Six weeks as part of a team in the Bolivian Amazon, helping to improve the lives of neglected and mistreated wild animals, in the Inti Wara Yassi wild animal refuges.
Option to join a two week expedition after the project.

Overview
Inti Wara Yassi

Since 2002, Quest has been working to support the Inti Wara Yassi wild animal refuges in the Bolivian Amazon. These refuges exist to give a home to animals rescued from captivity in circuses or for sale as pets, returning them to their natural habitat with a quality of life that they deserve. The majority of the animals cannot be released as they could no longer survive in the wild, so thanks to the efforts of our teams we are helping to buy up more land and construct the infrastructure in which to house them, as well as giving them the daily care they need.

Your role

Your team’s role is twofold, helping to construct enclosures for new arrivals, as well as supporting the local staff in the daily care of the animals already in the refuge. The construction of a 40m x 40m puma enclosure for example is tough work, carrying rocks, sand, cement and fencing into the middle of the jungle. Without your help though, these centres will not be able to reach out to the many animals still in serious need of a home.

Alongside this, each member of the team will be given responsibility for the care of one animal in the park, anything from a monkey to a hawk, or an ocelot to a puma. While some animals are being prepared for release into the wild, many just need care and attention to help them settle into their new home. Building a bond with a wild animal is something words cannot describe.

Optional expedition

Following your six weeks in the jungle, team members have the option to join our two week mini expedition through the Andes. Mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu make for an unforgettable finale to a great summer.

Apply for this Expedition »
Itinerary


Time Location Activities
Weeks 1-2 Park Jacj Cuisi, nr Rurrenabaque Construction of essential infrastructure for for the park (enclosures, extension to vet clinic, quarantine area)
Weeks 3-6 Park Ambue Ari, near Guarayos in Bolivia Daily care of the animals in the refuge (pumas, jaguars, monkeys and parrots)
Week 7 (optional) La Paz and Lake Titicaca Adventure in the heart of the Andes. Mountain biking, ice climbing and kayaking across Lake Titicaca.
Week 8 (optional) Cuzco and the Inca Trail to Machu PIcchu White water rafting down the Urubamba, followed by the iconic trek to Machu Picchu.
Dates and Costs

 

Team Name Start date End Date Quest Overseas Payment Quest4Change Contribution
Bolivia Summer 2017 (no mini-exped) 29th June 2017 10th August 2017 £1,275 £850
Bolivia Summer 2017 (inc. mini-exped) 29th June 2017 24th August 2017 £2,125 £850

 

The dates below are the dates each expedition begins and ends in country. Do bear in mind you may need to begin your travels from home the day before the start date (and may arrive home the day after the end). We will give support and advice on recommended flights once your place is confirmed on the team.

What’s included

All food and accommodation
Activities throughout (and any specific technical equipment needed)
Transport in a combination of public and private transport

Project Contribution

You will see that there are two payments to make, one to Quest Overseas and one to our charity, Quest4Change. The payment to Quest Overseas covers all your costs on the ground – meals, accommodation, activities etc. The project contribution is kept separate to your trip payment because every penny of this goes directly to supporting the project you will be working on. This not only ensures we have the materials needed to get the work done, but also makes sure that the project can continue after the team moves on. For more information on this, please check our Costs Explained page.

Not included

International flights
Personal travel insurance
Personal equipment
Personal expenses (nights out, souvenirs, internet, laundry etc.)

Early Application Discount

For all places confirmed on a team 12 months before departure, we will give a 15% discount on your payment to Quest Overseas. Places confirmed 6 months before departure receive a 10% discount. Contact the office for more details.

Who is this trip for?

Team members who join our gap year teams are typically recent school leavers on a break before university, or taking a break during their higher education. We do accept applications from all ages, however the typical age is between 17-23. Applicants come from across the world, but are mainly from the UK.

You don't need any specific animal care or construction skills to join this team, our project staff will arm you with the skills to get the work done. It is tough work in a challenging tropical environment though, so it is important you are willing to get dirty and stuck in.

The expedition route is a combination of trekking and time in cities. Whilst you don't need extensive wilderness skills to take part in these treks (again, our expedition staff are there to support you), it is important that team members are in good physical shape.