At Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY), we are committed to transparency and accountability. We do not receive government funding or tourism income—in fact, to safeguard the wellbeing of the rescued animals in our care, we do not allow visits from tourists. As a result, 85% of our total funding comes directly from our volunteers.

Your volunteer payment directly supports:

• Food and medical supplies for over 500 rescued animals

• Salaries for essential local staff

• Maintenance of enclosures and infrastructure

• Fuel, transportation, and basic utilities

• Emergency veterinary care and animal rescues

Most of our expenses are paid in Bolivianos (Bs), and often within a week of receiving funds, which is why we require payment in cash, in Bolivianos upon arrival. We use a fixed exchange rate of 6.90 Bs to 1 USD for calculations.

The volunteer package covers:

• Three meals a day (except dinner on your day off and during special external activities)

• Shared accommodation

• Clean bed linen

• A CIWY volunteer t-shirt

To ensure the sustainability and smooth functioning of our projects, the following additional fees apply:

• One-time reservation fee of $100 USD
  → Paid via Volunteer World to confirm your place

• Security deposit of $50 USD
  → Paid in cash upon arrival, and refunded in full at the end of your stay (assuming no damages or early departure)

• Café deposit of $100 USD
  → Used for optional snacks and drinks; any unspent balance is refunded at the end of your stay

We deeply value your support—not just your time, but also your financial contribution. Every cent goes toward improving the lives of animals that have been victims of illegal trafficking, abuse, or abandonment.

Thank you for being part of this mission.

Jacj Cuisi offers newly built, dormitory-style accommodation, which is included in the volunteer fee. The infrastructure has been thoughtfully designed with inspiration from local Indigenous architecture, using natural materials and construction techniques that respect and harmonize with the surrounding forest environment. Each room has an electricity port to charge devices. 

Each volunteer is provided with a bed equipped with clean sheets and a mosquito net for comfort and protection. Due to cooler temperatures at night, we recommend bringing a warm blanket or sleeping bag.

Beds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. If you would like to change rooms during your stay, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request as space becomes available.

Unlike other CIWY centres, Jacj Cuisi has flush toilets and showers, offering a bit more comfort while maintaining our ecological values. While the water for the showers is not heated, it is clean, and water filters also provides safe drinking water for volunteers in some areas.

Electricity is available in the office and common areas for essentials such as lighting, refrigerators, and charging stations. Volunteers also have access to Wi-Fi at the office, although connection speeds may vary. Mobile phone reception is limited and only accessible in specific areas of the sanctuary, and only with the Entel network.

The volunteer package includes three meals a day, with the exception of your day off, if you go outside of the Sanctuary. 

Breakfast is simple and typically includes bread and tea. You might want to bring some cereal or oatmeal to supplement your morning meal if you prefer.

Lunch and dinner are primarily vegetarian, with meat options available two to three times per week.

If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, we recommend bringing an adequate supply of suitable food with you. For instance, if you have a gluten intolerance, please bring enough gluten-free food, as most of our meals contain gluten. 

Vegans are encouraged to bring protein-rich foods or supplements to ensure proper nutrition.

We have water filters to provide drinking water. However, if you have concerns about water quality, you are welcome to bring water purification tablets or purchase bottled water in town.