Top 9 experiences whilst volunteering in the Amazon jungle
Volunteer Experiences / 11 March 2026
Daily volunteer life at our Amazon Conservation project is always full of surprises; some mornings you may head up the river by boat to a nearby community whilst watching the macaws flying overhead and in the afternoon you could head into the jungle to assist with wildlife surveys, spotting some big wild cat footprints along the path. Or you may spend the morning learning about how to identify animal species at the field base then tending to the plants and vegetables in the bio-garden whilst practicing your Spanish with staff and other volunteers.
Volunteering at the Amazon Conservation project is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it often ignites a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation.
Past volunteer Tim runs through his top 9 things you can experience whilst volunteering at the Amazon Conservation project in Peru:
1. Waking up before the sun – the most magical time of the day (that even the night owl volunteers think is worth the super early start!)
Whether you are getting up to head on the boat over to watch the parrots at the salt lick, heading off into the misty jungle for a morning wildlife survey, or simply because you want to enjoy a beautiful sunrise at the docks. The misty mornings are magical as you hear the forest animals starting to wake up!
2. Learning to monitor and record beautiful species of parakeets, parrots and macaws
Over your days down on the river island looking across the water up the clay lick (exposed clay ground, known locally as the Collpa), you will also be able to differentiate similar bird species from each other and will soon learn to even identify them by their calls too!
3. Spotting wildlife in the Machuwasi wetland
Just a short boat ride from the volunteer base, you can enjoy a tranquil raft while spotting different bird species visiting the biodiverse wetland which is close to the jungle town of Salvacion
4. Digital detox!
Using your down time between researching out in the rainforest and learning at the centre, to rest and recover from being in the jungle. It’s nice to use your time getting back to basics - play games, write or draw, you can use this opportunity to pursue creative outlets.
5. Jungle trekking will be your daily commute
Participating in surveys and trekking through the jungle will become a huge part of your routine as a volunteer. Become immersed in nature with your fellow volunteers and staff, learning about the different trails and intricacies of this diverse ecosystem.
6. Increasing your butterfly knowledge
One of the surveys volunteers help with in the jungle is butterflies. You will walk and learn the project trails, identify different subspecies of butterflies and gain knowledge and appreciation of these beautiful and important ecological indicators.
7. Enjoying the jungle critters visits to your home!
An array of reptiles, amphibians, birds and even monkeys can frequently be seen just outside your bedroom window, plus the garden is one of the best places to spot wildlife.
8. Dinner by candlelight with new friends
At the end of each you can tuck into your delicious dinner whilst chatting about your day to people from around the world and learning about what the following day has to offer!
9. Night walks
Experience the jungle at it’s most active and wild on the night survey walks. This will give you the best chance to spot rare nocturnal animals like armadillos and owls, as well as a huge variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects. You will see many little shiny eye reflections when looking into the jungle with your head torch!
