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 Conservatio

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 Healthca

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rul

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy m

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

We need your help! Join Let’s Go Volunteer in the beautiful community of Ibagué, Colombia. We are a small organization, with almost everyone on our staff a volunteer. We count on these passionate individuals to continue supporting the less fortunate, as we can't afford to hire and pay many staff mem

This incredible environmental project places volunteers in the magnificent Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. They have the unique opportunity to work out of a biological station in the reserve and take on tasks that help preserve this amazing tropical forest for future generations. The program aims to restor

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 a

Join our Architecture Internship in the Ecuadorian Andes, where you'll engage in hands-on projects that blend traditional building methods with modern sustainability practices. Discover vernacular architecture techniques and materials to restore neglected buildings and preserve the rich cultural her

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:

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, participan

Eco Caminhos is an international permaculture farm and learning community located in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. For over 12 years, we have been developing regenerative projects focused on bioconstruction, agroforestry, sustainability education,

The Children & Sports Volunteer Program in Bucaramanga offers participants the opportunity to support local community initiatives through education, recreation, and sports activities. Volunteers work with children in underserved neighborhoods, helping to create safe, engaging, and positive environme

Engineering Without Borders Argentina (ISF Argentina) offers international volunteering opportunities focused on community development, humanitarian engineering, and social impact across different regions of the country. Volunteers collaborate with local communities, professionals, and civil society

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med

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 g

Visit Tarija, a tranquil city in southern Bolivia of about 200,000 people. This picturesque region is known as the “Bolivian Andalucia” for its vineyards and Spanish cultural influence. Tarija offers universal health insurance, which can create high demand for services and strains on the system due

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 wh

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 sk

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clea

Build your skills through a service-learning experience in Valparaíso, Chile’s vibrant coastal city known for its colorful hillsides, historic harbor, and rich cultural heritage. Partner with a local organization while exploring nearby Viña del Mar and reflecting on your experiences through a guided

The program focuses on leveraging childhood as the optimal stage for foreign language acquisition, addressing the global importance of English. This English as a Foreign Language program in public schools is designed to strengthen the four core communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and

Spend a semester or academic year in the charismatic, sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 22 credits through either a Latin America Studies Program, an Immersion Program, or a Certificate in Latin America Studies Program at the University of Belgrano. C

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

Stand in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains, connect with warm-hearted indigenous peoples and their culture, and take a selfie with a llama! Peru offers the opportunity to trek majestic trails, explore ancient ruins, visit rural villages, and engage in meaningful community service and genui

Peru Service is one of our most spectacular trips for teens finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It offers the opportunity to perform meaningful service helping the local communities of Misminay and Urubamba while exploring the most iconic sites of this South American gem! Your rewarding days of ser

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 la

Venezuela sin Límites has built alliances for social transformation, connecting volunteers with a nationwide network of NGOs working in Venezuela's most underserved communities. After the twin earthquakes of June 24, 2026, — that work has shifted toward long-term recovery. Right now, Venezuela sin

Join the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon (ASA) at Finca Las Piedras, a biological research station in the Peruvian Amazon. Work alongside researchers and conservationists while contributing to biological research, reforestation, and wildlife surveys. Live and work in a field station in one of the

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

Travel from Ecuador’s Andean highlands to the Galápagos Islands on this immersive high school service adventure. Settle into a longtime Putney partner community to collaborate on construction, water-access, and agricultural projects shaped by local priorities. Spend afternoons practicing Spanish, vi

Imagine staying on a coffee farm, surrounded by amazing views and wonderful people. Expect just that (and more!) by volunteering at Avalon Farm on a program that combines community service, adventure, and educational tourism. This is an ideal opportunity for retirees seeking new experiences in a tra

Launch your career in marine science with a Marine and Coastal Conservation Management Internship in the Galapagos Islands with Intern Abroad HQ. Designed for students and graduates in biology, oceanography, and environmental science, this program offers immersive field experience in one of the worl

Jump into a hands-on adventure in veterinary medicine and animal care in Córdoba, Argentina! Make a real difference for domestic animals who’ve been neglected, abandoned, or mistreated. You’ll split your time between a local dog shelter and a veterinary clinic, gaining diverse experience in animal

