Cerro Verde And Karumbe - Other Activity Punta del Diablo - Uruguay

In the area of Cerro Verde, 18 kilometers (11.2 mi) north of Punta del Diablo, the excellent volunteer organization of Karumbe can be found. Operating between January and April, daytrips are possible from Punta del Diablo, such as those organized by El Diablo Tranquilo hostel (weekly, $20). However, many backpackers choose to devote some time to staying here and helping to monitor the juvenile green sea turtles.

The first Coastal-Marine Protected Area (CMPA) in the country and included within the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), Cerro Verde is a high rocky formation with unique flora and fauna, sand dunes and forest. The area is home to a wide variety of seabirds and marine mammals such as dolphins and sea lions, as well as five different species of turtle (green turtles, loggerheads, leatherbacks, olive ridleys and hawksbills). Yet, sadly, all have been under threat due to fishing, marine debris, a trade in carapaces and other problems.

Begun in 1999, the Karumbe project (‘Karumbe’ meaning ‘turtle’ in the language of Guarani Indians) has monitored the turtles, their habitat and their migration patterns. International volunteers work with two permanent scientific researchers. The species remain endangered but the importance of its protection is becoming increasingly understood by Uruguayans.

Volunteering work includes sighting turtles, capturing them with nets and recording information on them, as well as rehabilitating sick turtles and assisting with occasional local educational projects. Long walks are required so a good level of fitness is necessary, and volunteers should also be prepared to help with cooking and cleaning at the base. A fee of $18 per day includes accommodation, three meals per day, transport to and from the work, and a donation to the project. Volunteers can take a bus to La Coranilla (Rutas del Sol or Cynsa, $14 from Montevideo, $3 from Punta del Diablo or Chuy) and will then be met. Visit www.karumbe.org for more information and to contact the project.

Location:
Punta del Diablo, Uruguay

Other Activity Types:
Natural park

Price Description: $20 for day visit, or $18 per day to volunteer including accommodation and meals.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

Contact Information:
URL: www.karumbe.org

About this Page

By Emma Jones

Emma Jones, 30, is from London, and recently spent nine months enjoying travelling and writing in South America.�Her favourite...

Updated: 03 Jan 2012