Best Places to Volunteer in South America in 2025/2026

South America holds some of the most magnificent pictures of beauty the world has to offer. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community while also exploring some of the best sights in the world. Whether you’re travelling far or simply hopping over the border, South America has some gorgeously unique places to volunteer. 

But with so many countries and incredible hotspots to see, how can you choose which South American country to choose? Each has its own worthwhile volunteering programs that ensure you leave the country a little better than you found it. Today, we’ll explore some of the best destinations in South America to consider when planning your journey. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the more popular destinations in South America when it comes to volunteering, and if you’ve ever seen a picture of Costa Rica’s white-sand beaches, it won’t be difficult to understand why. Get involved with wildlife projects like Turtle and Sloth Conservation or volunteer to Teach English in Costa Rica. A lot of the programs here are involved with wildlife rescue, so it’s a great choice for animal lovers!

During your downtime from volunteering, you won’t be short of things to explore in Costa Rica. The Monteverde cloud forests are a once-in-a-lifetime sight to experience, and this country isn’t short of active volcanoes and stunning beaches to explore. If you’re into adventure, whitewater rafting, dolphin spotting and zip lining are commonly found in tourist hotspots. 

Peru

Peru holds some of the most exquisite landscapes, including the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest. Its traditional culture and rich historical depth are to be truly admired, and the addition of wildlife like llamas and alpacas makes this a special place for any volunteer. Teach English or Work in a Day Care Centre in Peru, or, if you have a medical background, Medical Volunteer Programs and Dental Elective Internships are also available.  

Peru is one of those countries where you never have the chance to get bored or wonder what to do next. Whether you’re volunteering for one week or 24, there are plenty of hikes, towns to explore, and tourist attractions to visit. Grab yourself a memento at one of the main markets around Lima and, if you have time to travel a little further, head to Sacred Valley for a day soaking in the local culture, llamas, and Incan mystique. 

Argentina

Argentina is an enigma for travellers, with the Andes mountains on one side and towns full of rich, distinct culture that blends European influences with Latin America and Indigenous traditions on the other. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities here to explore, too, from wildlife conservation and Sports Coaching to Women’s Empowerment and childcare. Volunteering at the Puma Reserve or Horse Sanctuary are some of the most popular options, as is helping at a Socio-Educational Centre for Children. 

While you’re here, take a dance lesson and learn the classic Tango, learn about its impressive football history, or try a world-renowned steak and glass of wine. If you’re a fan of dinosaurs, there are several significant paleontological sites around Argentina to explore. With the highest and lowest points of the world in the Western Hemisphere, you can literally stand on top of the world! 

Ecuador

Ecuador is a must-see destination for anyone who values unparalleled biodiversity! From the Galápagos Islands, which contain so much unique wildlife, to the Amazon Rainforest and its divine beauty, you’ll never get bored between volunteering shifts. Lend a helping hand at the Amazon Animal Rescue Centre and work to take care of and protect endangered species, or join the Street Children Volunteer Program to help give local children a second chance. 

In Ecuador, there are more bird species per square kilometer than in any other nation. While this might not be your ideal hobby right now, there’s just something special about unplugging from the world, getting out in nature, and birdwatching. Once you’re thoroughly relaxed and ready to return to busier areas, check out the capital city of Quito, hike in Cotopaxi National Park, or snorkel and dive around the local beaches. 

Choosing the Best Place to Volunteer in South America 

With so many amazing opportunities in South America to choose from, it’s not uncommon for you to be left with more questions than answers about where to volunteer. If you’re still confused about the opportunities open to you, here are some things to consider to hopefully make your decision a little easier: 

• Set your goals

There are two main ways to choose your volunteer opportunity: by location or skill. If you’re undecided on where in South America you want to volunteer, consider whether you want to support conservation efforts, teaching, sports coaching, or women’s empowerment. Choose a location that coincides with your ideal goals. 

• Check your bucket list

Visiting South America is bound to be on your bucket list, so choose the country that gives you butterflies when thinking of seeing it for yourself. If it’s not currently on your bucket list, research Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica to see which entices you the most. 

• Research, research, research! 

There are several things to research when choosing where to volunteer your time, including: 

• Local communities and cultures
• Healthcare system 
• Political climate and crime rates
• Tourism rates and safety for visitors
• Necessary visas, vaccinations, and insurance
• Consider your downtime

You won’t be expected to volunteer 24/7, and one of the main motivators behind volunteering is getting to explore another part of the world. Think about what you’d most like to do in your downtime. 

From snorkelling and dolphin watching to hiking around active volcanoes and trekking through the rainforest, South America isn’t short of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for visitors, so head wherever your heart desires! 

Ready to Plan Your South American Volunteering Journey? 

At Volunteering Solutions, we’re here to help you find the ultimate location for your volunteering experience. From matching you with your ideal placement to preparing your travel documents, we’ll keep you engaged, safe, and excited about your upcoming journey. 

Check out our volunteer opportunities in South America to help find your ultimate adventure, and take the first step towards making a meaningful difference that will last a lifetime.