7 Best Internship Opportunities In Peru
When you hear ‘Peru’, what comes to mind? The ancient Inca history of Machu Picchu? Unique natural settings like the Rainbow Mountains and the Amazon River? Or do you think…
Wildlife Conservation Internship in Peru
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Gain hands-on wildlife research experience in the Amazon rainforest
Join a highly immersive wildlife conservation internship in Peru and contribute directly to biodiversity research in the Amazon rainforest. Designed for students and early-career professionals in biology, ecology, and environmental science, this program offers the opportunity to work alongside local researchers while developing practical field skills.
Based in a 3,000-hectare protected rainforest, you’ll participate in structured research activities including wildlife monitoring, ecosystem data collection, and conservation fieldwork. Your work will contribute to real scientific research and global biodiversity conservation efforts.
This internship is ideal for gaining practical conservation experience and building a strong foundation for a career in environmental science.
Learning Objectives
- Hands-on experience in field research and wildlife monitoring
- Skills in species identification and ecological data collection
- Experience using camera traps, acoustic tools, and research techniques
- Understanding of Amazon ecosystems and conservation challenges
- Professional skills in teamwork, adaptability, and fieldwork
ORGANIZATION
This is a conservation-focused NGO based on the outskirts of the Peruvian Amazon working to protect the rainforest through youth empowerment and community development. They have a series of goals aimed to reduce poverty and drive sustainable development in the local region including improving education for children for the area, teaching English skills, and creating infrastructure for tourism. They believe that by building skills and creating new job opportunities, they can curtail activities that harm the rainforest and incentivize its conservation.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This internship takes place in the Ballesteros Concession, a protected area in the Peruvian Amazon dedicated to conservation through applied research and sustainable practices.
Spanning approximately 3,000 hectares, the concession functions as a living laboratory for wildlife conservation, where researchers monitor biodiversity and develop conservation strategies. The project integrates scientific research, environmental education, and community engagement, helping to protect fragile ecosystems while supporting local development.
Field work shifts vary and you will be provided with a weekly schedule. You must be prepared for early start times (5-6am) or late nights finishing around 10pm.
Responsibilities
As a wildlife conservation intern, you’ll support ongoing research projects focused on monitoring wildlife populations and ecosystem health.
Herpetology & Amphibian Surveys
- Conduct nocturnal transects to observe reptiles and amphibians
- Use acoustic monitoring to identify species
- Record biodiversity and environmental data
Mammal Monitoring
- Install and maintain camera traps along forest trails and clay licks
- Monitor species such as tapirs, peccaries, and wild cats
- Assist with data analysis and species identification
Bird Monitoring
- Perform bird counts during peak activity hours
- Record species diversity and population trends
- Contribute to long-term monitoring data
Forest & Ecosystem Monitoring
- Identify plant species and record ecological data
- Monitor forest conditions across plots and trails
Nocturnal Fieldwork
- Participate in night expeditions
- Observe nocturnal wildlife including mammals and amphibians
- Use acoustic tools to detect elusive species
Your Impact
By joining this wildlife conservation internship in Peru, you’ll make a meaningful contribution to ongoing research and conservation efforts. You will:
- Support biodiversity monitoring in a remote Amazon ecosystem
- Contribute data used in conservation planning and environmental management
- Assist with reforestation and environmental education initiatives
- Help strengthen collaboration between researchers and local communities
All collected data contributes to scientific research and open-access conservation platforms, supporting both local and global biodiversity protection.
Requirements
- Background or studies in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related fields (preferred)
- Strong interest in wildlife conservation and research
- Good level of physical fitness
- Adaptability and proactive attitude
- Intermediate Spanish language skills
- Ideally first aid training and experience camping
- IMPORTANT: Willingness to live and work in challenging conditions of the rainforest – this is a physical internship that involves frequent trekking & camping
- REQUIRED: early start times (5-6am) or late nights (8-10pm)
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay in shared, rustic cabins located within the research site. Living conditions are basic, offering a fully immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest. You’ll have basic amenities including solar power, rustic toilets and showers, a bed with a mosquito net, fan, Wifi, and a kitchen where you can cook for yourself. You may also go out on field trips further away from the project base, where you can spend the night in a tent (bringing/purchasing your own tent is not a must, but recommended). This is very basic accommodation with limited resources, so this program is best suited for interns prepared for a more stripped back way of life.
The research site is located approximately one hour from Codo del Pozuzo, accessible via truck or motorcycle along a dirt road.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. It is recommended to bring a portable water filter to ensure you have clean drinking water, particularly during trips to the jungle.
The on-site team will inform you of any safety guidelines regarding the area and any wildlife/insects to be mindful of. As a foreigner in any country, it’s important to be respectful of all cultures and local customs, avoid weary flashy clothing or jewelry, and never walk alone at night.
