Volunteer Projects in Central & South America

We provide volunteer projects throughout Central and South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. The projects we offer have been carefully chosen and range from helping street children to tracking jaguars. These projects are run by reputable organisations and offer some of the lowest cost and most rewarding volunteer experiences in Central and South America.

There are hundreds of volunteer organisations looking for global volunteers and you can see some examples of the projects you could join on this web page. Please note that these are just a few examples of the projects we can send you in a volunteer guide.

All the projects shown below are priced in UK Sterling. If you would like to work out the cost of volunteering in a different currency please click here for a currency converter. The prices shown below are the actual costs of the projects.

Reforestation and Farm Work

This project manages and protects over six thousand hectares of native forest. It has reforested hundreds of hectares of dry tropical forest in abandoned pasture lands or burned areas within the forest since its inauguration. Help is needed to record data on tree growth and mortality in selected parcels, which will help determine future reforestation efforts, including species composition, etc., as well as research information in local libraries on certain tree species to use in future education programmes. The project has also set up an integrated organic farm in the reserve buffer zone to provide alternatives to the slash-and-burn agriculture that was previously used. Volunteers are needed in various projects including beekeeping, agroforestry, integrated pest management, and small animal husbandry (guinea pigs, chickens, ducks).

This project provides the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the protection of a tropical forest.

Volunteers are provided with accommodation and one meal (lunch) per day.

Volunteer at Wildlife Rescue Centre

This project provides suitable and appropriate care for sick and wounded animals. The project currently cares for sloths, monkeys (tamarins, capuchins, howlers), kinkajous, margays, ocelots, jaguarundis, anteaters, cockatoos, macaws, parrots, owls, toucans, and many other species. Volunteers can help out by giving guided tours to visitors, cleaning out and feeding the animals, or by translating the centres literature into other languages.

Housing is available when not occupied but food is the responsibility of volunteers. There is also the option of staying in local hostels at a cost of £4.50 per night.

Volunteer in the Highlands of Peru & Optional Spanish Classes

This project strives to improve and develop the abilities and skills of children and adolescents that live in the rural and high Andean regions of Peru. There are opportunities to work in orphanages, medical centres, teach English, and get involved in social work. Spanish classes are available to those that want them. There are also opportunities to participate in various recreational activities such as tours to the jungle.

Accommodation costs £49 per week without meals, £55 per week with breakfast, or £65 per week with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Spanish classes cost £45 per week (10 hours of study – 2 hours per day).

Volunteer at Centre for Art and Ecology

This project is located within 140 hectares of virgin rainforest deep in the Amazon. Its objective is to protect the Amazon rainforest and its ecology, and develop practices of sustainable agriculture and a healthy way of living (renewable energies, permaculture, ecological sanitary facilities, etc). It stimulates artistic activities and contributes to the development of solutions for the humanitarian and ecological needs of the Amazon. This includes organizing lectures and workshops in art and music involving the local community. The project welcomes the assistance of volunteers who mainly get involved in ecological construction work, and agricultural/forestry activities (planting, harvesting, etc). Volunteers also help out with daily chores such as cooking and cleaning up. No special skills are required but volunteers should posses a little common sense and be prepared to live in an isolated and natural environment.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and share the cost of food (approximately £60 per month).

Butterfly Garden Volunteer

This lovely butterfly garden offers the opportunity of an extended stay to anyone interested in volunteering. Duties include caring for and feeding both the butterflies and the caterpillars, cleaning the caterpillar pens, collecting butterfly eggs, monitoring pupa activity, eliminating predators, etc. On-going projects such as recording data or garden maintenance abound. There is also the opportunity to volunteer as a tour guide. The only prerequisites are an interest in the magical world of butterflies and some enthusiasm. All other skills you will learn on site. Aside from the work, there is plenty of time to relax, pursue hobbies, and/or explore the areas beaches and waterfalls.

The project costs £130 for 4 weeks which includes lodging, breakfast and lunch. The facilities include 2 double occupancy bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a shared common area and fully equipped kitchen. Laundry service and internet access is available.

Iguana Conservation

This project works to the preserve endemic spiny-tailed iguanas and its critical mangrove habitat. This project is particularly attractive to students and graduates in the biological sciences as they are able to gather experience in the conservation of species and in field research in the tropics. Nonetheless, this project is open to anyone who wants to be actively engaged in a goal oriented nature conservation project. The jobs for volunteers are varied and include: public relations; environmental education; animal care; gardening; station maintenance and ecological research.

The project costs £200 per month or £50 per week which includes accommodation, drinking water, kitchen facilities, and internet access. A 50% discount on station fees is available to qualified volunteers in various fields (i.e. ecology, marine and mangrove biology, etc).

Holistic Education for an Intercultural Community

This Waldorf school is intercultural, with families from both the local indigenous community and from all over the world. The education it provides is holistic, arts-based and multilingual. There are various opportunities for volunteers (i.e. administrative assistance, gardening, teaching, tutoring and construction projects). The village where the school is based offers an array of courses and workshops that volunteers can get involved in including Spanish classes, meditation, yoga, massage, alternative healing therapies, green building, dance and music.

There is no cost to participate and volunteers are assisted in finding a local homestay or private housing. Housing costs between £60 - £120 per month. There are many cheap restaurants to choose from in the village.

Volunteer in Andean Community & Free Spanish Classes

This community is one of them places where its inhabitants and natural richness coexist in an environment of peace and tranquillity. The community seeks volunteers for three types of projects: teaching, farm work and ecotourism. Volunteer teachers can help out in the following areas: English, mathematics, sports, music, arts, dance, cookery, mechanics, agriculture, and health care. Farm work volunteers get involved in a wide variety of activities such as milking, cheese making, soil preparation, sowing, harvesting, fencing, simple veterinary tasks, and taking care of animals (cattle, horses, etc). Ecotourism volunteers will help to develop and improve facilities and attractions. Possible activities include assisting with the creation of forest trails and the improvement of existing trails, the creation of an orchid garden, and conducting a survey/inventory of plants and animals. All volunteers receive free Spanish and horse riding lessons.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and food. Volunteers can stay in a community guest house or with host families. Although there is no cost to participate volunteers are encouraged to contribute a little money each week (£3-£6) towards living costs.

Horseback Riding Guide

This small rural lodge and horseback riding centre is looking for horseback riding guides or riders with sufficient experience. Volunteer activities include taking care of the horses, training the horses, guiding (horse riding), and helping out with various tasks at the lodge. Volunteers must love horses and country life, be serious about their work, and be motivated and enthusiastic.

Volunteers receive free accommodation with private bathroom and a little pocket money.

Organic Working Ranch

This working ranch is based on the shores of a lake in majestic surroundings. The ranch accepts volunteers who offer their services in exchange for room and board. The areas in which volunteers can work are the kitchen, bar, reception, vegetable gardens, animal production, yoga and construction. Volunteers also have the opportunity to take part in adventure and educative tours. The ranch offers mountain biking, horseback riding, rappelling, kayaking, hiking, and volcano tours.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and food in exchange for their work.

Permaculture Project

This 2 hectare farm in the mountains is aiming to be self-sufficient using permaculture principles. The project accepts volunteers throughout the year, exchanging accommodation and experience for volunteer work. In addition to volunteer opportunities this project also offers intensive permaculture design courses and cob/adobe workshops. This is a good place to learn about the benefits and challenges that come with living sustainably, and the farm atmosphere is ideal for reflexion and meditation.

Volunteers receive free accommodation in an adobe cabin. Volunteers share the cost of food (approx £8 per person per week).

Volunteer on Organic Farm

At this farm you will experience a natural, organic, biodynamic and localized way of life. The farm is 20 hectares of forest, river, waterfalls, and amazing natural resources. It is located near a National Park and the rainforest provides many opportunities for educational exploration. Volunteer activities include gardening, planting trees in the forest, construction and making furniture.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and food (vegetarian and vegan).

Chocolate and Permaculture

This environmental learning and sustainability centre is located on an organic cacao and permaculture farm on the Caribbean coast. Volunteers stay in gorgeous hillside jungle space with access to a multitude of facilities, workshops, classes, tours and excursions. Volunteers are asked to adopt a project within one of the following areas as their primary project of responsibility and learning during their stay: cacao stewardship; gardens stewardship; nature trails stewardship; fruit harvesting; common areas stewardship; nurseries management. Beyond the primary project areas there are plenty of varied projects and tasks which include: plant and wildlife identification; gardening; trail management; grounds managers; community outreach; educators; academic research.

The project costs £11 per day (£9.50 for students) which includes: accommodation; meals; regular ecological/educational workshops; weekly trips, tours and learning excursions; daily meditation and/or yoga options; laundry service; bicycle and surfboard use; etc.

Help Build a New Refuge

This project is located in the foothills of a national park, offering spectacular views of lush Andean valleys and dramatic mountain formations, pristine waterfalls, lush cloud forest and access to the national park. It is an ideal spot for hiking, horse trekking, birding or relaxation. It is looking for volunteers to help build a new refuge for people who visit the reserve. The construction will be built using the traditional method of wattle and daub. The build is scheduled to start in mid-August. Other work will include working on trails, installing zip line and rappelling sites, and some simple landscaping around the new refuge.

