Volunteer Projects in Central & South America

We provide volunteer work opportunities 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 monitoring wildcats such as puma and ocelots. 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.

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 £150 per month which includes accommodation and food.

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 £50 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.

Plant Trees and visit Machu Picchu

This project offers the opportunity to contribute to environmental efforts in the high Andes of Peru and visit Machu Picchu. Volunteers spend their first week planting native trees and providing environmental education to local communities. Afterwards they are taken on a mini-adventure which includes various archaeological sites (Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman etc), the Sacred Valley of the Incas, an indigenous market, the magical Machu Picchu and much more.

This project costs £479 which includes accommodation, food, a Spanish/Quechua/English speaking guide, and local transportation.

Howler Monkeys Seek Welder

This project rescues injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals and provide them with immediate medical care, rehabilitation, and eventual release into the wild. The sanctuary is in the preliminary stages of constructing of a Howler monkey holding enclosure and requires the services of a competent welder. The volunteer is encouraged to enjoy the many benefits of the beach, jungle and waterfalls in the area rather than work full time. The project is also in need of volunteers experienced in website design and fundraising.

Accommodation is provided for the welder but he/she is responsible for covering the cost of food.

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.

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 £200 per month which includes accommodation, meals, laundry facilities and free internet access in the evenings.

Teaching, Health or Social Work & Optional Spanish Classes

This project is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and underserved with the help of volunteers. Volunteers can choose where they would like to work according to their skills and experience. There are opportunities to help in education, social work and health care (i.e. teaching, street children, orphanages, hospitals, medical centres etc). Each program allows the volunteer to interact with the community, experience the local culture and improve their Spanish language ability.

Spanish classes are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced students and the price varies according to the duration - £35 for one week (10 hours) and £65 for two weeks.

Resident housing costs £130 per month without meals. It includes comfortable beds, hot shower, and kitchen to prepare your own meals. Volunteers who prefer a home stay are charged £160 per month including all meals. Airport pick-ups and transfers can be arranged.

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 £82 towards the cost of the flight, plus cover all their personal expenses (accommodation and food etc).

Guiding at Rainforest Lodge

The goal of this ecotourism facility is to protect an enormous tract of rainforest (37,000 hectares) and support the indigenous community. There are opportunities for volunteers interested in guiding, community development, office work, teaching English or environmental education. The guiding position is ideal for biologists that want to explore the endless possibilities of the Amazon rainforest. The guide needs to be fluent in Spanish as he/she will be translating to the guests of the lodge.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, food and local transportation.

Research up in the Canopy

This project is using construction cranes to gain access to the canopy and there are opportunities for volunteers to assist with research from mid-May/June to December 2008. Field Assistants should be comfortable with heights, have experience of identifying birds, and preferably have some experience of identifying insects. A minimum stay of 3 months is required.

Volunteers receive accommodation plus a contribution towards food. The project will also cover in-country transportation costs.

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. In your leisure time you can go trekking, hiking, biking or bathing in one of the nearby waterfalls.

The project costs £75 per month which includes accommodation in rooms with private bathroom, water and electricity, cooking facilities in a well furnished kitchen. Food will cost between £35 – £65 per month, depending on your diet and preferences.

Childcare and Teaching Assistant

Volunteers assist in the operation of a children's home for children at social risk and in government care. Volunteers are immersed in the day-to-day life of the children and should be willing to help with all manner of tasks including serving meals and reading bedtime stories. The children come from all backgrounds and have experienced various types of abuse. Sensitivity and understanding are a must.

Homestays are available for £25 - £35 per week and include meals. It is sometimes possible to live-in at the childrens home for £18 per week, including meals.

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 £150 per month which includes accommodation and three meals a day.

Volunteer Field Assistants

This projects seeks volunteer field assistants for an ongoing behavioural study of a tropical bird species. Responsibilities include conducting behavioural observations at male display sites, monitoring birds using radio-telemetry, nest-searching, mist-netting birds for banding and blood sampling, and data entry. Experience in one or more of these areas are required, and experience working in isolated field settings and/or living in close quarters with a small field crew is strongly preferred. This project is most appropriate for people who are interested in pursuing a career in behavioural ecology, and who have previous field experience.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, food and in-country transportation. The project will also contribute up to £500 towards international travel.

Teacher Training Programme

This project is looking for recent graduates or undergraduates from Canada, UK, USA and other English speaking countries for a 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 £160 administrative fee but receive a monthly allowance of £190 for their personal stipend, plus full board with a screened Brazilian family and local transportation.

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 £18 per week. The fee includes a private room, 3 traditional meals per day and 2 gallons of bottled water per day.

Help Disadvantaged Children & Spanish Classes

This projects works with disadvantaged children and young people, providing them with the opportunity to learn new skills. Volunteers can help children and youth with their assignments, teach new skills like English, and/or organize workshops (i.e. guitar or dance lessons). Volunteers are also given the opportunity to put their own ideas into practice.

The project costs £370 per month which includes accommodation (student residence or homestay), all meals, and a 2 week Spanish course. Shorter stays (2 weeks) are possible.

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 £7.50 per day which includes accommodation and all meals.

Outdoor Activities Volunteer

The aim of this project is to preserve the natural beauty of the pristine landscape while promoting a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the natural surroundings. There are opportunities to get involved in environmental education (i.e. workshops and outdoor activities for kids and teenagers etc), maintenance work (i.e. removing trash from the shores of the nearby river and lake, clearing and marking new hiking trails etc), organic farming, construction projects, and many other activities. This project is perfect for people who enjoy outdoor activities, mountaineering, rowing, being in nature, and engaging in physical activity.

Volunteers pay a one-off fee of £200 and then between £80 - £120 per month (depending on whether it is self catering, half or full board) for accommodation with a local family.

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).

Sustainable Community Development

The aim of this project is to protect the environment and to rescue the ancient culture of communities located on the buffer zones of natural protected areas. It offers (sustainable economic) alternatives to local communities in order to improve their way of life without affecting their culture or degrading the natural environment. Volunteers are needed for a wide range of projects in many threatened areas (i.e. biological field surveys, social work, education, art and design, architecture and construction, forestry, organic farming, community work, and tourism). There are projects in the Andes, the Amazon and in coastal areas.

