Amazonian Wildlife Expedition in Peru
The Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet: from butterflies to birds, bats and bees, and even the elusive tapirs, this 19-day expedition in Peru will give you invaluable hands-on experience of wildlife conservation and Peruvian culture.
Explore Cusco and the Cloud Forest before making you way down to the Amazon Rainforest. Following your immersive jungle experience, looking at conservation, sustainability, biodiversity, ecotourism, and community based projects, you’ll have the chance to venture into the history of the Inca’s. Plus, you’ll further your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals that align with this project, as well as gain a deeper understanding of your own social and environmental impact.
“I had the most amazing 3 weeks. I had the chance to visit the Amazon rainforest and go for walks almost daily to check traps etc. I met awesome new friends from all around the world and got to see animals in their own habitat, plus I got to spend my birthday swimming in the Amazon river! 100% want to do it again”
Whether you’re keen to start a career in conservation or not, this Amazonian adventure will be an eye-opening experience.
You’ll gain incredible hands-on conservation experience in this fantastically diverse landscape, plus explore the city of Cusco, visit the Cloud Forest, hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu. You’ll also develop important personal attributes and gain transferable skills necessary for any career path.
If you wish to extend your trip you can add an additional 4-days and visit Lake Titicaca, Amantani and Taquile Island plus soak up even more Peruvian culture with visits to a number of Inca sites along the way.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco
Day 2: Cusco orientation
Day 3: Cloud Forest
Day 4–14: Amazon conservation project
Day 15: Cusco
Day 16: Sacred Valley
Day 17: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Day 18: Mandor Waterfall
Day 19: Depart
About your adventure
Before diving into conservation work, you’ll get the opportunity to experience the wonder of Cusco, greeted by Inca and colonial architecture at every turn. The Peruvian culture really is unlike any other and has to be experienced to be believed.
You’ll spend your conservation project learning and helping out at our research centre in Manu National Park. Through theoretical and hands-on learning, you’ll dive deep into topics including conservation, sustainability, biodiversity, ecotourism, community projects and so much more. By looking at a range of species and collecting data, you’ll see just how important this area is in preserving this incredible regenerative forest.
From observing birds at sunrise at the clay lick, to butterfly traps and amphibian and reptile surveys, you’ll gain invaluable insight and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
After your conservation project, you’ll visit the spectacular Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail – another sight that has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. You’ll hike to Mandor waterfall, paddle board on Lake Huaypo, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Titicaca, and visit Taquile Island!
This truly is a jam-packed adventure, with a wonderful balance of learning and exploring. You’ll leave with a better and deeper understanding of the importance of Amazonian conservation and a true respect for the culture and history of Peru.
Our trips are designed to help you develop a wide range of life skills and a deeper understanding of how you can help us work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Learn more ⟶
“One of the best experiences I have ever had! ”
Amazon Conservation itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Peru
You’ll land in Cusco and be met by your private guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the beautiful historic city centre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. You’ll see Inca and colonial architecture around every corner, local thriving markets and get a feel for Peruvian culture. And feel free to ask your guides if you have any questions.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cusco and Amazon conservation project briefing
Today, you’ll spend the morning with our local guides and be introduced to the conservation work you’ll do in the Amazon. This will include butterfly surveys; community action; learning about bio-gardens and sustainable development; macaw monitoring at dawn with snow-peaked mountains in the distance; night surveys; and hunting for amphibians and reptiles. Partake in a walking tour of Cusco and grab lunch, before relaxing in the afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3
The Cloud Forest and night safari
Embark on an epic journey from Cusco to the Manu Cloud Forest, featuring scenic views of streams, waterfalls, mountains, traditional market stops, and the highest point of the Andes. At this elevated vantage point, you'll witness a spectacular view of the cloud forest, resembling an endless green carpet below. This location serves as both the entrance to the Manu National Park and the border between the Andes and the cloud forest.
One of the most exciting crossings is the arrival at your homestay, where you can transport yourself across the river using a small 2-person cable cart. Alternatively, there is a walking bridge available to cross the river. After dinner, indulge in your night safari experience.
Meals: B, L, D
Days 4 to 14
The Amazonian conservation project
Crossing into the buffer zone of the Amazon Rainforest, Manu National Park, you’ll arrive at your project location. Throughout the week, you’ll learn through practical and theoretical classes about conservation, sustainability, biodiversity, ecotourism, community projects and so much more. You’ll observe a range of species, collect data, and gain a true understanding of the importance of this incredibly diverse environment and in-situ conservation.
