WILDLIFE SHELTER

The Wildlife Project in Cusco is a private and family-run organization dedicated to the rescue and care of native wildlife. The project takes in wild animals, such as alpacas, parrots, pumas, eagles, and wild cats, that were previously kept as pets or mistreated or captured by poachers and illegal hunters to sell. The animals are freed by forest rangers and placed in the organization’s care. The Wildlife Project was founded in 2007 and houses many endangered species on its 15 hectare site, ensuring the preservation of special wildlife. The team is particularly concerned about the preservation of the endangered Andean condors. The gigantic condors were and still are hunted illegally in order to sell the coveted feathers of the birds to artisans or as souvenirs to tourists. With the goal of releasing the giant birds into the wild and thereby increasing the population, the condors are being bred there.

The mission of the project is to make volunteers and visitors to the reserve aware of the devastating effect human activity has on the extinction of these special animals. They want to educate the local people and especially the children about how they can contribute to the preservation of the native species and thus want to strengthen people’s sense of responsibility towards nature.

Help to preserve Peruvian biodiversity! The project is non-profit and lives on donations, visitor admissions and the help of volunteers. At the project you can learn all about Peru’s fascinating wildlife and have fun working with the animals, local staff and other volunteers. You can actively work for the protection and species-appropriate keeping of the wild animals and do something good for nature.

As a volunteer you can take on different activities at the sanctuary. As a member of the local team you will be jointly responsible for the care and feeding of the residents. Daily tasks are the preparation of food, feeding and cleaning the stables. Injured animals need special care or medical treatment. Here, too, you can get up close and personal and lend a hand to the team. The enclosures, fences and paths have to be checked and maintained regularly. You can prove your manual skills and come up with new creative solutions. Would you like to pass on your knowledge? Then you can welcome groups of visitors and guide them through the reserve. Or you can convince young people to protect nature and biodiversity and inform them about the threats to animal species.

The working hours are about 4 – 5 hours a day, 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday. There are two shifts that volunteers and staff are split between: either 8:00am to 1:00pm or 1:00pm to 5:30pm. Whether you prefer to work in the morning or in the afternoon, you can discuss with us before the project.

With the team and the other volunteers you can share your enthusiasm for the exciting wildlife of Peru and learn a lot of new things.

The reserve is located in the so-called “Sacred Valley of the Incas” 22 km north of the city of Cusco. In the beautiful valley you will find vast fields and landscapes like in picture books. The majestic, huge mountains behind the valley are covered with snow and invite you to climb them. Many small rural Andean villages lie in the valley and enchant you with their Peruvian culture. The valley was once populated by the Incas and today you can explore the exciting ruins and learn all about the culture and way of life of these peoples. There are numerous ruins in Pisac, Chinchero or Ollantaytambo. The Andean village of Pisac is also known for its colorful markets where you can buy inexpensive souvenirs. Also a trip to the breathtaking terraces of Moray is definitely worth it!

The former capital of the Incas, Cusco, lies at an altitude of over 3,400 meters and is the perfect starting point for exploring the world-famous Machu Picchu or the Rainbow Mountains. But also within the city there are many historical monuments to see. In Cusco, backpackers from all over the world meet and create a good atmosphere. Here you will experience the true culture of the Peruvians, just sit down on Sunday on the Plaza de Armas and let yourself be captivated by the cheerfulness of the people. You will find street musicians and vendors on every corner.

The reserve is located in the so-called “Sacred Valley of the Incas” 22 km north of the city of Cusco. In the beautiful valley you will find vast fields and landscapes like in picture books. The majestic, huge mountains behind the valley are covered with snow and invite you to climb them. Many small rural Andean villages lie in the valley and enchant you with their Peruvian culture. The valley was once populated by the Incas and today you can explore the exciting ruins and learn all about the culture and way of life of these peoples. There are numerous ruins in Pisac, Chinchero or Ollantaytambo. The Andean village of Pisac is also known for its colorful markets where you can buy inexpensive souvenirs. Also a trip to the breathtaking terraces of Moray is definitely worth it!

The former capital of the Incas, Cusco, lies at an altitude of over 3,400 meters and is the perfect starting point for exploring the world-famous Machu Picchu or the Rainbow Mountains. But also within the city there are many historical monuments to see. In Cusco, backpackers from all over the world meet and create a good atmosphere. Here you will experience the true culture of the Peruvians, just sit down on Sunday on the Plaza de Armas and let yourself be captivated by the cheerfulness of the people. You will find street musicians and vendors on every corner.

The national language in Peru is Spanish. For the work in the project you should have a basic knowledge of Spanish and English. Of course, you will improve your knowledge very quickly on site.

If you don’t have any knowledge of Spanish yet, we recommend that you take a Spanish course beforehand, so that you can acquire the necessary knowledge and are well prepared for the project and living together with the locals.

Together with other volunteers or guests you will share an apartment in Cusco. The house is located in the center of Cusco and offers the perfect base to explore the beautiful city. In the apartment there are several shared or single rooms. With your roommates you will share a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room. In the kitchen you have the possibility to cook cheaply. Or you can try out the many restaurants and cafes in the city.

Depending on availability, you will stay in an apartment or similar accommodation.

Prices:

Single room:

• 1st month starter package: € 1,240.00
• Extension month: 670,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd programme: 990,00 €

Host family:

• 1st month in start package: 1.360,00 €
• Extension month: 810,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd programme: 1.110,00 €

Benefits:

You can find out more about our services here.