The participation fee varies from project to project but the average cost is £160 per month which includes accommodation and all meals.

Plant Trees and Learn Spanish

The primary purpose of this project is local reforestation and volunteers are needed year-round to plant trees. There are also opportunites to get involved in organic gardening, environmental education, waste reduction and recycling initiatives and investigate sustainable economic alternatives (alternative crops, eco-tourism etc). The overall aim of this project is to inspire people to care for and respect the natural world. Volunteers are given the opportunity to learn Spanish whilst volunteering.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers must cover their living expenses. Homestays cost £30 per week including meals. One-on-one Spanish classes start at £32 per week (15 hours of study), group lessons start at £27 per week (20 hours of study).

Build Homes for Poor Families

This project builds homes for poor families and aims to give them a fresh start in life. Many families live in makeshift homes that are constructed of nothing more than cornstalk, cardboard, or plastic walls with dirt floors. This project build houses for the poorest families making them strong, safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable to maintain. No construction experience is required, just a desire to help the poor. A minimum commitment of one week is required.

Volunteers make a £50 donation to the project. The project provides bottled water, lunch, and transportation to the work-site. They can arrange a home stay for you or help you find a local hotel.

Animal Welfare Programme

This project focuses on all aspects of welfare affecting both domestic and wild animals. There are many opportunities to volunteer and feel part of a group dedicated to creating a more humane world for animals. Past volunteers have helped with the environmental education programme and teaching children; however, you may also work in areas such as zoo management and animal husbandry; grant writing/fund-raising; small business development; veterinary medicine etc. The project seeks volunteers with a sense of humour, who are confident and trustworthy and are willing to work independently.

Volunteers stay in a hostel or live with a local family. In all cases, expect to pay a minimum of £25 - £50 per month for housing. Total monthly living expenses average £125 - £175.

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 £6 per day (includes board and lodging). Meals are mostly organic and ovo-lacto vegetarian. The permaculture courses cost from £95 to £225.

Teaching and Health Assistance & Free Spanish Classes

This project works with under-privileged children in depressed areas to improve their education and health. Volunteers have the opportunity to take part in teaching and health projects (mental stimulation and nutrition, dental programme and opportunities in hospitals). There is also a sports development programme which gives children the opportunity to play football and baseball. Volunteers are given the chance to improve the lives of the children and to get to know the local culture. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required as the language course will equip you with the Spanish needed for the project.

The project costs £60 per week or £175 per month (4 weeks). The fee includes accommodation (homestay available), 3 meals per day, orientation, supervision, support, Spanish lessons, tours, activities and pick-up from the bus station.

Health Care in Rural Villages & Optional Spanish/Dance Classes

This project provides the opportunity to work with public health institutions in rural villages. Volunteers may opt to work in local hospitals or get involved in other areas of health care (i.e. health campaigns, family planning etc). Volunteers opting to work in local hospitals will help provide preventive health care and education. Local doctors and nurses will assist volunteers in learning about the practice of medicine in settings with poor resources, as well as provide an invaluable perspective regarding the unique health care needs and concerns of the surrounding communities.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to learn Spanish, folk or modern dances.

The project costs £180 for the first month and £160 for each additional month. The fee includes a homestay with full board. Spanish classes cost £35 per week and dance classes £20 per week. Short stays are also possible (i.e. 1 week).

Help Out at Surf School

This project offers free surfing and skateboarding lessons and materials to local youth who can't afford these things. Volunteers are required to help out with daily activities in the surf school (cleaning, renting, promotion), repair surfboards in workshop, assist with surf classes for students, teach kids to skateboard, and various other tasks. The benefits of this programme include free housing, the use of surf and skate equipement, the chance to learn new skills (i.e. learn how to repair surfboards), and bundles of fun with kids.

Basic Spanish skills and a minimum commitment of 6 weeks is required. The project is available from December until April every year.

Volunteers receive free accommodation (tent on the premises of the surf school) but are responsible for buying and preparing their own food. Basic kitchen facilities, a hot shower and electricity are provided.

Save Teeth and Experience the Culture

This project provides low or no cost dental care to the region's poor through periodic groups of visiting dental care professionals (i.e. dentists, hygienists and assistants). Volunteers spend 5 days working in a dental clinic and then have the option of going on a 4 day trip to experience the local culture and natural environment (i.e. indigenous markets, world heritage sites, a hike or horseback ride to an active volcano etc).

The cost of the clinic or tour is dependent on your preferences (standard or luxury accommodation) and status. Prices start at £175 for both and include all meals, accommodation, transport, and admission fees for the tour.

Dental Programme for the Inhabitants of the Amazon

Volunteer dentists are invited from around the world to join with local dentists and hygienists to provide quality care to the needy in the Amazon. Dental volunteers provide general dental care to patients in a six-chair, air-conditioned dental clinic. The work includes restorations, extractions, root canals, and x-rays. A minimum commitment of 2 weeks is required. There are also sometimes opportunities for ophthalmologists, surgeons, dermatologists, and other specialists.

The project will cover the cost of food, lodging, laundry, and airport transfers. Donations to cover this cost are greatly appreciated.

Translators

This project seeks motivated and committed volunteers to act as translators during trips into the rainforest. Tour guides are made up of indigenous people who have deep knowledge of the rainforest, but they do not speak foreign languages. Translators are needed to accompany the guides to help them transmit their knowledge. Volunteers are also needed for administration, marketing, cooking (mainly vegetarian), monitoring of flora and fauna, and a wildlife release programme.

The project costs £150 per month which includes food and accommodation. The cost of the second and any subsequent months in negotiable.

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.

Community Health Workers & Optional Spanish/Surfing Lessons

This project works in a small community to create sustainable, locally-run initiatives in the areas of community health, social services and education. The project serves the most vulnerable members of the community (i.e. women, children, the elderly, the poor, and people living with illness or disability). They are looking for doctors, nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, sexual health educators, womens health specialists, social workers, and ESL teachers to participate in education and training programs for local volunteers, for counselling, primary patient care during regular clinic hours, emergency care after hours, and to assit with health promotion, education and the creation of educational materials.

