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Excellent 4.88rating (1326)

Peru Wildlife Rescue Volunteers

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • 70% of volunteers are 18-22 years old.
  • Care for endangered species in Peru.
  • Provide much-needed support for the local staff in the daily tasks.

Highlights

  • 70% of volunteers are 18-22 years old.
  • Care for endangered species in Peru.
  • Provide much-needed support for the local staff in the daily tasks.
  • Enjoy the local culture with salsa classes and peruvian cuisine classes.
  • Extraordinary travel opportunities to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Groups

    About the program

    Help care for a variety of different species of animals, who may be endangered, poached or displaced from their natural habitat.

    As a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer, you will get up close and personal to some amazing animals. Not only this, Peru's volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. As a Peru wildlife volunteer, you will help care for a variety of different species of animals. Most ...

    About the program

    As a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer, you will get up close and personal to some amazing animals. Not only this, Peru's volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. As a Peru wildlife volunteer, you will help care for a variety of different species of animals. Most noteworthy, animals who are endangered, poached or displaced from their natural habitat.

    BACKGROUND TO THE WILDLIFE RESCUE PROGRAM

    As in many South America countries, Peru is home to an abundance of wildlife. The sad reality is that much of this wildlife is vulnerable to wide-ranging forms of mistreatment. Examples include more localised problems such as abandonment or a failure to properly feed and house animals. However, wider-spread systematic forms of cruelty are also prevalent. For example, bestiality, illegal trafficking and raising animals to fight.

    In 2015, the Peruvian Congress has passed animal cruelty laws which mandates criminal penalties for animal mistreatment. Since a series of animal-cruelty cases went viral. Naturally, this is not a good perception of Peru as a country or as a tourist hotspot. Such penalties for animal mistreatment range from fines to prison sentences.

    However, many Peruvians would argue that more can be done and enforced by Congress and law enforcement in protecting Peru’s wildlife. Specifically, when it comes to wild animals, tourist traps and endangered species. Nowadays, there are many rescue centres and sanctuaries enforcing action upon themselves against animal mistreatment. The main mechanism to achieve this is through education.

    Education is considered as the most important factor to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. In addition, education is also the reason that justifies the existence of a wildlife sanctuary or wildlife rescue centre. Through engagement, information and communication, stronger respect and understanding for nature, wild animals and endangered species can be achieved. Not only this, but wildlife rescue centres also play a big role in recovery programs, animal rehabilitation and reproduction programs.

    WILDLIFE RESCUE VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT EXAMPLE

    Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary - We have teamed up with a family ran wildlife rescue centre in Cusco. The centre is dedicated to rescuing animals that have suffered any forms of mistreatment. For example, rescuing animals from illicit trafficking or those that have suffered physical neglect from former owners or evil poachers.

    The rescued animals are put under the care of the forest rangers at the wildlife sanctuary. As a volunteer in Peru, you will play a vital role in supporting the forest rangers. In the same vein, as an animal volunteer you will work alongside the rangers to complete core tasks at the project. Such tasks for Peru wildlife volunteering include:

    • Taking care of the animals

    • Assisting with cleaning and general maintenance

    • Support with feeding the animals

    • Helping with any medical treatments required

    • Assisting in any educational programs

    • Help build new houses on-site

    Since 2007, the wildlife rescue centre has been sheltering wild species. Moreover, many species are endangered. The Andean Condor receives special consideration at the centre and is the primary focus of the program. Most noteworthy, because its population has been seriously decimated in recent years. This is all inflicted by human activity. More specifically, the feathers of the bird are sold as souvenirs for tourists. This activity stimulates illegal hunting for these magnificent birds. Efforts at the centre are being made to encourage reproduction in captivity with the aim being to release the young Condors.

    There is a range of other animals at the centre that you as a volunteer in Peru will encounter during your time. For example, pumas and small bears that had been drugged and used for entertainment purposes can usually be found here. In addition, there are many special types of birds to be found at the centre. A hawk who lost one of his eyes because of human hunting cannot hunt anymore in the wild and has been displaced to the centre. Other animals at the centre include foxes, turtles, monkeys, deer, alpacas, llamas and more!

    On a broader level, the sanctuary has a range of programs that you as a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer can support with. For example, educational campaigns at local schools, recovery projects for sick and mistreated animals and reproduction programs for endangered animal species as exemplified with the Andean Condor.

