Volunteer vacations can cost thousands of dollars a week and often the volunteer leaves unsure that he or she has actually helped. Inti Wara Yassi’s Parque Machia, a wildlife refuge just outside the small town of Villa Tunari, Bolivia, offers the chance to volunteer for only $120 US per week (which covers your lodging) and you'll likely come away with a strong sense of having helped at least one mistreated animal.
It is also possible to volunteer at Inti Wara Yassi’s new refuge at Parque Ambue Ari, but this article will focus on the Parque Machia site.
About Inti Wara Yassi
The first Inti Wara Yassi wildlife refuge was founded at Parque Machia by Juan Carlos Antezana in 1992. The goal of the refuge is the rehabilitation and release of mistreated animals, many of them endangered, including monkeys, birds, turtles and wild cats.
These animals have survived abuse and malnourishment. Many have been captured in the wild as babies and sold on the black market to private homes, hotels and circuses where they are often kept in inadequate or too-small shelters and improperly fed.
Headed by Tania “Nena” Baltazar and a team of permanent volunteers from Bolivia, all work at the refuge is done by temporary volunteers from all over the world.
Details on Volunteering at Inti Wara Yassi
Anyone can volunteer at Inti Wara Yassi's wildlife refuge. Certainly veterinarians and other professionals are especially welcome, but no experience is required. Spanish speaking is not required either, though it is useful. Even children are welcome, if they are responsible enough to handle the full workload and schedule - which makes volunteering at Parque Machia a great volunteer vacation plan for families. And, you do not have to book ahead. Just show up and start working!
Volunteer work with the animals can be demanding, but is equally rewarding. The day starts at 7:30 am and finishes at 6:00 pm. Volunteers will feed and care for the animals, clean, build and repair cages, work on the property, and speak to tourists about the program. You will get dirty, wet, and muddy; bring old clothes to wear.
The minimum commitment is fourteen days, but volunteers are encouraged to stay as long as they wish. In fact, longer-term volunteers are integral to the smooth running of the park and are given increased responsibility.
Those able to commit to a stay of at least one month will be able to take charge of one particular animal, which offers incredible reward as you observe the animal improving and, if you’re lucky, returning to a life of freedom.
Brave volunteers who can commit to a longer time period may sign up to spend their days walking wild cats through jungle paths.
Low Volunteering Fees
The cost of volunteering at Parque Machia is $120 US for the first fourteen days, and $4 per day afterward. This fee pays for the care of the animals, and entitles the volunteer to a bed in a shared room, hot showers, and use of the kitchen and common areas. It does not include meals, which may be prepared in the kitchen or purchased at nearby restaurants for under $5 US.
How to Get to Villa Tunari and Inti Wara Yassi
Villa Tunari is located in the center of Bolivia, on the road between Cochabamba (5 - 6 hours away) and Santa Cruz (12 hours away). Busses and minivans take this route several times daily. Be sure to have a large supply of cash, as Villa Tunari has no banks, ATMs, or facilities to change travelers’ checks.
Parque Machia is also open to visitors daily, $2 US per person (extra fees for cameras) and better than any zoo. Learn more about spending your volunteer vacation at the wildlife refuges at Parque Machia or Parque Ambue Ari at Inti Wara Yassi's website.
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