Kaya Environmental Volunteering in Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the problems facing the earth then an environmental project is for you. Our projects from around the world range from forestry development, ecosystem preservation, national park development to botanical research. Not only will you be involved in education and research but also hands on activities within national park development and maintenance of ecosystems.

Agro-Cultural Tourism in Peru

Help community members of Chichubamba to preserve and celebrate their agricultural heritage while creating sustainable jobs and income. The agro-tourism project in Chichubamba combines two of Peru's largest industries: agriculture and tourism. You will work to market the project while helping community members to implement basic business practices and improve their services to tourists. Local businesses include honey production, natural fabrics, mountain expeditions and pottery making.

Environmental Education in Peru

This project aims to balance forest and ecosystem preservation with responsible urbanisation of the Cusco area. To do this, we involve and educate the community about sustainable and healthy ways of living and generating an income. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with local schoolchildren and community members, educating them about the local environment and conservation measures, and to get hands-on with environmental projects.

Ecotourism Project in Peru

Help native residents to create a strong, sustainable eco-tourism industry, improving the standard of living for the Chicon community members while preserving the natural beauty of the remaining local forests.

Volunteers train community members as tour guides in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, educating them about adventure tourism and customer service, and providing insight about native flora and fauna, environmental preservation methods, and medicinal plants. Volunteers who enjoy teaching are encouraged to help teach classes and workshops in English, marketing, business management, and reforestation techniques.

Highlights: Known as the 'Land of the Incas,' Peru, with its geographic and cultural diversity, is a must-go destination at any time of year. Explore the jungles, beaches and ancient Andean trails whilst living amongst the Incan descendants, and join effective projects which help thousands of South America's poorest people.

Sandboarding on Huacachina:
Sandboarding is a fast-growing activity around the globe with strong roots in Peru. This is one of the best locations in the world for sandboarding as Peru boasts the largest sand dune in the world, Cerro Blanco, which stands at 2070m. Flying down the slopes with tremendous speed you are guaranteed an adrenaline rush and a thrilling experience.

Mountain climbing/Canyoning/Rappling:
The most exciting experience available near Cusco, the sport of canyoning introduces you to the beautiful countryside within the archaeological complex of Pisac while delivering an inimitable adrenaline rush. At Pisac a canyon cuts into the Vilcanota River valley from the NE. The gorge is 100 meters deep. This is wet, upside-down climbing on some beautifully sculpted river rocks.

Manu Biosphere Nature Reserve:
Manu National Park is one of the largest natural protected areas in the world. To see biodiversity on such an unparalleled scale is such a special experience. This UNESCO world heritage site contains about 15,000 species of plants, 250 varieties of trees, 800 species of birds and 200 species of mammals, including the endangered Jaguar.

Volunteers help the communities economically develop and take care of their natural environment. Furthermore, you provide health and social awareness trainings to the Peruvians to assist them in enriching their personal values.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008