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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Join our Travel Roots Advanced Research Internship in Peru and work alongside experienced conservation scientists within one of the most biodiverse regions of the Amazon rainforest.
This selective, mentorship-driven placement is designed for individuals seeking serious research experience in tropical ecology, wildlife conservation, quantitative ecology, and applied conservation science. Unlike general volunteer programs, this internship is focused on developing real scientific research with meaningful academic and conservation value.
Based within a remote rainforest research station in Madre de Dios, Peru, participants work closely with a PhD-level quantitative ecologist to design, develop, analyse, and interpret independent or collaborative research projects. Depending on your background and goals, you may contribute towards ongoing long-term ecological monitoring projects, work with existing datasets, support publication-oriented studies, or develop your own independent research project from the ground up.
The program places a strong emphasis on scientific thinking, research methodology, ecological data analysis, interpretation, and academic writing. Participants may gain experience with camera trap research, wildlife monitoring, population dynamics, habitat analysis, biodiversity studies, behavioural ecology, conservation modelling, and statistical analysis depending on their chosen project focus.
One of the program’s most valuable resources is its extensive long-term camera trap database, containing over a decade of wildlife monitoring data from across the reserve. This provides exceptional opportunities for publication-quality research focused on species occupancy, biodiversity patterns, habitat use, activity cycles, population trends, and ecosystem dynamics within the Amazon rainforest.
Alongside research and analysis, participants may also have opportunities to join selected fieldwork activities including wildlife surveys, primate transects, rainforest expeditions, habitat classification projects, camera trap deployment, and biodiversity monitoring when relevant to their research focus.
Some of the research tasks you may assist with include:
Camera trap data analysis and interpretation
Wildlife occupancy and biodiversity studies
Statistical ecology and quantitative analysis
Scientific writing and manuscript preparation
Literature reviews and ecological research
Research project design and methodology development
Population dynamics and habitat use studies
Primate and wildlife monitoring projects
Rainforest field surveys and ecological monitoring
Behavioural observation and conservation analysis
Data organisation, coding, and visualization
Thesis, dissertation, or publication-oriented research support
This internship is ideal for Master’s students, PhD students, advanced undergraduates, early-career researchers, career changers, or highly motivated individuals seeking meaningful experience within tropical ecology and conservation science.
Participants should be self-motivated, independent, adaptable, and genuinely passionate about scientific research and conservation. While previous research experience is beneficial, mentorship and support are tailored to each participant’s individual academic level and project goals.
By volunteering on our Travel Roots Advanced Research Internship in Peru, you will:
Conduct real ecological and conservation research within the Amazon rainforest
Work alongside experienced researchers and a PhD-level quantitative ecologist
Develop your own independent research project or contribute to ongoing studies
Gain hands-on experience in tropical ecology and conservation science
Access one of the region’s most extensive long-term camera trap datasets
Develop skills in ecological data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing
Contribute towards publication-quality research and conservation outcomes
Participate in rainforest fieldwork, wildlife surveys, and biodiversity monitoring
Explore topics such as mammal ecology, population dynamics, habitat use, and behavioural ecology
Gain mentorship tailored to your academic level and research goals
Strengthen your CV, dissertation, thesis, or future academic applications
Live and work within a remote Amazon rainforest research station
Experience authentic field research within one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth
Become part of meaningful long-term conservation and ecological research efforts
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Advanced Research Intern
Life on our Travel Roots Advanced Research Internship in Peru is focused around scientific research, ecological analysis, and independent project development within the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Unlike more general conservation internships, this placement is designed to provide a deeper academic and analytical experience. Your days will often revolve around research planning, data interpretation, scientific writing, and developing meaningful conservation outcomes alongside experienced mentors and researchers.
A typical morning may begin with reviewing camera trap data, analysing ecological datasets, reading scientific literature, coding, or discussing project progress with your mentor. Depending on your research focus, you may spend time developing methodologies, organising field data, interpreting results, or working on thesis, dissertation, or publication-oriented writing.
Throughout your placement, you may also join selected field activities including wildlife surveys, camera trap deployment, primate transects, rainforest expeditions, biodiversity monitoring, or habitat classification projects when relevant to your research objectives. These field experiences provide valuable context and practical understanding to support your scientific work.
Afternoons are often spent continuing data analysis, conducting statistical modelling, preparing figures and visualisations, participating in project discussions, or refining research questions and scientific writing. Mentorship sessions and collaborative discussions form an important part of the experience, helping participants strengthen both their technical and critical thinking skills.
While much of the work can be intellectually demanding and computer-based, you will still be fully immersed within a remote Amazon rainforest environment surrounded by extraordinary biodiversity and active conservation work.