Volunteers contribute £16 per week to cover food costs.

Teach English or Computer Skills & Optional Spanish Classes

This project provides free education to members of a community where public education is severely lacking. This gives people the opportunity to rise out of poverty, broaden their horizons, and increase their employment potential. Volunteers are needed to help teach English and computer skills to members of this community. Teaching experience or a knowledge of Spanish is not necessary. A genuine desire to serve those less fortunate than oneself is the primary requirement. Discounted Spanish lessons are available at a nearby language school.

The project is also looking for social workers, psychologists, sport trainers (soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc), and a volunteer coordinator.

During your free time you can participate in a number of fun activities including surfing, sandboarding, cooking and dance classes (salsa, merengue, marinera, festejo, etc).

Volunteers make a one-time donation of £60 to the project. Accommodation costs £30 per week if staying less than two months, less if staying longer. The accommodation has high-speed wireless internet access, kitchen, hot shower and a laundry machine.

Volunteer in the Jungle

This project runs various jungle hikes and cave tours, and educates people in how to live a more sustainable lifestyle. It grows its own food and tends to a botanical nursery. Volunteers can get involved in grounds keeping, nursery work, gardening, orchard maintenance, animal care, equipment and facility maintenance, and kitchen work. In their spare time volunteers can relax in hammocks or swimming holes, or opt for something a little more energetic (jungle hikes, playing football with the locals, etc). Volunteers receive discount prices on tour packages (horseback riding, river canoeing, cave exploring, trips archaeological ruins, etc) and adult beverages.

Volunteers receive free accommodation but are responsible for buying their own food.

Volunteer at Eco Centre

This eco centre has been consciously designed to minimise its impact on the environment, including eco friendly strategies for waste management and food production. The eco centre welcomes volunteers who receive subsidised accommodation and food in exchange for their work. Volunteers can spend part of their time working in the eco centre (gardening, construction, maintenance), and part outside within the community (education, construction, working with children, etc). If volunteers have specific skills in tourism, gastronomy, permaculture, etc, they might be eligible to receive free accommodation and food in exchange for their work.

The project costs £9.50 per day for stays of less than 10 days or £6.50 per day for stays of 10 days or more. The fee includes accommodation and 3 vegetarian meals per day. The option of work exchange at no cost is dependent on the profile of the volunteer.

Volunteer in Botanical Garden

This project is dedicated to conservation. It aims to inspire people to protect plants and their habitats. The botanic gardens are in a beautiful spot next to a river. The area is known for its diverse flora, archaeological sites and caves. The botanic gardens are looking for volunteers with skills in the following areas: horticulture, ethnobotany, landscape design, education, grant writing, organic agriculture. Internships are also offered at the gardens for students that require related work experience to complete their degree. Your degree should be in a topic relevant to the work being done at the gardens: life sciences, ethnobotany, botany, environmental science, environmental education or tropical ecology. Volunteers/interns have use of canoes and horses when available. The adjacent river is a perfect spot for swimming, tubing and canoeing.

The project costs £220 per month which includes basic accommodation in a 2 bedroom apartment with bathroom, living area, laundry room and kitchen.

Teach English at University & Free Spanish Classes

Students at this university cannot afford the fees that other universities charge so they attend this one which is free of charge. Without it they wouldn't have the opportunity to access any formal education. Through their English department they are trying to connect students to other cultures and invite international volunteers to join their English classes to share their life experiences with people from poor backgrounds. Volunteers take part in oral tasks such as debates and discussions on current and cultural issues, etc. Students have no chance of polishing their English in other environments, so this opportunity helps them improve their oral skills and job prospects. In addition, volunteers are invited to join other university projects such as helping children in orphanages to learn English, play sports, and join Spanish lessons free of charge.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses.

Volunteer at Surf Camp

This unique and great surfing spot is located within a national park. The surf camp occasionally recruits volunteers to help with the running of the camp, assisting customers and staff. When it’s quiet volunteers can help with the sea turtle program (during the nesting season) or teach English to the children of the village. The surf camp supports a program for the conservation of sea turtles, since they nest on the same beach (30 metres from the surf camp).

Volunteers receive free accommodation, meals and board rental.

Help Install Safe Drinking Water Tanks

This project installs rain catchment tanks for indigenous schools and villages. The rain catchment tanks give kids and other community members a chance to escape the endless cycle of worms from contaminated water. Volunteers have the opportunity to live on a tropical island, recycle rainwater, help indigenous communities and a great time whilst doing so. Volunteers stay for 8 days and get involved in a wide variety of hands-on tasks. As many as five rain-catchment systems can be installed during the eight day period. Volunteers who demonstrate the motivation and skills needed during their eight-day stay may be invited to stay on as a long-term volunteer.

The project costs £18 per day for board and lodging. Room and board may be waived for those invited to extend their stay as a long-term volunteer.

Volunteer in the Galapagos

This project seeks volunteers for three different programmes. The first of these is a reforestation project where volunteers help control and eliminate non-native vegetation, plant native trees, and take care of the plants in the nursery. The community and education project enables volunteers to work alongside local families, monitoring non-native vegetation, and encouraging the use of native vegetation. Volunteers also have the opportunity to work with local children, providing environmental education or teaching them English. The hipotherapy (riding therapy) project seeks volunteers who are physical therapists or who have some previous experience. Volunteers work directly with the children and take care of the horses.

Volunteers who participate in this project are offered the following activities for free: one day of horse riding; one day of surfing (with instructor and surf board).

The project costs £200 per month or £90 per week. The fee includes farm house accommodation and transfer from the airport. Volunteers buy and prepare their own food (fully equipped kitchen provided).

Help Poor and Disadvantaged Children

This project is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and underserved with the help of international volunteers. There are opportunities to help in education, social work and health care (i.e. working in orphanages, working with street kids or single mothers, teaching English, providing health care in hospitals and medical centres etc). Each programme allows the volunteer to interact with the community, experience the local culture and improve their Spanish language ability. Spanish, dancing and cooking classes are available.

Resident housing costs £130 per month. A kitchen is available to prepare your own meals. Volunteers who prefer a home stay are charged £195 per month including all meals. Airport pick-ups and transfers can be arranged.

Experience a Sustainable Way of Life

This eco village welcomes vegetarians or those who like to experience a vegetarian lifestyle. Within this eco-conscious community, you will learn about yoga, meditation, vegetarian cooking, organic agriculture, nutrition, different kinds of art and life philosophy. Volunteers work for 4 to 5 hours per day on sustainable activities in the village (i.e. organic gardening, eco building, teaching English, etc), and have the opportunity to participate in various workshops.

The project costs £7 per day for stays of more than 2 weeks. The fee includes accommodation, organic vegetarian food, and various activities (hatha yoga classes, meditation, music-therapy with oriental instruments, philosophical study programmes, etc).

Volunteer for Animal Sanctuary

The project is located on a beautiful beach-front property surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The sanctuary needs general volunteers to help look after its animals (mainly cats) and other miscellaneous duties. No previous experience required. It also seeks a veterinarian, a veterinary technician, teacher (environmental education), fundraiser, accountant, writer, and a carpenter. In their spare time volunteers will enjoy spectacular sunsets, excellent diving, snorkelling, manatee watching, white sand and tranquillity.

The project provides volunteers with beach front or floating accommodation for £49 per week. The fee decreases after 2 weeks service. All fees contribute to the running of the sanctuary.

Pedal Powered Machines

This project reconditions used bicycles to sell at local markets and recycles junk bicycles to build pedal-powered machines. These perform a variety of tasks such as threshing corn, blending food and pumping water. The project welcomes the assistance of volunteers who can get involved in assembling bicycles for sale and other bike shop related tasks, building pedal technology (cutting, grinding, welding, assembling, painting, testing), and keeping the base house clean and comfortable. Volunteers should have some experience of repairing bicycles, welding or using power tools.

Volunteers receive free housing but are responsible for covering the cost of food.

Volunteer at Recycling Centre

This project educates the community about the importance of protecting their environment and runs a recycling programme for materials such as plastic, glass, aluminium, paper and cardboard. Children are educated about waste and about recycling, and the funds obtained from recycling are donated to local schools. The project is continually looking for volunteers. Volunteers can give talks about recycling at local schools, organize the sale and weighing of materials to be recycled, monitor the recycling programs at each school, classify and receive materials at the recycling centre, help transport the materials, help with management tasks, translation and promotional work.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses. Cheap lodging is available in the area.

Volunteer for School of Comedy and Mime

This innovative project educates young people who are in precarious family situations where poverty, drug abuse, physical/sexual abuse, gangs and other criminal activity are an unfortunate part of daily life. Through theatre, clowning, mime and circus skills students discover how to respect themselves and others when taught that they can make a living through this art. The project is looking for volunteers with the following skills: clown; mime; drama; theatre improvisation; storytelling; magic; contemporary dance (jazz, tap, Latin); set design and props; acrobatics; juggling; puppets. The project also strives to improve the academic education of their students and it needs volunteers to teach English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer and graphic design, entertainment techniques.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses. The project assists volunteers in finding a low cost place to stay.

