Volunteer in South America
Volunteer Work in South America
South America is the continent of superlatives: the largest rainforest, the longest river, the highest mountain range outside Asia — plus islands, dream beaches, deserts, ice landscapes, and countless cultural sites such as Machu Picchu. If volunteering in South America has been on your bucket list for a while, this guide gives you a solid overview of countries, project types, seasons, costs, safety, and how to apply.
🌎 Best countries for volunteering in South America (2026)
From the Andes across the Amazon to the Atlantic: these countries and cities are the most common starting points for volunteering — each destination is linked once only for clean internal navigation:
- Argentina — incl. Buenos Aires (education & community, agriculture; Patagonia is seasonal)
- Brazil — coastal projects, cities like Rio de Janeiro, Amazon Rainforest
- Peru — Andes & rainforest, incl. Cusco (education, health, conservation)
- Chile — Atacama, Central Chile & Patagonia (environment, community, education)
- Colombia — Caribbean/Andes/Amazon (community, education, environment)
- Ecuador — Andes, rainforest & Galápagos (marine & wildlife)
- Bolivia — Yungas/Andes/Amazon (health, community, conservation)
- Paraguay — cities & rural regions (community, education)
🤸🏽 Program types: wildlife, marine, education, health & community
Volunteering in South America is diverse. Whether you’re into wildlife conservation, marine conservation, teaching English, healthcare projects, community & social work, or environmental protection, you’ll find a program that fits. Also popular: volunteering with animals, rainforest & reforestation projects, and women’s empowerment.
📅 Best time to volunteer in South America — by country & region
Seasonal windows affect wildlife visibility, logistics (rainy season), and school calendars. Use this overview as a guide and check project-specific calendars before you book.
| Country/Region | Hotspots | Best time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Rio, North/Northeast coast, Amazon | Amazon: May–Sep; Coast: Dec–Mar | Dry season = easier rainforest travel; some marine projects are seasonal. |
| Peru | Cusco/Andes, Amazon | Andes: May–Sep (dry) | Best for Andean/community projects; rainforest conditions vary. |
| Argentina | Buenos Aires, Patagonia | Oct–Apr; Patagonia: Dec–Mar | Summer is best for outdoor work; cities operate year-round. |
| Chile | Atacama, Central Chile, Patagonia | Oct–Apr | Huge north–south climate range; pick projects by region. |
| Colombia | Caribbean, Andes, Amazon | Dec–Mar; Jul–Sep | Caribbean is drier in winter; city/community projects often year-round. |
| Ecuador | Andes, rainforest, Galápagos | Andes: Jun–Sep; Galápagos: wildlife-cycle dependent | Galápagos programs follow marine/wildlife windows. |
| Bolivia | Yungas, Andes, Amazon | May–Oct | Dry months aid outreach at altitude. |
| Paraguay | Asunción, rural communities | Apr–Nov | Summer is very hot/humid; community/education often year-round. |
Note: City-based programs (education, community, health) often run year-round; marine/wildlife programs are typically seasonal.
🧭 Tasks, duration & budget — project comparison
| Project type | Typical tasks | Ideal duration | Budget/day* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife | Feeding, monitoring, enclosure care, data entry | 4–12+ weeks | €35–70 | Outdoor fitness; animal experience helps |
| Marine conservation | Beach patrols, turtles, coastal/reef monitoring | 4–12+ weeks | €40–90 | Water confident; dive cert sometimes required |
| Education & teaching | English/IT/Maths, homework support, after-school | 6–12 weeks | €25–50 | English B2; TEFL useful |
| Healthcare (supervised) | Health education, triage/logistics, assistance | 6–12+ weeks | €35–70 | Related studies/experience; up-to-date vaccinations |
| Community & social | Workshops, women’s empowerment, construction/renovation | 4–12 weeks | €25–55 | Team players; basic Spanish helps |
| Environment & reforestation | Nursery work, planting, invasive-species control | 4–12 weeks | €25–55 | Outdoor-ready; onsite training provided |
*Guidance only; excludes flights, visas, insurance, vaccinations.
💸 Costs, budgeting & funding
Expect ~€25–90 per day depending on country/project (accommodation, meals, coordination). Extras: flights, visas, vaccinations, insurance, local transport. Longer stays (6–12 weeks) often lower the daily rate. Plan a weekend buffer (e.g., national parks, cultural sites).
- Budget tip: book flights early, keep dates flexible, leverage multi-week discounts.
- Funding: uni scholarships/micro-grants, crowdfunding with a transparent cost plan, in-kind donations (edu/medical kits) by agreement.
- Insurance: international health, liability, accident and optionally trip cancellation.
✈️ Visas & language: what to know
In most South American countries a tourist visa on arrival is sufficient (typically 30–90 days, extendable). Longer placements or specific activities (e.g., clinical roles) may require a special visa — check early with the embassy and your project.
Language: English suffices for many programs, especially in international settings. Basic Spanish (A2–B1) is a game-changer: it eases daily life, deepens community ties, and boosts your impact. Many providers offer local language courses. Plenty of volunteers include their placement in a South America gap year.
💰 Cost comparison by country (indicative)
| Country | Avg. cost/day* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina (Buenos Aires, Patagonia) | €30–60 | Affordable stays, extensive bus network |
| Brazil (Rio, Amazon) | €40–80 | Higher living costs in coastal cities |
| Peru (Cusco, Amazon) | €25–55 | Andes cheaper; rainforest a bit higher |
| Chile (Atacama, Patagonia) | €35–70 | Santiago & Patagonia pricier; north cheaper |
| Colombia (Andes, Amazon) | €25–60 | Inland good value; coast moderate |
| Ecuador (Galápagos) | €30–65 | Galápagos programs often carry a surcharge |
| Bolivia (Andes, Amazon) | €25–45 | One of the most affordable |
| Paraguay | €25–50 | Very budget-friendly, less touristy |
*includes accommodation & meals; excludes flight/visa/insurance
🧾 How to start: application & timeline
- Check the match: country/project vs. season, tasks & requirements (e.g., reforestation during the dry season).
