled materials.
- Drinkable water available
- 3 meals per day (vegetarian/vegan option possible)
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Gen Buech Airport (RIB) in Riberalta. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
When can your start volunteering?
Volunteers can join the program throughout all year round.
How to get to Riberalta?
First
you would have to fly into Bolivia - either La Paz (LPB) or Santa Cruz
(VVI). From there you can take a connecting flight with the airline
Ecojet to Riberalta. There are daily flights that cost about $120 each
way. We typically recommend you fly into Santa Cruz as the connections
are easier. Contact us for information to purchase a flight with a local
travel agency.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
4 - 48 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$700
8 weeks
$1,400
12 weeks
$2,100
48 weeks
(max. stay)
$8,400
Average fees
$175
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Sustainable Bolivia
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Sustainable Bolivia during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
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Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Sustainable Bolivia cancels your trip
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Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Sustainable Bolivia.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Independent Research in Bolivian Amazon
We are looking for independent researchers to study the biodiversity at the Aquicuana Reserve, list and suggest observation projects.
$175/week
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