Help conserve a vital portion of Peru's ecosystem when you volunteer with our Andean Conservation Project.

Peru is one of the most biologically diverse nations on the planet. There are 1,700 species of bird in Peru alone, nearly 20 percent of the Earth’s total, along with 15,000 plant species and an estimated 30 million insect species. Peru’s geography includes the second-highest mountain range on earth, the world’s driest desert, wind-swept beaches and the sprawling Amazon jungle. To add to this natural wealth, the Incas and other pre-Colombian civilizations left an abundant archaeological record and an enduring indigenous culture.

But such riches are difficult to maintain. Deforestation and other habitat destruction runs rampant. Much of Peru’s native wildlife is endangered. Meanwhile, indigenous cultures are fading and important traditions are lost from one generation to the next.

Our project in Peru works with several organizations to help conserve Peru’s profound natural and cultural treasures. As a volunteer, you can help reforest sections of the Amazon Rainforest, conserve native Peruvian animal species or help an isolated Andean village harvest and protect its vital potato crop. Whichever you choose, you will help defend Peru’s fragile natural and cultural heritage.


As a volunteer you can:
Conduct timber audits in search of likely reforestation     sites
Help reforest land
Help harvest potatoes with indigenous Andean     villagers
Document and help conserve seed stocks for native     farmers

Project Length:	Start Dates:
Minimum: 2 weeks Maximum: Unlimited	Any Monday of the year, except during the rainy season in January and February.
Project Cost:	Cost Includes:
2 weeks: Extra week:	Airport pickup and drop-off On-site orientation and training Accommodations Three meals per day In-country support and project coordination 24-hour local emergency support
Requirements:
Volunteers should be physically fit to carry out the duties associated with this project. Those who work in the Andean farming communities will be very isolated. They should be prepared to go long periods of time without modern amenities like hot water and electricity. While Spanish is not required your language skills will partially determine the projects in which you participate.
Schedule:	Accommodations:
The work schedule will vary according to your chosen project. With the reforestation projects, work hours are usually Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., though this may vary based on weather and specific project needs. At the zoo, working hours are normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In the farming village, regular work schedule is 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then a few hours in the afternoon.	Animal Care Shared, dorm-style rooms (2 people per     room) Shared toilets and showers Kitchen and dining area Three meals per day Room cleaning provided Reforestation Tent camping and rural home stays. Often     without electricity and hot water Three meals a day Volunteer will often prepare own meals Farming Small adobe house with beds Basic bathroom facilities but no shower Volunteers will cook for themselves