Volunteer Manatee Conservation Program
The Amazonian manatee Trichechus inunguis, is an endanger species in Peru due to factors like illegal hunting and habitat degradation, however, spite of the international and national law to protect them, the problem still goes on, because in many Amazon villages its meet is still eaten.
The problem got worse with the calves illegal trades, which are sold as pets to fish farmer or tourists lodges where a high mortality percent exist.
Volunteer information
Volunteers in this program work in a rescue and recovering of orphan babies Amazonian manatees and environmental education program in the Peruvian Amazon. As a volunteer, you will work on projects intended to protect and rescue manatees.
Volunteer work varies from time to time but generally work includes; working with local staff to hand-hand-feeding a baby manatee, monitoring manatees in its rehabilitation , cleaning the man-made lakes, measure and weigh, prepare formula to provide the orphaned babies the nutrition they need, and other hard manual work.
Volunteer project is located around twenty– forty minutes from the city of Iquitos. All volunteers joining this program should be prepared to do hard manual work and should be in good physical condition and have to know how to swim very well.
Program InfoProgram Details
Cost & DatesProgram Cost & Dates
PhotosProgram Photos
FAQ'sCommon Q and A's
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 22 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. You should speak Spanish at least in an Intermediate level and also should be prepared to do manual work and be in good physical condition and know how to swim. The minimum participation period in this program is 4 weeks.
Project Location
The project placement is located in the Amazonian of Peru at the city of Iquitos at the North –east. Volunteers arrive to Iquitos directly by flight from the capital city Lima .Volunteer Orientation takes place in your home stay only. Volunteers will use tuk-tuks from their home stay to the placement.
During your Free Time
Volunteers are free to visit and see places or do shopping during their free time. During the weekends, volunteers can navigate the Amazon river, explore the small communities, or just relax at home or take a tour at the national parks and eco-tourism.
What we provide
Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers are picked up from the Coronel Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving early or are already in Iquitos will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.
Orientation: All volunteers are given an Orientation in their accommodations before they join their project. Orientation is conducted by the local staff and covers topics such as Amazonian people Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety and Introduction to your project and placement.
Lodging: During your volunteer work at the Manatee Center volunteers stay in a home stay which is basic.
Food: Volunteers are provided with three cooked meals a day at the accommodation. Local cuisine contains Rice, Vegetables, Beans, fish, Chicken etc.
Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here
In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinator for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. The local staff and coordinator will be happy to assist you in making travel arrangements to different areas in Iquitos.
In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.
Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.
Start Date
Volunteers can begin their project placement on any Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
Program Costs
Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.
USD
GBP
EUR
| 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| $720 | $870 | $1020 | $1160 | $1310 | $150 |
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
| 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| £504 | £609 | £714 | £812 | £917 | £105 |
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
| 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| €576 | €696 | €816 | €928 | €1048 | €120 |
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup
- Orientation
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Insurance (Provided at an extra cost)
What are you Paying For ?
- Airfare
- Visa and Visa extension fee
- Airport drop, airport taxes
- Local Transportation
- Any personal expenses
What's NOT Included ?
What are the Program locations in Peru?
Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Cusco and Iquitos. Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 1.5 million visitors a year. We also arrange programs for groups in Tambopata Rainforest areas. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and it is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province.
When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program?
All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are joining the project in Iquitos will be picked up from Iquitos Airport.
Where can I change my money in Peru? Are there ATMs in Peru?
You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around Cusco and Iquitos city.
What will be the food arrangement?
Depending on your host family you will be provided with three meals a day from Monday to Saturday at their accommodation. Food is usually vegetarian and a mix of meat and salads.
Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Peru?
For cheap airline flying into Cusco and Iquitos are LAN Peru, Star Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Kindly visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com