Volunteer in Peru as an eco-volunteer in the Ecological Restoration Project to improve the environment, protect natural resources, explore the Amazon and immerse yourself into Peruvian culture. IFRE partners with nonprofit organizations located in the Manu National Park (Manu Biosphere Reserve) in the Chontachaka Reserve to send volunteers to help with ecological restoration. This is the perfect project for volunteer to learn from biologists and conservationists while making a difference in the world. Peru is one of seventeen mega-diverse countries in the world, but sadly, its environment suffers from negative externalities such as timber extraction, unsustainable farming practices, oil prospecting, land speculation, alluvial gold-mining, unregulated extraction laws etc. Thankfully, there are local environmentally friendly organizations and programs that aim to embark upon these harms by working on ecological restoration. These organizations often lack human resources and assistance and volunteers are greatly needed. Manu is one of the largest parks in South America and protects 4.5 million acres of a land, which has an abundance of flora and fauna species. In fact, UNESCO officially recognizes Manu and its exquisiteness as a world heritage site. Volunteer in the Ecological Conservation Project in Peru and help these organizations with ecological restoration efforts as you have an invaluable, memorable and life changing experience.

Knowledge of eco-conservation efforts, outdoor activities, heritage/cultural preservation and tourism is important, but not required. Many of the projects are quite physical, so environmental and conservation volunteers need to be in good physical shape. An outgoing and entrepreneurial spirit is helpful, as is an ability to follow directions well. Basic Spanish fluency is important, but not mandatory. If you cannot speak Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the children you are helping.

IFRE manages your living accommodations in Peru. In Manu working as an eco-volunteer, you will stay in a volunteer bungalow and receive 3 meals a day onsite. The bungalows are at the project site and have multiple rooms, a living space, indoor “western style” bathrooms and an eating area. The bungalows are comfortable and built especially for volunteers. All meals will be local Peruvian dishes specific to the region. Only special meals are created for vegetarians.

Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Volunteers are always welcome at our local offices in Peru. If project placement is local, we request that volunteers stop by the office once a week to keep us posted on how they are doing with their home stay and project. If project placement is very far, then our local staff members maintain communication by either email and/or phone and try to visit every 2-4 weeks if possible.