Ecolodge Volunteer & Optional Spanish Classes

This ecolodge and nature reserve provides outdoor activities for travellers as well as students who have an interest in nature, learning practical skills and scientific research. Volunteers require no specific skills to participate in this program. Volunteers normally work Monday through Friday, 4 hours per day. The rest of the day is usually spent reading, relaxing, walking or taking Spanish lessons. Most work is in open air and includes trail maintenance, reforestation, riverbank repair, gardening, minor construction, shaded-grown coffee picking/processing, making marmalades, etc. For scientific research projects, adequate knowledge is required (i.e. taxonomy, ecology, photography, geology, etc).

Volunteers can stay in the ecolodge for £3.75 per day or camp for £1.80 per day (own tent required). The ecolodge/campsite has furnished kitchens to prepare meals. Seasonal fruit and pure drinking water provided. Spanish lessons cost £2.50 per hour.

Community Based Rehabilitation

This project helps indigenous people with disabilities along the coast and in rural communities. Volunteers with medical skills, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pedagogists, kindergarten teachers and psychologists are always needed. Volunteers with experience in building and construction are also needed. Help is particularly needed from March to September as this is when there are fewer volunteers. There is also a programme for lifeguards on the beach and there are opportunities for experienced lifeguards and instructors in CPR.

Free board and lodging if you volunteer for 6 months or more. Volunteers are responsible for all expenses (i.e. accommodation and food) if staying for shorter periods.

Help Working Children & Optional Spanish Classes

This project is devoted to helping working children (especially working girls) and their families overcome grinding poverty and improve their quality of lives through education and job training, nutrition programs, health and social services, psychological help and recreation. Volunteer opportunities are varied, and range from working in street outreach programmes, to teaching mothers jewellery making, to helping with fundraising or administrative work. There are tasks for all interests and capabilities. There is currently an urgent need for a doctor, dentist and street outreach nurse.

Volunteers are assisted with finding accommodation and Spanish classes (optional). Housing starts at £99 per month including food. Spanish classes range from £2.50 to £6.50 per hour.

Volunteer at Sloth Rescue Centre

This project cares for over 100 endangered sloths. Volunteers play a vital role in helping to care for the sloths (adults and babies), learning about their ways and educating others. Additionally volunteers play an active role in helping to maintain the jungle trails and the sanctuary grounds, guiding tours, helping with cage cleaning and maintenance, preparation of sloth meals, and lending a hand to staff veterinarians and other specialists and researchers. This is a great opportunity to assist in the rescue of a truly fascinating and endangered animal.

The project costs £20 per day which includes accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), laundry service, orientation, and the unique opportunity to learn hands-on about the wonderful world of the Sloth.

Volunteer at Eco-Lodge

This ecolodge is perched high in the Andes Mountains and it provides an interesting project for those interested in sustainable tourism. A volunteer is needed to help run and maintain the lodge along with other odd projects. Volunteer duties include helping out in the lodge, attending to the needs of guests, general maintenance, gardening, cooking and cleaning, animal care and participating in all the hikes, horseback rides and excursions.

The lodge is also looking for yoga teachers to teach and lead yoga sessions once or twice a day in exchange for room and board.

There is also an opportunity for a massage therapist to train local neighbours in various massage techniques in exchange for free room and board. The lodge has a massage table and a room for giving massage while simultaneously training locals. Guests at the lodge will pay £14 - £20 for an hour long massage and this money will be your income.

Volunteers pay £6 per day for room and board for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks volunteers receive free board and lodging. A comfortable room at the lodge is provided with full bedding and 3 gourmet vegetarian meals per day.

Chocolate and Coffee Production with Indigenous People

The chocolate and coffee projects were set up to help an indigenous community add value to their products and to market them to a wider audience. The project seeks a volunteer who can speak Spanish and has experience in community work, marketing, product design, etc. The volunteer must have the ability to use their own initiative, be very creative, and have a positive attitude when difficulties arise. The volunteer must also have a valid driving license. The project is scheduled to start in May or June 2010 and requires a minimum commitment of 6 months. There is the possibility of acquiring a paid job after the volunteer assignment. The project is located in a very picturesque area, near a beautiful mountain river and bus route into town. There are often other volunteers living in the village, so there would be plenty of company.

The volunteer will receive free accommodation but is responsible for covering the cost of food. This will range from £90 – £175 per month depending on where you eat and your dietary requirements.

Volunteer at Home for Abandoned Children

This project nurtures, supports and educates abandoned, abused, and underprivileged children. With almost 130 children to care for there are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities. The following is a list of possible volunteer positions: teacher; secretary; maintenance technician; social worker (assistant); computer technician; librarian; assistant supervisor; volunteer coordinator; fundraiser/grant writer; newsletter contributor; health promoter; activities organizer.

There is a fully-furnished house for volunteer’s which costs £15 per week for stays of 3-12 weeks. The rent includes utilities, option of 2 – 3 meals daily, orientation, coordinated activities, 24/7 on-site staff support, and a certificate of service upon completion.

Learn to Travel Write

This project is looking for talented and adventurous writers to train out in the field and jump start their travel writing careers. The travel writing boot camp will take place in Costa Rica from 27 September to 1 October. Attendees learn how to travel write from seasoned professionals and are given tips on producing quality digital photography to accompany their stories. Writing is critiqued by established travel writers and editors. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates have the opportunity to stay on assignment as field writers and be compensated. Works will be published in the upcoming guidebooks for each country. Writers who perform up to standard, and who stay on assignment and produce more than 200 reviews will have their course fee refunded in addition to normal compensation.

The boot camp costs £220 which includes classes on how to write content for travel guidebooks. The price does not include accommodation or food. Details of accommodation options will be sent to participants prior to the course.

Work and Serve People in Local Clinic

This project offers medical care and prevention services to people of lesser means and special needs. There are many different ways to help and there are opportunities for: medical professionals (paediatric cardiologists, dentists, ear nose and throat specialists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, paediatricians, plastic surgeons, etc); social workers; therapists (massage, speech, music, etc); educators; computer specialists; photographers; videographers; gardeners; maintenance personal (builders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians); translators; office assistants; fundraisers and grant writers.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for their own housing and living expenses. Lunch is provided.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education

This project helps protect wildlife and their natural habitats through education programmes, investigation and wildlife rehabilitation. It teaches people, especially children, about the intrinsic value of animals and the importance of conservation, investigates and solves problems involving wildlife, and provides refuge to animals that have suffered any kind of injury. Volunteers can get involved in building and repairing enclosures, cleaning, feeding, animal rescue, animal observation, animal tracking and sampling. Volunteers can also assist with the environmental education programme. No particular skills are needed.

Volunteers are provided with free housing but are responsible for buying and preparing their own food.

Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtle Research Project

The aim of this project is to improve the knowledge held on Leatherback and Pacific Green sea turtles and implement guidelines for better conservation actions. The project seeks regular volunteers and research assistants. Regular volunteers do not need any prior experience as full training will be provided upon arrival at project site. Research assistants need to be at least 21 years of age, have a strong background in biology and conservation issues, and preferably some conservation experience. The project needs volunteers from the 1 November to 15 March every year.

This is one of the best places in the world to see an Arribada. This is when massive turtle nestings occur and up to 300,000 turtles (Olive Ridleys) may lay over a period of 8 to 10 days.

Regular volunteers pay £13 per day for accommodation and meals. Research Assistants pay £9.50 per day to cover accommodation and three meals. These prices are especially for VLA volunteers. Other volunteers will pay significantly more.

Volunteer at Equestrian Centre

This equestrian centre provides therapy and rehabilitation through the use of horses as well as introductory riding courses. The project seeks assistance with maintaining the horses and giving classes, preparing the animals and fundraising. Volunteers can participate on the days the centre has activities and this is currently Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Saturday mornings.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses.

Supporting Park Guards

The aim of this project is to protect a Mahogany wetlands region which covers an area of 173 square miles. Due to its location and characteristics, this is a strategic area to create biological corridors. The region holds a high density of flora and fauna, some of which are considered in danger of extinction. Volunteers are needed to help forest guards in their work, provide assistance in the design and maintenance of the area, and to provide support for research including the possibility of carrying out personal research projects.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and transportation for activities within the park. Volunteers must cover the cost of food.

Volunteer Site Attendants

This project provides the rare opportunity to monitor and look after young Orange-breasted Falcons prior to and after they are released in the forests. Specific responsibilities include monitoring, feeding, and ensuring the well-being of young falcons during the entire process of release. Attendants must be able to read colour-coded bands through a spotting scope. The release period will begin approximately in early May and will continue for 8 to 12 weeks. Volunteers must be in good health and speak English.

Accommodation and food are provided. Appropriate recognition in scientific papers and personal references are given.

Film Maker & Optional Spanish Classes

This project provides the opportunity to independently direct and produce a film for a non-profit organisation. The role involves making a short informational video about the organization and its mission. The film will help the organisation reach an international audience. Volunteers can participate at anytime of the year, as long as they make a commitment of 1.5 to 3 weeks.

