Volunteer Opportunities in South America
If you are thinking about volunteering abroad in South America, we say go for it! GivingWay offers 100s of non-profit organizations to choose from, spectacular nature, incredible cultures, and considerably low travel and living expenses. Throughout your research you’ll come across countless non-profits and social initiatives operating across South America - from Rio De Janeiro’s favelas to small villages in rural Peru. This means that the setting of your volunteer work will be just as diverse as the causes and operations you’ll come across. This also means that with the right preparation, you can find exactly the volunteer opportunity that you’re looking for. Volunteer opportunities include wild animal rescue, animal rehabilitation, literacy, art education, health care, and more.Volunteer Abroad with Local Non-Profits
Featured Non-Profits
Rescue Center for Wild Animals Valle Alto
The center receives wild animals caught by the police and the environment ministry as pets. We work on their rehabilitation to bring them back to the wild.
5 ReviewsThe Light and Leadership Initiative
We are a close-knit family of volunteers working with the community of Huaycan, Peru to provide empowering educational classes and workshops to women and children.
3 ReviewsBiblioworks
BiblioWorks is a sustainable nonprofit that promotes literacy and education in Bolivia.
3 ReviewsHow to Volunteer in South America
How to find volunteer opportunities in South America
Ever thought you’d be assisting research at Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, teaching children at Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, or building a greenhouse in Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni? Unless you are a very specific dreamer, you’re volunteering fantasy probably never went that far.But choosing a volunteering destination in South America starts from considering the settings you’re drawn to the most - urban or rural, mountain or valley, snowy or sunny. Each country and area have their own character. So go further than Peru, Argentina, Chile or Brazil and don’t hesitate to look for just the right place.
Best time to volunteer in South America
South America has steep differences in altitude which makes its atmosphere change dramatically between areas. This means that there is no single best time to visit and volunteer in South America in general, rather, to find the best location-weather combinations. You’ll find the Galapagos best in June and Patagonia from November through February. Being near the equator, Peru is a popular volunteering destination whole year long - being mild both during winter and summertime.
Essential information about South America
Flights might be expensive and trains operate mainly in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. If you're planning to volunteer in South America, it's best to book flights between countries in advance. Visas are usually required - so make sure your passport is valid!