Aboard a riverboat deep in the heart of Peru’s flooded Amazon region, you’ll help to conserve river dolphins and monkeys, and protect the fragile wilderness.

The vast, pristine Amazonian forests of northeastern Peru are home to an incredible array of wildlife. Pink river dolphins and caimans still swim these waters, while extraordinary birds fly through the canopy. Monkeys abound along the Yarapa River and manatees swim in the lakes. Rare giant river otters can sometimes be seen hunting and playing in lakes and rivers.

In this remote region of the Amazon the local people are helping safeguard the forests from the intrusion of illegal timber companies, pet traders, and illegal hunting activities. As part of an Earthwatch team, you’ll help to survey the area’s wildlife to develop conservation strategies for the region and the people who inhabit it.

You’ll sleep aboard a restored, remodeled, air-conditioned vessel from the Rubber Boom era that is moored in the Yarapa River of the Samiria-Yavari protected area. There, you’ll discover a flooded forest whose waters run from the Andes Mountains to create a delicate wilderness. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and work with the Cocama people from a nearby village. With your help, Earthwatch and the Cocama will develop management plans to protect both the needs of the indigenous people and the wildlife of the Samiria-Yavari landscape.

Location

Samiria River, Peru, South America

Cost

$3595

Includes all accommodation, meals, transfers, insurance and research activities

Duration

8 days

Dates 2022

Update October 15 2021: As overseas travel restrictions and covid requirements are not fully finalised, our overseas expeditions are not yet back on sale from Australia. We appreciate that people are as keen as we are to travel and we will facilitate these amazing experiences again as soon as possible. In the meantime, please refer to our Australian experiences.

Activity Level

Varies

Lead Scientist

Richard Bodmer