Volunteers receive free housing and food, and the use of a digital video camera (if required). Discounted one-on-one Spanish classes are available.

Penguin Research

This project recruits a small number of volunteers each year to conduct daily observations of penguin nests from November to February. Volunteers participate for 8 weeks; from early November to end of December or early January to end of February. Applications are invited during August and September. Previous experience of working overseas and Spanish skills are required.

There is no cost to participate and volunteers are provided with free accommodation close to the penguin colony. Volunteers are responsible for covering the cost of food.

Work in a Luxurious Hotel on the Galapagos Islands

This luxury hotel is located on a pristine white-sand beach on one of the most beautiful and peaceful islands in the Galapagos. Guests at the hotel enjoy spectacular sea views and all the amenities associated with a quality hotel. The hotel needs a temporary receptionist/administrator. Main activities include helping out in the reception and welcoming guests. The hotel offers free board and lodging in exchange for a 7 hour day, 5 days a week.

Volunteers receive free board and lodging.

Arts, Language and Literacy

The prime focus of this project is to offer ongoing classes, workshops and events in all aspects of the arts, language and literacy to local communities. It is looking for talented artists, inspiring arts educators and workshop leaders, interested in sharing their skills with staff and willing to be hands-on collaborators on projects aimed at children, youth and teachers. There are also opportunities for English teachers with or without experience and library helpers for the children's library. Volunteers must have sufficient Spanish language skills for the work they wish to do.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering the cost of their stay. Furnished rooms (including kitchen, bathroom, wifi internet etc) are available for £105 per month or £3.50 per day.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Children

The focus of this project is to improve the lives of impoverished children, supporting their education, diet, families and communities. Volunteers are required to help run the kindergarten/day care centre, getting involved in activities such as teaching (English, maths, remedial reading etc), computer classes and sports education. Volunteers are also required to support the physical, educational, emotional, and health needs of families at risk and caregivers of HIV/AIDS.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses. Most volunteers stay in a beach house which costs £24 per week for the first four weeks and then £14 per week thereafter.

Volunteer for Animal Orphanage

This project seeks volunteers for a wide variety of tasks. Volunteers mostly help them in the upkeep of the butterfly farm, planting trees, cleaning, building and repairing cages, and guiding visitors. However, if a baby animal arrives a volunteer might be asked to take care of it. Volunteers don't need any special skills, just a genuine love for flora and fauna. The only requirement is a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Volunteer pay £3 per day for accommodation (less if staying more than 2 weeks) and a similar amount for food. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt.

Sustainable Living Project

This recently established sustainable living project is looking for people (volunteers and long term interns) to help out with gardening, natural building (including earthen and stone) reforestation, carpentry, food preparation (cheeses and jams), animal care (dairy cows and chickens), fungus identification, alternative energy, bee-keeping, and creative projects like furniture making. The project offers healthy food, nature hikes, swimming, yoga, meditation, and hands-on learning about sustainable living.

The project costs £17 per week which covers accommodation and food.

Rainforest Conservation

This project enables volunteers to make a genuine contribution to the conservation of the rainforest and is ideal for those taking a gap year or career break. There are a wide variety of activities and projects that volunteers can get involved in such as forest patrols, working in the tree nursery, reforestation programmes, environmental education, forest surveys, teaching English, or simply helping out with day to day maintenance (i.e office duties, painting etc). There are world famous beaches and tourist attractions to visit in your spare time.

The project costs £250 per month which includes accommodation, meals, laundry facilities and free internet access in the evenings.

Monitoring Parrots in the Amazon Rainforest

This project is looking for field assistants to help collect seasonal information on parrot nesting habits and ecology. The work includes counting parrots on mineral licks, monitoring tree fruiting patterns, collecting information on diet, breeding and various other activities. No previous experience is required as full training in identification and field techniques will be given. This project provides a great opportunity to explore the Amazon rainforest and gain valuable field experience.

The project costs £6 per day which covers accommodation, food, unlimited tea and coffee, internet, training materials, research permits, and local transport to and from the site.

Jaguar Conservation Internships

The main goal of this project is to identify and monitor ecological, epidemiological and genetics aspects of the regional jaguar population, and develop strategies for the management and conservation of the species. Interns have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of data collection including: monitoring through radio telemetry; setting and checking camera traps; and collecting scats with scat detector dogs. Interns are expected to treat all data-collecting activities with responsibility and seriousness.

Lodging is provided at the study area but interns buy and prepare their own meals. Interns spend around £30 per month on food. There is also a monthly administration fee of £150 or £270 (dependent on participation dates).

Nature Conservation and Sustainable Community Development

This project is in a unique and mountainous region which is very rich in flora and fauna. However, it is jeopardised by illegal mining, forest fragmentation and growing anthropogenic pressure. Urgent action is required and volunteers are needed to participate in one or more current programmes working with the indigenous communities in surrounding forests. There are many conservation, community development, teaching and health care projects available. Most of the programmes don't require any qualifications, skills or previous experience. In your leisure time you can go trekking, hiking, biking or bathing in one of the nearby waterfalls.

The project costs £105 per month which includes accommodation in rooms with private bathroom and cooking facilities in a well furnished kitchen. Food will cost between £45 – £80 per month, depending on your diet and preferences.

Resident Naturalist Internship in the Cloud Forest

This project seeks resident naturalists to lead a variety of nature-based activities and academic programs for student groups and eco-tourists. Resident naturalists have the opportunity to advance their training in the fields of tropical ecology, natural history, environmental education, sustainability, conservation, agriculture, and Spanish. In addition to the interns primary duties as facilitators and guides, they have the opportunity to participate in on-going projects and develop their own individual projects within their areas of interest, which may include anything from community service activities to scientific research. This position requires excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, in addition to expertise in natural history and related fields.

Interns receive free board and lodging. Other benefits include natural history and customer service training, internet access, laundry service, professional skills development, certificate of service at the completion of term, opportunity to advance Spanish skills.

Biology Students Required at EcoLodge

This remote ecolodge is surrounded by pristine primary lowland rainforest and clear waters. The lodge invites biology students to study the rainforest. During their stay students give English lessons to local employees and improve the local naturalist’s knowledge of natural history. Additionally, they assist the local naturalist in guiding tours, attend to clients in the restaurant, and help out wherever needed.

Students receive free lodging and meals.

Volunteer at Rainforest Lodge

This rainforest lodge is looking for volunteers to act as guides or work in the gift store. Volunteer guides lead daily nature walks for guests staying at the lodge. A background in biology and the ability to communicate in Spanish is preferable. Volunteers are also required to run the gift store and take care of administrative duties. Volunteers should be Fluent in English and speak a little Spanish. The ability to speak other languages, particularly German, would be a great asset.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and food.

Orchid Conservation Volunteer

This project is dedicated to protecting endangered and endemic species of orchids. It aims to protect these flowers from extinction via conservation initiatives and promoting sustainable forms of development. A wide range of activities are offered to volunteers and interns: website maintenance; marketing; fundraising; taking care of orchids; taking photographs; working in their cafeteria; orchid protection and ecotourism actions. Volunteers/interns must possess the ability to work independently and have a keen interest in environmental protection and/or ecotourism.

Volunteers/interns receive a free homestay with a local family with three meals per day. Free wireless internet access is available.

Discover the Culture and Biodiversity of the Amazon

This is an opportunity to discover an unspoilt region of the Amazon rainforest, to really leave the beaten track behind and to immerse yourself in a culture that belongs to the forest. There have been few intrusions into this territory and the indigenous peoples' have only recently made contact with the western world. You will not be invading or disrupting their culture but helping to preserve it. There are many ways to help including: teaching English to the local tribe; helping out on guided tours; medical work; construction; community development, tourism; accountancy; the investigation of flora and fauna, etc. The primary forest is blessed with remarkable levels of biodiversity.

The project costs £7 per day for food and accommodation.

Orphanage and Kindergarten Volunteers

This project seeks volunteers to help out at one of two orphanages or a kindergarten. The first orphanage needs volunteers to teach English or organize activities for the children (i.e. theatre, sports, etc). The second orphanage needs volunteers to help out with various workshops it offers such as cooking, ceramics, clothes making (knitting, sewing, etc) and computers. Volunteers can also offer support as nannies, nurses, and tutors. Kindergarten volunteers assist the teachers in providing English, music, sport and various other activities. Help is also needed in getting the children to-and-from the school safely.

Volunteers make a one-off payment of £140 which includes an airport pick-up and city tour, orientation, in-country support, 4 hour Spanish introduction course, and then £60 per week for a homestay. Tours to Machu Picchu can be arranged for a small additional fee.

Teach English in the Amazon

The project requires a volunteer to teach English to members of an indigenous community. Volunteers need to be fluent in English and preferably be native English speakers. The community is located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is one of the most bio-diverse areas on Earth, with 10,000 different species of plants and more than 570 different species of birds.

Volunteers receive free accommodation (volunteer house) and all their meals.

