From building houses to patrolling beaches protecting turtles to teaching on the Galapagos, our range of volunteer work in South America is exciting, varied and just fantastic!
A huge range of options for volunteer work in South America!
Whether you want to work with people or animals, teach English or sports, conserve or be active, in the mountains or on islands, you are bound to find something that you would love to give your time to across 12 spectacular countries.
See below for our huge range of volunteer work inSouth Americaor find out more about ourvolunteer work in other destinations.
28 trips have been found based on your filter/sort
The exotic creatures that inhabit the waters of Ecuador’s underwater world need protecting as marine resources are increasingly becoming under pressure from the fishing industry. Plunge deep into the waters and identify vulnerability within the presence of species to help preserve this marine environment for generations to come.
A rewarding programme that will see you help build stronger homes for families having to make do with cardboard and dirt floors. Their smiles when you hand them the keys will be more than enough compensation for your efforts.
Change the lives of children and young adults who live in some of Peru's poorest areas by volunteering on one of four excellent social programmes. You will work in schools, orphanages or day-care centres and will help make a considerable difference to their lives through teaching, activities and games. Project Video Now Online
Teach English and other activities to underprivileged children on two of the most remote and beautiful islands in the world. The help you give them will greatly improve their chances of working in tourism or other industries.
Escort baby turtles to the sea, take part in patrols to protect the eggs and observe turtle behaviour. Working next to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be part of a highly successful conservation project.
Experience Ecuador through Spanish lessons, cooking classes, trips around Quito, community and conservation projects in the Andes and the Amazon, horseback rides, sunbathing on the beaches, surfing, scuba diving, a night forest walk and lots more!
Volunteer in the Amazon and help with the day-to-day care and rehabilitation of animals that have been abused or injured. These might include monkeys, jaguars, lions, parrots and other native species.
Organise fun activities that allow the vulnerable children of Bolivia to enjoy themselves and be children again. Run painting, dancing, drawing, music or sport sessions, and help out with cooking, cleaning and feeding the children.
Give orphaned and injured sloths the TLC they need. You’ll help out at a centre dedicated to the protection of these endangered creatures, feeding them and helping them return to the wild.
A hugely rewarding programme, where you will be able to help in building new homes for people living in some of the poorest rural communities of Costa Rica. Live and work with the local people to get a real feel for what life in this wonderfully diverse country is really like.
Help give children in Quito a better future by working with them on the streets or in a special summer school. Your work improving parent-child relationships or planning activities will make a difference. Project Video Now Online
Make a difference from heart of the Amazon Jungle by teaching English and other subjects to local children – vital if they want a job in the future. Help preserve the traditional values of Ecuadorian tribes too.
Nurse injured and confiscated wildlife back to health. You might care for monkeys, parrots, ocelots, taras or kinkajous, carry out wildlife surveys or get see the animals released. Take a trip to the Mayan ruins, too.
The perfect combination of sport and conservation. Help look after turtle eggs and the baby turtles - not difficult when they’re so sweet! Then learn to surf or improve your technique at a nearby beach.
Be amazed and humbled at the spirit of Guatemala’s poorest communities. You’ll play a vital role in improving their lives by teaching English and other lessons, or by helping to look after the health of local children.
You’ll be invaluable to the over-worked leaders of one of two adoption/foster centres. By helping out at these homes you will be providing these abused, neglected and orphan children the chance to smile again by giving them the care and attention they deserve, while you’ll also get a rare insight into Costa Rican life.
The Youth Outreach programme offers volunteers who are passionate about children’s rights, the opportunity to work with local youth in Argentina who are in need of day to day assistance, health education, and most importantly, who are looking to spend time in a safe and secure environment.
A massively rewarding project that involves helping wash, feed and look after mentally and physically handicapped children, and, if you wish, getting involved in their lessons. Great whether you have care experience or just want to make them smile.
Use your background in medicine to assist medical clinics in underdeveloped and impoverished neighbourhoods outside Buenos Aires. The neighbourhoods often lack basic amenities and services and are home to a community of people who do not have access to proper health care of education.
Learn how to identify and photograph dolphins, penguins and other sea creatures. You’ll be working towards making dolphin watching a tourist attraction, and thus persuading fishermen not to kill them for food.
Get up close to jaguars, parrots and other wildlife. The creatures have been held captive, but will hopefully be returned to the wild. Help nurse them back to health and educate the public about the centre’s work.
Embark on a life changing marine odyssey and feast your eyes on rare and beautiful species as you travel from the shores of Mozambique to coast of Costa Rica. Mozambique – Sri Lanka – Peru – Costa Rica
We’ve spiced up our complete South America gap year option with a Galapagos adventure! Combine volunteering with intrepid exploration, a linguistic challenge and a trip to these awe-inspiring islands! Ecuador - Galapagos Islands - Peru – Bolivia
Take part in this incredibly worthwhile project, helping to improve the lives of the local community whilst broadening your own horizons and gaining an insight to another culture and way of life. Based in Rio de Janeiro, you will also have plenty of free time to explore arguably the most beautiful city in South America.
With no previous medical experience necessary, you can help improve and implement new health care programmes in local communities in need. Assist in many areas of health including HIV/AIDS and STD prevention, youth empowerment, nutrition and gender issues. Through active participation, this programme aims to foster strong community leadership initiatives.
Volunteer with needy youths from poor communities and help to fight poverty in various areas around the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Working towards integrated social and economic development through organising events, community support and promoting social studies and research this programme will allow you to give a great deal back whilst experiencing an exciting new culture.
Volunteer on the coast of Ecuador and help with the day-to-day care and rehabilitation of animals that have been abused or injured. These might include monkeys, jaguars, lions, parrots and other native species.
Project Video Now Online