Volunteers must be comfortable communicating in Spanish and preferably have some expeirence of living and working overseas (not essential).

The project costs £200 per month and includes: private room; meals; bedding; towels, wireless internet; telephone; the use of 2 surfboards, a boogie board, board games and table tennis. Spanish classes cost £1.50 per hour and surfing lessons cost £5 per hour.

Experience the Amazon and Indigenous Culture

This project is for people who want to actively engage in community development and conservation, experience the Amazon, and learn about the language and culture of indigenous communities. Volunteers can participate in a series of ongoing projects that include teaching in local schools, traditional farming, construction, trail creation, reforestation, nursery work, raising native animals, and other community activities. There are also possibilities to carry out your own research according to your skills and the needs of the community.

This project costs £100 for a month, £25 for a week and £5 per additional day. The price includes lodging and 3 meals per day.

Study and Conservation of Sand Dune Lizard

This research project studies the ecology and evaluates the conservation status of Sand Dune Lizard populations. The results will be used to develop a conservation action plan. Volunteers are trained in different field techniques to help them pursue a career in conservation biology. The field work is very hard and includes long surveys in several coastal areas. Volunteers can also help out with the educational programme (i.e. educational workshops in local schools etc). Volunteers work in groups of 4 to 6 people.

The project costs £150 per month for board and lodging.

Assist Indigenous Communities & Optional Spanish Classes

This project was set-up to improve living conditions for the most disadvantaged children and families of more than 20 indigenous communities. Their work is based on the fundamental right to education according to Human Rights Conventions. The project aims to give people this right by helping them to help themselves, with the goal of making individuals and communities independent by giving them skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Motivated and creative volunteers are given the opportunity to use their capabilities to the benefit of the indigenous population, and are given assistance in finding a suitable project. Different projects in which you can work include: helping to renovate and build new schools and community halls, teaching subjects such as music, art, science, environmental awareness and sport, providing health education and basic health care, and an agricultural project which shows children how to to grow fruits and vegetables.

In return for a one-off donation of £100 you will receive accommodation and meals from an indigenous family. A free airport pick-up service is available. Spanish classes cost between £2 - £2.50 per hour.

Street Kids Project & Free Spanish Classes

This project supports children who live in extreme poverty with the aim of getting them off the streets and into school. They are always in need of volunteers and welcome anyone with a positive outlook and bit of enthusiasm. There are lots of opportunities to help, whether working directly with the children or behind the scenes, and they currently need teachers, social workers, psychologists, project co-ordinators, medically trained people, language professionals, marketing and fundraising professionals.

For each month, or part of a month, the cost is: £200 (months 1 – 3); £140 (months 4 – 6); and £75 (month 7 onwards). The fee includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday, free Spanish tuition, and free internet access.

Camp Watchers

This sea turtle project needs a group of 2-3 people (couples are welcome) to take care of their camp on the beach during the off season (1st April until the 30th 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 £52 a month for provisions. You will be expected to cover your airline ticket.

Volunteer at Botanical Garden

The gardens are in a beautiful area known for its diverse flora, archaeological sites and caves. This project is looking for volunteers with skills in horticulture, landscape design, conservation education, permaculture, marketing, grant writing and computer science/geography. Internships are also offered to students seeking work experience to complete their degree. If you would like to be an intern your degree should be in a relevant work topic such as ethnobotany, botany, environmental science or tropical ecology.

Volunteers/interns have the use of canoes and horses when available during their free time. The river that borders the garden has a small beach and is a perfect spot for swimming, tubing and canoeing.

The project costs £250 per month which includes includes room and food. The grant writer may be able to stay for free.

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 £75 per month which covers accommodation, food, and all activities.

Photography Trainers

This project produces and sells fair-trade photo cards and it needs volunteers to give photography, creativity and marketing training to underprivileged teenagers. The project provides these teenagers with employment opportunities and prepares them for the future. This project provides an wonderful insight into the lives of children that once lived on the streets, the dynamics of local photography, and the chance to leave behind your contribution to a beautiful product. Volunteering can be combined with a good surf and beach life.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses (accommodation, food etc). The average cost of housing and your food will be between £5 and £7 per day depending on your lifestyle.

Volunteer Coordinators/Administrators

This project that works with children seeks one or two people to run it for a limited period of time. The tasks include welcoming and supporting volunteers, liaising with locals, working with children, answering email correspondence and problem solving. You will need a good level of Spanish and English, enthusiasm, energy, flexibility and computer skills. Couples or friends preferred but not essential.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, support from the founders, spending money, a chance to improve their Spanish, and a true sense of satisfaction.

Training Course in Organic Farming

This course enables volunteers to gain a greater understanding of organic farming and other methods of non contaminating sustainable agriculture. Some of the topics the course covers include: principles of organic farming; fertilizers; composting; seed saving; the principles of permaculture and design.

The 4 week training course costs £72 and there is also a regular volunteer fee of £175. The fee includeds accommodation and food. Most of the food served is vegetarian.

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 £150 per month (minimum 3 month stay). The fee goes towards the running costs of the program (i.e. accommodation, electricity, water, gas, internet, diving, scuba equipment, boats, fuel, training etc).

Rural Development and Research

The aim of this project is to promote sustainable development via the active participation of men and women working to improve the community’s standard of living in a stable environment.

The location makes it an ideal place to study climate change, particularly relating to peoples’ perceptions and experiences of their natural environment. Water, rainfall, soil erosion and deforestation are all important and controversial local issues. Volunteers able to carry out research into the relationship between people and their environment are required. There are also opportunities for volunteers capable of carrying out socio-economic research, focusing on areas such as health, economy, basic services, housing etc. Additionally, the project welcomes volunteers with an interest in agriculture who would be able to carry out research into organic coffee production.

There is no participation fee but volunteers will require approximately £100 per month to cover their food, lodging and day to day living expenses.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

This project welcome students, travellers and professionals from around the world who have an interest in hands-on conservation and data collection work with an endangered species.

No qualifications or previous experience is required but volunteers must be fit and healthy. The main work involves beach patrols and hatchery shifts. A minimum commitment of one week is required.

