• Life On Land
  • Quality Education

South American Experience

location
4 - 7 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Get active in unique volunteering projects like supporting an indigenous community in their conservation efforts of the environment!
  • Rescue animals and help them to recover in a stunning setting of the deep, beautiful jungle of Ecuador and live in an Eco-Lodge. Back to nature!
  • Trek to the incredible Machu Pichu, learn Spanish in one-to-one lessons with the locals and explore the Galapagos Islands!

Highlights

  • Get active in unique volunteering projects like supporting an indigenous community in their conservation efforts of the environment!
  • Rescue animals and help them to recover in a stunning setting of the deep, beautiful jungle of Ecuador and live in an Eco-Lodge. Back to nature!
  • Trek to the incredible Machu Pichu, learn Spanish in one-to-one lessons with the locals and explore the Galapagos Islands!
  • Perfect for everyone who is interested in animal and nature protection and exploring and giving back to the countries you visit.
  • Go with a group of like minded people coming from destinations worldwide and be guided by our professional Expedition Leader!

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Volunteer in an Animal Rescue Center, learn Spanish in Cusco, trek the Machu Pichu, support a local community project and go to the Galapagos Islands! 🥾

    This tour brings you to Peru and Ecuador in South America! You start your first week in lively Cusco with some one-to-one Spanish lessons in to improve your individual level of knowledge so you can directly apply it on the way! With some lessons in your backpack we then head off to the famous Machu ...

    About the program

    This tour brings you to Peru and Ecuador in South America! You start your first week in lively Cusco with some one-to-one Spanish lessons in to improve your individual level of knowledge so you can directly apply it on the way! With some lessons in your backpack we then head off to the famous Machu Pichu and on the Salkantay Trek which we will explore during the upcoming week - breath taking all along the way and worth every step going. After coming back from this trek we relax some days on the beaches where you might want to try some surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving. Next stop on our way then is the first volunteer project in the Amazon in Ecuador at an Animal Rescue Center: Here you can help harmed animals to recover in an incredible setting deep in the jungle. The team over there is extremely dedicated to its work and this will truly inspire you. We regularly get incredible feedback on how much this project impressed and lasted on volunteers. It is appreciated a lot as it provides direct and immediate support where it is needed. We stay here for 2 weeks before we then move on to an indigenous community who lets us participate and experience their life in the jungle also making sure to support here in their conservation efforts. It will be interesting for you to see how a community living in this surrounding achieves it to support as much protection of their environment as possible. With this last project successfully finished we fly over to the Galapagos Islands as a final highlight of the tour. The perfect end for all nature-lovers!
     

    Typical day

    A typical day in the Animal Rescue Center starts with a basic breakfast at around 7:30 am. Ca. one hour later you start your day! Tasks can be to prepare the food for the animals or doing other support in the centre that is needed and can change daily. After that the supervisors take you to the ...

    Typical day

    A typical day in the Animal Rescue Center starts with a basic breakfast at around 7:30 am. Ca. one hour later you start your day! Tasks can be to prepare the food for the animals or doing other support in the centre that is needed and can change daily. After that the supervisors take you to the rainforest to look for injured animals which need help in the Rescue Center. At lunchtime which is around 1 pm you will get e.g. a soup or Quinoa before you continue your work one hour later. Then you get directly to work with the animals - this might be measuring them, keeping track of their weight and other data the staff needs for keeping informed about the conditions of them. Around 5 pm your day ends and you might want to take relax in the pool, take a walk in this amazing area or take care of the animals. At 6 pm you have a talk with someone of the staff who will give more insight to his work and you end the day with dinner! Within the indigenous community you will, besides supporting their conservation efforts, get to know their traditions and learn some practices they have been doing for generations.

    Free-time activities

    You have time to explore Cusco, can try a variety of water activities like surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving or even might try some ziplining, paragliding or a canopy tour. There are a lot of options - just ask our experienced Expedition Leader what he has in mind for you during your free time as ...

    Free-time activities

    You have time to explore Cusco, can try a variety of water activities like surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving or even might try some ziplining, paragliding or a canopy tour. There are a lot of options - just ask our experienced Expedition Leader what he has in mind for you during your free time as options.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    Medical Form and Travel Health Insurance

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Open-minded to other cultures, enthusiastic about hiking the Machu Pichu, empathy and interest in animal and nature conservation during the project phases, enjoying backpacking kind of travel.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Gapforce

    Included is (for a full 7 weeks tour);
     

    • Pre-departure briefing and support
    • Airport pick-up
    • Expedition leader
    • Local support staff
    • All accommodation for the duration of the trip
    • Three meals a day 
    • Project donation 
    • Program transfers 
    • 24/7 UK emergency backup 
    • Social activities
    • Return airport transfer 
    • Spanish lessons 
    • Flights to and from Galapagos
    • Salkantay Machu Pichu Trek (incl. entrance fee and guided tour)

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    The arrival airport is Cusco (CUZ) in Peru and after either 4 or 7 weeks participation the departure airport is Quito (UIO) in Ecuador. You don`t need to book flights for Galapagos as they are included.