Environmental Education Volunteer / Tour Guide

This environmental education centre is in need of intelligent and enthusiastic people to help them teach visitors about insects and arthropods (i.e. butterflies, spiders, beetles etc). Volunteers are responsible for giving tours, maintenance of the facility, animal husbandry and other general tasks. During the tours you are encouraged to handle insects (though it is not absolutely required) and express enthusiasm for your subject. Some knowledge of Spanish is useful but not necessary. Fluency in English is essential. There are many good places to hike in your free time including a great sunset look-out and a couple of waterfalls.

Volunteers receive free board and lodging for the enitre duration of their stay.

Street Kids Volunteer

This project provides daily meals, medical attention, and educational support to about 50 children from impoverished backgrounds who would otherwise be on the streets. Volunteers help out by teaching, playing, providing emotional support when needed, and supervising mealtimes. Volunteers also help organise extra-curricular activities such as excursions and sport competitions.

The project costs £195 per month which includes accommodation and food.

Support a Forest Community

This project offers various opportunities for people interested in collaborating with community sustainable development. In particular it needs volunteers to help with: community tourism (promotional work, tour guides); the investigation of flora and fauna; anthropological and sociological studies; English classes; fair trade work with women's groups; arts and crafts; gardening (medicinal plants, herbs and vegetables); environmental education; computer classes; health assistance; and maintaining trails.

Volunteers receive free accommodation but no meals. Food can be provided at a cost of £7 per day. If volunteers are prepared to cook for themselves they are charged less.

Trekking Volunteer

This project offers trekking opportunities and uses its proceeds to support children and communities living in poverty. Volunteer duties include general promotion, preparing for and leading tours/treks and also participation in activities with children from the project. Treks range from 1 to 5 days and allow you to view towering waterfalls, stay in indigenous communities, swim in mountain streams, walk along ancient trails and much much more.

There is no fee to participate but volunteers are responsible for living expenses. Private hostel type accommodation costs around £40 per month and a room in a shared house costs £25 per month. Food is very cheap and £5 per day is adequate.

Volunteer in Permaculture Village

This project welcomes volunteers interested in sustainable tourism, ecovillage living, outdoor recreation, personal development and creative activities. Depending on when you participate, you may learn about natural building, organic permaculture gardening, humanure composting, solar and cob ovens, solar panels and alternative energy, vegetarian cooking and outdoor cooking, and ecological living. You can expect to work on a variety of tasks based on your needs and interests.

This project also offers retreats for artists and writers, natural building classes (cob, cobwood, strawbale and adobe), wood and stone carving, ethnobotany, and much more. Other classes available include photography, cooking, and local crafts.

Volunteers pay a small fee (approx. £25 per week) to help cover the cost of their food and lodging.

Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Construction

This small, organic farm is looking for help with the construction of a passive solar off the grid adobe house and its large organic garden with fruit trees. The owners request volunteers with experience and/or a strong interest in natural construction and gardening. The farm is also looking for someone to oversee meal preparation and clean-up (washing the dishes, tidying the kitchen area, etc). A strong work ethic and positive outlook are required.

The project costs £6 per week which includes accommodation (usually tents as beds are limited). Volunteers contribute £6 per week for food.

Volunteer at Children's Village

This project cares for malnourished, abandoned and orphaned children. It seeks long term volunteers to fill positions such as primary teacher, kindergarten teacher, English teacher, art teacher, teacher aid, librarian, physical education teacher, orientador or administrative positions. There are also opportunities for people with medical training (doctors and nurses) and short term volunteers. Volunteers can also work in the projects associated backpackers hotel, and those who opt to do so receive free board and lodging.

Long term volunteers make a 'one-off' donation of £195 to cover board and lodging. If you stay 12 months or longer the donation will be returned to you. The project pays a monthly stipend of £90 to teachers from the forth month of volunteer work.

Volunteer on Organic Farm

This project is working to transform a 10 hectare piece of degraded mountainside into a self-sufficient farm community, using permaculture design principles. There are many opportunities for volunteers including trail building, fencing, gardening, composting, irrigation, animal and tree care, building structures and furniture with local materials, and so on.

Volunteers receive free accommdation (platform bedroom, yurt bedroom or a dorm bed) and contribute to a food kity (approximately £13 per week).

Volunteer on Yoga Farm

This peaceful retreat centre is located in pristine virgin rainforest above a beach. The farm is currently seeking yoga teachers, massage therapists and people who are willing to take charge of the gardens and animals. In your spare time there are opportunities to go for hikes in the rainforest, go on horseback trips, and visit indigenous families to learn about traditional crafts. The close proximity of the beach presents volunteers with good swimming, surfing and other fun activities.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, food, and use of the yoga space.

Football Writers

This project is looking for football writers to provide news, information and match analysis. Applicants should have intricate knowledge of the tournament that they wish to write on, be passionate about football and have excellent writing skills. The successful candidates will be able to produce accurate, informed match coverage (before and after games), work under pressure and to deadlines. Detailed knowledge of players and teams is a must, as is the ability to convert that knowledge into easy to use previews and post game reports.

Writer’s are paid on a per match basis – £34 - £40 (includes any travel or ticket expenses).

Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment

Biodiversity monitoring focuses on one species (i.e. agouti, deer, river otters, iquana, jaguar, white-lipped peccary, river turtle, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, manatee, yellow-headed parrot etc). Volunteers conduct population and mapping surveys to determine current numbers, range and habitat. This work contributes to best practice protection and conservation of the species.

Volunteers who can dive or who are willing to learn are needed for marine monitoring. Divers monitor conch, lobster, seagrass, and the coral reef. Divers also participate in assessments of fish species and other monitoring. Time spent out of the water will focus on data entry and data analysis.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their personal expenses. Accommodation starts £65 per month and food will cost around £100 per month.

Elephant Seal Research

This elephant seal research project recruits a small number of volunteers each year to help carry out field work and/or assist in the lab. There is a preference for volunteers with a background in biology and some previous field work experience. This is an excellent opportunity to work with highly experienced professionals and learn more about these mysterious and unique creatures.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and food. Volunteers pay for extra services such as internet access and drinks.

Wild Animal Refuge Volunteer

The animals here are rescued from circuses, animal dealers or homes and are brought to the refuge for rehabilitation and liberation back into the wild. For those animals that are debilitated or captivated for an irretrievable amount of time, the refuge provides them the care they need and a home in the jungle. The refuge houses about 200 monkeys, dozens of tropical birds and wild cats like pumas, jaguars and ocelots.

Everyone can volunteer, you don't need previous experience or a biology degree, all you need is a big heart and the will to work hard to save the animals. Volunteers who wish to be responsible for a specific animal need further training and therefore are required to stay for a month (usually more for the cats).

The project costs from £90 - £120 for the first 15 days (depending on accommodation). After 15 days the price decreases to £4.50 per day (including food and accommodation).

Organic Farm Experience

This small organic farm offers peace and tranquillity in close proximity to the Andean mountains and native forest. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the activities of the farm (i.e. organic vegetable gardening, basic animal care, etc), including workshops and gatherings. Owing to the extreme popularity of this project advanced bookings are strongly recommended. Spanish classes are available on a one-to-one or small group basis.

Volunteers receive free board and lodging.

Volunteer in Eco-Conscious Community

This project welcomes everyone who would like to experience a vegetarian lifestyle and expand their awareness. In this eco-conscious community, you will learn about hatha yoga, meditation, vegetarian cooking, organic agriculture, eco building, nutrition, different kinds of art and philosophy.

The project costs £3.50 per day or £108 per month which includes hatha yoga and other classes, meditation, Vedic philosophy study programmes, accommodation (tents) and three lacto-vegetarian meals per day.

Volunteer for Weaving Cooperative

This project supports indigenous weaving cooperatives and ensures the crafts people receive a fair wage. It provides an excellent opportunity for volunteers to learn about international development, cooperatives, weaving and fair trade. There are short term opportunities for volunteers with experience in graphic design, photography, fundraising, marketing, product sales, store management and translation. Long term positions are also available and the project seeks a volunteer coordinator, a marketing coordinator, and a fundraising coordinator. All volunteers are given the opportunity to learn how to weave (free of charge) using traditional weaving techniques.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for accommodation, food and all their personal expenses. There are many cheap places to stay in the area including hostels and host families (from £60 per month).

Help in the Fight Against Hunger

This project helps those who suffer from hunger by distributing food to a large number of soup kitchens. The main work carried out by volunteers involves the classification of donated food products (i.e. checking expiration dates, separating products, preparing bags and boxes etc). This project provides a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and help those living on the streets. Everybody is welcome including volunteers with little or no knowledge of Spanish.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their accommodation, food and other personal expenses. Lunch is provided for volunteers working a full day.

Horse Trekking Adventure

This project seeks volunteers interested in horse riding and the great outdoors with some relevant work experience. The work includes fetching the horses from their paddocks, preparing the horses, and looking after guests. Once volunteers have been adequately trained they are given the opportunity to guide short tours of 3 - 4 hours with up to 6 guests. One or two volunteers are required for the following periods: 15 September to 15 December, 1 December to 28 February, and 1 February to 30 April. Female volunteers preferred.