The cost of participating as a volunteer starts from £4 per day. There are options to camp, stay with a local family or share accommodation with other volunteers.

Paint a Shantytown

This project needs volunteers to paint an entire hillside shantytown and transform it into a more beautiful and cheerful place. Your work will be seen by thousands of people every day and you will be helping to create the largest open air painting in the world. It’s a great chance to give something back to the local community. There are many other interesting community projects available such as a circus, dance and music programme.

The project costs £400 for the first four weeks and then £50 for each additional week. The price includes donation to project, airport pick-up, accommodation, orientation, assistance in the case of emergencies and much more. Language classes cost £7 per hour.

Ecological Interactions Between Hummingbirds and Plants

The aim of this project is to investigate the role of hummingbirds as pollinators and the factors influencing the consumption of nectar of different plant species. Volunteers will help researchers investigate hummingbird species diversity, determine what plant species are pollinated by hummingbirds, analyze the factors influencing the consumption of nectar of different plant species by hummingbirds, and identify floral traits that influence pollination by hummingbirds.

Volunteers are charged £2.50 per day and the fee includes accommodation in shared rooms, use of the camp facilities, natural gas, hot water and drinking water, use of the facilities at biological station, access to e-mail, and life insurance.

Primary Care Practitioners

This modern medical facility serves an indigenous population and is surrounded by tropical cloud forest. There are opportunities for general medicine doctors, dentists, dental technicians, eye specialists, surgeons and other health care related professionals. Medical volunteers stay at two residence halls overlooking the Andes and river valley.

Medical volunteers receive free board and lodging.

Community Work & Optional Spanish Classes

This project works at grass roots level to promote and preserve the culture, traditions and heritage of the local people and their communities. The projects available include a youth group, varous environmental initiatives, a ceramics revitalization program, and collaboration with a textile cooperative based in an indigenous community. Volunteers can dedicate themselves to any or several of these projects, as well as website design, brochure design, photography projects, or the exploration and mapping of trails and archeological sites in the area. Volunteer work at the local health centre and in schools can also be arranged. Long term volunteers primarliy assist with the textile project. Responsibilities include working at the fair trade store and weekly trips to indigenous villages where the project is based.

The project costs £75 per week or £250 per month. The fee includes room and board (including drinking water) in a homestay, project materials, transportation, etc. Discounts are given to long term volunteers. Spanish classes cost £2.50 per hour.

Internships in the Tropics

This project offers intensive training opportunities for those who would like to acquire professional experience and advanced field expertise in the tropics. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition, willing to participate for a minimum of three months (renewable), and preferably speak some Spanish. Interns will be trained in tropical natural history, tropical birds, plants, geology, etc. University credit can be arranged.

Interns receive free room and board, training, internet access, and laundry service.

Long Term Volunteer Teacher

This project provides the opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as a volunteer teacher. Volunteers teach in public high schools in a variety of subject areas; science, geography, physical education and English. Most schools will be assigned two volunteers.

The project requires an 11 month commitment. Volunteers must be native English speakers, have a bachelor's degree, be flexible, mature, and have a genuine interest in teaching and cross-cultural experiences.

The programme fee is £750 for the year and includes: round-trip international airfare; health insurance, in-country orientation and training, in-country transportation, accommodation, food, meals, a living stipend of £112 per month, and 24-hour field support.

Volunteer in Black Howler Monkey Rehabilitation Centre

This refuge is a rehabilitaion centre for former pet monkeys. Volunteers help to run the centre and get involved in various tasks such as preparing food and feeding the monkeys, taking care of orphans, construction and repair work, cleaning and maintenance.

You should be reasonably fit, speak some Spanish, love animals and posses no fear of them.

The project costs £315 for 3 weeks; £400 for 1 month; £630 for 2 months; and £700 for 3 months. The fee includes basic accommodation and all meals. Special arrangements can be made for stays longer than 3 months.

Primate and Wildcat Survey

This project carries out research on critically endangered primates and maintains a network of camera traps to monitor the status of wildcats such as puma and ocelots. As there is an urgent need to maintain field surveys and to monitor trends in population numbers, this project welcomes hardworking volunteers. You must be a self starter able to manage field surveys and data management. This project provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience. It is located in one of the most biologically diverse and endemic habitats on Earth.

The project costs £225 per month for board and lodging.

Conservation of Marine Mammals

This project is dedicated to the research, rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals. There are data collecting excursions by boat and some excursions and hiking that require camping. There is an emergency rescue service for stranded or injured marine animals and volunteers are trained to participate in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea-lions and dolphins. Volunteers must be able to work in teams and must be tolerant, flexible and patient. A one week minimum commitment is required.

The project costs £175 per week or £600 per month. The fee includes lodging, local transport, official identification, academic certification, materials for collecting data, training, t-shirt, airport transportation, and donation to project.

Ecological Restoration in the Galapagos

The vegetation of Galápagos Islands is increasingly threatened by the growing number of introduced and invasive plants. Those plant species are replacing the native and endemic vegetation, which causes severe changes in the whole ecosystem. For that reason this project aims to restore the natural ecosystem, allowing ecological processes to occur in the most natural way achievable with native and endemic species that once occupied the moist vegetation zone (agricultural zone) on the island of Santa Cruz.

To continue the work this project needs (at least) one volunteer who can commit 6 months or more. Typical tasks include: continuing with the plant inventory and collecting plant samples; investigative work; native forest restoration; project design and implementation; and other work in association with botanists from the CDRS. It is advantageous to have some basic knowledge of botany and good Spanish language skills.

The project costs £12 per day which includes accommodation, food and logistical support. Participants are responsible for covering transportation to and from the Galapagos Islands.

Riding Therapy

This project provides rehabilitation and recreation for people with disabilities and low economic resources through therapeutic riding. There are many tasks but the level of involvement will depend on the interns experience and interests. They require interns to assist with the riding therapy; clean the stables; clean and take care of the horses, train the horses; maintain and water the riding area, and much much more. There are also opportunities for those with office skills (i.e. administration, fundraising etc).

Accommodation is provided free of charge but volunteers are responsible for buying or preparing their own food. All interns pay a £50 inscription fee.

