The Location
Cusco is a colorful, picturesque city that was once the
center of the Incan Empire. After the 16th century Spanish
conquest, Cusco became a melting pot of Incan and European
cultures. Cusco’s cultural diversity is matched
by the geographical diversity of the surrounding Amazon
jungle, glaciers and cloud forest Andean highlands. With
its central location and rich history, Cusco is an ideal
launching pad for a variety of conservation projects.
The Situation
The usual mix of neglect and exploitation imperils Peru’s
rich environmental and cultural heritage. Deforestation
is a major problem, as is pollution. The country’s
diverse wildlife is losing its habitat at an alarming
rate and many are now endangered. In the meantime, indigenous
cultures are struggling to maintain their food supplies.
What You Can Do
As a volunteer with our Andean Conservation Project, you
can choose
between three important efforts. Though each project differs
in focus,
they all represent a rare opportunity to conserve Peru's
fragile
cultural and natural heritage.
 Animal
Care
Volunteers can work at the Cusco Zoo, part of the University
San Antonio Abad of Cusco, which directs the maintenance
and conservation of native Peruvian animal species. Here
you will work with university students and professors
to care for the animals and help with their cleaning and
feeding.
Reforestation
Reforestation projects take place in the Amazon jungle,
on the coast, and in the Andes Mountains. These projects
help rural communities and small villages reforest areas
that have lost native flora or fauna. With the help of
Peruvian environmentalists, you will work with local inhabitants
to recover native species of trees, plants, and animals.
Farming
You will work alongside villagers in the small mountain
community of Salla Falla during their annual harvest and
planting seasons (depending on the time of year). Aside
from the harvesting and planting, you will help transport
and store crops and/or seed stocks. These seed stocks,
which are central to the survival of the indigenous people
and their traditional crops, are being depleted because
of neglect and lack of resources.
 Airport
Pickup and Orientation:
When you arrive in Cusco, you will be greeted at the
airport by a volunteer coordinator. You will be taken
to your accommodations in Cusco and provided with a
brief tour of the facilities and resources available
to you. The official orientation typically begins the
day following your arrival. Volunteers working on projects
outside of Cusco will then be transported by bus or
air to their ultimate project location. For those working
in Salla Falla, a guide will accompany you for the first
2 to 3 days.
Transportation:
Volunteer Adventures will arrange transportation for
the following:
Airport
pickup and drop-off in Cusco
All
transfers required by the project
Accommodations:
Those who work at the Cusco Zoo will stay in Cusco at
our partner-owned bed and breakfast. Rooms are shared
with another volunteer, as are bathrooms. You will be
provided with three meals a day and room cleaning. For
the most part volunteers will have hot water at all
times, though there may be times when hot water is turned
off for 3-4 hours.
Reforestation volunteers will stay in rural villages
in a variety of climates, depending on the season and
the project’s needs at the time. Often volunteers
will camp. In either case, our partner organization
will provide all of the necessary equipment.
Farming volunteers working in Salla Falla will reside
in a small adobe house with beds. There are basic bathroom
facilities, but no shower. You must heat your own water
and sponge bathe. You will have basic cooking facilities
and you will need to cook for yourself most of the time.
In-Country Support:
Volunteer coordinators will provide support during your
time in Peru. You can also expect help from field guides
and fellow volunteers. We also provide a 24-hour cell
phone number for emergencies.
 Additional
Activities and Excursions:
Cusco is a major destination for adventure and
cultural travel. If you have free time during or after your volunteer stay, you will have the opportunity to take part in the following excursions to some of the other spectacular spots in Peru at your own cost:
Paragliding
Archeological
tour
Whitewater
rafting
Bungee-jumping
Machu
Picchu (overnight)
3-Day
trekking adventure
3-Day
jungle tour |
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