There is no cost to participate. Volunteers receive free board and lodging.

Volunteer Teacher

The aim of this project is to give students a good command of the English language as well as a better foundation in academic subjects than is available in the public school system. Volunteer teachers get a chance to live the adventure of a real immersion experience while providing a quality global education to the students at the school and a culturally broadening experience to the rest of the local community. Everyone is encouraged to apply regardless of their academic level or speciality. The primary prerequisite is good English language skills.

Long term volunteers receive free housing and an allowance for food and general household items. Shorter term volunteers are requested to contribute towards the cost of accommodation and meals.

Earthquake Relief Project

This project is responding to the August 15th earthquake of 2007 that devastated over 80% of Pisco, Peru. Although over a year has passed there is still a vast amount of work to be done as there are many families still living in tents or temporary accommodation without adequate sanitation. Volunteers support the recovery efforts through a variety of construction and community projects. Volunteers can stay for any length of time and are guaranteed a dynamic and rewarding work experience.

Volunteers contribute £4.50 per day to help cover the cost of accommodation and food.

Help Underprivileged Children

This project works in socially marginalized and extremely impoverished neighborhoods. It provides recreational, educational and social activities as well as food and clothing to underprivileged children and their families. Volunteers are needed to work closely with these children, helping them develop in a healthy and happy environment. No previous experience is required, just a real desire to improve the lives of children. There are also opportunities to help out in community centres, soup kitchens and hospitals.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses (i.e. accommodation and food). Volunteers are given assistance in finding a place to stay. The average cost of accommodation is £175 per month.

Volunteer at Animal Rescue Centre

This animal rescue centre hosts volunteers from around the world who wish to work with the animals and educate people about the importance of conservation. Volunteers help feed and care for dozens of animal species, including some which are rare and endangered. Volunteers also help release animals back to the jungle. The mission of the rescue centre is not only to rehabilitate and release the animals, but also to educate people about the importance of conservation and not having wild animals as pets. Schools will often attend the centre and receive presentations about the importance of saving endangered species.

The project costs £62 per week or £188 per month which includes accommodation and food. Volunteers have the option of staying with a caring host family or at the rescue centre.

Adventure Tourism

This outdoor centre is looking for office assistants, river guides and individuals with computer skills and website experience. Office assistants are responsible for making reservations, answering calls and returning emails. River guides must have basic First Aid certification, Swift Water Rescue certification, and experience guiding rafts in class III white-water. The project is based in a great place to learn Spanish, explore local culture and enjoy the rainforest.

Volunteer receive free accommodation but are responsible for covering food expenses.

Building Hope in the Community

This project strives to improve life in the community and supports two schools for elementary/secondary students from financially distressed families. Volunteers with some expertise in social work, teaching English, Spanish, maths, and sciences, are needed to serve as mentors/tutors for students. The school also has a music program which is in need of a music teachers and choral director. In addition to the above activities, the project operates an animal health clinic which seeks volunteer veterinarians for any period of time. The focus is on sterilization to curb the high population of abandoned dogs and cats, but veterinarians also provide consultation and treatment for all animals brought to the clinic. Horse specialists are particularly welcome since many work horses are brought to the clinic.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses. The project helps volunteers find budget accommodation.

The Flying Doctor

This project provides free health care and education to people in rural areas. Volunteers are flown to remote clinics where they provide medical, dental, and eye care to people who would not receive help otherwise. The project seeks pilots, physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, interpreter's technicians, medical and dental assistants; plus anyone willing to donate time, energy, and expertise to help impoverished people with medical and dental problems in rural areas.

Volunteers contribute £150 towards the cost of the flight, plus cover all their personal expenses (accommodation and food etc).

Environmental Education & Geographical Information Systems

This project preserves an area of tropical wet forest by means of environmental education to the local community and scientific research. Volunteers can assist staff with the development of the educational programs that are offered to local students, both in the reserve and in the surrounding communities. Volunteers can also help create a GIS database, collecting information by means of different devices such as GPS (Global Positioning System), compasses, measuring tape and others. Volunteers with advanced knowledge of GIS programs may convert the information into different layers. There are also opportunities for students with experience in AutoCAD.

Volunteers pay £10 per night for accommodation (including breakfast). The room has a fridge and all the facilities to prepare your own meals. The budget for food is about £65 per month.

Childcare and Teaching Assistant

This project is looking for volunteers to assist in the operation of a children's home and help out at the school. Volunteers are immersed in the day-to-day life of the children and should be prepared to help out with all manner of tasks such as serving meals and reading stories. Volunteers in the school help the children with their homework, give English lessons, and get involved in other daily activities. The children in the home have experienced various types of abuse; therefore, sensitivity and understanding are a must.

Volunteers can stay in a 'volunteer house' which costs £40 per week per person. Volunteers purchase and cook their own food but can eat lunch (included) at either the children’s home or school when they are working.

Creativity and Human Rights

This project is seeking volunteers who want to help achieve long-term social change through arts education and human rights. It is particularly interested in volunteers with one or more of the following skills: circus arts and acrobatics; theatre and dance (break dance/hip-hop); puppet-making and puppeteering; costume and stage design; yoga and martial arts; music (singing, rapping, guitar, accordion, percussion; painting (murals); arts and crafts; photography and film-making; English teachers; administration and accounting; web design and development; construction and carpentry; permaculture and gardening; environmental education and recycling; cooking and baby-sitting.

The project costs £60 per week or £250 per month which includes on-site accommodation with fully-equipped kitchen and lunches on weekdays.

Green Sea Turtle Conservation

This project needs volunteers to help with research and conservation activities. Volunteers must be in good physical condition to be able to walk long distances on loose sand and know how to swim. It is not necessary to have previous experience in handling sea turtles as training is provided. In addition to this project volunteers are sometimes able to participate in other projects conducted in the area such as dolphin and sea lion projects. This coastal area hosts the largest sea lion population in Latin America.

The project costs £11 per day which includes accommodation and all meals.

Teacher Training Programme

This project is looking for recent graduates or undergraduates from Canada, UK, USA and other English speaking countries for a 6-12 month internship. Trainees teach English, learn Portuguese, and learn about the Brazilian way of life, its people, customs, and culture etc. Participates are awarded a recognised certificate if they have earnt enough credits by the end of the programme.

Participants pay a £185 administrative fee but receive full board with a screened Brazilian family.

Education and Research & Optional Spanish/Diving Courses

This project is dedicated to the conservation of fragile reefs, mangroves and island animals. It currently seeks volunteers (undergraduate or graduate) to work as research assistants and environmental educators. Research assistant's help manage the database of dive sites, patrol and monitor the reefs, organize eco-tours on foot or by boat, work in the information centre, and much more. Environmental education volunteers work on programmes in local schools, organize field trips, community workshops, beach and underwater clean-ups, reforestation, and many other activities.

Diving courses are optional but can be arranged at a cost of around £170. Spanish language classes cost £90 for 20 hours of tuition.

The project costs £230 per month which includes accommodation, electricity, (wireless) internet, TV/Video, water, and laundry. Volunteers should plan on spending around £190 a month on food and entertainment.

Whale Shark Monitoring and Research

This project seeks volunteers to assist with research, office and teaching duties. Research volunteers help man expedition boats and assist scientists in various activities such as photo ID and tissue sampling. Research volunteers must also carry out their own research and time is split between work duties and your individual project. There are also opportunities to help with office duties, organise special events and teach young children.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers must cover all their living expenses (accommodation, food etc).

Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Protection

This program monitors the health of coral, sea grass, and mangrove ecosystems and works towards their restoration and protection. Volunteers receive training in fish identification and reef monitoring methods, as well as participate in marine awareness projects and events. Volunteers can also attend workshops in coral reef conservation.

Volunteers pay £325 per month to cover the running costs of the programme (i.e. accommodation, boat and diving equipment, training, etc).

Marine Conservation Programme

This project protects the marine environment and take a participative approach to ocean management. Volunteers/interns can get involved in different projects including: shark identification and observation; photo-identification of the giant manta ray and humpback whales; sea turtle conservation; coral reef management; and fisheries related activities. Scuba diving is a big part of the project and existing divers have the opportunity to expand on their current knowledge and experience. Non-divers have the opportunity to gain accreditation whilst they are volunteering.

The project costs £230 per month which includes accommodation, supervision, orientation, training, airport pick-up, free t-shirt, and certificate of participation. The fee doesn’t include diving courses.

Research Programme & Optional Spanish Classes

This project is looking for certified scuba divers to help gather important information about local fish species and their habitat. Volunteers have the opportunity to observe endangered, newly discovered fish species in their natural habitat; and gain valuable research and diving experience. For non-divers PADI Open Water Diver Certification is available at a cost of £190. This project can also be combined with Spanish language classes.

The project costs £175 for 2 weeks or £275 per month (including board and lodging).