A Typical Day May Include:
Camera trap data analysis and interpretation
Scientific writing and literature reviews
Statistical ecology and quantitative analysis
One-on-one mentorship sessions
Coding, modelling, and data visualization
Wildlife monitoring and biodiversity analysis
Rainforest field surveys and ecological monitoring
Research discussions and project development
Thesis, dissertation, or manuscript preparation
Independent research and analytical work
Occasional jungle hikes and conservation fieldwork
Living and collaborating within a remote rainforest research station
Your Impact as an Intern
By joining our Travel Roots Advanced Research Internship in Peru, your work will contribute directly towards real conservation science and long-term ecological understanding within one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforest ecosystems.
The research conducted through this program helps strengthen conservation planning, improve understanding of Amazonian wildlife populations, monitor ecosystem health, and support evidence-based conservation strategies across the region. Through ecological analysis, wildlife monitoring, and scientific interpretation, participants help contribute valuable knowledge that can support both local conservation action and wider scientific understanding of tropical ecosystems.
Depending on your project focus, your research may contribute towards ongoing long-term monitoring programs, publication-oriented studies, wildlife conservation planning, habitat protection initiatives, or emerging scientific understanding surrounding species behaviour, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics within the Peruvian Amazon.
By working with extensive ecological datasets and long-term monitoring projects, participants help transform raw field data into meaningful scientific insight capable of informing future conservation efforts and environmental decision-making.
Beyond the scientific contribution itself, your participation also supports the continued operation of the rainforest research station, wildlife rehabilitation centre, ecological monitoring programs, and long-term conservation initiatives protecting thousands of hectares of primary Amazon rainforest.
At the same time, this placement allows you to develop advanced analytical, research, and scientific communication skills while becoming part of a collaborative conservation environment focused on creating genuine impact through science, research, and ecological protection.
Your Home in the Amazon Rainforest
During your time in the amazon you will live within a remote, purpose-built research station surrounded by protected primary rainforest in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
Designed to offer a fully immersive conservation experience, the station provides simple but comfortable accommodation that allows interns to disconnect from modern distractions and experience authentic rainforest living alongside fellow conservationists, researchers, and field staff.
Accommodation is shared and separated into male and female sleeping areas, with comfortable beds and mosquito nets provided. The station also includes communal dining and social spaces where interns can relax, learn, and connect after long days in the field.
Living conditions are intentionally low-impact and environmentally conscious, with facilities powered through renewable energy and designed to minimise impact on the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.
Despite the remote location, the station provides essential facilities including:
Shared rainforest accommodation
Comfortable beds with mosquito nets
Solar-powered electricity
Composting toilets
Jungle showers
Hand-wash laundry facilities
Communal dining and relaxation areas
Starlink Wi-Fi available during parts of the day
Nutritious daily meals provided on-site
Life here is immersive, adventurous, and community-focused. Expect early mornings, jungle sounds throughout the day, incredible wildlife encounters, and a strong sense of connection to both nature and the people around you.
The environment can be hot, humid, muddy, and physically demanding at times, but for many interns, this becomes one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of the entire experience.
Mission
Our trusted local partner in Peru is committed to protecting and strengthening Amazonian biodiversity throughout the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon. Their mission focuses on conserving intact rainforest ecosystems, protecting vulnerable wildlife species, combating wildlife trafficking, conducting ecological research, and delivering environmental education initiatives that support long-term conservation across the region.
Through a combination of wildlife rehabilitation, rainforest protection, scientific research, and community collaboration, they work to confront both the immediate and long-term threats facing one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
Vision
Their vision is to create lasting, sustainable conservation impact throughout the Peruvian Amazon by protecting vulnerable habitats, rescuing and rewilding key wildlife species, empowering local communities, and advancing scientific understanding of rainforest ecosystems.Operating across more than 3,000 hectares of protected primary rainforest, they aim to develop innovative long-term conservation strategies that combine ecological research, habitat protection, wildlife welfare, and education to help safeguard the future of the Amazon rainforest.
Through collaborative work with local communities, government authorities, researchers, and conservation organisations, they continue to build a conservation model focused on meaningful ecological protection, ethical wildlife rehabilitation, and sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
Program Fees
Duration Fees (€)
4 Weeks €1,760
8 Weeks €3,245
12 Weeks €4,590
16 Weeks €5,750
20 Weeks €6,725
24 Weeks €7,510
Longer placements allow participants to develop stronger research outcomes, gain deeper mentorship, work with more advanced datasets, and significantly increase the potential for publication-quality work and meaningful scientific contribution.
Important Things To Note: All programs include a Travel Roots Service & Support Fee in addition to the listed program fee. This helps cover the support we provide before, during, and after your placement, including application guidance, partner coordination, pre-departure preparation, welcome pack support, and ongoing assistance throughout your journey.
