Amazon Riverboat Exploration aboard the Ayapua

Join a fascinating riverboat expedition along the Peruvian Amazon to learn about, and contribute to, conservation efforts within the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Covering over 8,000 square miles this enchanting reserve is incredibly rich in biodiversity but is also home to over 42,000 people and 94 communities.

Volunteers have the opportunity to explore remote areas that are inaccessible to tourists whilst also assisting biologists with research that will benefit the environment and indigenous communities. Discover the wonders of this remote region as you learn to spot, catch, weigh and measure animals, set camera traps, conduct surveys of playful pink river dolphins, monkeys and birds, scour the water at night for caiman and visit local communities to learn of their traditional hunting and fishing techniques as well as learning about their involvement in local conservation.

Your time spent cruising the world’s largest river basin and hiking through the dense forest will be a unique experience, but the vital data you help collect will also help to conserve the fragile eco-system of this precious habitat.

THE MISSION

Earthwatch conducts biodiversity surveys which are used to develop sustainable conservation strategies for the reserve whilst also considering the needs of the indigenous people. The local communities are self-sufficient and use the forest’s resources for food, medicine and building homes and canoes but the increase in population and the depletion of the forest’s natural gifts is putting a strain on resources.

Earthwatch studies the impact of hunting in the region by looking at the numbers of deer, peccaries and other animals that are hunted by local communities, compared with non-hunting areas. Censusing indicator species such as dolphins and macaws help scientists to assess and monitor the health of aquatic and land habitats.

The survey results also help to establish new protected areas in the region and measure the impact of climate change in the rainforest. Positive results so far include an increase in the populations of black caimans, manatees, woolly monkeys and turtles, whilst working with the local communities has helped to establish effective methods for managing the reserve’s resources in the long-term

YOUR CONTRIBUTION

Your monetary contribution covers your room and board, insurance, research permits, local transport costs, supplies, research equipment, training and carbon offsets.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Enjoy an authentic experience aboard the Ayapua - a restored and remodelled vessel that was built in 1906 and worked during the rubber boom along the rivers of Peru and Brazil. The riverboat has retained some of its original features and it plays an important part in conserving the rainforest as well as preserving a traditional part of the Amazon’s history.

The boat is 33 metres long and six metres wide with three decks that hosts eight double cabins and one triple cabin. Each cabin is air-conditioned with beds, en suite bathroom, solar-powered shower, toiletries and towels. The air-conditioned dining room serves local meals of freshly caught fish, rice, vegetables, lentils and meat. The room is also used for wildlife lectures, dancing and films. There is also a bar on the upper deck and a library. Electricity is restricted to between 5am and 11pm.

NB: For smaller expedition groups the Clavero will be used instead. This smaller vessel (28 by 5 metres) is a historic naval boat and has only six cabins.

GETTING TO THE RESEARCH SITE
You will spend one night first in Iquitos then two nights onboard the boat cruising to the remote research site. Briefings, lectures and instructions will be given during the cruise from Iquitos.

ACTIVITY LEVEL = LIGHT TO MEDIUM
There will be up to three miles of walking a day, sometimes up some small hills. Although swimming is not permitted on the project due to water conditions, for safety reasons volunteers should be able to swim if they wish to participate in water-based projects.

MEALS
Three buffet-style meals, mid-morning coffee, afternoon tea and cakes are served daily. Packed lunches are provided for expeditions.

MINIMUM AGE
18 years, although 16 and 17 year olds can also participate if accompanied by a guardian.

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
20

VACCINATIONS
Immunisation against typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies are recommended, please consult your GP. You should also talk to your doctor about anti-malaria treatments.

QUALITIES REQUIRED
Volunteers should be open-minded, hardworking, flexible, conscientious, prepared to get wet and dirty, be able to work as a team, respect local customs, have the desire to learn, good communication skills, a sense of adventure and a genuine interest in the environment.

WHAT TO PACK
Sensible, durable footwear and comfortable wellie boots, light-coloured cotton or quick-dry long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts and lightweight cotton, quick-dry trousers (no jeans) or shorts, waterproof and light sweater or jacket, Sunscreen (30-60 SPF), insect repellent with high DEET percentage, sun hat and sunglasses, small daypack, personal first aid kit and antibacterial wipes or lotion, camera and binoculars.

EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL DAY

5:30-9:00am: Set off in a canoe in a small group (two to six) accompanied by a biologist and conduct a macaw census along the river and lakes.

9:00am: Breakfast is served.

9:30-1:00pm: Board a canoe and count pink and grey river dolphins, fish, birds or primates in and around the river and lakes, documenting species, group sizes and behaviour.

1:00pm: Lunch is served.

4:00-7:00pm: Afternoon macaw survey.

7:00pm: Dinner is served.

8:00pm: Evening briefing.

8:30pm-1:00am: Set off on in a canoe equipped with a searchlight to survey caimans and try to establish the relationship between different species.

NB: Please note that this is just an example of a typical day once you have reached the research site: Days 4-6 on the one week expedition and Days 4-12 on the two week expedition. Schedules can and do fluctuate with projects, conditions and the weather. Your co-operation and understanding will be appreciated.