Yana Cocha - Amazonian Animal Rescue Centre

Volunteering at Yanacocha was such a fun experience! I stayed there for two weeks in May 2026. We feed the animals in the mornings and afternoons, and clean the animal enclosures in the mornings. We also work on training and feeding enrichment. It was so rewarding to work with the animals, especially the capybaras, deer, macaws, and ocelots! It was a super hands-on experience and within one week, my friends and I were able to lead the feeding/cleaning/training on our own. Hot showers are available and the accommodations are simple but clean. Be prepared for rain! Couldn’t recommend this volunteer experience more.

Spent 10 days volunteering here at this beautiful place. Working with the animals is so rewarding. It does take a little while to pick it up, as most things go. Food was heavy on the carbs, if you need a diet heavy on protein don’t fret, there are plenty of grocery stores close by with good selection. The amount of other volunteers is pure luck. When I was there I was along side 15 others. But a week before there was only one. To be honest, I was a bit skeptical of volunteering at an animal sanctuary because I had no idea how humane it would be. But rest assured every animal is there for a reason. Whether it be medical, abusive past owners or a crippling injury. So don’t worry, you are contributing to something genuine.

I had an amazing experience in Yanacocha as a volunteer! I stayed 9 nights in a six bedroom house. I had no problems at all and used the communal showers for hot water. All of the animals are in the sanctuary because they cannot return to the wild and are well taken care of. Everyday we preped food, gave meds, cleaned enclosures and watched their behavior. My favorite animal to take care of in Yanacocha was the birds. There is a beautiful variety of birds including macaws and toucans. The staff was friendly and welcoming to all! Volunteering in Yanacocha will be the highlight of my year!

The Volunteer leader Gabby was very kind and supportive throughout my time here. I enjoyed working with the animals, learning about their biology and meeting other vunteers. Accomodation was more than satisfactory and a comfortable place to retire in the evening. I will say that at times the activites and work felt a little confusing and unorganised, but this was an overall lovely experience that I will never forget. I recomend yanacocha dor long term travel as it is a perfect place to experience local life, visit puyo and dedicate yourself to wildlife conservation for a little while.

Volunteering at Yanacocha was such an unforgettable experience. not only was looking after and learning about the animals extremely rewarding, the down time in between tasks was relaxing, as well as all three meals included being nutritious and large. The staff was super helpful and friendly and the community of staff and other volunteers was amazing. The sanctuary itself was super well looked after with all animals there actually needing long-term care, and those which don’t are quickly released (making up for another fun side quest!) wish I stayed longer, would definitely recommend !