Tree Planting 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!

Join the Puma Sanctuary Wildlife Reserve program in Argentina for a unique and impactful volunteer experience. This program, set in the picturesque landscapes near Cordoba, offers a chance to contribute to preserving ecosystems and protecting native species, especially pumas. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting a non-profit organization that manages a nature reserve that is home to over 50 extraordinary creatures, including 20 pumas. Engage in activities like environmental research, animal care, habitat restoration, and community outreach. This program is not just about wildlife conservation. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in environmental research, understand animal behavior, and actively take part in restoring natural habitats. Experience the beauty of Argentina while contributing significantly to wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration.

IOI plays a strategic role in supporting the conservation efforts of Isabela’s endemic flora. Volunteers on this project will have the opportunity to assist the Galapagos National Park in operating and maintaining its plant nursery in the highlands. You will be involved in ecological restoration projects in rural and urban areas of Isabela, learn about their ecology, and contribute in a tangible way to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)! Some tasks include: Transplanting seedlings, pruning, and prepping nursery beds Maintaining the irrigation system Assisting in the management of plagues and invasive species Answering questions from tourists or locals visiting the plant nursery This program is an excellent opportunity for participants with ‘green hands,’ experience in landscaping, and an interest in ecological restoration. Support rangers and increase your knowledge of effective ways to cultivate the endemic and threatened Scalesia plant. Learn about Isabela’s endemic flora in an impactful way!

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.

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.

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.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back while immersing yourself in one of Latin America’s most vibrant cities? Connect-123’s volunteer program in Buenos Aires offers opportunities to support local communities while gaining hands-on experience in areas you’re passionate about. Through our extensive network of schools, hospitals, NGOs, and community organizations, we’ll match you with a project that aligns with your skills and interests. Volunteers have contributed to initiatives in education, healthcare, conservation, human rights, microfinance, and community development—and new opportunities are always emerging. Along the way, you’ll improve your Spanish, discover Argentina’s rich culture, and experience the warmth of Buenos Aires firsthand. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, assisting in a clinic, or supporting grassroots organizations, you’ll be making a tangible difference while growing personally and professionally. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing volunteer experience in Buenos Aires begins on your schedule.

Eco Caminhos is an eco farm nestled in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, just a couple of hours from Rio, Brazil. We co-live with people from around the globe while practicing eco-construction, agroforestry, and organic farming under the permaculture philosophy. Our income comes from ecotourism, locally grown organic food, eco-sports, and workshops. We’re seeking highly motivated individuals to join our mission and help build complimentary mini eco-social businesses that exchange knowledge, services, and products. Our long-term volunteering program offers a life-changing opportunity to work in nature—construct your own bioconstruction house, and produce food, energy, and income. You’ll work 40 hours per week during your first 3 months in exchange for knowledge, accommodation, meals, and Wi-Fi, plus enjoy weekly social events and outdoor activities. After this initial phase, if we’re a good fit, you can extend your stay to work on your own income-generating project.

Planet Aid, in collaboration with Richmond Vale Academy (RVA), is seeking passionate and motivated individuals to join the People to People Volunteer Program. This unique 10-month program offers the chance to make a real impact by addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Volunteers are trained to become effective change agents by working hand in hand with local communities to support sustainable development. Qualifications: • 18+ years old • Passionate about change: Ideal for individuals eager to contribute to global development, including poverty alleviation, gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. • Open to learning: Willingness to develop new skills, embrace diverse cultures, and navigate challenging environments. • Flexible and resilient: Ability to adapt to various circumstances and work within a diverse, international team. • No specific background required: Open to individuals from all fields who care deeply about global issues and community development.

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 2026 Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and define their own purpose. After an initial period of training, you will be placed in one of our overseas hubs as a Group Mentor and Project Implementor, you will be supporting our in-country team through coordinating group projects and supporting our project participants on their journey to becoming global citizens. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges and fulfilling experiences, including: 1. Coordinating and delivering impactful project activities with our local partners. 2. Embark on a leadership role as you guide your group of project participants through immersive and exciting cultural activities. 3. Engage your group in reflective discussions and interactive sessions to foster personal growth. 4. Reporting on the progress and success of all international project participants and community development project delivery activities.

