Cocha Cashu is a biological station run by researchers, for researchers, and our aim is to provide comfortable facilities, an efficient service, and the necessary resources so that you can reach your full research potential and be as focused and productive as possible.  It is important to remember, however, that Cocha Cashu is in a very remote location, in the heart of a rainforest (never an easy environment), in a country whose cultures, realities, bureaucracy, etc., may differ markedly from those in the country where you normally live. Although we, as San Diego Zoo Global, manage the station on a day-to-day basis, we do so inside a National Park and Biosphere Reserve, in close partnership with SERNANP, Peru’s Service for Protected Areas. SERNANP is the body that issues research permits, and our role is to act as a facilitator between you, the researcher, and SERNANP staff. The process of obtaining permits for research usually runs smoothly, but sometimes there are hiccups, either at our end due to information gaps, or resulting from SERNANP procedures and requirements. Similarly, there may be logistical, transport, or culinary glitches. Although we recognize that these obstacles can be frustrating and time-consuming, with patience, respect and a willingness on all sides to adapt, things can be worked out. We therefore ask for your understanding. The Cocha Cashu experience is worth it.

If you are thinking of starting a research project at Cocha Cashu, the first step is to  make arrangements through Verónica Chavez (call: (0051) (84) 226225 or write to Veronica) to reserve space at the Station. CCBS supports a maximum of 35 people, and is often at capacity from August to December. Between January and July there is normally space available.

Photo: Roxana Arauco