Our program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to food security in Bolivia. If you speak at least basic Spanish and want to be actively involved in a meaningful job while also exploring Bolivia, this volunteering program is for you! As a volunteer, you will work with a local food bank in the

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 cha

Calling all ecologists and biologists! Here's a fantastic chance to obtain research experience, practice methods of environmental data collection, and even get work published. Venture to the Cocoa Coast in Bahia, Brazil, and monitor populations of the mangrove tree. You’ll monitor the regions. The

Get your kids involved in projects that contribute to the greater good through this volunteer program in Ecuador! Our ecotourism program allows your entire family to enjoy living in a tight-knit community while supporting conservation projects centered on environmental preservation in a misty cloud

Through World Internships, IGS presents students from around the world a great opportunity for personal and professional growth abroad. Choose from a range of placements in the fields of Human Rights and Social Work in beautiful Ecuador. You will take on some of the most meaningful work with a non-g

Embark on an adventure that will change lives—yours and those of the people you teach. Immerse yourself in the heart of Buenos Aires! Join our Volunteer Teaching Program and make a lasting impact while gaining invaluable work experience. Our program, hosted by TEFL in Buenos Aires, offers a unique

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 com

Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation p

Visit colorful Argentina! CHI helps realize your dream travel, allowing you to experience the real way of life in Argentina. Live with a host family and teach them English. In exchange, you will receive a private room, three meals a day, and friendships that will last a lifetime! CHI works with t

Peru is one of United Planet’s most popular volunteer destinations. Join participants from around the globe for 1-12 weeks in this diverse nation with friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient ruins. Discover a society that is as complex as the handwoven tapestries you find in the market

Apply medical theories you have learned in school and gain hands-on experience by volunteering at a clinic or hospital in Peru. This program, offered by Vive Peru, involves collaborating and working alongside local medical staff, helping you learn first-hand about local healthcare systems. You will

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best w

Volunteer at a dog rescue center in the magnificent city of Cusco in Peru with Globalteer. Participants work directly with the dogs at the rescue center, preparing their food, walking them, socializing with them, and training them. Many of the dogs at the center previously lived on the streets and s

'Quilla', pronounced 'Kiya', is the Quechuan word for moon—the symbol of a new beginning. Kiya Survivors aims to give just that. Through education, therapy, love, and laughter, we encourage new beginnings for children with disabilities or learning difficulties and living below the poverty line, fro

Immerse yourself in authentic Afro-Brazilian culture with our extraordinary program in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, from May 23 to June 1, 2025. We'll explore this World UNESCO Heritage Site, the city Brazilians call "the heartbeat of Brazil," and experience the countryside. Understanding the complex

The Galápagos Islands are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure. By participating in our programs, you’ll go beyond tourism to immerse yourself in daily life within this legendary biodiversity hotspot. Work alongside local experts to meet real needs in the community while waking up

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

Ecuador is one of South America’s greatest undiscovered countries. With a friendly and welcoming culture, beautiful food and incredible environmental diversity, it is the most wonderful place to visit for those looking for something off the beaten track. Volunteer in a beautiful sanctuary located

The Jaguar Project, located in Campina Grande do Sul (Brazil), aims to protect and restore threatened native Brazilian species by reintroducing them to nature and ensuring a healthy environment for them to live freely. Volunteers participate in daily activities to keep the animals fed and living in

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will t

Volunteer abroad in Cusco, the enchanting ‘belly button’ of the Inca civilization and the main doorway to Machu Picchu - one of the world’s greatest wonders. With its narrow, cobblestone streets, Inca stonework, and women in ancient dress, you will forget you are living in the 21st century. But the

Join a life-changing Volunteer Build Week with Global Impact Homes and help construct homes for those in need. We currently offer Impact Builds in several destinations, including Puducherry, India; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Granada, Nicaragua; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a volunteer, you’ll participa

Looking to volunteer abroad with underprivileged children? If so, then the ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs offer you the opportunity to work with children who have lost their parents, been abandoned, or have no one to love and care for them. Our Orphanage Volunteer program in South America pr

Based in Colombia and Italy, our mission is to connect people from all around the world through volunteering (organizing free activities for children and the elderly, providing food to people in need). You'll get to know new ways of living, and the experience includes tours around the country. Get

