How
to Plan an Unforgettable Volunteer
Vacation in Latin America by
Amy E. Robertson
Prepare a turtle hatchery in Costa Rica.
Teach English in Mexico. Build a home in
Brazil. Whether you call it a volunteer vacation,
a service trip, or voluntourism, combining
travel and volunteer work is an increasingly
popular way to see the world.
Volunteer in San Miguel de Allende: Building Houses for Mexican Families by Sandra Kennedy
A volunteer organization founded by expatriates providing essential new free homes for the poor, who also participate in work on the construction. Many families, who previously lived in shanties, have inherited their land through generations due to Mexican laws.
Volunteer
Abroad in Cusco, Peru from US$250 Affordable volunteer opportunities available
in Cusco. Volunteers can participate in Teaching English,
Childcare Projects, Medical Placement, Construction
and Renovation and Jungle Conservation. IVHQ sends
over 5000 volunteer travelers worldwide annually — one
of the world's most popular volunteer placement organizations!
Cost: Program
Fees start from US$250. Dates: Programs start on the 1st
and 3rd Monday of each month. Duration: Volunteers
can volunteer anywhere from one week to six months.
Contact: International Volunteer HQ, PO Box
8273, New Plymouth, NEW ZEALAND.
Tel.: +64 6 758 7949. Email: volunteer@volunteerhq.org Website: www.volunteerhq.org
Featured
Volunteer Programs in Latin America Come experience a cultural immersion while
participating in a volunteer program! ELI partners
with local organizations in throughout Latin America
to match volunteers with local organizations. All
placements are made on an individual basis depending
on the skills and goals of the volunteer, the needs
of the organization, and the length of the program.
Possible volunteer projects include animal rescue,
turtle breeding, at-risk youth, teaching,
adult-education, special needs kids, construction,
environmental conservation and more! ELI can arrange
Spanish classes in conjunction with a project to make
sure participants get the most out of their program!
Dates: Flexible
Dates Cost: Program fees start at $515.
The cost will depend on the country and duration of
the program. Program fees include airport pickup,
accommodation, and meals. Contact: ELI, 1557 Ogden St. #5,
Denver, CO 80218 Tel.: 303-321-8278 Email:info@eliabroad.org Website:www.eliabroad.org
Featured
Volunteering in Argentina — Road2Argentina Road2Argentina partners with many local non-profit organizations, schools, orphanages and community centers in Buenos Aires in order to provide assistance to those in need. These partnerships provide our volunteers the opportunity to involve themselves in meaningful projects and make a difference during their time here in the city. They are also a great way to hone one’s Spanish and see a less touristy side of Buenos Aires.
Volunteers can also join a team of biologists who take care of hurt species of the endangered Andean Condor and be part of an unique conservation program in Buenos Aires.
Dates: Year round with start dates every Monday. Cost: Our programs are affordably priced to fit student budgets. Promotions and discounts available. Please visit our website for up-to-date program costs. Contact: Road2Argentina, Area Tres Coworking, El Salvador 5218, Buenos Aires (CABA), Argentina. Tel.: +1-347-974-3705 (USA); +54-11-5121-1764
(Argentina). Email: info@road2argentina.com Website: www.road2argentina.com
Featured
Wildlife
Experience in Ecuador Interested in helping to rehabilitate the
endangered wildlife, rather than looking at animals
from far away or on TV? This program will give you
exactly what you want. As local experts we offer you
the chance of a lifetime—3 different animal
rescue centers in only 4 weeks! Explore the Amazon
Rainforest, the Andes Highlands and the Coast of Ecuador
while helping in the rescue centers of each region.
This one-of-a-kind program also offers you a one-day
training of animal handling before starting your adventure.
Get involved without emptying your pocket!
Dates: Year
round Contact: Lead Adventures, Juan Leon
Mera 1574 y La Pinta (2nd floor office 2A) Quito -
Ecuador Tel.: US/Canada 1 800 579 3905 or
Ecuador 5 932 254 1633 Email:info@lead-adventures.com. Websites:www.lead-adventures.com
Featured
Connect-123 Volunteer Programs in Buenos Aires, Argentina Connect-123 links you to volunteer projects in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to your interests and skills, in health care, community service, education, and many other fields. Health care projects include working directly with doctors on medical research projects, providing non-medical care to patients, attending ward rounds and helping the nursing staff care for patients. Social work, and education projects include working at a legal advice center, assessing the impact of community-based interventions, helping with public health awareness campaigns, mentoring street children, teaching English, caring for infants and toddlers at orphanages, working with youth regarding issues related to HIV/AIDS, sexuality and adolescence, and helping to build schools and houses for disadvantaged communities. What's included: Finding a volunteer project that specifically meets your needs; arranging secure, high-quality, centrally-located accommodation based on your budget; assisting with local transport and providing advice on public transport routes; airport meet and greet service; a complete preparation and orientation information pack; advice, assistance, and guidance before, during, and after your stay; group-rate discounts; and 24/7 emergency support and assistance.