Payment Terms
• Program fees are due 60 days before your start date
• If applying within 60 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmation
What’s Included
Your program fees cover everything you need for a safe, immersive, and meaningful conservation experience within the Peruvian Amazon:
✅ Accommodation within the Amazon rainforest research station
✅ All daily meals throughout your placement
✅ Local transport to and from Puerto Maldonado
✅ Participation in wildlife rehabilitation activities✅ Full support for your research needs
✅ Participation in ecological and conservation research projects
✅ Hands-on rainforest field experience
✅ Access to shared station facilities and communal spaces
✅ Starlink Wi-Fi access during designated hours
✅ Guidance and mentorship from experienced researchers and conservation staff
✅ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful information
✅ Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Fair & Flexible Refund Policy
✅ So much moreWhat’s Excluded
✖️ Flights
✖️ Visa costs (if required)
✖️ Travel insurance
✖️ Personal expenses
✖️ Additional tours or activities
✖️ Vaccinations (if required)
Your Investment in Conservation Research & Yourself
Joining our Travel Roots Advanced Research Internship in Peru is an investment into both meaningful conservation science and your own academic and professional development.
Your program fees help support long-term ecological research, rainforest protection initiatives, wildlife monitoring programs, conservation infrastructure, field equipment, scientific data collection, and the continued operation of the Amazon rainforest research station and rehabilitation centre within the Madre de Dios region of Peru.
At the same time, this placement provides a rare opportunity to gain advanced, real-world research experience within one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Through personalised mentorship, independent project development, ecological analysis, and scientific writing support, you will strengthen valuable skills highly relevant to future careers and studies within ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, wildlife research, and academia.
Depending on your project focus, you may leave the program with thesis-level work, publication-oriented research, advanced analytical experience, stronger scientific communication skills, and practical field research experience that can significantly strengthen future academic applications and career opportunities.
This is not simply a volunteer experience — it is an opportunity to contribute towards meaningful conservation science while developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to grow as a researcher, conservationist, and environmental professional.
Where You'll Be: Las Piedras
Location & Country Information
Your volunteer journey will take place deep within the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon — one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth and an incredibly important region for global conservation.
Located in southeastern Peru near the borders of Brazil and Bolivia, Madre de Dios is home to vast stretches of protected primary rainforest, extraordinary wildlife diversity, and some of the Amazon’s most ecologically significant habitats. The region is known for its dense jungle landscapes, winding rivers, tropical climate, and remarkable range of species including monkeys, wild cats, macaws, reptiles, amphibians, giant otters, and countless other rainforest animals.
Volunteers are based within a remote rainforest research station and wildlife rehabilitation centre several hours from the city of Puerto Maldonado. Surrounded by protected rainforest, this immersive setting offers a rare opportunity to experience life within the Amazon while contributing towards real conservation and ecological research efforts.
Peru – Rainforest, Wildlife & Adventure
Peru is one of South America’s most fascinating and ecologically diverse countries, offering everything from Amazon rainforest and towering Andes mountains to ancient cultures and world-famous archaeological sites.
Beyond your conservation work, Peru offers an incredible opportunity for cultural immersion and adventure. You’ll experience authentic rainforest living, local Peruvian culture, rich biodiversity, and the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s most important natural ecosystems.
Important Information
Country: Peru
Program Location: Madre de Dios, Peruvian Amazon
Nearest City: Puerto Maldonado
Nearest Airport: Puerto Maldonado International Airport (PEM)
Climate: Tropical rainforest climate — hot, humid, and wet throughout much of the year
Language: Spanish
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Time Zone: Peru Time (PET) UTC -5
Exact arrival information, meeting instructions, and transfer details will be provided within your Travel Roots Welcome Pack before your departure.
Free time Activities
& Tours
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Free Time Activities
While much of your experience will focus on conservation, research, and rainforest living, your time in the Peruvian Amazon also offers incredible opportunities for adventure, exploration, and cultural immersion.
During downtime, interns can relax at the station, explore the surrounding rainforest, connect with fellow volunteers, or take part in guided jungle activities and wildlife spotting experiences. The Madre de Dios region is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, meaning even simple walks around camp can lead to unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Depending on schedules and weather conditions, free time activities may include:
Guided rainforest and jungle walks
Night hikes searching for nocturnal wildlife
Birdwatching and wildlife photography
River exploration and boat trips
Learning jungle survival and rainforest ecology skills
Relaxing in hammocks surrounded by nature
Stargazing within the remote Amazon rainforest
Exploring Puerto Maldonado before or after your placement
Visiting local markets and experiencing Peruvian culture
Connecting with fellow conservation interns from around the world
Life in the Amazon is all about embracing nature, slowing down, and experiencing one of the world’s last truly wild places in a meaningful and unforgettable way.
