Community Engagement Internship

The Las Piedras Amazon Center (LPAC) has been designed to cater for field research, conservation tours, expeditions and learning programs. It has a rustic Medicine Man-style charm. For those who love to experience nature and raw wilderness in rustic comfort, this is the perfect place for immersion into the wild. The center is located near beautiful streams and waterfalls. It’s surrounded by over 50km of trail networks and research transects. The camp is comfortable and sustainable with raised camping platforms covered by up-cycled advertising billboards, a large 2-story central work/dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen. There is running water, limited electricity (4-5 hours a day), outdoor and indoor showers, western and composting toilets. The camp can hold up to 50 guests at a time. There is NO internet or cellular phone network. The center operates as a non-profit business, where 100% of income is used to improve infrastructure, pay dedicated conservation and research staff and expand ARCAmazon’s conservation reach.

See more about LPAC here.

Who We Are:

ARCAmazon is a Peruvian non-profit organization that is committed to protecting and conserving Peru’s Amazon Rainforest; its valuable natural resources, its function in reducing climate change, its biodiversity and indigenous peoples. ARCAmazon’s team of experts have been active in Peru’s Madre de Dios region since the 90’s. They have trained thousands of volunteers and interns from all around the world, encouraging many to go on to become professionals in the environmental sector. Our team is constantly gaining knowledge and experience of the complex relationships between humans and the rainforest environment. This helps us to refine our conservation strategies and essentially become more effective over time. We lead and support research on themes from biodiversity to ethnobotany, socio-economics to sustainable business, agro-forestry to permaculture and conservation. ARCAmazon believes in the importance of sharing data with land owners, policy makers, NGOs and businesses, to help encourage all parties to take a stake in protecting this critical part of the planet.

The Amazon Rainforest in Peru is the perfect environment for aspiring researchers and wildlife enthusiasts to gain invaluable knowledge and skills while making a difference on the front-lines of ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. The work we do requires energy and enthusiasm of many. We are looking for people from all nations, races, sexuality, ethnicity, ages, beliefs and interests to get involved. All we ask for is that you bring passion, respect, love and a desire to take action for good, to save one of the last truly wild frontiers on the planet.

This is what we cover for you, using your fee:

• Transfers on arrival and departure at Puerto Maldonado (airport, bus station or hotel)
• Scheduled transport to and from the field
• Shared lodging from start to end of the program (in the field and Puerto Maldonado)
• Full board – three substantial and healthy 2-course meals each day
• Clean drinking water, tea, coffee and refreshments at all times
• Limited use of electricity generator each day (4-5 hours)
• General support and training: Health & Safety; trail use and orienteering, basic jungle survival, basic ecology, impacts and challenges affecting the forests in Madre de Dios; research and conservation solutions for the rainforests in Madre de Dios
• Specialized training (depending on the program)
• Personal supervision by an experienced field coordinator (2-6 participants per coordinator)
• Care and support from an experienced logistics and administration team based at the ARCAmazon head office in Puerto Maldonado
• Weekly excursions (macaw and parrot clay-lick, boat rides, mini-expeditions, hikes, waterfalls, community social events, sports, etc.)
• The experience of one of the most spectacular natural environments on Earth with alongside a highly trained and fun team of conservationists

What is not included:

• Travel insurance (compulsory for all participants)
• Flights and/or bus tickets to and from Puerto Maldonado
• Spending money for snacks, drinks and souvenirs
• Personal equipment (headlamp, bug repellent, binoculars etc.)
• Participants may prefer to bring their own tent if they would like to camp instead of share accomodation with others
• Add-ons (Tours to Machu Picchu, Cusco and other parts of Peru, full expeditions, lazy river experience, remote native community visit, etc.) – please inquire on application