Assist Women’s Group & Optional Spanish Classes

This project offers the opportunity to live with a family in a rural community. The woman of the house participates in the activities of the local women’s group and volunteers help her and the group with their daily activities (i.e. farming, childcare, hand crafts etc). If you have the necessary skills you can help with promoting family health, gender, nutrition, or women’s rights issues.

A basic level of Spanish is needed (minimum) to ensure maximum fulfilment from the programme. Spanish classes are offered as part of an induction week if needed.

The project costs £175 for the first month and then £160 for each subsequent month. Additional weeks cost £42. The fee includes lodging, 3 home-cooked meals a day and any transportation while you are working.

Volunteer in Communal Workshop

This project is a social and economic initiative working with indigenous women living in a village community. The women of the village live in extreme poverty, and for most, this is the first chance they have had to learn skills to earn money in a humane and respectful working environment.

The village creates child-friendly dress up dolls from natural materials. Homespun fibers and fabrics reflect a wide variety of traditional clothing and traditional skills of shepherding alpaca and sheep, carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving, knitting and embroidery. The combined qualities of imagination, color, and therapeutic work give rise to the healing environment in this women's workshop. Proceeds from the sell of these dolls contribute to the installation of water, electricity, and toilets in addition to providing a fair wage for labour.

The project welcomes volunteers that want to share their particular skills and talents. Volunteers work for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers must cover their accommodation, food and other expenses.

Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

This project needs volunteers will help build infrastructure within 6 newly established nature reserves. Work will entail creating and/or maintaining trails, constructing benches and cabins, posting signs, assisting with the implementation of specific action plans written for each site, helping gather information for the creation of brochures which includes wildlife observations, and other various tasks. There is also the possibility of getting involved with local environmental education efforts.

Volunteers with Spanish speaking skills, construction experience, a spirit of adventure and a serious interest in having an effect on rainforest conservation and sustainable tourism development are required. Couples are welcome to apply.

Free accommodation is provided at all of the sites, but only three of the six sites are able to cover food costs. At these locations, volunteers are expected to pay a small amount of money for food.

Volunteer in Children’s Home

The aim of this project is to enhance the quality of life and environment of children living in the state run homes. There are many different ways to offer assistance (tutoring or teaching, general child care, art, sport, etc) and volunteers are placed according to their skills and interests. There is something to suit anyone who is enthusiastic and willing to help.

Volunteers will spend around £75 - £150 per month on living costs (i.e. accommodation, food and local transport). The total cost is dependent on the type of accommodation chosen (i.e. homestays, private/shared apartments, hotels, hostels etc).

Educational and Community Aid & Optional Spanish Classes

This project supports the well-being and human growth of abandoned and disadvantaged children. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and community aid programmes. There are volunteer positions in the following areas: working in orphanages; caring for the elderly; health programmes for students and graduates; teaching; helping street children; providing day care for children; taking care of children with mental and physical disabilities; assisting farming communities; conservation work; making bricks and tiles; and an earthquake recovery programme (construction). Spanish classes cost £3.50 per hour.

The project costs £125 for 2 weeks or £250 for 4 weeks. Shorter and longer stays possible (i.e. 1 week - 12 weeks). The fee covers accommodation, food, pick up from the bus terminal or the airport, support of local coordinator, information pack, and orientation.

Biological Research and Sustainable Living

This project studies the biodiversity of a cloud forest in order to make conservation work more effective. It also aims to create a model of sustainable living based on principles of permaculture. Possible work options include opening trails in the cloud forest, inventory of biodiversity, bamboo construction, organic gardening and permaculture, and eco-tourism related tasks. Spanish classes can be arranged at reasonable cost.

The project costs £35 per week or £125 per month and includes accommodation, 3 meals a day, and orientation. The food is mostly vegetarian.

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 £8.50 per day for accommodation and meals. Research Assistants pay £6 per day to cover accommodation and three meals.

Sports Coach & Optional Spanish Classes

This project is aimed towards promoting sports and fitness amongst youth. Most of the children volunteers work with come from an orphanage and are aged between 5 and 18. These children are able to learn important life skills such as discipline, team work, confidence, leadership, tolerance, co-operation and respect through competitive sports.

Volunteers on this project need to be energetic and be able to make sports exciting and fun for these children. You should also be in relatively good physical shape and be prepared to be physically active for a large part of your day. This is a perfect placement for individuals who love to be involved in sports and working with children.

As a volunteer you will be coaching sports teams, providing training, refereeing games and helping maintain the gym. There are a wide variety of sports you can become involved in such as football (soccer), basketball and aerobics amongst others. There are extracurricular activities attached to this project that involve teaching English, taking part in after school clubs and helping kids with their homework.

The project costs £425 for 4 weeks and the fee includes an airport pick-up, accommodation (homestay), food, language classes, host country orientation, and 24 Hour emergency assistance.

Conservation Ranger & Optional Spanish Classes

Volunteer conservation rangers are involved in the everyday maintenance and management of forest and visitor facilities. Rangers are essentially on-site park guards and their role involves elements of forestry, agriculture, education and development of the visitors centre and trails.

You don’t need to have any professional background to be a conservation ranger, just enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and willingness to get your hands dirty. Of course any professional skills or experience that you may have will come in useful.

Volunteers have the opportunity to learn or improve their Spanish at the weekends over the course of their stay. Volunteers are taught by experienced language teachers and 12 hours of tuition costs £50.

£460 for first 2 months and £425 per month thereafter. The fee covers all your living costs (i.e. accommodation, 3 meals per day etc). For shorter stays the project costs £180 per week or £19 per day. Spanish classes cost £50 for 12 hours tuition.

Teaching and After-School Activities for Children

This project aims to support the local education system and increase the standard of living in surrounding communities. It operates in two areas, the Andes and the jungle communities of the Amazon. Volunteers are required to teach English or provide after-school activities for children (i.e. arts and crafts, music, theatre, sports, homework support etc). There are also opportunities to get involved in construction work and farming activities. The ability to speak Spanish is an asset but not a requirement. Sightseeing tours and trips to major archeological sites can be arranged at good prices.

