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).
Leadership Development
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9-month leadership development program with integrated local service component
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Youthlinc’s mission is to transform volunteers into lifetime humanitarians, which takes time and effort- we are not a “pay-and-go” program
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Twenty five years of proven curriculum and data show that our program truly changes and improves our volunteers & communities abroad
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Connect and build friendships with your team for 9 months prior to travel
Projects
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Work with the Rotary Club of Iquitos to make lasting impacts on rural villages along the Amazon river
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Projects relate to community health, business & vocational skills, ecological improvements, construction, cultural exchange, and education
What's Included?
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We are a Utah-based program. Round-trip international airfare is included from Salt Lake City. Minors will never be asked to fly alone to another city to meet their team for the first time.
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All meals, accommodation, transportation, & clean water
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Excursions include a jungle trek, piranha fishing, pink dolphin watching, and exploring the city of Lima
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Travel insurance, medical professional travels with team, 1:3 ratio of adults:student
Requirements
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80 Hours of Local service
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Monthly Team Meeting Attendance
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Engaged in Project Planning
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Engaged in Project Fundraising
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Uphold Youthlinc Code of Conduct
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Passport (valid for 6 months after trip)
Read about our 2024 projects
Meet Our In-Country Coordinator
Carlos Acosta- Rotary Club de Iquitos
Meet the Team Leaders
Team Leader (TL)
Lauren Lewis (She/Her)
I am excited to get to work with each of you and support you through this experience. I love Youthlinc and it has changed my life in so many incredible ways. I have been 4 past Service Year trips with Youthlinc starting with Nepal in 2015, Kenya in 2016, Costa Rica in 2021 and Team Leading to Thailand in 2018.
I am most excited to get to know new people, to be challenged, to watch others' experiences with this life-changing service year, to see and experience a new place and culture, and TO HOLD A SLOTH!
I am a high school teacher and Love it! I also love to travel, go boating (especially at Lake Powell), eat delicious foods, walk my two chocolate labs, and spend time with my family.
Email: lauren.l@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Sienna de Mik (She/Her)
I am most excited to work on being a leader and meet lots of new people on the team and internationally! I have been on Thailand 2018 as a humanitarian and Costa Rica 2021 as an Alum Leader. I am very excited to go on this adventure with you! I have loved my experiences with Youthlinc and can not wait for you to experience the Service Year as well.
I go to WGU and I am studying marketing! I like to travel, paint, quilt/make clothing, go boating, and spend time family!
Email: sienna.dm@youthlinc.org
Basic Itinerary
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Depart SLC
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Arrive in Iquitos and Transfer up the Amazon River
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Opening Ceremonies
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
Jungle Walk (day and night)
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
Parana Fishing and Pink Dolphin watching
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Closing Ceremonies
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Transfer to Iquitos by boat
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Depart Iquitos
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Arrive back to SLC