Volunteer in an Indigenous Mountain Village

This small grassroots organisation matches the skills of volunteers with various local groups and projects. There are opportunities to teach English, work with children, help out in a health clinic, work in a botanical garden, assist local artisans in marketing their products, develop ecotourism, and get involved in numerous environmental initiatives (i.e. environmental campaigning, solar panel maintenance etc).

Homestays are available at a cost of £24 per week. The fee includes a private room, 3 traditional meals per day and 2 gallons of bottled water per day.

Fair Trade in Indigenous Communities

This project supports artisan groups and small family businesses, and provides them with access to health care and education. It is looking for open minded, motivated and creative volunteers. Depending on your personal skills and specific interests it may be possible to design your own volunteer placement; however, if you do not already have a specific project or area in mind the following areas may be considered: product design; marketing; computer skills training; teaching English; translation; data entry; medicinal herb project (working in the herb garden); fundraising; grant writing; and research activities.

Long term volunteers (3 months or more) receive free housing with use of fully equipped kitchen. Short term volunteers pay £150 per month for housing.

Volunteer Work & Permaculture Design Courses

This demonstration Permaculture project offers internships and regular courses on the following topics: permaculture gardens, integrated animal husbandry, natural architecture, renewable energies (solar, micro-hydro, wind), cooperative community kitchen, biological waste treatment and a number of sustainable models for ecological living. It offers a six week volunteer programme where volunteers work within five specified areas (i.e. vegetable garden, bio-construction, habitats in schools etc). The programme is designed so that every volunteer spends one week working in every area. The final week is left open for the volunteer to decide which area they would like to focus on. Extended stays possible.

The volunteer programme costs £8 per day (includes board and lodging). Meals are mostly organic and ovo-lacto vegetarian. The permaculture courses cost from £124 to £280.

Experience the Amazon and Indigenous Culture

This project is for people who actively want to engage in community development, conservation, and experience the Amazon as well as getting a unique insight into the contemporary life of Shuar and Quichua Indians and the flora and fauna. Volunteers can participate in a series of ongoing projects that include teaching in local schools, traditional farming, construction, trail creation, health promotion, reforestation, nursery work, raising native animals, and other community activities. There are also opportunities to carry out your own research according to your skills and the needs of the community. The involved communities are surrounded by lush rainforest.

The project costs £120 for 2 weeks and £205 for 4 weeks. The fee includes accommodation in the community, three meals a day, coordination and total support. The fee decreases after 4 weeks and goes down to £30 per week after 8 weeks.

Camp Watchers

This project needs a group of 2 - 3 people (couples are welcome) to take care of a sea turtle conservation camp during the off season (1 April - 30 June). This camp is extremely isolated and the closest community is almost a 2 hour hike on foot. There is no electricity, no running water and you will be living a camping lifestyle. The camp includes a well to get bathing and washing water, an outhouse, a gas stove (and all cooking utensils), 2 big canopy tents, and beds. Food and potable water will be brought in once a month. This is a great opportunity for a small group of experienced campers to stay on a beautiful beach for free.

Room and board is provided for the entire 3 months, plus a small camp petty cash box of £65 a month for provisions.

Volunteer in Eco Village

This self-sufficient and artistic community is based on a beautful stretch of coast. Residents and volunteers live together according to principles of non violence, simple living and high thinking, and visitors can learn and experience how it is possible to live happily in harmony with nature, others, and themselves. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to experience a different culture and way of living. Volunteer positions include helping with and learning about vegetarian cooking, organic agriculture and nutrition, environmentally friendly construction/design projects, yoga, meditation, philosophy, and working with art and educational programs for the children living in and around the community. You can also use your creative energies in various workshops.

Volunteers make a donation of £200 per month which covers accommodation, food, and all activities.

Arts & Culture

This project uses the arts to advance social change initiatives. It achieves this by sending professional volunteer artists to work with development organizations with established environmental, public health and human rights programs. The artists promote arts and culture as powerful tools to generate cooperative and sustainable work between development organizations and the communities they serve. The project currently seeks an artist to volunteer his or her creative talents to strengthen dialogue between community members and World Neighbours and to improve the effectiveness of community environmental education. To qualify, artists must be proficient in Spanish and have community arts experience.

Volunteers receive their airfare, room and board, medical insurance, and a personal stipend of approximately £700 to reduce personal costs. All work, living and international travel expenses will be paid for by the project.

Fieldwork, Research and Education

This project is seeking volunteers for various ecological projects. The tasks change continuously and are mainly dependent upon the skills and initiative of the volunteer. The project takes into consideration what each volunteer wants to accomplish whilst volunteering, and matches their aspirations with the tasks at hand. Current project include: the re-vegetation of hillsides using native plants to reduce erosion and create habitats; promoting the use of sustainable practices in local neighbourhoods; renewable energy development; environmental education; and water supply and purity.

An interest in ecological sustainability is useful but not essential. Willing hands and a desire to help restore a damaged biosphere are the most important requirements.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, extraordinary beach and wilderness recreational activities, and opportunities to improve their Spanish skills. Volunteers contribute around £10 per week for communal expenses (i.e. food, toiletries etc).

Riding and other Therapies - Internship Programme

This project works with people with disabilities, providing riding therapy jointly with other alternative and conventional therapies (physiotherapy, language, art, dancing, occupational therapy, therapy with dogs etc). Depending on the interns experience and interests, the tasks to be fulfilled include the following: assistance during riding therapy; cleaning of stables; taking care of the horses, training of horses; maintaining and watering the riding area, office work and fundraising, and much more.

All interns pay a £95 inscription fee. Accommodation provided in volunteer house free of charge. Food is not included.

Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Living

This project combines a sustainable lifestyle with the support of environmental conservation. Its main objective is to protect the remaining forest and restore degraded eco systems. It also aims to create a model of sustainable living based on biological research, environmental education and permaculture. Possible work options include: opening trails in the forest; creating an inventory of biodiversity; photographic documentation of flora and fauna; constructing cabins with bamboo and palm leaves; organic gardening; teaching English; environmental education; making chocolate; and organizing activities for children, youth and adults. Spanish classes can be arranged at reasonable cost.

The project costs £45 per week or £165 per month which includes accommodation and 3 meals per day. Vegetarians can be accommodated without any problem.

Housing and Development

This project develops housing and provides education to families who are currently squatters. The goal is to bring to these families to a model of sustainable development. Volunteers are needed to help the families build their homes and are given the opportunity to get involved in all kinds of development courses and workshops. There are no fees or special requirements although it's desirable to have some knowledge of masonry, plumbing, electricity or carpentry.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and are provided with lunch whilst working.

Education for Poor Families

This vocational and bilingual school offers education and job training for children of low income families. The school is always looking for volunteers to share their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm with its students and teachers. At the moment the greatest need is for teachers and teaching assistants for the bilingual preschool and elementary school.

The project provides free board and lodging plus a monthly stipend of £50 for volunteers and £200 – £350 for qualified teachers.

Help Out at Jungle Hideaway

This jungle lodge is surrounded by 500 hectares of virgin tropical rainforest. It affords visitors a cosy stay in a jungle environment and numerous close encounters with wildlife. Poison dart frogs, monkeys, toucans, parrots and caiman are common sightings in this tropical paradise.

Volunteers at the lodge help look after guests (helping on tours etc) and assist with general duties.

Volunteers are given complimentary food and accommodation whilst staying at the lodge. Volunteers also receive £50 per month pocket money and are offered a free pick-up from the international airport.

Human Development Volunteer

This project cares for orphaned and abandoned children and provides them with food, clothing, shelter, medical care and an education. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of one year and may serve in a variety of positions, including house parents, nurses, physicians, therapists, teachers, secretaries, gardeners, kitchen help, librarians, or assistants in the clinics.

Long term volunteers receive free accommodation, food, access to medical care and a small monthly stipend.

Student Internship Programme

This ecolodge and botanical reserve is situated on 200 acres of untouched, protected land, preserving the natural habitat of many endemic plants, animals and over 110 different species of exotic birds.

Interns are required to assist with various activities at the ecolodge and botanical reserve (i.e. hotel management, tourism activities, bird watching tours, reforestation work, maintenance work, organic gardening, internet marketing and sales, research projects, biology projects, teaching English and environmental education, and much much more). Interns must be studying the fields of hotel and tourism management, hospitality and facilities management, green hotel management, sustainable eco-tourism and development, international marketing, conservation, biology, ornithology and/or ecology. Interns must have excellent computer skills and be conversational in Spanish.

The project costs £65 per month which includes accommodation in either a small dormitory style building or in private rooms. Meals are not included and interns must purchase and prepare their own food (kitchen provided).

Ecotourism and Community Support

This fair trade, organic coffee and macadamia project is owned and run by a cooperative of forty families. There are various ways to get involved and support the community: agricultural work (picking coffee, collecting and processing macadamia etc): eco-lodge renovation (construction work, painting and decorating, organic gardening etc); ecotourism assistance (teaching vegetarian, vegan and international cooking etc); and community services (medicine, marketing, teaching English and other subjects etc).

The project costs £25 - £55 per week depending on length of stay. The fee includes accommodation and a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals.

