Sustainable Bolivia

Native Plant Study

Riberalta, Bolivia show on map
Volunteer Abroad Environment Conservation Work in Bolivia

Non-profit | Sustainable Bolivia

We are looking for a Plant Medicine Inventory Project. Working with a local informant, we will identify, photograph, and help write a guide to Aquicuana’s plants This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

Sustainable Bolivia supports local and international volunteers interested in making a lasting impact.  We work hard to arrange a mutually beneficial volunteer experience.

Together with two rural communities, Pisatahua and Fundacion Amazonia, Sustainable Bolivia has helped to secure and protect the 20,000 hectares of the Aquicuana Reserve, located at 20km from Riberalta. Sustainable Bolivia intends to develop a community-based ecotourism project within the reserve allowing the communities to receive an additional income but also more opportunities for the children going out of school.

Pisatahua is an integrative plant-medicine retreat, located in the Aquicuana Reserve. Sustainable Bolivia is Pisatahua’s sister non-profit. Sustainable Bolivia also hosts Pisatahua volunteers in our communal home found in the city.

Sustainable Bolivia, in partnership with Pisatahua, is currently receiving applications for a Plant Medicine Inventory Project. Working with a local informant, the selected applicant will identify, photograph, and help write a guide to Aquicuana’s medicinal & edible plants.


National Park
Amazon Rainforest

Typical day

Volunteers will work in between 20 and 30% of the time in the Aquicuana Reserve, which means they will also spend a lot of time in the office. They will need to coordinate the days they want to go to the Reserve, knowing that on-site work will be independant. They can always ask to members of the communities to come with them and show them where to find a specific plant. 

We also expect the volunteers to make pictures, archive them, list the plants and describe them.

The selected candidate will create informational material identifying the names, properties and traditional usages of plants and trees located in the Aquicuana Reserve. Following a well-maintained trail, he/she will create a user friendly map so that locals and guests can traverse the trail, while learning about Amazonian plant medicines.

The selected candidate will work alongside local healers and specialists to gain an understanding of the role of traditional healing practices, including primary plant species and their uses. They will work at the intersection of contemporary and traditional medicine as it is used, shared, implemented, and recounted in the Bolivian Amazon. This position provides the unique opportunity to gain an understanding of traditional plant-medicine practices, while helping to preserve the local knowledge of indigenous peoples.

Details on Arrival

  • All year round
  • Airport Pick up
  • Orientation, House Visit and City Tour upon arrival

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 close-by. 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
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/Meditation

Program 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.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (basic level)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 18:00

Included Services

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Sustainable Bolivia cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Sustainable Bolivia.

Before your journey

Profound consulting and ongoing support (free)
Sustainable Bolivia (your host organization) provides consulting and is keen to answer all your questions. Once you reserved your spot, you will receive the contact details of your volunteer project.
Online preparation course (optional, from $49)
Prepare yourself and become a confident and well informed traveler. Global Travel Academy takes you on a journey before you leave home, helping you to become one of the world's greatest travelers. Our trusted partner for online learning offers courses in "International Volunteering", "Travel Health & Safety" and "Travel Safety Abroad".

On-site services

Services by Sustainable Bolivia

Accomodation in an Eco-lodge in the middle of the Amazon and view on the San José Lake in the Aquicuana Reserve

  • No internet, no electricity
  • Airport Pick up
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • Food on-site
Airport Pickup at Gen Buech Airport

From the Riberalta airport
Accommodation

A cabin with a double bed and its own shower/toilet
Bedroom (Double)
Food & Beverages
  • Bottled water
  • 3 meals per day (vegetarian option possible)
Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Gen Buech Airport (RIB) in Riberalta. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia.
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 Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia.

Program Fees

Why do I have to pay to volunteer abroad?
Costs: Prices in USD
4 weeks (min. stay)
$ 600
6 weeks
$ 900
7 weeks
$ 1,050
11 weeks
$ 1,650
19 weeks
$ 2,850
50 weeks (max. stay)
$ 7,500
Average fees
$ 150 /week

Best Price Guarantee
You can volunteer at the project site in Riberalta/Bolivia between 4 weeks and 50 weeks. Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Sustainable Bolivia will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Crowdfunding Service
Generally, volunteering abroad involves certain costs. In case you need financial support, we will assist you to fundraise your volunteer program in Bolivia.
Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
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.
  Americas South America Bolivia  Riberalta, Calle Chuquisaca

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