Join the Multilingual School of Cusco and become part of an educational movement dedicated to expanding opportunities for children through bilingual education. As the first English-speaking kindergarten, our mission is to help break cycles of inequality by providing high-quality early childhood educ

Do you want to contribute to the research of the Amazon rainforest and learn about the rich flora and fauna of the Peruvian rainforest? Become part of an international research team of students, interns, and volunteers and support the protection and conservation of the rainforest through monitorin

Share a welcoming, bilingual home with fellow travellers while you teach, create, or explore Rio de Janeiro. No need to be fluent in English or Portuguese—just a little of either helps. Our main program: Join the Escola Casa do Mar English Teaching Program and support free English classes for 120 s

Volunteer in Peru with A Broader View Volunteers, a highly rated non-profit charity organization. Our placements are based in the Inca city of Cusco, Peru, and you may choose from 20 program options available. In recent years, Peru has experienced a rise in tourism, providing some economic relief.

Cusco, Peru – easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers of the world - is also home to immense scenic beauty, biodiversity, and incredible culture. Bordering the Pacific Coast, Andes & Amazon, Peru is an ancient land with one of the richest collections of historic artifacts known to man.

The Ceiba Foundation offers a variety of internships in conservation, research, education, and community development. These internships are a great way to combine your academic background with hands-on field experience. Broaden your horizons and gain valuable experience as you lend a hand to the Cei

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 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 defin

Step into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon with the Los Amigos Volunteer Program, an immersive experience at one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Volunteers join a vibrant conservation community, gaining hands-on skills while contributing to meaningful science. Activities range from wildlif

Trade the ordinary for the extraordinary. Based in Urubamba in Peru's stunning Sacred Valley, just an hour from Cusco, this 2 to 4-week community impact experience puts you at the heart of real change. You will design and deliver hands-on workshops centred around conversational English, STEAM, and c

The HELP Literacy Coordinator is one of OCN’s four Project Coordinator roles. You will plan and deliver weekly reading and writing classes for children at the REC in Cerrito de la Virgen, helping them strengthen their Spanish literacy. You will also brief and guide a small team of volunteers. As a

We are looking for passionate volunteers to join our ongoing research projects. Working with our Director of Ecological Research, the volunteer will practice research skills and such as taking samples, observing and identifying species, and using camera traps. Projects change seasonally, so please c

Speaking English in Peru is very important due to the good job opportunities it provides to locals. However, many students cannot afford to study another language, especially children. Therefore, our Teaching English program is very important because it gives those who would not normally be able to

Contribute to social missions in the fishing village of La Boquilla in Cartagena, Colombia. Join volunteer projects that address extreme poverty in local communities, choosing from the following areas: - Music workshops - Coconut and product manufacturing workshops - Community work - Animal shelter

Gain real-world experience as a first responder through a hands-on internship or volunteer placement in Emergency Medical Services with Minga House Foundation. Train under the supervision of experienced paramedics and healthcare professionals while developing essential skills in fast-paced, high-pre

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 yo

Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates and rainforest ecology in the Amazon. Then get ready to explore the Galápagos, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, on this 20-day adventure for high school students 16 and up. Tropical ecosystems exhibit an amazin

Improve Spanish fluency while volunteering in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants will be grouped based on their current level of Spanish and will spend 20 hours of lessons per week. With only a maximum of five students per class, the program enables the students to be in a calm and relaxed enviro

As a volunteer at Amazon Shelter, you’ll be immersed in every part of our vital conservation work. From preparing specialized diets and feeding the animals to enriching their enclosures, collecting fresh leaves for our Howler monkeys, cleaning habitats, and assisting with repairs and maintenance, yo

La Isla de los Monos is a sanctuary and rescue center located 30 km from Iquitos, Peru, in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Our 450-hectare island focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing New World monkeys. As a volunteer, you'll live on the island for a minimum stay of one week, with ac

Colitas Con Canas, located in Ahunamarca above Urubamba in Peru's Sacred Valley, invites volunteers to help care for rescued animals. At our shelter, you will work with local and international volunteers, providing care and affection to our rescued dogs. This is a chance to make a real difference in

Looking for a volunteer adventure that combines animal care with stunning beaches? Our program in Colán, Peru, might be your perfect match! Located in a charming beach town on the north coast, our animal shelter provides a loving and safe haven for rescued cats and dogs. This volunteer program is