13 Best Volunteer Programs in South America

From the spectacular islands of the Galapagos to the colored mountains of Humahuaca, Argentina, South America has a magical quality that draws visitors from all over the world. The countries of South America are as diverse as they are beautiful, the cultures and languages interesting and exotic to many.

While tourism and vast natural resources benefit economies across the continent, they are also at the core of many of the issues facing South American people and nations. The best volunteer programs in South America allow you to make a positive impact on local issues, all while exploring places and topics that interest you.

Volunteers are needed in many areas of work, including conservation, human rights, healthcare, youth development, and women’s empowerment. Volunteer projects in South America are impactful—you’ll be making a difference while experiencing an incredible part of the world.

13 best volunteer programs in South America

1. Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos with Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

• Why? Demonstrate your passion for animal conservation at this unique center for tortoise breeding. You’ll work with the endangered species while living with a carefully selected host family. IOI also provides visas, work permits, and inter-island transportation!
• Where? Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
• Cause? Animal welfare and conservation
• Read Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) reviews

2. Medical Placements with Volunteering Journeys

• Why? Gain experience in your field while immersing yourself in a new culture. You’ll gain insight into a different healthcare system and get hands-on experience while learning a new language. You’ll get support and guidance from local medical professionals from whom you’ll learn a lot!
• Where? Cusco, Peru
• Cause? Healthcare
• Read Volunteering Journeys reviews

3. Volunteer in Ecuador with World Endeavors

• Why? Ecuador is home to volcanos, natural spa springs, and other natural wonders. Explore the local historical sites and museums while practicing your Spanish language skills. You’ll make many friends while teaching children, helping at an orphanage, working in special education or deaf education, or aiding wildlife conservation efforts.
• Where? Quito, Ecuador
• Cause? Community development, special education, and more
• Read World Endeavors reviews

4. Global Service Learning Program with Bright Light Volunteers

• Why? This global service learning program is a volunteer abroad experience for middle and high school students unlike any other. Live with a local family and learn what daily life is like in your host country. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of global issues and become a true global citizen with Bright Light Volunteers.
• Where? Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru
• Cause? Economic development, social work, and more
• Read Bright Light Volunteers reviews

5. NEW Women’s Empowerment Volunteering In Peru with GVI

• Why? Peru is a developing country, and women’s empowerment programs are extremely important. While in the capital city of Lima, you’ll receive skills-based training, which will be a great addition to your resume. You’ll also be making a positive difference in the community, facilitating hands-on activities about women’s rights, healthcare, literacy, and professional development and improving the lives of women and girls.
• Where? Lima, Peru
• Cause? Gender issues
• Read GVI reviews

6. Care for Children in Orphanages + Weekly Travel Adventures with Orphanage Support Services Organization

• Why? Use your childcare skills to plan activities and show emotional support to children in Ecuador! While basic needs in orphanages are met by full time staff, volunteers are needed to give individualized attention to the kids. In your free time, go on adventures like horseback riding in the Andes Mountains, ziplining through the jungle, exploring off-the-beaten path waterfalls, visiting Incan Ruins, and more!
• Where? Cuenca, Ecuador
• Cause? Childcare and children
• Read Orphanage Support Services Organization reviews

7. From Volunteer to Community Member - Start your own project with Eco Caminhos

• Why? At Eco Caminhos, an eco farm in the majestic mountains of Nova Friburgo, you’ll start your own project related to bio-construction, agroforestry, and organic farming. If you’re passionate about eco-tourism, sustainability, and nature, this is the program for you! This long-term volunteering opportunity is rewarding and beneficial to the environment.
• Where? Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Cause? Community centers, organic farming, eco-tourism, and more
• Read Eco Caminhos reviews

8. Wildlife Rescue Center – Florianópolis with Brazilian Experience

• Why? At this wildlife rescue center, you’ll gain experience caring for and rehabilitating rescued animals. You’ll get to explore the beauty of Florianopolis beaches, forests, and lagoons while improving the wildlife situation in Brazil. You may even pick up a bit of Portuguese volunteering in South America!
• Where? Florianopolis, Brazil
• Cause? Animal welfare and wildlife
• Read Brazilian Experience reviews

9. Volunteer at Centers for At-Risk Children in Buenos Aires with ELI Abroad

• Why? Buenos Aires is an exciting, cosmopolitan city referred to as the “Paris of South America.” While the city is vibrant, much of the population suffers from poverty, resulting in many at-risk youth. Learn Spanish while being a positive role model to children and youth!
• Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Cause? Childcare and children, sports, education
• Read ELI Abroad reviews

