Youthlinc has been working in Peru since 2003. Our In-Country Coordinator, Carlos Acosta, has been with us from the very beginning. He is a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Iquitos and his passion for humanitarian service is vibrant. Carlos has been instrumental in the success of many Rotary Global Grants for various clean water projects in the area.
The Youthlinc team stays at the beautiful Heliconia Amazon River Lodge situated along the Amazon River. Every day, the team takes a boat ride to the village. Over the years, Youthlinc has served many villages scattered along the Amazon river including Palmeras, Santa Rosa, Yanamono I, Yanamono II, Santa Isabel, Pucallpa, and Nuevo San Juan. Many Youthlinc participants choose to go back to Peru for a second trip because they form meaningful connections with the local people who welcome the team with open arms.
Youthlinc participants also have a lot of fun during their time in Peru! If you’re lucky you may get to see a pink dolphin jump out of the Amazon on your daily boat ride. You will go on a walk in the jungle where you will see all sorts of animals and bugs. You will go fishing and might even catch a piranha. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even hold a friendly sloth and huge anaconda (but not at the same time).
Trip and Program Details
What's Included?
The Youthlinc Service Year is a 9-month transformative program focused on youth service learning and leadership development. This immersive program empowers young individuals to become lifelong humanitarians by making meaningful impacts on both local and international communities.
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9-Months of programming, monthly team meetings, local service and international travel support
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Round-trip international airfare is included from Salt Lake City, Utah (we are a Utah-based program).
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All Meals and clean water while in Peru
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All Accommodations and Transportation
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Excursions include watching for pink river dolphins, piranha fishing, and day and night walks through the amazon jungle.
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Emergency Medical and Evacuation Travel Insurance
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Travel Clinic consultation with The University of Utah Travel Clinic
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Medical Professional that traves with the team
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Trained Adult Team Leaders
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1:3 Ratio of students and adults
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Virtual Impact Modules
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Youthlinc Dashboard and Service Hour verification system
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Presidents Volunteer Service Award (currently on hold by current Presidential administration)
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Social Fundraising Platform
Basic Itinerary
01
Depart SLC
02
Arrive in Iquitos and Transfer up the Amazon River
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Opening Ceremonies
04
Projects and Cultural Exchange
05
Projects and Cultural Exchange
06
Projects and Cultural Exchange
Jungle Walk (day and night)
07
Projects and Cultural Exchange
08
Projects and Cultural Exchange
Parana Fishing and Pink Dolphin watching
09
Projects and Cultural Exchange
10
Projects and Cultural Exchange
11
Closing Ceremonies
12
Transfer to Iquitos by boat
13
Depart Iquitos
14
Arrive back to SLC
Meet Our In-Country Coordinator
Carlos Acosta- Rotary Club de Iquitos
What I like most about working with Youthlinc is to be able to achieve the quality of life of the communities where we work, in the aspect of health, education and entrepreneurship, seeing the participation of the community and its identification in the projects motivates me to continue supporting humanitarian aid organizations because I can supervise and see the sustainability of the projects.
I would like you to know that you will always have an ally to help the neediest people in this part of the remote Amazon. My country is beautiful in the three regions it has, Coast, Sierra and jungle and if you have the opportunity to know more you have my support to do so.
May you always have that spirit of solidarity and humanity to help the communities you visit every year
In my family, I have 3 daughters Lula, Karla and Nathaly, we have 3 beautiful dogs who live at home and now my daughters are professionals they are working in important companies. My hobby is going to the jungle and sailing on the Amazon River.
Meet the 2026
June Team Leaders
Team Leader (TL)
Nate Jones
Nate first became involved with Youthlinc in 2017 as a mentor, and has been a Youthlinc Team Leader since 2019. Nate’s favorite part of participating in the Youthlinc Service year is helping students realize that as you serve other people, both locally and internationally, you develop a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Email: Nathan@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Rachel Allen
Hi I am Rachel and I am a Co ATL for the Peru June team! I am beyond excited to go to Peru, and learn more about the community, lifestyle, and culture there. I am currently a student at Utah Tech, and I am majoring in exercise science pre-occupational therapy. I absolutely love traveling and meeting new people.
Email: Rachel.A@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Rivi Bero
Hi I am Rivi and I am a Co ATL for the Peru June Team! I am most excited to visit, serve and connect! This is my first time to South American, and 2nd time out of the country, so it’s an incredibly exciting opportunity for me! In my free time I like to river raft, write, go to concerts, and volunteer!
Email: Rivi.B@youthlinc.org
Meet the 2026
July Team Leaders
Co- Team Leader (TL)
Nick and Katie Martinez
We feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the Youthlinc Service Year for the past few years. Our journey has taken us to Thailand as mentors and to Cambodia as team leaders, and through it all, our favorite moments have been getting to know our teams, connecting with fellow humanitarians, and planning meaningful ways to serve the communities we visit. Our love for service continues to grow, and Youthlinc has provided the outlet we had been searching for. At home, we’re the proud parents of three wonderful daughters and two beloved dogs. We couldn’t be more thrilled to meet and serve alongside our Peru–July team!
Email: NickandKatie@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Ryann Anderson
Hi my name is Ryann Anderson and I am extremely excited to be the Assistant Team Leader for Peru this year! I have participated with Youthlinc’s service year program for 4 years and this will be my second year as ATL. This will also be my second year as a Real Life intern. This year I am most excited to build a strong relationships with the team and the community in Peru. I am also excited for the opportunity to practice my spanish! I am currently attending SLCC. I am majoring in social work and minoring in Spanish. In my free time I love to rock climb, hike, make art, and spend time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting everyone and having and amazing service year.
Email: Ryann.A@youthlinc.org
