The most amazing week!

Of many visits to the Peruvian Jungle, the volunteer program at Wasai Lodge was by far the most complete and unforgettable experience I have had. Not only did I get to participate in as many, if not more tours than most tourists, but helped a biologist with her research into the mammals of the area. This included monitoring motion activated cameras, going on primate monitoring expeditions and a night spent monitoring a macaw population in the Venado station. Everyone really went out of their way to make me feel at home and comfortable! Nothing was too much trouble. The cook prepared special vegetarian meals just for me -even when there were no other vegetarians. (In fact, the lovely staff and getting to talk to them and hear their stories was one of my highlights). I feel I had every opportunity I could ask for, from the twice-daily jungle walks to monitor monkeys, to collecting seeds and planting trees. The activities you do will of course depend on the timing of the volunteer programs they are running, but I know Adriana (volunteer coordinator) went out of her way to make sure I had an interesting, varied and unforgettable experience. Would also like to mention that Adriana and the other staff went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and comfortable. When my flight got cancelled they supported me when the airline wouldn't in making sure I was okay until I managed to get an alternative flight. The tourist tours you get to join in on will, of course, depend on timings and what groups are there. I got to go on 2 night walks, 2 caiman searches, made my own cocoa, a botanical walk and a visit to the Sandoval lake!
I could go on and on! I would recommend at least a basic level of spanish- although Adriana is fluent in English so this is perhaps not necessary.