Community Development Volunteer Programs in South America

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

GoEco offers a range of enriching volunteer programs abroad, specifically designed for teenagers aged 15-17. These adventures provide a perfect blend of meaningful volunteer experiences, cultural immersion, and exciting local explorations. With a higher level of supervision, these programs are ideal for teens interested in animal welfare, conservation, or humanitarian aid. Destinations include Costa Rica, Bali, Thailand, Kenya, and Ecuador, each offering unique opportunities to contribute to local communities and ecosystems while gaining invaluable life experiences. Teen Programs and Destinations Costa Rica: Educational projects, cultural immersion, and recreational activities in a picturesque setting. Bali: Marine conservation with a focus on rehabilitating and protecting sea turtles. Thailand: Humanitarian projects combined with cultural adventures for a comprehensive experience. Kenya: Engage in climate change initiatives, wildlife conservation, and community projects. Ecuador: Work at an Amazon wildlife center, caring for various animals and supporting conservation efforts.

The farms of Isabela Island are working in greenhouses to optimize production year-round in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. The highland town of Tomás de Berlanga is about 10 miles uphill from the coastal part of town, where IOI headquarters, your accommodations, social life, and the beach are located. Nestled on the side of Volcano Sierra Negra, the highlands are fertile, lush lands with rich volcanic soil - perfect for agriculture! Volunteers will learn local techniques for sustainable tropical agriculture and help create food sovereignty, reduce the carbon footprint of island life, reduce waste from shipping materials, lower the cost to local consumers, increase local income, and increase the nutritional content of the food available in Isabela. Requirements for this program: - Some ability to speak and understand Spanish is beneficial - Genuine passion for the outdoors and conservation of nature - Physical ability for hands-on construction work and laborious gardening-type jobs outdoors with potential allergens and sun and temperature exposure - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Basic knowledge of non-motorized tools and their safe usage

Bucara Voluntours offers a meaningful way to connect with communities while exploring the vibrant culture of Bucaramanga, Colombia. This program combines social engagement with adventure, allowing participants to support local foundations while experiencing the best of Colombian life. Whether playing games with children, participating in language exchanges, or spending time at a dog rescue, every activity fosters genuine connections and cultural understanding. Participants can volunteer for as many days as they wish, engaging in sports, table games, or English classes with local youth. Beyond volunteering, the program offers outdoor activities such as hiking, paragliding, and cultural excursions. Spanish lessons with certified teachers help enhance communication skills, making the experience even more immersive and effective. From visiting coffee farms to learning Latin dances, this program offers a balance of social impact, education, and adventure in one of Colombia’s most welcoming cities.

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, as well as on the behavior of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. Volunteers can participate as Biodiversity Research Assistants and help us conduct long-term inventories essential for understanding trends in wildlife patterns and monitoring the effects of climate change. These activities are done in a group and are related to field research, wherein repetitive data collection is required to understand trends over long periods. This role is for individuals who like to be outside and enjoy physical activity. Projects all volunteers participate in: -Forest Inventory and Flora Survey -Bird Inventory -Fish Inventory -Search for Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Organisms -Mushroom Inventory -Camera Traps for Mammals We have a role for photographers and videographers as well! This program is also open to individuals who want to take on an internship.

Ecuador's vibrant culture, dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and picturesque beaches make it the premier destination in South America. Volunteers with World Endeavors are based near the beautiful southern Pacific Coast. By choosing one of the several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people of Ecuador. Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, special education, deaf education, and wildlife conservation. Eligibility for this program includes English language fluency; a desire to help the people of Ecuador; flexibility and self-motivation; openness to a new culture, and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Eco Caminhos is a sustainable eco farm that follows the principles of permaculture and works to produce our own food, energy, and building materials. Our international community in Brazil is located in the peaceful and stunning mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio Janeiro. Here, we learn to co-live, co-work, evolve, and resolve our problems together. This program is meant for those who have a limited amount of time and still want to experience a sustainable and community life, and learn about bioconstruction (natural building), agroforestry (syntrophic farming), and renewable energy through hands on training. Throughout the week volunteers have free time to go sightseeing, relax, and deepen their connection with nature. Volunteers can choose to focus on permaculture or bioconstruction or have a wider experience participating in all the projects we run. It's generally a hands-on experience for three days each week and plenty of organized activities to choose from (such as Portuguese classes, outdoor activities, trekking, and mountain biking) on other days. This program doesn’t require any experience; only the motivation to learn, enjoy, and get your hands dirty.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Volunteering through Road2Argentina allows you to be more than a tourist, enabling you to interact with locals and practice your Spanish while giving back to the community. We offer placements in local organizations in Buenos Aires, where you will handle hands-on assignments that truly help those who need it most. Apart from volunteering activities, you can take intensive Spanish classes further to enhance your immersion in Argentine culture and language. Please become part of our unique community of local and international volunteers, interns, and other students. * Volunteer placements in Buenos Aires that require basic Spanish: - Community soup kitchen - Recreational activities for kids - Childcare - Teaching English to children or adults - Organizing fundraising events - Environmental sustainability * Volunteer placements in Buenos Aires that require intermediate Spanish: - Continuing education for children and adults - Community center communication - HIV-affected children - PR and marketing for an NGO

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.

Research key development needs of low-income indigenous communities, and propose integrated solutions that also preserve their culture. THE CHALLENGE Guaranda is one of Ecuador's poorest regions. Most Indigenous people live in rural areas where poverty exceeds 40%, child malnutrition 48%, illiteracy 10%, and teenage pregnancy 26%. Five centuries after colonization, globalization could be the final blow to these cultures. Many young people migrate to cities to support families, and the Kichwa language risks extinction. THE SOLUTION We may have only a generation or two to ensure these cultures survive. Fortunately, locals work to continue traditions and rebuild pride. With your help, we can understand the factors determining whether they preserve and regenerate their culture while joining the global community of the 21st century. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

Students have the chance to explore and become immersed in the local language and vibrant culture of Bolivia, with this health development opportunity. Volunteers will spend time working with children and their families, concerning wellness. They will observe clinical rotations and offer support in medical and conversational Spanish classes. Accommodations are arranged with local host families so that the students experience an authentic homestay. This is a great way to embrace the cultural differences of the host country and practice Spanish language skills. La Paz, Bolivia is an ideal destination for this type of service, as malnutrition, poverty, and sanitation are all areas presenting concerns within the region. Though it is one of the poorest countries in South America, La Paz is a developing and culturally rich city with a great vibrancy in the atmosphere. Students will meet with the medical director and local coordinator on a weekly basis, practicing clinical rounds five days a week.

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Discover the wonders of the "Paris of South America" while supporting grassroots organizations in Buenos Aires. This program is the perfect combination of two weeks of Spanish Immersion and two weeks of community service. Your engaging Spanish classes taught by local instructors will give you the language skills, confidence and cultural knowledge to excel in your community service placement. Volunteer placements include assisting with after-school programs for youth and working with community support groups such as soup kitchens. This program includes an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colonia, Uruguay, spending a day with Argentine cowboys on a Gaucho Ranch, and fun tours of the most iconic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires including La Recoleta, La Boca, San Telmo, and Palermo. Immerse yourself in cultural activities including an Argentine cooking class, tango class, and tango performance. Contribute the local community, learn about yourself, and make connections to last a lifetime! This is a great program for high school students looking to complete their community service hours. A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.