The project costs £300 per month and includes a stay with a local family and all meals.

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 teach practical subjects such as bricklaying. There are no fees or special requirements although it is desirable to have some knowledge of masonry, plumbing, electrics, carpentry etc.

Free accommodation is offered to volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis. Local hostels cost around £3 per night. Volunteers are provided with a free lunch five days a week.

Volunteer for Amazonian Lodge

This lodge is located within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve between the Andean mountain chain and the Amazon basin. Volunteers can participate in all areas of work offered at the lodge.

They are reforesting an area of 20 hectares with native trees and medicinal plants and plan to expand this activity to nearby areas. You can choose to get involved in various volunteer assignments (i.e. nursery work, planting, documentating plants etc) and a list of possible activities. Each volunteer chooses an area of specific interest and dedicates one third of his/her time to this. Volunteers choose from the following activities: archaeology; horses (take care of horses and train them); building; teaching (teach English to the children of the local communities); guiding and bird watching.

The project costs £5 per day for accommodation and all meals. If volunteers stay for less than 4 weeks the price is £7.50 per day.

Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

This volunteer program affords anyone interested in sea turtles the opportunity to play an essential part in sea turtle conservation. By giving your time and energy to do hands-on work with local turtle populations, volunteers make a crucial difference in the conservation effort, while personally gaining an extraordinary experience in the tropics.

Aside from the conservation duties, volunteers have plenty of free time to explore and enjoy the beauty, serenity, and unmatched biodiversity of this particular area. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts will find this project very rewarding. The project runs form the 1 July until the 15 December every year.

The project costs £8 per day. The price includes all meals and housing whilst at the field station.

ESL English Teachers & Free Spanish Classes

This project is alway looking for qualified ESL teachers to teach English to the local business community from Monday to Friday. Weekends are free to explore rainforests and world class beaches.

Volunteers from North America are preferred but candidates from other English speaking countries are considered. Volunteers should be university graduates, posses an ESL teaching certificate (i.e. TESOL, TEFL etc) or have a minimum of 2 years ESL teaching experience, and able to commit to 6 months or 1 year.

Volunteers receive hourly pay (£2.50 – £3.75), an end of contract bonus, free Spanish classes, and discounted travel. Accomodation costs between £75 and £150 per month with or without food.

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 £38 per month pocket money and are offered a free pick-up from the international airport.

Help Disadvantaged Children

This project supports and empowers orphaned and impoverished children through art and education programs. This project believes that art can provide opportunities and encouragement to disadvantaged children, as well as offer the gift of expression to many creative young minds. Art classes, photography classes, documentary video workshops, and mural painting are all included in the programs. Volunteers can get involved in any of these programs or propose their own. Volunteers must be able to speak Spanish.

Volunteers must cover all travel, lodging, food and personal expenses and commit to raising funds for the project.

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; reading colour-coded bands through a spotting scope; and keeping detailed field notes of the falcons’ behaviour, movement patterns, interactions with other species, etc. Volunteers with skills in the biological sciences, wildlife conservation or basic Neotropical flora and fauna are encouraged to apply. Volunteers must be able to commit to eight to twelve week service, be in good health, and speak English.

This is an exceptional opportunity to gain field experience, work in a pristine rainforest and reintroduce a rare species into the wild.

Accommodation (may be only a tent) and food are provided. Appropriate recognition in scientific papers and personal references are given.

Short and Long Term Medical Volunteers

This small community hospital serves a population of 50,000 indigenous inhabitants in beautiful surroundings. It provides the only 24 hour emergency care within a distance of 3 hours. The hospital is looking for short term (minimum 1 month) and long term (6 months to a year) volunteers. The following long term medical volunteers are needed: doctors (physician assistants or nurse practitioners); OB backup; surgeons; and nurses. Short term opportunities: doctors; medical students; ultrasound experts; nurses; midwives; pharmacists; and non-medical volunteers (i.e. computer maintenance, construction, teaching English, administration and accounting etc).

Currently their biggest need is for a long term doctor and a supervisor specialized in family medicine, preferably with OB experience. They offer a stipend (£165 per month) to long term doctors and are willing to pay for their plane ticket if they stay for longer than six months. They will also pay for the airfare of a long term supervisor specialized in family medicine with OB experience. All medical volunteers must speak conversational Spanish.

They don't charge anything to participate but volunteers should have sufficient funds to finance their stay. The cost of living is about in £75 - 200 a month for housing (basic cabins to luxurious homes). You could easily live off £75 per month.

Cloud Forest Conservation Project

This project is extremely important in terms of preserving the biodiversity of the cloud forest and protecting local watersheds. The work focuses on protecting existing forests through reforestation, monitoring human activity and its impact, and environmental education.

Volunteers can participate in the following activities: forestry program (restoring degraded areas and sustainable wood production), sustainable agriculture, community involvement, research, eco-construction (environmentally-friendly building practices), and environmental education. No particular skills are needed; however, prospective volunteers should have an interest in conservation and related human issues.

The project costs £205 (plus £20 application fee) for the first month and £195 for every month thereafter. The fees include 3 meals a day plus lodging in cabins that are shared with other volunteers and researchers. Short term volunteers are welcome.

Fieldwork, Research and Education

This project is seeking volunteers for its ecological projects for periods of one to six months. The tasks change continuously but current projects 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; and environmental education. An interest in ecological sustainability and knowledge of regional plants is helpful but not necessary. Willing hands and a desire to help restore a damaged biosphere are the most important requirements.

Volunteers receive free accommodation in a large shared apartment, extraordinary beach and wilderness recreational activities, and opportunities to improve Spanish skills. Volunteers contribute £5 to £7.50 per week for communal expenses (i.e. food, toiletries etc).

Conservation Programme & Free Spanish Classes

The aim of this conservation project is to encourage the local community to sustainably manage its natural resources. Volunteers can get involved in a wide range of projects that support this goal including forest restoration, gathering native seeds, giving workshops, scientific research, and much more.

The project costs £200 per month and includes lodging, meals, housekeeping, laundry and local transportation.