Meals: B, L, D
Note: for those looking to collect data for dissertation or thesis projects, please speak to us and we can share our dissertation titles with you and discuss the range of potential areas you can study.
Day 15
Return to Cusco
After leaving Manu National Park, you’ll travel back to Cusco, sampling local delicacies along the way as you stop off at various local markets and street vendors. Here you’ll see all kinds of foods, with some of the tastiest broths, unusual snacks and indigenous takes on Western food from fried chicken and chips to ice creams and smoothies. These are also great places to buy local and traditional souvenirs, protecting local economies and fringe communities.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16
Paddle boarding, salt pans and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today, you’ll swap land for water. Learn the art of stand-up paddle boarding, spot some rare birds and take in the Andean scenery on the emerald green waters of Huaypo Lake in the Sacred Valley, before a picnic lunch on the shores. Then hike through an old colonial village to the amazing salt pans in Maras. The highly salty water emerges from a natural spring and is channelled through ancient terraced ponds, a cooperative system that was established during the time of the Incas.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
An early start sees you catching the train towards Machu Picchu, jumping off en route to begin your 11km Inca Trail trek. You’ll explore the Incan ruins of Chachabamba, and traverse old Inca stairways and beautiful stepped terraces, passing more ruins, viewpoints and water features as you go, accompanied by the scent of wild orchids and the calls of tropical songbirds. Upon reaching the final set of stairs and arriving at Inti Punku, The Sun Gate, you’ll stop for a well-deserved packed lunch before continuing to the fantastic Machu Picchu and your hotel for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18
Sacred Valley and Mandor Waterfall
Another (shorter) hike today, to Mandor Waterfall. This is the sight of Hiram Bingham’s base camp - the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take photos and gaze in awe at the sheer power of nature. You’ll get to explore the nature reserve at the foot of Machu Picchu and have the opportunity to cool off under the impressive waterfall. You’ll then catch a train back to Cusco.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 19
Depart from Cusco airport
Spend your final morning in the city, visiting the sites of the historical centre, buying any last-minute souvenirs, and reflecting on the incredible journey you have been on. This is an adventure of a lifetime and one that will, without question, impact the rest of your life.
Meals: B
4-day extension
Lake Titicaca and Amantani Island
During this optional 4-day extension, you'll soak up even more Peruvian culture, with visits to a number of Inca sites including the Colonial church at Andahuaylillas, the archaeological site of Raqchi, the Abra La Raya pass and the lithic museum at Pucara.
Then hop aboard a boat for a cruise on Lake Titicaca and learn about the local history, traditions and agricultural methods while visiting the amazing floating reed islands of Uros and onto Amantani Island for lunch. Here, you’ll meet your family homestay and settle in before hiking to the top of the island for spectacular sunset views. Getting a real taste of Peruvian culture, you’ll join your host family for a traditional Peruvian dinner.
From Amantani, you’ll take the boat across the sapphire waters to Taquile Island, famous for its weavings, friendly people and great hiking opportunities. You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to Puno and transferring back to your hotel. Then head back to Cusco for your last night.
Meals: B, L, D
What’s included
NOTE:
Flights will be secured once final numbers have been confirmed, with options presented for direct and non-direct returns to Cusco. Personal insurance, visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure, tips for leaders, guides and drivers and any other services not listed above are not included.
Important notes
Once you’ve booked your Amazon Conservation Expedition you will be sent a kit list specifically for your trip. You will also receive further information about the adventure itself and the daily activities as well as further detail around what you can expect to learn. This includes your pre-departure conservation and sustainability workshops, as well as your impact surveys and reports. If you have any questions about the trip please get in touch. If you have any questions about Flooglebinder’s educational adventures please take a look at our FAQs page.
VACCINATIONS
For this particular trip, please see details below.
Please check with your local GP to find out which vaccinations you require for any adventure that you decide to book. These are a guide; a full consultation is necessary to establish individual risk and suitability of vaccines. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.
Recommended vaccinations:
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid Fever
Vaccinations to be considered:
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis (TB)
Peru is a malaria-infected country.
INSURANCE
Please check if your school/college provides insurance and if not we will require your policy number and details 8 weeks before departure. Flooglebinder has public liability cover of £5million but participants must arrange their own travel insurance for all other levels of cover (e.g. cancellation, curtailment, loss of personal belongings etc.). Please feel free to contact us for any advice or recommendations.
Your safety is our number one priority on all of our educational adventures. All of your finances are protected through our Financial Failure Insurance and each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.
VISAS
Please check with the FCDO.
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