Tamandua Biological Station
Book your stay
Volunteer at Tamandua
Live in the forest. Contribute to the station.
A practical, immersive stay for people ready to help with daily life at a small family-run biological station.
Take part
Daily station life
Volunteers participate in daily operations and research at Tamandua Biological Station. Tasks include cleaning, maintenance, guest services and monitoring support.
- 4 hours/day
- 5 days/week
- 2 free days
For stays of one month or more, free days may be organised according to the project’s needs.
A maximum of two volunteers can stay at the same time. Priority is given to people with biological or environmental science backgrounds, or field experience.
Forest living
Accommodation and meals
Volunteers stay in a room or bungalow with a shared bathroom and have use of the kitchen and station facilities. Volunteers must bring their own bed sheets and towels.
When guest occupancy is high, volunteers may be accommodated in a tent.
Food supplies are provided, and volunteers normally cook their own meals. When guests are present, volunteers may share prepared meals.
Before you apply
Programme details & application
Stay and fee
The minimum stay is two weeks. The maximum stay is indefinite, depending on performance and agreement with the station.
The fee is USD 100/week and includes accommodation, food and transportation for arrival and departure. Personal trips to town or elsewhere are not included.
How to apply
Contact the station with your dates, relevant background, field experience and interest in supporting daily operations and research.
Accepted volunteers must provide a passport copy, personal information form, signed Volunteer Agreement and active medical insurance, and follow station safety instructions.
Volunteer Agreement
Read the programme conditions, responsibilities and safety requirements before applying.
What is the minimum volunteer stay?
The minimum stay is two weeks. Longer stays depend on mutual agreement and volunteer performance; there is no fixed maximum duration.
How much does volunteering cost, and what is included?
The fee is USD 100 per week. It includes accommodation, basic food supplies and programme-related transportation for arrival and departure. Personal trips and optional external activities are not included unless specifically agreed.
How many hours and days do volunteers work?
Volunteers work 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, with 2 free days. For stays of one month or longer, free days may be organised according to project and station needs.
What kind of work will I do?
Tasks include cleaning, maintenance, guest support, trail upkeep and support for monitoring and conservation work, including butterfly monitoring during relevant periods. When guests are present, guest-related station needs have priority.
Can volunteers leave the station or receive visitors?
Volunteers are free to use their time off, but the station should not be left unattended without prior coordination with Tamandua staff. Visitors may only enter the station with prior authorisation.
Do I need a biological or environmental science background?
Priority is given to applicants with biological or environmental science backgrounds or relevant field experience. Other useful practical skills may also be considered.
How many volunteers can stay at the same time?
A maximum of two volunteers can stay at the same time.
Where do volunteers sleep?
Volunteers normally stay in a room or bungalow with a shared bathroom. During high guest occupancy, tent accommodation may be used.
Can volunteers be accommodated in a tent?
Yes. A tent may be used when guest occupancy is high.
Do volunteers need to bring sheets and towels?
Yes. Volunteers bring their own bed sheets and towels.
Is food included, and do volunteers cook for themselves?
Basic food supplies are included. Volunteers normally prepare their own meals. When guests are present, volunteers may sometimes share prepared guest meals where appropriate.
Are personal trips to town included?
No. Programme-related arrival and departure transport is included, but personal trips to town and other personal travel are not.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes. Accepted volunteers must provide active medical insurance covering emergencies. Medical details are not requested in the public pre-application.
What documentation is required if I am accepted?
Accepted volunteers must provide a passport copy, completed personal information form, signed Volunteer Agreement and active medical insurance. These documents are requested after selection, not through the initial public application.
How do I apply as a volunteer?
Use Complete enquiry → Volunteer application to share your availability, background and motivation. This is a pre-application. Tamandua reviews candidates and contacts suitable applicants with the next steps and final documentation.
Do I need to sign the Volunteer Agreement before applying?
No. Read the Volunteer Agreement before applying. Signing and the remaining documentation are required after acceptance.
Is volunteering suitable if I am uncomfortable with isolation, insects or humidity?
Volunteers need to be comfortable living in an isolated rainforest environment with insects, wildlife, humidity, rain and forest sounds. Consider these conditions carefully and discuss any concerns with Tamandua before applying.
Ready to connect?
Start a volunteer enquiry
Tell us your dates, interests and practical needs. Tamandua will confirm the current options directly.
Contact Tamandua