Program
Arrival & Transfer:
Begin your journey by flying into Lima International Airport (LIM), followed by a connecting flight to Puerto Maldonado (PEM) — airfares not included. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a staff member. After a visit to the Taricaya office, a 1:30-hour scenic boat ride down the Madre de Dios River will bring you to the research and rehabilitation center, nestled deep within the rainforest.
Accommodation:
Taricaya Ecological Reserve offers lodging in private, double, or shared cabins, all equipped with private bathrooms. Shared cabins are available for same-gender volunteers. Meals are prepared by the lodge’s dedicated cook, with accommodations for special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others.
Volunteer Activities:
As a volunteer, you will be part of several ongoing conservation and wildlife rehabilitation projects. Preferred activities are combined with regular projects essential to Taricaya. You’ll be fully immersed in jungle life, working with animals, contributing to research, and maintaining the trails that allow for safe exploration of the forest.
Main Projects:
- Animal Release Project: Work with animals in rehabilitation, preparing them for release into the wild under Peruvian authorities' guidance.
- Animal Rehabilitation and Quality of Life: Some animals with severe injuries may require lifelong care to ensure a good quality of life.
- Wildlife Observations: Early morning hikes to observation platforms for bird and mammal watching. Data collection on species observed.
- Animal Feeding: Assist in preparing specialized diets for rescued animals at the Taricaya Rescue Centre.
- River Turtle Project (Seasonal): Participate in monitoring, egg collection, and the release of baby turtles between June and November.
More Main Projects:
- Bird Monitoring & Banding: Set up mist nets to safely capture, identify, and tag birds for conservation research.
- Agroforestry Project: Help maintain wood plantations of species like mahogany and cedar, clearing and monitoring the trees.
- Camera Trap Monitoring: Help monitor the diverse Amazonian wildlife using strategically placed camera traps throughout the reserve.
- Enclosure Enrichment: Improve the habitats of animals that cannot be released by simulating their natural environments in captivity.
- Trail Maintenance: Keep forest trails safe using machetes for clearing and marking paths for future exploration.
Additional Research Activities:
- Herpetofauna Monitoring: Study and record data on reptiles and amphibians using pitfall traps.
- Insect Monitoring: Explore the rich diversity of insects that thrive in the rainforest ecosystem.
- Plus more!
Team & Supervision:
All activities are guided and supervised by experienced staff, including a resident veterinarian, zoologist, and biologist. Volunteers will work alongside experts in conservation who have dedicated their lives to protecting and rehabilitating Amazonian wildlife.
Why Choose This Experience:
- Live in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the rainforest.
- Gain hands-on experience with wildlife conservation efforts and leave a positive impact on endangered species and ecosystems.
- Experience an unforgettable adventure in the Amazon, contributing to meaningful long-term environmental projects.
Itinerary Outline:
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Maldonado, transfer to Taricaya Lodge. Orientation and settle into your jungle accommodations.
Day 2-6 (or longer): Engage in daily volunteer activities, rotating through various conservation and research projects. Spend your evenings relaxing at the research and rehabilitation center alongside fellow volunteers, listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Departure Day: Return to Puerto Maldonado by boat and prepare for your onward travel.