Volunteer Opportunities in South America | GivingWay
Volunteer Opportunities in South America

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


Volunteer in Animal Care

IPBio - Amazon Expedition

Research, Conservation and Education

103 Reviews

Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio)

The Biodiversity Research Institute is a nonprofit NGO that develops biodiversity research and environmental education programs for the purpose of ecological conservation.

103 Reviews

Volunteer in Childcare

Agape Hand

AGAPE HAND is a legally registered nonprofit organization that works for disadvantaged children, the environment, empowerment, culture, education, youth development, job creation and some other projects.

19 Reviews

The 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 Reviews

Volunteer in Conservation Work

FreeWildlifeBrazil Celine

FreeWildlifeBrazil Celine is an animal release center situated in the Atlantic Forest. We combat the hunting, trafficking and illegal capture of wild animals and offer them a chance at freedom!

36 Reviews

Esperanza Verde International

Esperanza Verde is a wildlife rescue center and conservation project based in the Amazon jungle.

9 Reviews

Volunteer in Teaching related activities

Merazonia Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Merazonia is located on 250 acres of Amazon rainforest, near Mera, Ecuador, South America. We combine passion for nature with a professional approach on animal care and release, along with rainforest conservation and research. Volunteers help us in the day to day care of the wildlife.

14 Reviews

ETIV do Brasil

The mission of ETIV is to support development and environmental conservation in Brazil, with a deep focus on youth development.

5 Reviews

How 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!