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
Biodiversity Research Institute
Sept-Dec: Learn about Eco-Conservation with a Group of Volunteers in Brazil!
Iporanga, Brazil.
September 10 - December 3, 2018
Learn about biodiversity and eco-conservation with a group of volunteers in Brazil! This includes wild animal inventory, tree inventory, grounds maintenance, and more.
Featured Non-Profits
7Elements Peru
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting volunteers to those in need in order to help them overcome challenges and develop meaningful relationships.
6 ReviewsETIV do Brasil
ETIV do Brasil gives volunteers and interns the chance to gain hands on experience working with an international development NGO while also exploring beautiful Itacaré; where the tropical rainforest (Mata Atlántica) meets the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful jungles, beaches, waterfalls, coconut trees and wildlife abound.
3 ReviewsPeru Vivential
We are a small non-profit organization located in the low income district of La Esperanza in Trujillo, Peru. Currently, we have two projects running: teaching English to some of the poorest children in Trujillo and assisting at a dog shelter for rescued street dogs.
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!