10 Best Volunteer Opportunities in Bolivia

Located in the center of South America, Bolivia is a basin of rich biological, ecological, and cultural diversity. But despite its natural beauty, this landlocked country has experienced a turbulent history, and it welcomes volunteers from all over the world to help overcome community challenges.

Learn about this South American country’s culture and natural wonders when you head to Bolivia as a volunteer.

There are opportunities for every type of volunteer in Bolivia, from conservation work and animal rescue to providing healthy meals to children. To help you get started, we’re breaking down the 10 best volunteer opportunities in Bolivia!

Can you volunteer in Bolivia for free?

Most volunteer opportunities in Bolivia charge something, even if it’s a nominal daily amount for food and housing. It’s possible to find options for as little as $25 to $50 per day, but the majority of programs charge a weekly or monthly fee. Some programs include language classes and cultural excursions, which can make a big difference in becoming immersed in your new Bolivian home!

One popular budget-friendly solution is to volunteer with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Some farmers offer free (or discounted) room and board in exchange for working on their farm.

HelpStay is a similar option that focuses more on general business support rather than farming. If you’re on a strict budget and looking for outdoor volunteer options, WWOOF or HelpStay might be your best bet!

What makes these programs the best?

If there’s one thing all volunteer abroad veterans know to be true, it’s that not all programs are created equal. We carefully picked the below programs to volunteer in Bolivia based on provider reputation, program quality, level of program inclusivity, and overall positive ratings and reviews. These program providers are known for their exciting and unique volunteer opportunities.

Location is another important factor for picking the right program, and these opportunities are all based in popular areas for conservation, ecotourism, education, and community development. Bolivia offers something for everyone, including bustling cities, lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and rolling valleys. Check out the exciting options below!

10 best volunteer opportunities in Bolivia

1. Support Rescued Wildlife in the Amazon

• Why? If you want to channel your inner Dr. Dolittle, head to the Amazon with Volunteer World. Work with rescued wildlife at up to three sanctuaries in the rainforest and gain hands-on experience caring for a variety of animals.
• Volunteers are welcome for at least two weeks and spend most of this time working with small animals. Anyone staying longer can work in specific animal areas (such as monkeys!) depending on the level of care needed. This program is open to anyone ages 18+, all nationalities, and all levels of Spanish proficiency.
• Causes: Animal welfare, wildlife
• Read Volunteer World reviews

2. Global Health in La Paz, Bolivia

• Why? Any student interested in health care can benefit from volunteering in community health development. Come to La Paz to spend time working with children and their families concerning wellness and nutrition. Volunteers will observe clinical rotations five days a week and meet with medical directors every week.
• La Paz is one of the most culturally diverse and historically rich areas in Latin America, but there are many opportunities to help communities overcome malnutrition. It’s an ideal region for anyone interested in health care volunteering, where students can feel good about making a real difference!
• Causes: Childcare & children, medicine, nursing, public health
• Read Child Family Health International reviews

3. Community-Based Ecotourism Coordinator

• Why? One of the most popular areas of the Amazon—the Aquicuana Reserve—contains remarkable beauty and unparalleled biological diversity. Join Sustainable Bolivia to work alongside the local government and communities inside the reserve to promote ecotourism projects.
• Volunteers will help market the reserve through social media, create digital content, and coordinate with local tourism professionals on collaborative promotions. Basic Spanish is required for this project, as is a time commitment of at least one month.
• Causes: Conservation, ecotourism, environment, tourism
• Learn more about Sustainable Bolivia

4. Construction of a Traditional Circular Inca Hut in the Andes

• Why? Come to beautiful Potrero, a rural community in the foothills of the Cordillera del Tunari mountain, to help construct a traditional Incan hut. This region is known for its farming history and wide production of fruits, veggies, legumes, and flowers.
• Volunteers will help complete the second phase of a circular Incan hut, improve the center’s organic garden, and give educational support for the children of the community school. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to get their hands dirty and become immersed in an important agricultural community in the Andes.
• Causes: Agriculture, building & construction projects, community development
• Learn more about Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives & Projects