Dates: Both start dates and durations are flexible. Typical durations range from 1 to 6 months. Cost: Please see website for details. Contact: Connect-123 International Internship and Volunteer Programs USA Tel: (800) 731 6406 (toll free) Email: info@connect-123.com Website: www.connect-123.com/programs/volunteer/buenos-aires-argentina/
Featured
Volunteer in Latin America with API Abroad Volunteering abroad offers a unique opportunity for personal growth while making significant contributions to the local community. Open your heart, lend a hand, and seize the day as you embark on a purpose-filled adventure!
API has developed strong relationships with non-profit organizations, conservation groups, animal rescue centers, alternative education centers, environmental groups, schools, and health clinics abroad. We will work with your skills and preferences to best match your passions with the availability, needs, and objectives of the local host community.
Dates Offered: Start dates year-round. Cost: Minimal costs, varies per program and duration. Visit the API website for details.
Contact: Claire Hero, Assistant Director of Teach, Work, and Volunteer
Academic Programs International (API), 301 Camp Craft Road, Suite 100; Austin, TX 78746-650.
Tel: 512-600-8900 Email: api@apiabroad.com
Featured
A Broader View Volunteers Corp
Volunteering with a Non Profit Charity Overseas A Broader View Volunteers is an U.S. Non profit charity.
We work in 27 countries with over 245 programs, including Latin American countries such as Argentina, Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru.
With A Broader View (ABV), you'll be immersed in another culture, collaborate with your host community on a development project, and work side by side with local youth while building your own leadership skills.
ABV works year round from 1-week to 12-week programs.
Dates: Ongoing programs, year round, you choose your dates of arrival and departure.
Cost: From US$895 for one week to US$2240 for 12 weeks (you can tax deduct the expenses). Program fee includes: personalized Volunteer Placement, cultural education, meals, accommodation, pre-departure guidance, 24/7 country staff, tax deducted fees, the option to fundraise within our website, and more.
Contact: A Broader View Volunteers Corp, 236 Glen Place, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
Tel.: 866-423-3258 or 215-780-1845 (US), (020) 3289-9896 (UK), (02) 8003-3474 (AU). Fax: 215-887-0915 / Skype: Abroaderview.org Email:volunteers@abroaderview.org, info@abroaderview.org Website: www.abroaderview.org
Featured
Globe
Aware
Cuba — The Curtain Lifted Care for Cuba with Globe Aware and get a
chance to peer into the beauties, struggles, and determination
of a society that has long been shrouded in mystery
to many North Americans. This volunteer vacation program
focuses on research and education, cultural awareness,
and academics. Volunteers will attend lectures and
meet with representatives from educational organizations,
as well as visit local artists, schools, and museums.
This project also involves reporting back about your
experience, as research, in a form that’s easily
shareable. Accommodations are provided in mid-range
hotels with flushing toilets, running showers, and
electricity. For fun, volunteers will tour the beautiful
Vinales Valley and beaches, visit local tobacco farmers,
and attend a cannon blast ceremony at a fortress.
Experience this unique culture with open music in
the streets, hardly any car traffic, and tons of smiles,
and you will be enchanted with a world unlike any
other.
Dates: Please
refer to our website for trip dates Cost: $1650 Contact: 6500 East Mockingbird Lane,
Suite 104, Dallas, TX 75214 Email: office@globeaware.org Tel: 1-877-LUV-GLOBE Website: www.globeaware.org
Featured
Discover Corps
Volunteer Vacations with a Purpose in Latin America Volunteer vacations for adults and families in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Immerse yourself in a different culture while giving back, engaging in hands-on cultural workshops, and connecting with fascinating people. Volunteer to support children, animals and the environment. 1 to 2 week all-inclusive packages. Countries include Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, the Galapagos, Guatemela, and Peru. Belize: Caribbean Wildlife Adventure Volunteer in Belize to protect manatees while exploring this country's turquoise waters. Venture out to pristine reefs, uncover distant islands and come face-to-face with wildlife in the sub-tropical rainforests. Cuba: Building Bridges Totally legal travel to the island you’ve always wanted to visit. Build bridges of friendship and understanding with the Cuban people while immersing yourself in their vibrant culture and rich history.
A journey of art, music, and dance. Engage in cultural exchange with the Cuban people to rebuild bridges of friendship and understanding.
Volunteer Latin America
Provides international volunteers with a comprehensive and
affordable solution to finding volunteer work opportunities
in Central and South America. You tell us where and what
you would like to do and we will provide you with everything
you need to get involved via your own personalised information
pack. Our extensive knowledge of the region ensures you
are unlikely to find some of the projects we offer elsewhere.
Volunteer Latin America is not only a great source of
affordable voluntary work but a means to finding some
of the best schools to learn Spanish.
VolunteerSouthAmerica.Net Free and Low-Cost Volunteering in Latin America Website lists free and low-cost volunteer opportunities
in Latin America. The site is designed for backpackers /
independent travellers looking for a real volunteer experience
abroad, without paying any middle-man or agency fees.
WWOOF Latin America
Volunteer on organic farms across Latin America for a small
membership fee. Here you can link to other WWOOF country
websites and communicate with other fellow WWOOFers.