Short Term Work Groups

This project offers one week working trips to help disadvantaged Peruvian families and children. Volunteers provide hope and vital services to some of the most impoverished communities in Peru. The next trips are scheduled for spring and autumn 2009. In addition to the work, volunteers have the option of visiting Machu Picchu and other tourist sites for an additional fee.

Volunteers receive accommodation and two meals per day.

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.

Educational Projects in the Galapagos

This project is dedicated to improving the health and educational system of the Galapagos Islands. Short term (2 weeks) and long term opportunities (3 months or more) are available in a wide range of educational fields. These include giving workshops on conflict resolution or music, to teaching English or art in schools, to teaching English as a second language.

£25 application fee. With the exception of two projects that offer free board and lodging, volunteers have to pay for accommodation and food. Staying with a host family ranges from £100 - 150 per month. There is also the option of staying in local hotels.

Adventure in the Andes (Internships)

This ecotourism and adventure travel company manages more than 12,000 hectares of private land, dedicated to sustainable farming production, cultural heritage, ecotourism and conservation. They specialise in offering adventure trips and seek young professionals that have experience in one of the following areas: mountain biking; horseback riding; rappel and climbing. A basic knowledge of Spanish and a commitment of between 3 - 6 months is required.

Interns receive free board and lodging.

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 £50 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, sorting and classifying macadamia etc): eco-lodge renovation (construction work etc); ecotourism (guiding tours, vegetarian and international cooking etc); and community services (medicine, teaching English, assisting with the fair trade certification process etc).

The project costs £10 – £25 per week depending on length of stay. The fee includes accommodation and a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals.

Resource and Rehabilitation Centre

For the last 20 years this project has tackled the issue disability of people from rural communities (indigenous people). The project is based on the coast and offers rehabilitation, social integration, information and prevention of any kind of disability (physical, intellectual or conductive), without any regard to the type of disability, ability to pay and/or ethnicity.

Volunteers with some sort of medical skill, 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. There is also a programme for lifeguards on the beach and they need experienced lifeguards and instructors in CPR.

Free board and lodging if you volunteer for 6 months or more. Volunteers are responsible for all expenses if staying for shorter periods.

Macaw Conservation Project

This project is looking for field assistants help participate in a census of parrots and macaws. Full training in identification and field techniques will be given. Work will also involve monitoring the parrot and macaw clay licks of the area. This project provides a great opportunity to explore different regions and river systems of the Amazon and to experience a wide range of working and field conditions. A minimum stay of 2 months is required.

Field assistants contribute £5 per day to help cover the cost of food and lodging.

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 £5 per day for board and lodging.

Veterinary Student or Veterinary Technician

This project provides veterinary care to owned and stray domestic animals, protects animals from cruelty and neglect, and promotes humane and responsible pet ownership.

The main responsibilities include the supervision and observation of shelter animals, their living conditions and overall health.

This opportunity provide a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable field experience and increase your professional skills in one of the most fascinating parts of the world. This project also has openings for a dog groomers, dog trainers, medical veterinarians and construction workers.

There is no cost to volunteer but participants are responsible for their own food expenses. Comfortable lodging is provided for volunteers if they stay for three weeks or more.

Education and Community Development Volunteers

The core of the work involves assisting teachers by tutoring 1st and 2nd grade in basic reading, writing and mathematics in 4 rural government schools. Other projects include teaching English to primary grades, promoting health care, community workshops and special activities, administrative tasks, and general school maintenance. This project also helps groups of women start their own small enterprises making handicrafts.

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

Radio Producer

This community-based radio station defends the struggle and objectives of social organisations, providing an alternative to the mass media. It provides an open space for creativity and diverse opinions. Volunteers help the programme coordinators with the production and transmission of the show which is aired every day. The work includes researching and summarising news stories, gathering information from newspapers and magazines, welcoming guests on the programme, taking calls, and other general tasks.

Volunteers can opt for homestays, hostels, or shared apartments with other volunteers. Prices start at £125 per month with breakfast included. There is also a small placement fee.

Film Makers Wanted

This project is dedicated to the recuperation of human and ecological communities through small-scale tropical reforestation and environmental education. It requires a film crew to make video blogs and short documentary’s about an assortment of topics that range from wildlife to politics. Filming and editing experience is required. Interns are required between the 15 September and 14 November 2008. The deadline for applying is 15 July 2008.

Interns live with local host families and are charged £125 per week for board and lodging.

Animal Welfare Volunteer

The principal activity of this project is rescue and rehabilitation of domestic animals. Volunteers are required for all manner of tasks ranging from building dog-runs, to brushing cats, to helping out with educational programmes in local schools. There are also opportunities to assist with spay/neuter and rabies vaccination clinics in local villages, photography, and fundraising events. No experience is required but qualified veterinarians are particularly welcome.

The project costs £2.50 per day which includes accommodation. The accommodation comes with bed, shower, drinking water, TV/VCR with a wide selection of movies, cooking facilities and a refrigerator.

Penguin Research Volunteers

A small number of volunteers are needed each year to conduct daily observations of penguin nests during November, December, January and February. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a working knowledge of Spanish, and be willing to work for a minimum of eight weeks. Volunteers stay in a lighthouse close to the penguin colony.

There is no charge to participate but volunteers must pay for their own flights and food. There is no charge for the lodging which is in a lighthouse.

Animal Welfare Volunteer

This animal sanctuary is responsible for rescuing a wide variety of wild animals from unhealthy and illegal situations, which have been the victims of animal-trafficking or mistreatment. Volunteers are offered a unique opportunity to care for and help rehabilitate a diverse variety of wild animals. These normally include monkeys, cats, bears, reptiles, and parrots amongst many others.

There are no language requirements and volunteers can stay for as little as 2 weeks. Volunteers with a good command of Spanish may also assist with the education of visiting school children.

The project costs £40 per week for lodging and approximately £10 per week for food.

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).

The projects costs £2.40 per day (without food). The ecolodge has well-furnished kitchens to prepare meals. Seasonal fruit, natural medicinal/aromatic herbs and pure drinking water are provided. Spanish lessons are available in the village for £2 per hour.