- Prep documents: CV, language level (English/Spanish), possible background/health certificates; align expectations with the organization.
- Lock travel: flights, insurance, visa; confirm accommodation/pick-up; finalize budget & weekly plan.
📝 Requirements & suitability
- Usually 18+ (sometimes 16 with consent)
- English required (Spanish helpful depending on project)
- Motivation, teamwork, outdoor readiness as needed
- Potential background & medical docs, vaccination status (project-specific)
✨ TL;DR — 5 key points
- Top destinations: Argentina, Brazil (incl. Amazon), Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador (Galápagos), Bolivia, Paraguay.
- Program types: wildlife, marine, education, health, community, environment.
- Best times: Andes/Patagonia mostly Oct–Apr; Andean dry season May–Sep; Amazon May–Sep; marine/wildlife are seasonal.
- Budget: ~€25–90/day excl. flight/visa/vaccines/insurance; 6–12 weeks = more impact & often lower per-day cost.
- Start: check requirements, plan documents & vaccines, confirm project calendar, travel safely.
📌 Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should I plan for volunteering in South America?
6–12 weeks are recommended for better onboarding, more impact, and often lower daily rates. Short programs (2–4 weeks) are possible for a first taste.
Do I need Spanish for volunteering in South America?
English is enough for many international programs, especially in environmental or marine work. For community and education projects, basic Spanish (A2–B1) helps a lot. Many providers offer courses on site.
Which vaccinations are recommended for volunteering in South America?
Commonly recommended by country: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus; in some regions Yellow Fever and malaria prophylaxis. Book a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.
How do I find reputable organizations for volunteering in South America?
Look for transparent costs, clear role descriptions, authentic reviews, and child safeguarding policies. Prefer projects with defined roles and robust safeguarding.
What does volunteering in South America cost in total?
Depending on country and project, ~€25–90/day including accommodation and meals. Extras: flights, visas, vaccines, insurance. Longer stays often reduce the per-day cost.
Can I combine volunteering in South America with travel?
Yes — most programs allow weekend trips. Popular: Machu Picchu (Peru), Iguazú Falls (Argentina/Brazil) or national parks in Chile. Many volunteers combine their project with a road trip.
Am I suitable as a student or working professional?
Absolutely. Many projects target students (e.g., health or education internships). Working professionals can contribute skills in community or environmental projects. Flexible options exist for sabbaticals or gap years.
Are there age limits for volunteering in South America?
Most programs accept volunteers from 18+, some from 16 with consent. No upper limit — 50+ volunteers are welcome.
How do I apply for a project in South America?
Pick your country and program type, check the season, and prepare your documents (CV, any certificates, vaccinations). Align expectations with the organization, then book with secure handling.
Hotspots
Activities
Peru
Cusco
Animal
Monkey Conservation
Wildlife Conservation
Bird Conservation
Environment
Parrot
Ecuador
Conservation Work
Vegan
Intern Abroad
Language Course
Reptile Conservation
Amazon Rainforest
Capuchin Monkey
Community
Sea Turtle Conservation
Spanish Courses
Tortoise Conservation
Animal Shelter
Galapagos
Sloth Sanctuary
Ecological Farming
Waste Reduction
Brazil
Reforestation
Archaeology Internship
Planting Trees
Yoga
National Park
Green Sea Turtle
Education
Common Warthog
Crocodile
Premium
Dog
Construction
Howler Monkeys
Marine Life
English Teaching
Childcare
Building Schools
Cats
Leopardus Conservation
Hawksbill Turtle
Ocean Cleaning
Plastic Reduction
Snorkeling
Volleyball
Street Animals
Horse
Giant Tortoise
Ocelot
Squirrel Monkey
Healthcare
Medical Training
Indigenous cultures
Chile
Manatee
Spider Monkey
Toucan
Otter Conservation
Colombia
NGO Support
Iquitos
Physical Therapy Internship
Soccer
Animal Sanctuary
Insect Conservation
Butterfly Conservation
Social Work
Agriculture
Hiking
Giant Otter
Families with small kids
Owl
Quito
Business Development
Salsa Lessons
Music
Giant Anteater
Pediatrics Volunteer
Machu Picchu
Energy and Water
Nursing Internship
Ecological Building
Veterinary Training
Bear Conservation
Sports
Voluntourism
Volunteer and Travel
Macaw
Tamarin
Marmoset
Tapir Conservation
Rio de Janeiro
Jaguar Conservation
Dolphin Conservation
Psychology Internship
Bolivia
Dental Internship
Primary School
Wolf Conservation
Brown Hyena
Grey Wolf
Beach Cleaning
Surfing
NGO Management
Marketing and IT
Olive Ridley Turtle
Argentina
Loggerhead Turtle
Humpback Whale
Whale Conservation
Northern South American Cougar
Photography Internship
Buenos Aires
Human Rights
Scouts
Arequipa
Women Empowerment
Coffee
Culture and Arts
Mangrove
Easter Island
Trujillo
Midwifery Internship
Horse Therapy
Youth Teaching
Paraguay
Whitetip Reef Shark
Shark Conservation
Beehive
Nutrition and Food
Guyana
Orphanage
Eagle
Special Needs
Journalism Internship
Water Buffalo
Lake Titicaca
Caiman
Leatherback Turtle
Primate Conservation