    Our Peru wildlife volunteering project allows volunteers and interns to experience their love of animals during their time in Peru. Working at the centre of the project as part of your international volunteering, your daily tasks will make a positive contribution. Moreover, the care and wellbeing these rescued animals receive will greatly improve. The sanctuary cares for all types of wildlife animals. Ultimately, the long-term aim of the project is to liberate the rescued animals back into natural environments.

    Peru wildlife rescue volunteer projects typically receive little to no government funding or assistance. Therefore, volunteer support and contributions are a big help to the project that otherwise can receive limited help. By choosing to work closely with this wildlife project in Peru, your support as a Peru wildlife volunteer will be much appreciated by those connected at the sanctuary.

    In short, if you have a love for wildlife, then this project is for you when visiting Peru! We have availability from 1 week to 4 weeks on the project. Furthermore, you will volunteer typically across the morning periods Monday-Friday. At this project, all animals have had their required vaccinations. Older clothing for Peru wildlife volunteering is recommended as are shoes that you do not mind getting dirty!

    OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING WITH WILDLIFE IN PERU

    Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. The most common method is to use a ridesharing app or private taxi service. Participants can often be travelling across their final few days and therefore are not necessarily heading back to the airport directly from our accommodation. The costs depend on your method of transport and your final destination. This can often be split across multiple participants if you are travelling with someone else on the program.

    Spanish Requirements - For the wildlife program in Peru, we recommend that you speak a reasonable level of Spanish prior to your trip. There are no specific language requirements in order to join the program and you can join as an absolute beginner. However, we find that the ability to speak a good level of the Spanish language and a passion to learn more will greatly enhance your overall experience. This is because English is generally not widely spoken and therefore our programs should be viewed as a broader language immersion experience. If you do not speak a reasonable level of Spanish then you will find it difficult to communicate. As a result, this could lead to a more frustrating experience.

    We also offer Online Spanish Lessons that you can take before your trip. The lessons provide you with the opportunity to receive one-on-one classes from a trained Spanish teacher. Classes are held via Zoom and can be worked around your schedule back in your home country.

    We also offer a learn Spanish in Peru program which you can take part in prior to your volunteer placement. This provides you with 20 hours-per-week of group Spanish lessons. Both of these options can be added during our online application process. They are highly recommended if you want to make the most of your volunteer placement.

    Once you are in-country then you are also able to organise additional Spanish lessons directly with our local team. Volunteer feedback suggests that it can often be tiring to complete Spanish lessons at the same time as your volunteer programs in Peru. Consequently, we generally recommend extending your Language Immersion Program.

    Experience - If you are a veterinary student you may be able to assist in more tasks. Naturally, this will depend on your level of knowledge, experience and qualifications in this area. You may be able to help with the sick, injured or disabled animals. Furthermore, there may be more opportunities in advanced veterinary care such as vaccinations or neutering procedures.

    Project Donation - With each volunteer, there is a donation made directly to the volunteer project you join us in Peru. This donation fee is included in the Program Fee you pay before your trip.

    With that donation, the project is provided with increased financial support to improve resources, infrastructure and project environment. Such beneficiaries being the patients at the medical clinics, students at the schools, children at the kindergartens or the dogs at the dog shelter project.

    Weekends - Your project work in Peru runs from Monday-Friday and weekends are free. You are welcome to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation but most participants will use this time to travel and explore the country. As a result, you can check out our Peru Weekend Travel Guide for top tips on how to spend your weekend. We also run two separate weekend trips which you can sign-up to before you depart for Peru. We offer the Lake Titicaca & Islands Trip along with the Machu Picchu Trip with opportunities running every month.



    Typical day

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY

    When completing volunteer work in Peru at the wildlife rescue centre, you will be helping with the daily chores. As a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer, you will help with cleaning and feeding. Other activities include enrichment activities, medical assistance and ...

    Typical day

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL WORK DAY

    When completing volunteer work in Peru at the wildlife rescue centre, you will be helping with the daily chores. As a Peru wildlife rescue volunteer, you will help with cleaning and feeding. Other activities include enrichment activities, medical assistance and general support for the local project staff. The volunteering hours are typically from 9am-1pm and/or 2pm-5pm.

    In order to reach the wildlife rescue project, you will need to catch the public bus, and this takes around 30 minutes. The bus stop is located either just outside the volunteer accommodation or the Spanish school. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project.