5. English Teaching in Bolivian Amazon

• Why? Share the gift of language with Bolivian children by teaching English in two rural communities. Volunteers can spend a month supporting sustainable community development around the Aquicuana Reserve.
• A typical day could include preparing and teaching English lessons, playing group vocabulary games, supervising off-campus outings, and coordinating projects with local teachers. This program is open to anyone ages 18+, all nationalities, and all levels of Spanish proficiency.
• Causes: Childcare & children, teaching
• Read Volunteer World reviews

6. Cook or Nutritionist

• Why? A healthy and well-balanced diet is the foundation of every person’s life—we all need sufficient protein and nutrients! Volunteer in Riberalta to help children and young adults access healthy food. Program participants will plan weekly menus, create new budget-friendly recipes that can be cooked on a large scale, shop for daily ingredients, and prepare meals for big groups.
• There are also opportunities to teach kitchen skills to older children and local adults, which creates a sustainable pipeline of healthy cooking. Basic Spanish is required for this position, and you’ll need to give a minimum time commitment of one month.
• Causes: Cooking, nutrition
• Learn more about Sustainable Bolivia

7. Give a Little Help, Stay for Free

• Why? Escape to the Allkamari Eco Resort, located high on the Illimani Mountain, to help a local retreat center. This region is known for its stunning scenery, comfortable weather, and access to lots of outdoor recreation. Volunteers will assist with daily activities and general maintenance including cooking, cleaning, gardening, plumbing, and light construction.
• There will also be opportunities to learn about sacred medicines, ceremonies, and other healing work. This volunteer program is open to anyone ages 18+ who can stay for at least a month.
• Causes: Community development, education, recreation
• Learn more about HelpStay

8. Global Health in Tarija, Bolivia

• Why? The picturesque region of Tarija is known as the Bolivian Andalucia for its rolling vineyards and cultural influences from Spain. It’s also home to the leading treatment clinic for Chagas Disease, or the “new AIDS of the Americas,” which currently infects almost two million Bolivians alone.
• Come shadow healthcare professionals as they consult with patients, analyze lab results, perform treatments, and promote preventive health. This is the perfect volunteer opportunity for students wanting to learn more about infectious diseases and the cultural or socioeconomic barriers patients face in accessing health care.
• Causes: Health care, health education, medicine, public health
• Read Child Family Health International reviews

9. Marketing and Social Media Assistant

• Why? Do you love using social media and want to learn more about digital marketing? Come to Riberalta and become a marketing volunteer! Help an NGO promote its activities by creating digital content, managing a blog, making website updates, and drafting social media posts.
• You’ll be working with a variety of local grassroots organizations and get hands-on experience with several exciting projects. This program is open to anyone ages 18+, all nationalities, and all levels of Spanish proficiency.
• Causes: Media
• Read Volunteer World reviews

10. Communal Living and Events Coordinator

• Why? If you love project management and planning parties, this volunteer opportunity is for you! Join the Sustainable Bolivia team in Riberalta to organize community events, which could include shared dinners, volunteer parties, yoga and dance classes, workshops, language exchanges, and art exhibitions.
• This position is perfect for anyone with a passion for implementing sustainable practices and bringing educational, wholesome joy into communities. Professional Spanish language ability is required for this volunteer opportunity.
• Causes: Community development, conservation, ecotourism, volunteer management
• Learn more about Sustainable Bolivia

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

Volunteering in Bolivia will leave you feeling fulfilled!

The best volunteer opportunities in Bolivia will let you make a difference in the community as you learn and grow.

These options only scratch the surface on the best volunteer opportunities in Bolivia—there’s no wrong way to help these local communities! Whether you’re a student looking to grow your skills or an experienced professional wanting to give back, Bolivia offers something for everyone. Pack your bags and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!