If you would like to apply to volunteer with FFT, simply download our application form by clicking here and read through our Terms and Conditions, then email the application and your recent CV to apply @ faunaforever.org. (Please remove spaces from the email address)
If you would like to find out more about our research projects, volunteering or anything else we might be able to help with, please see our FAQ below, or contact us by emailing info @ faunaforever.org. (Please remove the spaces from the email address)
We aim to reply to all enquiries within 24 hours, although there may be some short periods when our entire team is in the field and uncontactable, in which case we will reply as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this programme suitable for?
This project is open to anyone over the age of 18, from any background (Biology/Science/Conservation would be to your advantage) and any country. However, due to the nature and location of the project, please consider the following before applying:
>Days in the field can be long and require hours of walking along muddy trails, sometimes having to cut your way through vines with your machette. Although incredibly rewarding, you need to be in good shape to participate.
>The accommodation is basic; cold water and no electricity are the norm. As long as you enter with an open mind about this it adds to the charm and adventure of this unique project.
>The location of the lodges can be reasonably remote (up to a 5 hour trip to the nearest hospital).
>Conditions in the rainforest are very humid (no shock there!), clothes can rot quickly and electrical equipment can be affected if it is not stored correctly.
>Mosquitoes and biting flies are in abundance.
The Amazon is a truly unique place and can offer volunteers amazing and unforgettable experiences. If you enter it prepared with the right mindset, the issues above will seem a mere inconvenience compared with the experiences and memories you will take home with you. If you have concerns about any of the above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss things with you.
Can I work on my own research project?
Yes, this may be possible. In the past we have had independent researchers affiliated to the project, and in some cases volunteer researchers have also collected their own field data for their thesis work. Please contact us for more details, we would like to help.
How long in advance should I book?
Reservations are usually made 3-6 months prior to the start of the Phase but the sooner you book the more chance you have of securing the dates and research team of your choice - and giving yourself sufficient time to fund raise if you need to. Reservations can be made up to 1 month prior depending on availability - please contact us.
Can I fund raise towards the cost?
In the past, volunteers have fundraised for all, or part, of their contribution fee. This project is an official undertaking of the Sociedad Tambopata-TReeS, the sister organisation to TReeS (registered British Charity, No. 298054) and TReeS-USA. Should you require an official endorsement from the Project in order to fundraise, please contact us and we can provide you with the necessary supporting letters.
Some examples of ways you might wish to raise funds are as follows:-
>Contacting local businesses or organisations
>Sponsored activities (e.g. walks, runs, races, etc.)
>Fundraising events
>Treasure Hunts
>Auctions
>Quiz nights
Is there a discount if I want to participate in more than one Phase?
What's the accommodation like?
The accommodation is rustic, but comfortable, each person with their own bed and personal mosquito net.
You will be sleeping in bungalows with between 2 and 4 other members of the team.
There is no electricity in any of the accommodation, and the showers are cold. You will be given candles for after dark. The restaurant area has electricity during the evenings.
What food will I be supplied?
You will receive a continental breakfast and two filling three-course meals a day. There is a snack bar on site if you require any more food or drinks.
Is there drinking water at the lodge?
Drinking water is provided by the lodge. If you prefer you can purchase bottled water or soft drinks from the bar.
Do you cater for special diets?
The lodge chefs are happy to cater for vegetarians and vegans. They will also do their best to accommodate any other requirements. Please let us know in advance if you have any special requirements.
What's the weather like?
The Tambopata region has a sub-tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. The average annual temperature is 24 degrees Celcius and the average annual rainfall is 2,400mm. The majority of this rainfall is between November and April, with the wettest months being January and February, whilst between May and October, the dry season, tends to be cooler and less humid - but it may still rain. Cold fronts (known as friajes) sweep through occasionally between May and July when temperatures can fall to as low as 10 degrees Celcius.
How do I get to Puerto Maldonado?
You can fly with various airlines from both Lima and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado (LAN / Star Peru). If you are looking for a budget option you can take a bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado which takes around 18 hours.
How will we get to the ecolodges and back?
We will arrange transport from Puerto Maldonado airport to the lodge, and back again. You will be picked up from the airport and will travel together with the team by boat from the port for around 3-8 hours (depending on the lodge) down either the Tambopata or Madre de Dios river.
Who is responsible for my visa?
You are responsible for arranging your visa into Peru. Please check whether you need to organise a visa in advance of arriving in Peru. Remember that your passport needs to be valid for at least a further 6 months after you arrive. Most nations are entitled to a 6 month visa, so always ask for the maximum upon arrival in Peru.
What else is there to see in the area?
In and Around Puerto Maldonado
> Lake Sandoval (Amazing opportunity to see birds and giant river otters - breathtaking scenery)
> Serpentarium (Many rescued snakes from the area)
> Animal sanctuary
> Anaconda Lodge (With a luxurious swimming pool and lots of domesticated monkeys)
A Backpacker's Dream:
> Cusco
> Machu Picchu
> Lake Titicaca
> Nazca Lines
> Bolivia
> Brazil
Will there be internet/telephone at the station/ecolodges?
Due to the isolated location of the lodges there will not be internet or telephone available, unless required for an emergency. Puerto Maldonado has many internet cafes; you can make international calls at these too. Whilst in the field, emergency only messages from friends and family members can be sent to the Project Manager's email address: rachel@faunaforever.org
How will I charge my batteries and laptop?
We have a generator which operates for around 6 hours a day during which time you can charge your personal equipment.
Do I need to bring a converter for my electrical equipment?
Do I need any injections?
A yellow fever injection is required for travel to this area. Go to your general practitioner or travel doctor and talk to them about this and other injections they recommend.
Should I bring anti-malarials?
To the best of our knowledge there have been no cases of malaria contracted at the lodges, and the co-ordinators do not take malarial prophylaxis. However we strongly advise you to follow the recommendations of your doctor. For more information on malaria and safe travel visit http://www.malariahotspots.co.uk or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office http://www.fco.gov.uk
What other dangers are there in the rainforest?
There is a small biting fly that carries a disease called Leishmaniasis. Uta, as it is locally known, is a protozoan which can eat away at living flesh and cartilage. It is carried by wild animals and is transmitted to humans by a small white Phlobotamus fly. Only a very small percentage of the flies carry the disease, but it is possible to get infected. It is curable with a 20-day intravenous treatment of antimony. You should wear long sleeves and long pants in the forest, the one exception being around midday on hot days - the flies don't fly during such conditions, so at this time you can wear shorts and a T-shirt.
Other forest dangers include Africanised bees, wasps (particularly nocturnal species), and several species of venomous snake (vipers and coral snakes). Evacuation by boat from the most remote lodge to Puerto Maldonado, where there is a hospital, can be achieved within 5 hours.
Recently there has been an outbreak of Dengue Fever in Puerto Maldonado and it is advised to wear repellent at all times.
Do I need medical insurance?
Medical insurance is required to take part in this project. You need to arrange this yourself and provide us with a copy of the policy.
How much spending money should I bring?
Once at the lodge the only place you can spend any money is the bar. Everything else will be provided for you. Allow some money for snacks, drinks, your nights out in Puerto Maldonado and in case of an emergency.
Are there any additional costs?
Aside from spending money for your own personal purchases while in Peru, there are no additional costs above the placement fee.
Why Volunteer with FFT?
If you care about the environment, love nature, and have enthusiasm for participating in a project with a real purpose, this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with experts in this field and to make a long-term contribution towards wildlife conservation in the Amazon rainforest.
Still have more questions?
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