This position is best suited for those who want to experience Amazonian rainforest while doing meaningful scientific and conservation work. It is not for those who want to relax and hang out, seek thrills and adventure, or who wants to explore their interest for the rainforest. 

Our work is challenging. If you have not been challenged before, you might be pleasantly surprised by your ability to rise to the occasion. You will be tired at the end of most days and will just want to go home, but every day you will be amazed by nature.  Working with us will give you one of the best and most intense rainforest experiences.

There is a minimum of 30 days as it takes time to orient and train volunteers before they are ready to carry out activities by themselves.

There is no maximum of days.

Our rate is $1,800 per month and $60 per day for extensions. Two-month commitments are discounted to $3,000.

Long-term rates are negotiable subject to a performance evaluation. Note that Peru limits tourists’ stay to a maximum of 180 days per year.

Our fees cover all three meals and accommodation, and the researcher’s time and effort to train you.

Your travel to Los Amigos Biological Station and insurance costs are not included.

You do not need previous research experience. However, if you have skills that may be relevant to the project (e.g., QGIS or R programming, carpentry, gardening) please state them in your CV.

Volunteers keep the same hours as staff. Work starts at 7 am and, as necessary, it continues after dinner.

Meal times are 6-7 am, 12-1 pm, and 6:30-7:30 pm.

There are plenty of other activities for you to explore, including birding, reading, walking, learning about a certain taxon, photography, writing, painting, natural history, among others.

All levels are welcomed. We do a lot of walking and keep in mind that certain field activities can be physically demanding. If you are not already fit, the work will make you.

All participants must provide proof of medical insurance before joining us in the field. Travel insurance must cover emergency medical situations and evacuation.

You will be required to sign our liability waiver acknowledging that you understand you will be exposed to the hazards of field work in tropical rainforest.

For travel to Peru, the following vaccines are suggested but not required: Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Tetanus and COVID-19.

While malaria and yellow fever are prevalent in the region, there are not present at Los Amigos.

The nearest hospitals are in Puerto Maldonado, approximately 4-5 hours away by boat. Serious medical issues require an additional 10-hour bus ride to Cusco or a 2-hour fly to Cusco or Lima.

This is why we are serious about safety.  All travel and care costs are at the volunteers’ own cost. 

Los Amigos is in the lowland rainforest. It is hot and humid most of the time, but we get “friajes”, cold spells between May and July when the temperature drops to 10°C, during which you will feel quite cold if you do not have proper clothing, like a sweater.

• Travel to Puerto Maldonado:

You can fly into the Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) from major cities in Peru, such as Lima or Cusco. If you are already in Cusco and want a cheaper option, you can also take a 10-hour bus from “Ovalo Pachacutec” bus terminal, near the Plaza de Armas.

• Arrive to Laberinto:

Upon reaching Puerto Maldonado, you will have to take a 1-hour ride to Laberinto. This can be arranged through the phone numbers of trusted drivers we will provide. The one-way shared taxi trip is 10 soles ($3) or a private taxi is 50-60 soles ($15-20).

•  Boat ride to Los Amigos:

You'll travel 4-5 hours by boat up the Madre de Dios River. Be prepared for a scenic journey through the rainforest, but also to witness firsthand the face of the illegal mining in Peru. A one-way trip is S/.100 ($30).

The volunteer program is designed for people looking to gain more field research experience working within our research programs. However, those who decide they want to explore status as a researcher, they are welcome to discuss this transition with us.

If you already have a well-developed research or taxonomic interest let us know.

• Lightweight, quick- drying long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against insects and sun. Consider organizing your clothing into three categories:

  • Those you will wear in the field - these will get dirty, wet and sweaty.

  • Those you wear in the lab and buildings.

  • Those you wear for sleeping.

  • If you mix your field clothes with your other clothes you will end up doing laundry more often than is optimal.

• Warm sweater and jacket, gloves, and hats for friajes cold spells.

• Knee-high rubber wellington boots are mandatory for being in the field. There is plenty of mud and they minimize all sorts of hazards. Ankle-high sneakers and boots don’t work in the rainforest. We advise to break new rubber boots in by walking in them before you come. Your feet will get accustomed to them and you’ll avoid getting blistered. Some people find it worthwhile to spend more money on a comfortable rubber neoprene calf boot. You can also buy rubber boots in Puerto Maldonado if you do not want to fly with them. 

• Comfortable shoes for travel and being indoors are needed. You are not allowed to walk around outside in flip flops and sandals. There are plenty of things that will bite or sting your unprotected foot.

• Bring lots of long socks for the field.

• A hat for sun protection

• If you wear optical glasses, we recommend you bring a second pair.

• Sunglasses, especially if you will spend any time in the high Andes before or after your stay.

• Rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket or poncho

• Personal toiletries such as toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, soap bars, deodorant, menstrual hygiene items, etc.

• Any necessary medications and personal care items such as bandages for blisters, cuts and scrapes, painkillers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), sunscreen, Benadryl or some other antihistamine, antibiotic ointment (Neosporin). If you have any relevant medical condition, please let us know and make sure to bring any specific medication you may need. 

• A reusable water bottle

• Insect repellent – DEET works best but Picardin is also an option. Essential oils are ineffective.

