become a
volunteer
WHO CAN BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Taricaya is an equal opportunity operation and we not only accept but actively encourage people of all lifestyles and backgrounds to join us in our jungle community. While everyone is welcome, Taricaya is a unique experience that is most enjoyed by individuals with the following characteristics:
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You have a passion for life and nature and you wish to truly experience what the Amazon Rainforest has to offer.
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You want to explore the Amazon as a local working towards conservation and sustainability.
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You understand that you will live in the warm and humid weather of the tropical jungle, keeping in mind the realities of insects and our remote location.
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You want to experience life away from home and in a developing nation.
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You want to learn about and become part of the local culture while being fully immersed in nature.
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You are over 18 and can travel and live by yourself.
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You are a family with children under 18 (Ask for our family special)
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You are under 18 and have legal permission from your parents/guardians to be under our care.
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You are a non-academic or academic professional with experience in natural sciences (Ask for our pro special).
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You are a pre or post graduate student interested in natural sciences (Ask for our intern special).
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You are a teacher with a group interested in nature (Ask for our class special).
the lodge
As a volunteer you will live in the Peruvian Amazon, a one hour boat ride from Puerto Maldonado. Our lodge facilities will allow you to experience the jungle in a truly unique way and become part of our community.
THE dining room
Leave your shoes on the terrace before coming into the dining room area where you will enjoy each meal with the other volunteers and staff.
The main kitchen is where our cook prepares three warm meals a day and there is plenty of space to hang out, play games and enjoy meals with your new community.
For anyone wanting a snack, there is a second kitchen station with a table, sink, equipment and utensils for you to store food and make something small.
The dining room also hosts the staff office, bathrooms and a games area (chess, cards, etc.)..
HAMMOCK AREA
Enjoy a good book and the light jungle breeze as you lay back and relax on our outdoor hammocks.
CABINS
We have a total of 10 cabins which include a terrace as the entrance into the main room and a private bathroom on the back.
Volunteers will be placed in same-sex shared bungalows with private bathroom. Bungalows also available for families, couples and individuals.
Towels, toiletries and personal hygiene products are NOT provided. A set of sheets and mosquito net are provided for each bed.
Cabins are regularly cleaned by the staff, and extra cleaning supplies are available at any time.
PROJECTS FACILITIES
We have different areas to work on the various activities related to each project, like the lab for field sample and data processing, equipment and material storage, etc., the warehouse and tool shed for maintenance and construction, the Mahogany workshop for all the wood work, the Taricaya Rescue Center with specific areas for wildlife husbandry, medical center, feeding station, etc.
LECTURE AND TV ROOM
This common area is used for the lectures and talks related to the projects and on free times you can take a book from the shelf or enjoy a movie on the TV when the generator is on.
LIFE IN THE JUNGLE
Human life can have a deep impact on any ecosystem when we try to fulfill all our needs as a globalized world.
Protecting the 500 ha of pristine rainforest under our care means that we have to live harmoniously with nature. At Taricaya we return to a simpler way of life, leaving behind the hectic life of a city to reconnect with nature and people.
Things you might consider a given at home become a luxury here and you learn to appreciate their value when home is in the middle of the jungle.
COMMUNI
CATION
Access for phone or internet signal in the Reserve is limited to a spot that receives signal only from the company Claro. You can get a Peruvian phone number of this company to connect on free hours.
WATER
We use water that is pumped to high tanks from the creek in the Reserve.
Water in the kitchen is purified to cook and drink safely. Water in the cabins comes straight from the creek. For precaution we recommend not to drink this tap water. There is no hot water in the showers. Please notify the staff if you find a leak.
WEEKENDS IN PUERTO MALDONADO
Weekends are days off work to rest and relax. You can stay in the Lodge at the Reserve or go to Puerto Maldonado for the night.
Every Saturday at 7am the motorboat goes to Puerto Maldonado. Expenses in the city are NOT covered by your fee and you are responsible for yourself. We recommend hotels of different price ranges for your one-night stay. Once in the city you can access internet, do laundry, enjoy a restaurant meal and experience Puerto Maldonado city. Boat comes back to the Reserve every Sunday at 3:30pm. Meeting point is Puerto Capitania. We will give you all the necessary recommendations for you to enjoy your free time in the city of the jungle.
SAFETY MEASURES
We do not offer medical insurance. We firmly recommend coming to Peru with a travel medical insurance. Follow the volunteer coordinator´s instructions. Respect the wildlife around you. Follow the rules of the Reserve. Use lifejackets when on the river. Do not wander off by yourself into the forest. Smoking is allowed outside the main house, your cabins, hammocks area, etc. but not inside, on the boats or during activities in the rainforest. Take a flashlight or torch at night. Apply repellent constantly to avoid bites.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
We have a first aid kit at the Lodge in case of minor injuries or sickness. There is a local clinic in the city in case of major emergencies and our staff will help and accompany you to assure your safety.
YELLOW FEVER shot is recommended for Puerto Maldonado. MALARIA is not present in our area so there is no need to take the Malaria medication if you only visit this tropical region in South America.
ENERGY
We use a gasoline generator for power at the Lodge and to avoid too much emission of Greenhouse gases we only turn it on for periods of the day.
During these times you can turn on lights and charge batteries in the common areas or your cabin. Power is 220V so make sure you bring an adapter in case of 110V devices. Please DO NOT use hair dryer/hair straightener or iron, they can blow up the fuses.
WORKING TIME
From Monday to Friday the volunteer coordinator sets the daily schedule for the activities of the week that will vary depending on the ongoing projects. Keep in mind that some of our projects are seasonal.
Working hours per day are usually 6 hours and will not exceed the 8 hours in some cases.
FOOD
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Served in the dining room at the Main House. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared freshly and the weekly menu is of Peruvian homemade food. Inform us if you have any food restriction.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
We use the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Please separate your waste in the designated bins.
TRAVEL TIME
Finish your time with us in the Amazon and travel around Peru before going back home! Or if you stay with us 4+ weeks, you can take a break and travel around Peru.
We can help you set your bus rides, hotels and tours for Cusco, Puno, Lima and more. We can also help you plan a trip to Brazil or Bolivia.
FOOTWEAR
During the rainy season we recommend using rubber boots to walk along the trails. Bring your own pair if you size is 43 to up (just in case) but we do have some pairs of different sizes for your use at the Lodge. To walk inside the Lodge facilities please take off your shoes or boots.
FREE
TIME
You can relax at the hammocks, the port or anywhere around the Lodge facilities and non-restricted projects areas with music, a book, your diary, your camera, binoculars, etc. Take a swim in the river or creek. Explore the reserve along the trails with your map and compass. Take a walk along the forest to Amazon Planet to enjoy their bar and gift shop. Play sports games like football/soccer, volleyball, etc. and card games with the staff and volunteers. Go to Puerto Maldonado on the weekends.
WHY DOES IT COST TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Financial support is essential for any charitable project to become successful enough to make a positive impact in an area. Taricaya and our various projects can continue to expand and achieve more goals thanks to your direct financial support.
As a volunteer, when you start your journey at Taricaya, you become our strongest supporter with your commitment, knowledge and experience put into practice in the daily activities at the reserve.
Visit us now and experience true responsible volunteering! Your payment goes directly into projects and operating costs at Taricaya where you will be able to see how your money and time are going to a valuable cause!