Arts and Crafts Volunteer

The women of this project make jewellery and other crafts from local natural materials, in order to earn a sustainable income without having to cut down the local cloud forest. They need help with developing new, quality designs and products to expand their ranges of artisan products. The ideal volunteer will have some artistic ability and a basic level of Spanish. Skills in helping promote and sell the artwork would be a plus. A minimum commitment of 2-3 weeks is requested but a longer stay is recommended.

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 £6.30 per day for a homestay with 3 meals. Discounts are available for longer stays.

Andean Bear Tracker

This is the only research in the world tracking wild Andean (Spectacled) Bears. As part of the long term efforts to save the Spectacled Bear from extinction, they have tagged twelve wild bears with radio collars and are tracking them using radio telemetry. They have also reintroduced captive bears to the wild in this area with the purpose of learning more about the bears' use of habitat. Hence, they can make an informed decision about what land needs be protected so that they can survive. The work changes daily in response to the activities of the bears. Sometimes they are climbing mountains, sometimes strolling on country roads, sometimes walking around in local communities. They are always listening on the radio for bear signals. Work also includes clearing trails used for tracking, sometimes moving cages, recording bearscratches on trees, or taking hair and excrement samples.

As this is scientific research, they are very serious about accuracy. Volunteers spend a full week (or more) in training before being certified to track unaccompanied by a professional researcher. Part of the training will include work with captive bears in rehabilitation.

Volunteers pay £250 for a one month stay and £230 per month thereafter. The fee includes training, housing and food. Volunteers can join the project for one week (£70) but will only accompany bear trackers on walks rather than assisting with actual data gathering.

Day-Care and for Disabled Children & Optional Spanish Classes

The aim of this project is to give disabled children an opportunity to develop into functional members of society and to make them less dependent on charity. The project welcomes volunteers with experience of working with the disabled such as teachers (special education) and occupational therapists. People with other skills who don't normally work with children but are blessed with a lot of patience and a willingness to teach their skills are also very welcome. There are several excellent Spanish schools surrounding the centre.

Volunteers can stay at a local hostel or with a local family for £40 per month. Both options provide the use of a kitchen to prepare meals.

Research Assistant

Each year there are a limited number of positions to work as Research Assistant's (RA’s) at biological field stations. RA's are considered as part of the project staff and will have specific duties to carry out (data recorder, volunteer trainer, hatchery control and general assistant). However, their common duties will be of serving as a group leader in the teams of volunteers that patrol the beach at night while searching for nesting turtles, and to ensure that all the activities of research and protection be carried out correctly.

RA’s will be selected to participate in one of the two established periods of the project. The first one is from 15 February until 15 May, and the second one from 15 May until 15 August, 2009. The application deadline is the 1 December 2008. Research Assistants will be selected and notified in the first week of January 2009.

Research Assistant's are provided with board and lodging for the entire time they are on the project.

Volunteer at Orphanage

This project is situated on the outskirts of a rainforest and it aims to take the children away from aggression, drugs and criminality of the nearby city. The project provides these children with shelter, nutrition, education and freedom to play. Work activities will depend on your skills, interests and the needs of the project. They are currently looking for doctors, electricians, carpenters, teachers, maintenance workers, psychologists, organic farming specialists, gardeners, drivers, construction workers, fundraisers and grant writers.

In exchange for your services some projects offer free accommodation, food and an airport pick-up. In other cases volunteers must cover all lodging, food and personal expenses. An airport pick-up is provided for all volunteers.

Education and the Rescue & Rehabilitation of Wild Fauna

This project carries out a wide range of essential conservation work, including animal rescue operations after oil spills, animal rehabilitation programmes, and educational campaigning. Some of the tasks include assisting with the first census of coastal contamination, the investigation of flora and fauna, collaboration and active participation in educational campaigns. Volunteers are also trained to act in situations of massive species loss associated with oil spills etc.

Volunteers pay for their own food but lodging is provided.

Tourism with Indigenous Indians

This project works to protect and preserve the culture, independence and habitat of indigenous Indians in the tropical rainforest. Volunteers assist project staff with their ecotourism initiative which benefits both travellers and the communities where they work. The volunteer will gain a unique insight into business development through sustainable tourism and the life and ways of an indigenous community. Volunteers should be able to communicate in Spanish.

There are no fees attached to this project but volunteers must pay a small fee towards accommodation and cover their personal expenses.

Volunteer at Ecological Reserve

This project aims to conserve and sustainably manage local and national biodiversity through eco-friendly methods of production and integrated management of natural resources. The site also has an education centre where they teach environmental education to local students, tourists and organised groups. Volunteers are required for various duties including: tourist guide; bird monitoring; mammal, reptile and amphibian monitoring; environmental education; work in the butterfly garden; medicinal plants; agricultural related tasks; maintenance of the infrastructure and cleaning trails.

The projects costs £5 per day which includes accommodation and lunch. A kitchen is available to prepare breakfast and dinner.

Volunteer Builder/Carpenter

This project is dedicated to forest conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. It is ideal for those who want to live in a beautiful tropical forest, experience rural culture and practice their Spanish. The responsibilities of the volunteer builder/carpenter depend on what project is chosen but some of the tasks include maintaining trails, repairing bridges, constructing bird watching towers, replacing roofing, and building bamboo houses. All projects require building, maintenance and carpentry skills. There is also an opening for a wood carver.

The project costs £225 per month for stays of less than 3 months or £180 per month for stays longer than 3 months. The price includes accommodation and three meals per day.

Volunteer Group Leader

This project is working to facilitate sustainable development and sustainable practices, including environmental protection, education, and economic development, in poor urban and rural communities. It requires a group leader to accompany and supervise groups of 6 to 12 volunteers on 3 week trips to different communities where they participate in construction, education, environmental, and other voluntary work. The proposed start date is the 1 January 2009 and the application deadline is the 15 December 2008.

The project pays for the group leader's accommodation in the community and local travel costs. There is a one-time registration fee of £37.50.

International Workcamp

This workcamp involves the restoration of an historical water tower. Duties include construction work, painting, and maintenance of the area surrounding the tower. The project also aims to raise awareness about the consumption of water in the local community. The workcamp commences on the 8 September until the 21 September 2008.

The workcamp costs £120 which covers food and accommodation for the duration of the project.