Communication
Communication
When you are in Codo del Pozuzo, Puerto Inca, you will have access to Wifi and shared satellite Wi-Fi is available across the field huts at your field work location. Please note that the Wifi can be unreliable – video calls are often possible, but streaming is not. It’s recommended to buy a local SIM card upon arrival, so ensure your phone is unlocked for international carriers.
Meals
Meals
Breakfast and lunch are included during working days (Mon-Fri). You will need to cook your own food during the evenings and weekends or (over the weekends) you can go out for a meal when in Puerto Inca. Local restaurants serve affordable meals consisting of an appetizer (soup or salad) and a main dish for less than USD 5. A soft fruit juice is often part of the menu as well. You can also go fruit picking as there are plenty of fruits around the village for free. It is recommended to purchase 20L bottles of drinking water from the shops.
Vegetarian options are fully accommodated upon request prior to arrival.
Location details
Location details
You’ll be based in the Ballesteros Concession (3,000 hectares of Amazonian rainforest), located in the Codo del Pozuzo district (Puerto Inca Province, Huánuco). Work concludes at midday on Friday, marking the start of the weekend. Travel between the research site and the town of Codo del Pozuzo takes
approximately 1 hour by truck or motorcycle along a rustic dirt road.
During the weekends you can decide to remain at the field work location or go to Codo del Pozuzo, Puerto Inca in the Huánuco region of Peru. This is an area of stunning natural beauty situated along the Sira Mountains in the Amazon Rainforest and bisected by the Pachitea River. The majority of the population lives off farming but deep within the jungle native communities still upholding their customs and traditions can be found too. As well as its extraordinary biodiversity, the area is famed for a number of geological and archaeological sites that you can visit during your internship.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
The internship runs year-round. Weather conditions, particularly during the rainy season, may affect accessibility and fieldwork schedules. Internships begin on a Monday and it’s recommended to arrive on weekends, so you can explore Codo del Pozuzo before your official first day. Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
4 weeks USD 2,727
6 weeks USD 3,501
8 weeks USD 4,138
12 weeks USD 5,037
16 weeks USD 5,789
20 weeks USD 6,551
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Shared accommodation in one of the huts in Codo del Pozuzo, Puerto Inca with access to basic amenities and cooking facilities
- Breakfast & lunch from Monday to Friday
- Spanish classes (4 hours per week for up to 12 weeks) – Depending on field schedules, these lessons may take place during weekends in Codo del Pozuzo, with specific hours coordinated directly upon arrival.
- Wifi access
- Transfer from/to the airport/bus station of Pucallpa (trip from Pucallpa to Puerto Inca takes approx. 5 hours)
- Activities: five trips to different spots in the rainforest including a camping trips, fruit picking, and an artisanal chocolate making workshop
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Pucallpa Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Daily dinner and all weekend meals
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Peru.
What can I expect from an internship in Peru?
You can expect to be in bustling cities or a completely remote jungle, depending on your internship of choice. Also, you’ll be collaborating with local professionals and volunteers that will offer you insights into Peruvian work ethics and practices. Beyond your internship, your weekends and free time can be spent discovering the overall breathtaking beauty of the country.
How will a nonprofit internship in Peru help my career development?
During your internship in Peru, you’ll be able to utilize your professional and personal skills, as well as develop those skills that you feel could use more work. Also, employers may see your CV as more favorable, since it’ll show that you were a part of a meaningful international grassroots project, which shows a variety of transferable qualities. If you want to know more about how doing a nonprofit internship is good for your career, make sure to check this blog out!
While on an internship in Peru can I receive university credit?
Yes, but you must check with your university supervisor that this experience qualifies. You can also buy additional transfer credits to add onto your internship.
Can I receive a stipend while completing my internship?
Unfortunately, no. You can find other ways to fund your internship as you will not be paid while working with a nonprofit organization. Your internship experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge, along with opportunities for professional and personal growth which are both invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Ballesteros Concession / Puerto Inca, Peru
PROGRAM FOCUS: Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Data Capture, Reporting, Surveys, Camera Traps
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,727
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Join a hands-on wildlife conservation internship in the Amazon
- Work in a 3,000-hectare protected rainforest
- Gain practical experience in field research and biodiversity monitoring
- Learn to use tools such as camera traps and acoustic monitoring equipment
- Contribute to open-access scientific research and conservation data
- Live and work in a remote rainforest research station
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.
CONNECT
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.
MATCH
If we feel it’s a good match, the placement manager will set up a call between you and the supervisor of the host organization
CONFIRM
If everybody’s happy, we will provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and give you access to our portal where you can find all the information you need.
PREPARE
Once we receive your deposit payment, the placement will be officially confirmed. We’re excited to help you plan and prepare for your international internship!
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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