Volunteer at Wildlife Centre

This project protects habitat, wildlife and encourages eco-friendly economic alternatives for local communities. It is based in pristine rainforest where you can enjoy close-up views of macaw clay licks, tapir clay licks, giant otters, and a dazzling array of birds (i.e. barbets, cock-of-the-rock, tanagers, hummingbirds etc). The area also boasts two canopy platforms and 10 species of monkey. Volunteers are required to help with teaching local children and guides, guiding tourists, and general day to day chores (no qualifications are required). There are also opportunities to carry out independent research.

The project costs £6.50 per day for board and lodging.

Education and Community Development Volunteers

The core of the work involves assisting teachers by tutoring primary school students in basic reading, writing and mathematics. The volunteer work is located in 8 rural community schools. Other projects include teaching pre-school (kindergarten), teaching English to Grades 3 - 6, assisting with the health care of the children, organizing art and craft workshops, developing and teaching sports programs, computer teaching, administrative tasks and general school maintenance (painting, construction, etc).

There are no fees to participate but volunteers are responsible for their own living costs. Low cost housing options are available.

Volunteer for Artisan Cooperative

The women of this project make jewellery and other crafts from local natural materials (i.e. bamboo, coconut husks and vegetable ivory) in order to earn a sustainable income without having to cut down the local cloud forest. The crafts include earrings, pendants and seed/bead necklaces, as well as napkin rings, key chains and other articles. Volunteers are needed in three areas: developing new designs and products; teaching English and environmental education; organic gardening and reforestation. The project also accepts proposals from gap year/university students and researchers.

Volunteers must be respectful of the traditional culture in this small rural community. The village where the project is located is convenient to several reserves where visitors can hike, bird-watch, and swim in the local rivers.

Volunteers pay £8 per day for a homestay with 3 meals. Discounts are available for longer stays.

Volunteer at Restaurant and Cultural Centre

The cultural centre focuses on improving the quality of life for youth and community members through arts, culture, education and agriculture. It seeks volunteers for its hospitality services and public relations, education and construction projects. Volunteers can help out in the restaurant and bar or work with the public relations team (i.e. providing tourist information). Help elaborate on and execute one of the existing educational programmes or develop their own programme (i.e. a beach clean-up campaign). Help out with construction work and avtivities in the garden (i.e. setting up a natural drainage system, building raised garden beds, constructing a greenhouse, etc). This project provides an excellent opportunity to learn about local culture and customs.

The project costs £1.20 per day if staying for one month, slightly more for shorter stays. The fee includes lodging in a fully furnished and secure house with hot water. Volunteers receive free food if they work a full day on any project, 50% discount for less hours.

Permaculture and Creative Living

This training programme is perfect for students who want to gain practical skills or people who want to acquire the experience to start a sustainable project of their own. You also have the opportunity to learn Spanish whilst learning. Some of the topics the programme covers include: permaculture principles and ethics; forest garden; windbreaks; greenhouse; seed saving; pond construction/maintenance; natural building; appropriate technologies; wind energy systems; natural cooking; group dynamics and more. The cost for foreign participants is approximately £200 and includes accommodation and vegetarian meals.

If you successfully complete the programme you have the option of staying on for one month and helping with different areas of the Ecovillage project as a volunteer. Volunteers pay £3 per day toward food but receive their accommodation for free (in exchange for their work).

Volunteer Mountain Guides

Volunteers are needed to lead hikes through cloud forest, remote farming villages and high grasslands on the way to beautiful lakes and volcanoes. Some previous trekking experience and a 3 month minimum commitment are required. All the proceeds from this project support charities that aim to improve the lives of destitute children (street kids).

All expenses and food are paid for whilst on treks. Volunteers receive subsidised accommodation (£9 per month). The money earned from tips is enough to pay for food.

Volunteer on Permaculture Farm

The aim of this project is to develop and spread the use of agricultural practices based on the principles of permaculture, combat the rural exodus of young people, and to revitalise traditional regional culture.

Volunteers can get involved in work on the farm (i.e. sustainable living practices), education (i.e. giving classes and workshops on environmental issues, leading ecological walks with schools etc), and cultural activities (i.e. revitalizing local culture through traditional music, concerts and poetry etc).

Accommodation is free and volunteers pay approximately £7 per week for food.

Intern Programme

This project seeks talented young professionals and experts from around the world with a passion to contribute to the developing world and help make a difference. The intern programme provides an opportunity for graduates and professionals of all ages to augment their skills, gain experience working with sustainable technology, understand first-hand the challenges faced in developing countries and provide valuable assistance to those in need.

Interns generally get involved in design, fabrication, field testing and development of appropriate technologies, which include windmills, solar PV/thermal systems, pumps, composting toilets, hydroelectricity, water filters, and eco-construction, and will also be involved in challenges such as marketing and business development for the developing world.

The intern programme is not targeted specifically at undergraduate and graduate students seeking work experience - it is designed for anyone who is ready and willing to learn and gain experience living and working in the developing world, with a passion to help others.

This programme covers basic living costs for participants (in the form of housing and a modest food stipend) in order to minimize the personal cost to participants.

Volunteer Position in Photo Youth Project

This project teaches photography to teenagers living in a slum. The students learn how to use photography as a language for communicating ideas about their lives and environment to a broader audience. The results are a consistently honest and often moving portrayal of life in the slum. Sophisticated portraits emerge with compositions that are richly descriptive of the world that surrounds these young people - a world containing its own beauty and sadness.

Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising, administrative work, translation, web design, public relations, and to teach subjects related to the arts that are not already being taught in regular workshops.

Volunteers are required to donate materials or a cash sum to the organisation. All the money raised through donations is used in the development of workshops.

Human Rights Volunteer

This project is recruiting new volunteers for its field teams in Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. Field teams seek to encourage, by means of an international, non violent, non partisan presence, a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the local area. This project offers volunteers: a profound experience of working with an international peace and human rights organisation committed to transforming ideals into practical action; specialist training based on over 25 years experience working in the field; the experience of living and working in a close-knit team of volunteers from many different countries and backgrounds; a unique first-hand insight into the intense pressures faced by human rights defenders and their resilience and courage.

The project covers the cost of travel to country of work, accommodation, food, internal travel, insurance, repatriation, and also provides a stipend to cover additional costs.

Preparation for Carnival

The Rio carnival is where the world lets its hair down and is a 'must see' for all travellers. This project provides the opportunity to join a carnival samba block that parades in downtown Rio de Janeiro. Volunteers work together with the community, making costumes for carnival, with plenty of time left over to explore one of the world’s most exciting cities at its vibrant best. Experience in fashion or textiles is useful but not essential. This project provides a wonderful behind-the-scenes insight into the Rio carnival and the opportunity to get acquainted with carnival culture.

The project costs £440 which includes: airport pick-up and transfer; accommodation; full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner); daily support by project leader; one basic Portuguese class; induction session; DVD with photos and video of the project.

Volunteer for Natural Clinic

This project provides family healthcare and education for indigenous communities, using alternative medicine and treatment methods. It welcomes volunteers with skills in medicine (nurses), alternative medicine, midwifery, etc. At the moment there is a particular need for female volunteers to assist with pap smears, prenatal and female examinations, and who are open to learning about alternative medicine and treatment. There is also an urgent need for a volunteer with knowledge of ultrasound, who can teach someone how to use the equipment.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers pay their own living expenses. Numerous cheap housing and eating options are available in the area.

Doctors, Nurses, Medical Students and Dentists

The volunteer doctor works alongside the resident doctor in a rural health centre, performing a wide range of procedures from delivering babies, treating malaria, creating and facilitating vital public health and vaccination campaigns. The volunteer doctor will fulfil the position of the permanent doctor during vacation and will have the exciting opportunity to travel to local communities to vaccinate, provide public health education, and more.

The Nurse of the health centre will have several opportunities to learn and practice with the doctor. In addition to assisting the doctor with patients, the nurse should be prepared to develop and implement public health campaigns. This will involve spending time outside of the health centre, actively participating with the communities.

Medical students will initially be able to learn from the more experienced volunteers in the centre. In addition to attending to patients, the medical student will be asked to develop and facilitate vaccination and public health campaigns. Health Education is crucial and medical students will help facilitate educational workshops. Medical students must be in their final year.

The volunteer dentist will work alongside the rural dentist in the health centre, develop educational campaigns in coordination with local schools and teachers, provide consultations, and fill in for the rural dentist during vacations.

Medical volunteers receive free lodging and pay £10 per month for food in the health centre.

Other Projects

We offer hundreds of other volunteering opportunities (850+) in the environmental and humanitarian sectors, some of which you are unlikely to find elsewhere.

We post some of the other volunteering opportunities we offer on the Latin Lounge.

To find out more about the projects we offer you simply need to order a volunteer guide. Your guide will contain details of 20 - 40 organisations/projects that match your needs or personal interests (i.e. customised information pack). Be sure to mention any projects featured on this web page or the Latin Lounge that interest you otherwise we may not include them in your guide.

The projects we offer either require the volunteer to make a small financial contribution (participation fee), are free but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses, or provide complimentary accommodation and/or food.

 

 
Feedback

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