ECO-VOLUNTEERS IN MANU NATIONAL PARK

Manu, located in the southeast area of Peru, is one of largest parks in South America. The area of the park encompasses parts of the Andean department of Cusco and the jungle department of Madre de Dios. Manu protects 2 million hectares (4.5 million acres) of a territory rich in flora and fauna species, and a variety of habitats including high Andes, cloud forests, and lowland tropical rain forests. UNESCO officially recognizes this natural paradise as a world heritage site. In 1977, they designated Manu as a World.

If you would like to Eco-volunteer in the Manu jungle please send us an email to manu@ecologiaperumanu.com with your information and a paragraph informing us of your priorities and expectations as a Manu Eco-volunteer.

ECO-VOLUNTEER, INTERN AND RESIDENT ACTIVITIES 

Conservation:

- Help in all activities relating to reforestation, impact studies, flora inventory, transport and planting of “plantones”, follow up studies of “plantones”, value studies, fauna impact studies…

- Monitor flora and fauna

- Assist in creating an inventory of flora and fauna

- Photograph flora and fauna

- Manage the ecotourism lodge and Atalaya reserve in a sustainable manner

- Carry out research studies

Rescue center:

We are implementing a rescue center for wild animals. We need Eco-volunteers to help with activities relating to the management of this center including feeding, behavior observations, maintenance, care and health of the animals, as well as activities relating to the possible reintroduction of animals back into the wild. 

Social work in the Chontachaka community:

- Environmental education workshops for children and adults

- Educational activities and workshops in Chontachaka school

Alternative therapies:

- Holistic activities and courses are carried out in the Atalaya reserve

- Any support or activity in this area is appreciated

Others:

- Medicinal plants, organic farm, orchid garden and activities, courses and workshops on certain dates.

Ecotourism Internships:

- Work with groups of tourists: Accompanying them during their activities, hikes, boat trips, adventure sports (optional) and visits to native communities. Interns should support the company’s staff, assist the guide, transport the equipment, serve the food, look after the environment (trash, noise…)

- Assist with the infrastructure maintenance

- Help with inventory and maintenance of equipment

- Participate in the development of new proposals (hikes, visit mammal “collpas”, new lodges…)

- Provide support in various activities that are essential to a reserve, bird inventories, photography studies, impact studies, ecological alternatives…

Monitoring staff are responsible for following the developments and changes that occur in the Manu reserve.

The day starts with the member of staff and intern carrying out an analysis of the events that will be happening that day – in particular, if there are groups of tourists at the lodge at the time and the activities of the group.

It will be determined whether the intern will accompany the group during their visits or if s/he will stay at the lodge to prepare the following group activity.

After lunch, the intern and the member of staff responsible for monitoring should discuss the work that is being carried out, talk about the group and the level of satisfaction of the clients, comment on each client and their different cultures and personalities which influence the group’s level of satisfaction. The information regarding the group which is sent from Cusco prior to the group’s arrival is also very important and the intern will need to manage this information. 

Manu offers a very special ecosystem and many details must be taken into consideration when working with tourists. The member of staff responsible for monitoring will analyze whether the intern is able to learn about all these issues. Safety is another factor which the intern will need to take into account. 

- ECO-VOLUNTEERS, INTERNS, OR RESIDENTS MUST STAY FOR A MINIMUM OF 5 DAYS.

- IF THEIR STAY IS LESS THAN 5 DAYS, S/HE WILL BE CONSIDERED A VISITOR OR ECO-TOURIST.

- THERE IS NO MAXIMUM STAY.

- ECO-VOLUNTEERS, INTERNS, OR RESIDENTS MUST PAY A MINIMUM COST TO COVER THEIR ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT, EQUIPMENT AND FOOD. THIS COST ALSO CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS THE SUSTAINABILITY AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT. THE COST IS $25 PER DAY IF YOU ARE STAYING LESS THAN 1 WEEK, AND $20 PER DAY IF YOU ARE STAYING MORE THAN 1 WEEK.

- A FEW DAYS BEFORE ENTERING THE RESERVE YOU MUST ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT OUR OFFICES IN CUSCO TO FINALIZE THE DETAILS OF YOUR STAY AND TO GIVE YOU PERSONALIZED INFORMATION REGARDING THE WORK YOU WILL BE CARRYING OUT.

If you would like to Eco-volunteer in the Manu jungle please send us an email to manu@ecologiaperumanu.com with your information and a paragraph informing us of your priorities and expectations as a Manu Eco-volunteer.