Volunteer in Paraguay

Paraguay remains one of the least visited countries in South America yet is also amongst the most friendly, safe and traditional. Paraguay is perfect for an adventurer ready to explore a different world off the beaten track.Para La Tierra operates from Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca, a beautiful location in the east of Paraguay, boasting a clear freshwater lake ready for swimming in, and a sandy beach for you to relax on at the end of the day. Laguna Blanca lies on the border of the Paraguayan Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest, two globally endangered habitats in desperate need of protection. You will be able to explore both of these areas and see some of the biodiversity that Paraguay has to offer such as the maned-wolf, jaguar, capuchin monkey, brock deer, burrowing owl and armadillo. Perhaps the most important species of all is the White-winged Nightjar which is found to breed near Laguna Blanca and in only two other locations in the world!It is of critical importance that we study this bird’s life cycle, habitat and behaviour in order to ensure its survival.

Para La Tierra volunteers can join in any one of our many projects. Perhaps you would like to learn about the species of Laguna Blanca, gain some research experience or just explore what the reserve has to offer. Alternatively if you are feeling strong, you could join in with the Forest Guards patroling and maintaining the trails. Maybe you want to practice your Spanish and help with some of our outreach activities. With lots of options you can try a bit of everything and see what it’s like to be a part of a conservation organisation.

We encourage Para La Tierra volunteers to publish the results of their work and offer all the assistance necessary to those that wish to do so. For many volunteers the opportunity to see their name in print is something that is extremely appealing. You will be credited in any publication that uses data which you helped to gather.

We think that ALL field observations are important and accurate note-taking is part of the daily routine of all volunteers. You will learn valuable field techniques as well as project development and report writing skills. Daily observations and records will be logged into the Laguna Blanca biodiversity database and we need your help to find out more about this disappearing habitat. Volunteers with a knack for photography are always welcome, we are always looking to boost the photographic database of the reserves flora and fauna. In the interests of making data accessible and open to all we collaborate with online database projects such as the FAUNA Paraguay.com image gallery.

Some projects are ongoing throughout the year, other projects – for example work with frogs and snakes – are more seasonal. If you have a specific project in mind that you would like to work on, check with us that it isn´t seasonal before confirming your dates.

So if you’re motivated to do something ‘Para La Tierra’ and make a real contribution to conservation in a little-known corner of South America, then get in touch with Karina at paralatierra@ymail.com No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Up for it!?

Costs – $850 for the 1st 2 months, $750 for each subsequent month. You can also pay on a weekly basis pro rata. There is a 25% discount for South American nationals.

This price includes all of your living costs during you stay with us. The meeting point is in Santa Rosa which is the nearest town to the reserve. The price does not include flights to Paraguay, travel to Santa Rosa, travel insurance or alcoholic drinks. It does include 3 meals a day with unlimited fruit juice and mineral water, accommodation, administrative costs and a small contribution to Para La Tierra’s projects.
If you want to know more about the sort of projects you can get involved with, please see our website at www.paralatierra.org. You can also enquire through our online enquiry form.