10. Iracambi: Regenerating the Brazilian Rainforest by Iracambi Rainforest 

• Why? There’s no better place to learn about conservation than the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The area has long suffered from deforestation, and your efforts will go a long way in restoring degraded soils, producing healthy food free of chemicals, and raising local incomes. You could also participate in research around medicinal plants and creating natural products. Responsibly enjoy the forest itself by relaxing in a hammock, going swimming, or taking a nature walk!
• Where? Rosario da Limeira, Brazil
• Cause? Reforestation
• Read Iracambi Rainforest reviews

11. Teaching English - Volunteer in Peru and Learn Spanish with Peru Volunteer

• Why? Peruvian students are in need of English instructors—and you could be a great fit! As a native English speaker, you can offer your students skills that will lead to a better future. You’ll have a large impact by working with a small organization.
• Where? Cusco, Peru
• Cause? English teaching
• Read Peru Volunteer reviews

12. Childcare Center for Sex Workers - Programa Simon with Minga House Foundation

• Why? The mission of this program is to provide high-quality child care to children of sex workers—it’s one of the only programs of this kind in the area! You’ll make strides in your career with experience in fields like education, social work, and healthcare. You’ll leave the program with proficiency in Spanish, tales of beautiful towns in the heart of the coffee region of Colombia, and a feeling of achievement based on the meaningful work you’ll be doing.
• Where? Manizales, Colombia
• Cause? Childcare and children
• Read Minga House Foundation reviews

13. Traditional Plant Medicine, Herbalism, and Ethnobotany with Amazon Learning

• Why? Have you dreamed of an expedition to the Amazon? This once-in-a-lifetime experience will teach you about Amazonian herbalism and traditional medicine and farming practices. You’ll get hands-on training in making salves and tinctures while collaborating on projects that will educate the public about indigenous, traditional medicine. If you’re interested in health clinic, hospital, or governmental health organization work, this is an incredible program in South America.
• Where? Tena, Ecuador
• Cause? Environment, health, and medicine
• Read Amazon Learning reviews

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How to pick a volunteer program in South America

Whether you’re teaching kids or doing environmental work, look for volunteer opportunities in South America that focus on ethical practices.

There are a few very important things to consider when choosing volunteer projects in South America:

• Pre-departure preparation: Many program providers will offer support prior to your departure and during your volunteer work abroad. This could include visa application help and guidance on things like budgeting, housing, safety, and what to pack for your journey! You’ll want to choose a volunteer program where you feel well supported so you can concentrate on your experience abroad.
• Ethical practices: There are organizations that take advantage of international volunteers and that don’t offer positive impact to local communities. Make sure you research the program, mission, and organization you will be volunteering with, keeping in mind what makes a project sustainable and meaningful. You don’t want to be a “voluntourist” who contributes to the problems facing a community. Responsible volunteer vacations in South America are possible with the right program providers.
• Accommodation: Depending on the country and program, accommodation options when you volunteer in South America vary. From living with a host family to bunking up with other international volunteers, you’ll want to make sure to choose a program that fits your housing needs and budget.
• Fees: Be cautious of hidden fees and fees that may not be included in the listed program cost. In many cases, you’ll be responsible for travel in addition to program fees, potentially room and board, and any incidental costs as well. Volunteering can be a more affordable way to explore, but the overall cost will depend on the length and location of your program.
• Cost of living: Certain countries are more affordable to live in than others, and this is also the case when it comes to volunteer opportunities in South America. You could save a lot on groceries while paying considerable housing expenses, or vice versa. Your program provider should be able to provide an idea of how much you can expect to spend per week based on program and location.

A bit of research, evaluation, and communication with a few different program providers should provide enough insight to select from the best volunteer programs in South America.

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Volunteer projects in South America are waiting for your help!

The Galapagos Islands (or maybe Peru, Brazil, and beyond) are calling. Where will you volunteer?

The best volunteer programs in South America are sustainable, transparent, and work in partnership with local communities. As a volunteer abroad, you’ll be providing needed help while expanding your own worldview.

With the number of volunteer programs available in South America, you’re sure to find one that fits your interests and skill set! The best part? You’ll discover new and exciting places, full of life, music, and friendships that will stay with you long after your program has ended.