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Volunteer Programs in South America

Individuals looking to volunteer abroad in South America will find no shortage of opportunities. From local villages in Peru to the poverty stricken favelas in Buenos Aires, in large cities and rural areas alike, international volunteering is in high demand. If you’re looking to truly make a difference, this region will allow you to conduct volunteer work in all types of projects. Not only is South America one of the most affordable places to volunteer abroad, it’s also arguably one of the most beautiful. Those who volunteer in South America can explore the Amazon rainforest, trek the Andes, hit the Argentine ski slopes, or sunbathe in sunny Rio de Janeiro in their free time.

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One of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

April 18, 2025by: Kellie Butterworth - United StatesProgram: World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I participated in the IVHQ Sea Turtle Nesting Program on Isabela Island from March 31 to April 15, 2025, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. This program combines practical conservation efforts with cultural immersion in one of the most ecologically unique places on earth. Our daily tasks included monitoring sea turtle nests, searching for nesting turtles, collecting scientific data, cleaning up beach debris, and removing invasive plant species that threaten the nesting areas. I worked alongside a wonderful group of international volunteers, knowledgeable local staff, and a park ranger from the Galápagos National Park. The collaborative environment made every day engaging and educational. Scientific Discovery in Action. One of the most emotional and memorable moments came during a nest excavation. As we carefully unearthed the nest, we discovered a single hatchling still making its way out. Watching that tiny turtle begin its journey to the ocean was breathtaking—and witnessing how the scientific data was gathered during the process made the moment even more powerful. The accommodations exceeded my expectations. Staying with a local host family not only gave me a comfortable and welcoming home base but also offered a rich introduction to Ecuadorian culture and daily life. They were incredibly helpful, and the food was fantastic. Eye-Opening Environmental Realities, one of the more surprising aspects of the experience was the amount of trash we encountered on the beaches during our morning patrols. Even though the beach looked clean at first glance, the tides brought in a constant stream of microplastics and debris. It was a stark reminder of the global scope of marine pollution. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone passionate about marine conservation, sustainability, or environmental science. It’s also ideal for those seeking an adventure that blends purpose with exploration. The Galápagos Islands are a natural wonder, and this program offers a hands-on way to help protect them while learning from dedicated professionals and making lifelong memories.

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in South America

Locations

Almost all the nations of South America offer multiple opportunities to volunteer abroad, including those not listed below, however the following tend to have the most prevalent and wide-ranging program options.

Peru – Located on the northwest coast of the continent, Peru is bordered by five countries and home to Incan ruins, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Its chief industries are mining, manufacturing, fishing, and agriculture. Volunteer work in Peru is common in urban centers like Lima and Cusco, with volunteer opportunities in education, medicine and community development, or choose a more rural experience volunteering with indigenous peoples high in the Andes. With several National Parks, Peru is also a great place to help volunteer in conservation and wildlife. 

Argentina – This country makes up the southeast tip of the Americas, home to world-renowned regions like Chaco and Patagonia. Cities like Buenos Aires and Cordoba offer many volunteer programs in community development, medicine, working with at-risk youth, the homeless, orphans, and the elderly. Volunteers can also find opportunities for volunteer work in conservation, farming and agriculture, and ecotourism.

Brazil – As the region’s largest country in terms of population, metropolises like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo struggle with inner city poverty and have a high need for volunteer projects focused on community development, education, and construction and renovation. These large cultural centers offer more volunteer opportunities in the arts too, like music, dance, and photography. Outside the cities, in the vast Amazon basin, are some of the best volunteer programs in Brazil, specifically in conservation and wildlife biology.

Chile – This long strip of land on the southwestern coast of the continent is full of National Parks and volunteer opportunities in agriculture, sustainable living, ecotourism, summer camps, and trail maintenance. With such a long coastline, Chile is a particularly great location for marine conservation and biology. Popular cities for volunteering in Chile include Santiago, Vina del Mar, and La Serena.

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