Volunteer Programs in La Paz, Bolivia

Bolivia is rich in culture and natural beauty, but it is also considered one of the poorest countries in South America because of the overwhelming poverty. What better city to volunteer abroad in Bolivia than in the country’s educational and political capital! Whether you want to spend a year teaching English, or a few weeks practicing social activism, there are endless causes to consider for volunteering in La Paz.

Popular causes in La Paz. La Paz is a city of renewal, seeking constant change and improvement. Community development is one of the most popular volunteer placements in La Paz, whether you are helping out in local orphanages and childcare centers, or on environmental projects throughout the city. Others can find teaching placements, or even run extracurricular programs after school. Animal lovers can volunteer in veterinary medicine, joining projects in local zoos while working with indigenous Bolivian wildlife.

Short-term volunteer programs in La Paz. If you’re looking to balance a fulfilling career break with adventure, try a short-term volunteer placement in La Paz. While longer placements are always encouraged to maximize results, La Paz offers volunteer placements of one or two weeks for those who are short on time. Join a community project in mural painting to beautify the poor communities and attract tourists to boost the economy, or help out in a wildlife center to love on some rescued animals.

Long-term volunteer programs in La Paz. Those who have the time to make a greater impact can make a new home while volunteering in La Paz, as many volunteer abroad programs offer long-term placements. Volunteers can rent apartments in this cheap destination with assistance from their program providers. You can even balance your long-term volunteer project with studies for a semester or a year!

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, La Paz is a city of contrasts. Volunteers will enter the city from the beautiful countryside, abandoning snow-capped peaks and settling into this gritty, hot concrete jungle. While the city center may not be as peaceful as its surroundings, volunteers will never be bored in La Paz. Explore busy colonial streets where new hotels and boutiques pop up seemingly overnight, or wander down quieter cobblestoned paths to admire the Gothic architecture. Take a break from the heat and visit Lake Titicaca or observe the indigenous wildlife in surrounding areas. 

La Paz is one of the most popular destinations in Bolivia, and not just because of its beauty and excitement. The city is a cheap destination for volunteers abroad. Most volunteer abroad programs in La Paz include accommodation, meals, and transportation in an affordable program fee. Stay in a home stay for home-cooked Bolivian meals every night and the chance to immerse yourself culturally and learn Spanish, or splurge on an apartment with other volunteers where you’ll make new friends who will feel like family.

As a volunteer abroad in La Paz, you will not be able to overlook the city’s dual identity. The biggest contrast of all is the up-and-coming, European-influenced reinvention of the city versus the poor indigenous communities. One end of the city features high-end shops congested with tourists, while the other features homeless children living in poverty. Although it can be heart wrenching to see human suffering next to indulgence, volunteers will never doubt that they are making a difference by helping out in the communities.

Volunteering in La Paz will be a grand adventure. The altitude will leave your lungs gasping for oxygen, but it is worth the stunning views of narrow canyons, icy peaks, and sloped valleys spotted with church cathedrals and rickety houses. There is no doubt the city will refuel you and fill you with energy as you settle into the constant buzz. In fact, life can be even crazier here than destinations such as Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro. Embrace the constant fiestas and join volunteers of all ages in endless dancing, rioting, and celebrating of life!

There is no doubt that volunteers abroad will fall in love with life in La Paz. This city of reinvention will allow you to make a difference while reinventing yourself! Whether you are caring for children, animals, or putting a little extra love into the city streets, your eyes will be opened to a new world and your perspective will shift. Stay for one week or one year: every bit of help will make a difference to the community as you volunteer abroad in La Paz.

Don’t forget to read our comprehensive guide on volunteering abroad in Bolivia!