Research With Us
Gain real-world conservation research experience in the Peruvian Amazon—designed to be accessible, immersive, and impact-driven.
Work alongside active researchers, contribute to ongoing field studies, and build practical skills while supporting nonprofit conservation efforts.
AMAZON RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
For students and early-career conservationists seeking hands-on field research experience.
Focus on ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, and data collection
Learn field methods used by professional researchers
Best for those pursuing careers or studies in ecology, biology, or conservation science
- No prior field experience required—training is provided on site.
Mixed Research & Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
For participants who want a blend of research and wildlife care.
Combine field research with daily support of rescued wildlife
Gain insight into both conservation science and sanctuary operations
Ideal for those interested in animal care, conservation practice, or applied fieldwork
- No prior field experience required—training is provided on site.
Amazon Research Internship
Our Amazon Research Internship offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Interns will participate in a wide variety of research and conservation projects while experiencing the realities of field life. Work alongside a dedicated team of professionals to protect and study this unique ecosystem.
You’ll rotate through active studies and learn the same field methods used by working researchers—then help turn that work into real conservation outputs.
Program Highlights:
- Hands-on Conservation: Participate in impactful ecological research projects, contributing to long-term conservation efforts and academic output. Gain valuable skills that are essential for a career in wildlife research and conservation.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from local and international experts specializing in mammalogy, herpetology, statistical ecology, and ecosystem function.
- Diverse Projects: Engage in studies like monitoring felids and their prey using camera traps, anuran population dynamics in the wet season, and year-round mammal and herpetofauna surveys.
- Field-Life Experience: Contribute to essential field tasks such as trail making, camp maintenance, agroforestry, and photography projects.
- Unique Opportunities: Both general and independent project internships available. General internships offer a rotation through various initiatives, while independent internships allow for designing and implementing your own research under expert supervision.
Activities:
Interns will assist with a range of research projects, including:
- Wildlife Monitoring: Use camera traps to study felids and their prey.
- Herpetology Studies: Investigate anuran reproductive ecology during the wet season.
- Ecosystem Analysis: Conduct baseline monitoring of mammals and herpetofauna.
- Research Development: Participate in study design, data collection, data management, sample processing, analysis, revision, and report writing.
Mixed Research & Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
The Mixed Wildlife Ecology & Rehabilitation Internship offers a comprehensive experience, combining tasks at both our Research Center and Rewilding Facility. Interns will engage in a variety of projects, providing a well-rounded understanding of both ecological research and wildlife rehabilitation.
Program Highlights:
- Dual Experience: Split your time between research activities and rehabilitation tasks, gaining diverse skills and insights. Interns will spend time at both the Research Center and Rewilding Facility.
- Flexible Schedule: Customize your experience based on current projects and personal interests. Build your own schedule depending on your areas of interest.
- Comprehensive Learning: Work with sanctuary animals, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, coatis, reptiles, and more. Although most work is indirect, interns will learn about proper management and long-term care of these species in captivity.
Activities:
Research Center:
- Ecological Studies: Engage in wildlife monitoring, herpetology studies, and ecosystem analysis using methods such as camera traps and baseline monitoring.
- Research Development: Participate in all levels of research, including study design, data collection, data management, sample processing, analysis, and report writing.
- Field-Life Tasks: Contribute to essential tasks such as trail making, camp maintenance, agroforestry projects, and photography.
Rewilding Facility:
- Animal Support: Assist in creating and implementing enrichment devices, preparing food, and maintaining safe enclosures.
- Pre-release Preparations: Support the process of preparing animals for release, including physical and behavioral assessments.
- Facility Maintenance: Engage in activities that support animal care indirectly, such as managing supplies, maintaining the facility, and ensuring a safe environment.
- Sanctuary Care: Learn about the management of non-releasable animals, supporting their long-term care and enrichment.
Requirements:
Strong interest in conservation and research; open to diverse academic and cultural backgrounds
Willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute in a team-based environment
Minimum age: 18 years
Comfortable living in a remote rainforest setting with shared accommodations
Physically able to participate in outdoor fieldwork (hiking, heat, humidity)
Basic English or Spanish communication skills
Positive attitude, adaptability, and respect for people, wildlife, and local communities
- Prior field experience is not required – training and supervision are provided on site
Living Conditions:
You’ll be based at our high-quality, eco-lodge–style research station in the Las Piedras wilderness, designed for long-term research while minimizing environmental impact.
Shared sleeping platforms (women and men housed separately)
Solar-powered electricity with backup generator
Dry composting toilets and spacious showers
Reliable daytime Wi-Fi (Starlink)
English and Spanish spoken on site
Hand-wash laundry station available
Live and work alongside an international team of researchers and conservation professionals
Sample Program Fees:
1 WEEK
$ 515 USD
Intro field techniques + site orientation
1 MONTH
$ 1,395 USD
Deeper data collection + mentorship
3 MONTHS
$ 3,420 USD
Intensive field training + research contribution
6 Months
$ 6,300 USD
Full immersion + Individual research project
Internships can range from 1 week to 6 months, and custom durations can be arranged based on availability and research needs.
We also offer flexible rates for students from Peru and other parts of Latin America to help ensure equitable access — please contact us for details.
As a nonprofit conservation organization, we intentionally design our programs to be as affordable as possible without compromising quality. Program fees directly support field research, mentorship, and local conservation efforts — ensuring participants receive a rigorous, meaningful experience while helping us expand access to hands-on conservation work.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included: airport pickup, lodging, meals, local transport between sites, mentorship/ training, basic supplies, research equipment
Not included: flights, insurance, personal gear, etc.
Experience the thrill of contributing to real-world conservation efforts while developing invaluable skills and knowledge in one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems.
To join, email us at: info@hojanueva.org
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