    Accommodation

    During your trip you stay in a variety of accommodation types. Besides the above-mentioned ones you will stay in traditional stilted huts in the Amazon and homestays. 

    Food & Beverages

    The meals will vary throughout the program - we will eat in restaurants, other times a food allowance is given so you can choose freely what to eat. During the Machu Pichu Trek cooks will provide hearty meals and during the animal rescue project all volunteers together will go grocery shopping to prepare evening meals. The typical food you can expect in South America includes lots of rice, meat, beans, vegetables and fruit, regional dishes vary and local specialties will always be made available! 

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Our programs usually starts on a Friday and end after the chosen duration of weeks again on a Friday.
    January, April, July and September are the months we can offer this program at the moment - so four times a year.

    Our Expedition Leader will come to your arrival airport (we will let you know which one to come to and fly back from) and also bring you back there after your tour has ended. The flights to and from the program need to be organized by you but the flights to and from the Galapagos Islands are included!
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 4,289€
    7 weeks (max. stay) 6,284€
    Average fees 985€/week

    Program fees

    985€ per week 4 - 7 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 7 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Gapforce during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Gapforce

    Perfect 4.6 rating (17 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Below average response rate

    Coordinated by

    Gapforce

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Gapforce runs volunteering projects in many areas, such as marine & wildlife conservation, child care, community development & animal welfare.

    Meet your organization

    At Gapforce, we are proud to offer unrivalled experience in structured gap year programs, volunteer projects and extreme expeditions. Founded in 1989, the Gapforce family takes great pride in organising unique, exciting gap year and overseas volunteer projects that enable young people to become global citizens and make a real impact on the world.

    What Makes Us Different

    There are a number of organisations that offer programs abroad, and here’s what sets us apart. We feel these are important to consider when making such an important decision and starting your adventure.

    • Our overseas gap year projects are run by UK-trained leaders. Trained from the top down, our leaders are prepared and knowledgeable on our destinations.
    • Our UK-trained leaders are well-researched and our local programs are vetted for sustainability and longevity.
    • Supported and safe.

    Credibility

    Some of the biggest adventure names have been involved in our programs.

    • Bruce Parry (BBC TV "The Tribe" & "Amazon") was a Gapforce Expedition Leader for over 6 years.
    • Ben Fogle (TV Presenter) filmed "Extreme Dreams" reality TV series on our projects.
    • Jack Osborne (MTV "The Osborne’s") filmed "Adrenalin Junkie" on our programs. In addition we have had the BritishRoyal Family member and over 15,000 student participants.
    Safety

    Safety is the number 1 priority on all Gapforce programs. Our programs are basic, potentially hazardous and should not be considered a conventional holiday, however with over twenty years’ experience we aim to reduce your level of risk compared to independent travel.

    To guide us, we have been independently inspected to BSI8848 “Specifications for visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK and now self regulate. We are also members of YearOut Group, who set guidelines and policy for UK Gap providers, Marcus was Chair for 7 years of the Membership and Safety Committee overseeing members safety.We are a Professional Association of Dive Instructors Education Centre and aDuke of Edinburgh Award Centre.

    17 reviews · rating4.6

    Sarah rating5

    2020 at South American Experience

    I was really scared going into it because I’ve never traveled alone before but I had nothing to worry about. Everyone I met was fantastic. They were down to earth, nice, and so much fun. I can not describe how beautiful Peru and Ecuador are, I’ve never been anywhere like it. There are definitely ...
    Christian rating5

    2020 at South American Experience

    I had a great time on the South American Experience program. I only did the 4-weeks, but I really enjoyed everything in the program. I’d have to say my favorite activity was the Salkantay trek to Macchu Pichu, despite it getting hard at times, it was a great experience and very rewarding once you ...
    Alexander Lorenz rating4.8

    2020 at South American Experience

    It was a lot of fun, great combination of travelling and volunteering. Very nice atmosphere in the travel group and great leader. A lot of fun activities. You see a lot of each country and get a great feeling for every place. Definitely ...
    Zara rating4.8

    2020 at South American Experience

    I did this trip just before everything locked down and I can safely say this was the best trip of my life. The treks have amazing views and are hard enough to make seeing machu picchu rewarding but not too tough for those who want an easier walk! The itinerary for this trip is completely action ...
    As a bit of a nature freak who dreamed of traveling to Costa Rica since I was about 5 years old, this program seemed too good to be true. Based in Quepos, not 15 minutes from the world famous Manuel Antonio national park, prepare to be surrounded by a cornucopia of exotic animals ranging from ...
    Katie rating4.8

    2017 at Orang-Utan Protection

    I felt it was a life-changing experience. I had a great 6 weeks living in the jungle, learning many useful skills. I met some great people and made life-long friends. The local people were also amazing as they were so hospitable and ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Cusco

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