• A small battery powered neck or face fan is helpful. These are inexpensive and make work in the heat of the day or getting to sleep much easier.

• Binoculars are optional but even if you are not birder binoculars will increase your ability to appreciate wildlife. If you prefer insects and plants over things with fur and feathers, close-focus binoculars such as the Pentax Papillio II are much lighter and less expensive than those designed for birders. 

• Rechargeable flashlight, headlamp, and batteries.

• A small daypack for daily excursions (waterproof preferred).

• A journal is recommended. When you are old the notes you wrote while at Los Amigos will seem invaluable to you.

• Copies of any important documents such as medical insurance information and passport.

• Bring your own towels and bedding (twin size). We provide mosquito net and pillow.

• Bring a sealable Ziplock bag or equivalent and silica gel to keep dry your electronic or optical equipment (e.g., laptop, camera, binoculars) when not in use.

• Cellphones with good cameras are advice.

iNaturalist, eBird, Merlin, AVAAZ, Avenza, Birds of Peru

Yes, there are sinks and laundry available 24/7 to hand wash your clothes and lines to hang them up to sun dry. Make sure to buy detergent powder in Puerto Maldonado or bring some with you.

There is limited Claro cell network coverage. The signal is weak and available in limited areas of the station.

We have a Starlink account that give Wi-Fi and internet access in the lab. It is affected by stormy weather but usually reliable. Internet is for work not streaming movies.

The station has energy 24/7 which is powered by solar energy. However, after several rainy days, the energy can be limited at night.

The in Peru is voltage is 220V so bring a converter if you have anything that only runs off 110V. Most charger plugs do both. You cannot bring or use a hair dryer or other electricity-hungry appliances.

This will vary based on the project you decide to join, but some recommended readings include:

• Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America - Adrian Forsyth and Kenneth Miyata

• Neotropical Companion – John Kricher

• The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World – Andrea Wulf

Because we reserve your spot and potentially reject other applicants, cancellations affect the team. Nonetheless, we recognize that circumstances sometimes demand cancellations.

Our cancellation policy is:

• 30 days or more before your start date: 100% refunded minus processing fees.

• Less than 30 days from your start date: 50% refunded.

• If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact us.

We do not offer co-authorship just for collecting data. The standard for co-authorship is for making a substantive contribution beyond data collection such as writing, analysis, intellectual input.

The final decision is made by the person who is the lead author of the paper.

Yes, anyone who does a 30-day stint or longer will get a Certificate of Completion that verifies your contribution.

Spanish is only required for the ranger volunteer positions, but it is a plus for all the other volunteer positions.

The food is good and healthy. The station does not serve red meat and favor a plant-based diet, although eggs, cheese, fish and chicken are served. If you are a vegan or vegetarian or have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions let us know in advance.

 We recommend bringing your own supply of snacks, candies, or chocolate.

As long as you follow our safety guidelines, the chief hazard in this endeavor is the air, terrestrial, and boat to arrive to the station. If you have not travelled in a country like Peru keep your wits about you and pay attention to your stuff.

Safety is paramount. We are far from medical care.

• Snakes. Los Amigos has a lot of predators that eat snakes, so they are not common, but they are here and are often cryptic. There has not been a serious snake bite at Los Amigos in 24 years of operation. But you still need to be snake smart and not reach into places you cannot see well, walk around barefoot looking up at the sky and acting as though snakes are not all around. Don’t pick up snakes if you are not a professional herpetologist who has a valid reason to handle a wild snake. Herpetologists are the people who tend to get snake bites btw.

• Stings. We have had plenty of ant, wasp, and caterpillar stings. Liquid Benadryl gel caps are food to have in your daypack. They reduce inflammatory reactions as well as pain. An important prevention method is to always wear long sleeves to the field.

• Machetes. Use of a machete is hazardous if you have not experience. There are lots of machetes around but don’t pick one if you do not understand its use.

• Swimming is not permitted. The rivers and lakes are treacherous with sunken trees, currents, sting rays, caimans, and biting fish.

• Boat travel requires safety measures. Boats even large one can hit or ride up on sunken logs and roll over in a second. Wear a life jacket and have your boots unlaced or off. Watch your hands on the rim when docking by other boats.

 Probably not unless you are lucky.

Smoking, drunkenness, and drugs are prohibited.

We work in an atmosphere of mutual support, respect and positive attitudes. Disrespect, aggression, sexual or any other forms of harassment, and being negative and problematic will not be tolerated. Offenders will leave the station and no refund will be offered. Nevertheless, be mindful that we have a diverse mix of cultures and educational backgrounds at the station and people who may not share your belief system. Bring a sense of humor and don’t take offense where none is intended.

When you post, be mindful that we want to transmit to the public to be respectful of nature and its wildlife. We welcome positive, interesting, and fun social media posts about the work and Los Amigos. This brings positive exposure to the station and our projects.

Disposing trash is a big endeavor. Any single-use plastic, non-rechargeable batteries, or unwanted clothes that you brought, will have to leave with you once your stay is over.

We appreciate donations of gear you want to give the project such as insect boxes and pins, camping gear or science books. If you have the capacity to donate equipment, we can send you a wish list.