    Free-time activities

    Volunteer's in Peru participants are based in Cusco, the Incan capital of world located in the Andes Mountains. The small city has so much history!  As you move through the narrow streets you can’t help but wander into the hidden markets, gaze upon the local artwork and chuckle at the llamas ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteer's in Peru participants are based in Cusco, the Incan capital of world located in the Andes Mountains. The small city has so much history!  As you move through the narrow streets you can’t help but wander into the hidden markets, gaze upon the local artwork and chuckle at the llamas dressed in traditional material.

    Peru is full of wonder with the Incan capital, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, the Amazon and the Nazca lines along with coast. Here you can find yourself in a prime spot to visit places like Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu, the Maras Salt Mines, Sacred Site of the Moray, Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

    Our participants are situated in a great location to explore the local sites and also travel further afield.


    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 (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    You should be physically fit, as volunteering overseas can be quite strenuous. If you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas then these must be declared to us during your online application. While the programmes only require you to speak a basic level of Spanish, we find that the ability to speak a good level of Spanish will greatly enhance your overall experience.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation 
    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
    • Airport Pick Up
    • In-Country Orientation
    • 24 Hour Support

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    You should arrive into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (airport code CUZ) on the Sunday. The airport pickup is available 24 hours. 

    On arrival, your homestay parent(s) will be at the waiting area for you holding a sign with your name on it. They will drive you straight to your homestay accommodation and get you settled in! The drive is short and usually only around 15 minutes to your host family accommodation. Depending on your time of arrival there may be a meal waiting for you. 

    Accommodation

    Homestay

    During your time on the Peru volunteer programs, you will live in our homestay family accommodation. The accommodation is basic but comfortable and located in the city of Cusco. You’ll be living with local families who will guide you in Cusco. Furthermore, they will help to improve your knowledge of the Spanish Language! It is important to note that the homestay families will usually speak no English at all.

    The host families are located just outside of central Cusco. They are all within a 30 minute bus of your volunteer work in Peru. In addition, the volunteer homestays are usually within walking distance from the local team's offices. Each room has single beds, up to 3 people per room (same-sex rooms only). Volunteers are provided with bed linen and cupboard space to store clothes and accessories. All volunteers will have their own keys for the front of the building, apartment and their bedroom.

    Bathrooms are shared. Each bathroom has a shower and western style toilet. The water is usually warm (although can be a victim to power cuts) to ensure you keep warm in the chilly nights of Cusco! The house has Wi-Fi and a communal area for volunteers to hang out with their host families. There is also a kitchen with a refrigerator to store any items you need to keep chilled. However, please ask the host family for some fridge space out of respect in advance.

    The host families will prepare all meals across your time on the project with us (including a packed lunch if you wish). The homestay families normally have a separate area within the house for their family, yet they enjoy interacting with volunteers. Therefore they will be excited to hear about your days and experiences in Peru. Above all, the host family set-up ensures you have round the clock support and security. In addition, you will get the chance to improve your Spanish language skills.

    Your host family location is usually linked to your volunteer in Peru project location. For the reason that it allows for more practical logistics to get to and from the project. Therefore, should you have requirements to be in the same accommodation as another application then be sure to highlight this on your online application.

    Food & Beverages

    During your volunteer trip to Peru, international volunteers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and dinner are served at the homestay, whereas for lunch we provide you with a packed lunch (upon request). With notice, the local team can even provide pre-cooked meals for you. You can then store and warm the meals up at the Spanish school during your lunch. In addition, boiled and filtered water is also available at the homestay(s) for volunteers.

     

    It is important to note that meals are traditional Peruvian dishes. In short, they can be very carb-heavy traditionally. Peruvian cuisine consists of a lot of rice or quinoa and the meat is mainly chicken. Due to the altitude, you will notice that your breakfast and dinner meals are quite small and lunch is very big. Going to sleep with a full stomach is hard on the body. Therefore, at such an altitude it is difficult to digest large quantities of food. Consequently, it may take you a few days for your body to get accustomed to this as well.

     

    The main meats are chicken, fish and alpaca. There are a number of western restaurants around a 10 minute drive from the accommodation. Therefore, home comforts are not too far away. In the same vein, there are also some vegan and Indian restaurants in Cusco. Our local team will tell you all about the options available to you during your in-country orientation.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. 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

    This program starts on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month

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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 453€
    2 weeks 642€
    3 weeks 817€
    4 weeks 1,006€
    6 weeks 1,356€
    8 weeks 1,707€
    10 weeks 2,071€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 2,421€
    Average fees 327€/week

    Program fees

    327€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.9
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

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    Meet your project coordinator

    Josh
    1326
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    2011
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    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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