This internship offers incredible research experience and the chance to work closely with the flora and fauna of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. You’ll work on the frontline of rainforest conservation with a company dedicated to protecting the Atlantic Rainforest and studying the global biodiversity hotspot to further conservation science. They operate on a number of levels, collaborating with local communities to promote sustainable lifestyles whilst publishing their findings worldwide. Central to their work are the numerous innovative research projects they conduct. That’s where you come in. As an intern, you will help maintain and develop their ongoing projects. There’s a huge choice of projects to get involved in, so the program can be tailored to your interests and expertise. You could specialize in agroforestry, reforestation, medicinal plants, or monitoring ecosystems and wildlife. What’s more, you’ll even get the chance to pitch your own research projects.

This project is perfect for those interested in environmental science and conservation efforts in the stunning Cloud Forest in Ecuador. This family-owned reserve aims to preserve the cloud forest and restore land used for pasture through reforestation and agroforestry efforts. The aim is to create a sustainable forest environment through agriculture and eco-tourism. The program includes a mile-long canopy tour of the reserve, providing a unique bird’s-eye-view of the cloud forest. The local community is included in the reserve’s educational and community-building activities. Volunteers will develop their own environmental conservation knowledge and skills while helping in the socio-environmental development of the local community. If you are studying environmental science or conservation, this project will complement your theoretical learning with practical hands-on experience. This project is geared towards volunteers with a strong background in natural sciences, including biology, ecology, or environmental science. Those with research experience or who have their own independent research projects are especially welcome.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Fall in love with a country brimming with passion, flair, color, music, and dance. Immerse yourself in one of the friendliest cultures on the planet. Join Kagumu’s ground-breaking Jaguar Program in Colombia to widen your knowledge of pressing global issues and learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable world. Program Overview What better place to learn about global issues and become inspired to make a positive difference in the world than South America’s hub of innovation? Once known as the most dangerous place on earth, Medellín now teems with social and environmental projects that have transformed communities and rejuvenated surrounding biodiversity. Engage with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals through dynamic and inspirational classes led by passionate local experts. Then, discover how locals work to solve these Global Goals by visiting and joining activities in these projects. Along with your desire to change the world for the better, develop the soft skills and knowledge to create your own impactful and sustainable project once you return to your country.

We are looking for volunteers and interns with creative teaching ideas, such as playing games, singing, storytelling, acting, etc. The focus should be on developing curiosity about other cultures and experiencing language as a communication tool and part of a culture. You can also organize workshops, such as football matches, arts and crafts, environmental education, and drama. The idea is to connect new language abilities with positive emotions. Our organization provides free English and German lessons for children, teenagers, and adults. Therefore, everybody can participate in our community. We combine language lessons with environmental education, believing it helps the younger generations have better life opportunities. We deliver the Teaching Program with our Kids Explorer Program, a holistic approach focusing on environmental education and the social integration of local kids. On weekdays, you can lead workshops and teach ways to save the environment, and then on weekends, you can take the kids (together with staff members) on fun activities in the rainforest.

Ready for the ultimate jungle adventure? Join our conservation project in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live in one of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots, working alongside top biologists to protect endangered species. Whether you’re an aspiring scientist or a thrill-seeker, you’ll unlock your potential by gaining hands-on experience in a research center recognized globally for its impact. You’ll play a vital role in our rescue and release program, helping rehabilitate animals like scarlet macaws and monkeys confiscated from illegal trade. From patrolling riverbanks to protect turtle eggs from poachers to conducting bird censuses from a canopy platform high above the forest floor, your work directly contributes to international research You don’t need previous experience to join. You’ll be supervised by experts, and our staff are always available to provide guidance and advice. The project runs all year round, so you can join whenever it suits your schedule. The minimum duration is one week, but we recommend staying longer to have an even greater impact!

CAYE is a registered youth charitable organization in Mzuzu, Malawi. Established in 2014, CAYE works in the Northern Region and parts of the Central Region to empower young people, women, and small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development. CAYE focuses on youth empowerment, agriculture, environment and climate change, health, and education. The organization supports smart agriculture and value chain development to increase food security, create jobs, and raise incomes. It also promotes climate change awareness, environmental protection, and sustainable natural resource management. In health, CAYE improves access to essential services and promotes safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). In education, the organization supports early childhood development and helps youth and women access quality learning and skills training opportunities. CAYE supports over 260 youth through training, mentorship, VSL, cooperative development, and community projects. Through partnerships with government departments, local organizations, and community groups, CAYE is building a productive youth population and a progressive community in Malawi.