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Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Conservation & Community Outreach Gap Experience

location
8 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Live with a group of students in the Amazon Rain Forest, engaging with the local environment and protecting endangered animals on a daily basis.
  • Experience different areas of work from conservation efforts in the exclusive Galapagos National Park, to supporting eager students in their quest to master communication skills.
  • Give your Spanish skills a major lift by fully immersing yourself in Spanish-speaking countries for 8 weeks.

Highlights

  • Live with a group of students in the Amazon Rain Forest, engaging with the local environment and protecting endangered animals on a daily basis.
  • Experience different areas of work from conservation efforts in the exclusive Galapagos National Park, to supporting eager students in their quest to master communication skills.
  • Give your Spanish skills a major lift by fully immersing yourself in Spanish-speaking countries for 8 weeks.
  • Watch the sunrise over the stunning landscape and ruins of Machu Picchu.
  • Participate in community enrichment projects with a group in Cusco and work together to achieve a specific goal in a short time.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Join conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest and the coast of San Cristobal. Work with local communities and join outreach events.

    Start your Gap Project at an Eco-Reserve, working with local animals and participating in pilot farm and habitat management projects. Over the weekend, take a trip to the nearby city of Puerto Maldonado. 

    At the end of your two weeks in Cusco, you will travel by bus, train and trail to the ancient ...

    About the program

    Start your Gap Project at an Eco-Reserve, working with local animals and participating in pilot farm and habitat management projects. Over the weekend, take a trip to the nearby city of Puerto Maldonado. 

    At the end of your two weeks in Cusco, you will travel by bus, train and trail to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO world heritage site and the best preserved Incan ruins in the world. 

    The second half of your time in Peru will be spent in the beautiful city of Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire and current cultural capital of Peru. Work on Community outreach projects in local schools and communities, have cultural workshops, and take Spanish lessons.

    Over the next two weeks you will work on our Conservation project in San Cristobal Island. Work with local experts on eco system management, Giant tortoise conservation and Sea Lion management. 

    Take a weekend trip to Santa Cruz island and learn more about Darwins expedition and see some of the most famous unique Galapagos animals. 

    For your final two weeks, you will work on a variety of youth development and education initiatves. From English teaching, assisting in classrooms, and after school activities, you will be working closely with the community and our local staff. 

    Peru:

    • 2 weeks Conservation work in the Amazon Rainforest
    • Visit Machu Picchu
    • 2 weeks Community Outreach work around Cusco and the Sacred Valley

    Ecuador - Galapagos Islands:

    • 2 weeks Giant Tortoise and Sea Lion Conservation
    • Weekend trip to Santa Cruz
    • 2 weeks Teaching and Community Work

    Typical day

    Make the most of your fall semester by joining us on an epic experience in Peru and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. For eigth weeks, students are invited to live, volunteer, and immerse themselves in the cultures of three very unique communities in: 

    Peru - the Amazon Jungle and Historical Cusco, ...

    Typical day

    Make the most of your fall semester by joining us on an epic experience in Peru and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. For eigth weeks, students are invited to live, volunteer, and immerse themselves in the cultures of three very unique communities in: 

    Peru - the Amazon Jungle and Historical Cusco, followed by San Cristobal, the Capitol of the famed Galapagos Islands o of the Ecuador coast. Students will engage with both the societies and the beautiful natural environments of these special places. 

    You’ll gain exposure to multiple fields to help you start building a vision for your future or simply as the most powerful and enduring form of education—hands on experience. You’ll be involved in animal rehabilitation deep in the jungle, community outreach and archaeology in the former Incan Capital, Peru and conservation and education in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. 

    Free-time activities

    Peru: 
    Peru is a vibrant country with a mix of activities for every kind of volunteer. Whether you’re into arts, culture, history, or nature, there’s sure to be something for you! One of the biggest attractions of Peru is the Inca history. There are awe-inspiring archaeological sites like ...

    Free-time activities

    Peru: 
    Peru is a vibrant country with a mix of activities for every kind of volunteer. Whether you’re into arts, culture, history, or nature, there’s sure to be something for you! One of the biggest attractions of Peru is the Inca history. There are awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Coricancha, Tambomachay, and of course, Machu Picchu.

    Over a weekend, you can take a trip to the village of Pisac, where you can browse bright, eye-catching textile markets. Don’t miss out on seeing the llamas and alpacas too! There are also lively restaurants, the perfect place to spend an evening relaxing and enjoying local cuisine, like ceviche.

    Galapagos Islands:
    While you’re volunteering here, it’s worth checking out the beautiful beaches where seabirds circle above and sea lions laze about on the sand. You can also go snorkelling or scuba diving along the coast.

    Hiking around the base of one of the many volcanoes that make up the Galapagos is spectacular and thrilling! You can also follow the Darwin trail or trek through the Punta Pitt.

    There are plenty of museums and art galleries for you to learn more about the culture and history. You can also chat to locals and buy souvenirs at bustling markets.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Proof of education

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services


    • Accommodation
    • Food (three meals a day)
    • Airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
    • Transport to and from your work placement
    • In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
    • Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
    • Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
    • A supervisor/mentor at your work placement
    • Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
    • Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
    • Access to our local office with internet connection
    • Certification of project completion
    • Access to our alumni services and discounts
    • Visa support and advice
    • Fundraising support, including your own personalised fundraising website
    • Pre-departure preparation by your own specialist Destination Expert
    • Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination
    • A cultural awareness course
    • Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
    • Organised weekend tourism trips

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    You’ll fly into Peru at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ). However, if you’re joining our Conservation Project, you’ll fly to Padre Aldamiz International Airport, also known as the Puerto Maldonado International Airport (PEM).

    You’ll arrive at San Cristobal Island Airport (SCY), and a friendly Projects Abroad staff member will be there to pick you up. The airport is very close to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where our projects are based. It’s only about a five-minute drive from the airport to our local office.

    Accommodation

    In the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

    You'll share accommodation with other Gap Project participants during your stay at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve. This is a great way to get to know your fellow students, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together. Each bungalow will sleep 2 people, and has a private bathroom. 

    In Cusco

    You'll stay with a host family in Cusco. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and learn about your culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Peru and have a truly unique experience.  You will live alongside one or two other participants of the same gender at the host family. 

    In San Cristobal

    You'll share accommodation with other Gap Semester participants at our Conservation Lodge near Galapagos National Park during your stay in San Cristobal. 

    Food & Beverages

    Your programme fees include three meals a day.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    10 May 2026 to 04 July 2026 - 8 Weeks
    30 August 2026 to 24 October 2026 - 8 Weeks
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,097 per week 8 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    8 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Puerto Maldonado

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    60
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Voluntourism  >  Volunteer and Travel in Peru
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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