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How do I sign up?
The application process aims to match the skills of potential volunteers with interested communities. To download an application please click here and send it to us at:
apply@adventureservicetourism.com
How much does it cost?
The price for the month-long Adventure Conservation Immersion in the Reserve, including all transportation, food and lodging starting in Lima, Peru (overseas flights not included) is $1350 plus the minimum donation (for a total of $1850). This includes the round trip national flight from Lima to Iquitos. River transportation is in small boats including "peque-peque" motorized canoes typical to the zone. You will bring some food with you from Iquitos to be prepared by a local host, in addition to local dishes. Lodging is jungle camping style - consisting in a tent set up in a hut.
** For the immersion program a $300 discount will be givin if you arrive and start the adventure in Iquitos. The price for the two-week 'Rumbo al Dorado' Volunteer Jungle Expedition including all food, lodging, transfers and English speaking guide and conservation expert starting in Iquitos is $700 plus the minimun donation (for a total of $950). Food, transfers and activity orientation will be provided by members of the Rumbo al Dorado (RAD) consortium. Participants will stay in a series of 3 rustic huts constructed along the Yanayacu River.
** For an additional $300 all food, lodging, internal flight and transfer arrangements can be made to start the adventure at the Lima airport.
Minimun Fundraising Donation: $500 and $250, for the Immersion and Expedition trips, respectively.
We ask for a donation to ProNaturaleza to sustain conservation activities. As the premier conservation foundation in Peru, ProNaturaleza needs support for its ongoing operations and projects. ProNaturaleza has established a Conservation Fund available to the management groups in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. If you would like to assign the donation for a specific use such as a solar panel we will work with you to make it a reality. Volunteers are encouraged to raise more money than the minimum.
What are the 2008 start dates? Adventure Conservation Immersion: June 27 - July 29, July 11 - August 11, Aug 1 - Sept 1, Aug 15 - Sept 15, Aug 29 - Sept 29, Sept 12 - Oct 13, Sept 26 - Oct 27, Oct 10 - Nov 10, Oct 24 - Nov 24, Nov 7 - Dec 8, Nov 21 - Dec 22, Dec 5 - Jan 5.
Rumbo al Dorado Volunteer Jungle Expedition: July 1-15, July 17-31, Aug 2-16, Aug 18-31
What is "Rumbo al Dorado"?
El Dorado is a lake in the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Considered part of one of the most exclusive Ramsar wetland locations in world, it is the source of the Yanayacu Pucate river; the headwaters for the Amazon river. "Rumbo al Dorado" is the name given to a community enterprise; a consortium of 3 community management groups within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve (Veinte de Enero, Yarina and Manco Capac) brought together through the work of NGOs ProNaturaleza and GreenLife.
"Shadow," said he,
"Where can it be -
This land of El Dorado?"
"Over the mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied -
"If you seek for El Dorado!"
--- In El Dorado - a poem by Edgar Allan Poe
Is insurance included? No, but it is required. We recommend that volunteers research the most appropriate travel insurance for their specific needs. A good places to start is here.
Will my friends and family be able to call me while I'm in the jungle?
No. Phone communication in the jungle is not readily available. Short wave radio is the primary means of communication in the Reserve. Please inform family members of your inability to communicate via telephone while in the jungle.
How many people am I going to be serving with?
Depends. We have placed a limit on the number of volunteers assigned to a community for the Adventure Conservation Immersion. No more than two volunteers will be assigned to any particular management group at a time. The community of Yarina has three management groups. The community of Buenos Aires has one. Your particular situation will depend on the community and which activity theme interests you at that particular time. The 'Rumbo al Dorado' Volunteer Jungle Expedition requires a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 passengers as they will be staying in the community run hut system.
What have other volunteers said about the experience?
"My experience in Pacaya Samiria was an adventurous way to live real
jungle life while serving alongside organized community members in
their efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment."
- Kevin Fitzpatrick, Adventure Conservationist
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