What Are the Cheapest Countries in South America to Volunteer?

South America is the ultimate destination for volunteering, with incredible wildlife and rich cultural history galore. This continent checks all the boxes you could want from your adventure, with the added perk of making a meaningful difference to local communities and global issues. 

Many consider volunteering to be an expensive journey to embark on. Not only do you have to pay for flights and transport in your chosen country, but there are also program fees to think about. Even with a strict budget, if you’re not careful, these things add up. 

However, as far as volunteer destinations go, South America isn’t as expensive as many think. With the right organization and planning, anyone can volunteer successfully - no matter whether you’re going with an unlimited budget or are aiming to tighten the purse strings. Let’s explore the cheapest countries to volunteer in South America. 

Ecuador 

Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in already-cheap South America, making it perfect for volunteers and backpackers. The location of the Galapagos Islands slightly increases the cost of travel, as these are a huge tourist attraction, so steering clear of them for the most part is best for keeping your budget low. Most volunteers live well on a budget of between $30-$50 a day here, especially when accommodation isn’t an issue. 

Volunteering Solutions offers longer volunteer opportunities for those wanting to explore the delights of Ecuador. Whether you’re passionate about volunteering in an Amazon Animal Rescue Centre for at least two weeks, or helping Quito’s Street Children for three, our prices start at $266 per week. This includes travel from the airport to your pre-paid accommodation, food, and any training required for your chosen program. 

Peru

Peru is another relatively cheap South American country, especially for budget-conscious travellers. Most volunteers manage on a tight budget by eating at local markets and eateries rather than tourist-oriented restaurants, using local transport, and avoiding expensive tours and activities catered to visitors. If you want to make your budget stretch as far as possible, we recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons rather than summer, which is almost always more expensive due to an influx of tourists. 

We’ve got plenty of amazing budget-friendly volunteering opportunities based in Peru, with some, such as Teaching English in Cusco, costing as little as $248 a week. Short-term weekly programs, including working in a Day Care Centre and as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, start at $495. 

Argentina

Despite the recent rise in inflation, Argentina is still considered to be cheaper than many of its neighboring countries in South America. The best way to make the most of your budget here is to stick to local communities rather than tourist-heavy places where prices are boosted. Wherever possible, buy food and necessities from local markets and businesses, as this means your money is invested into the economy to help communities that are suffering most from the rising costs of gas and electricity. 

Volunteering in Argentina appears more expensive at first glance, but it’s actually better value for money thanks to the longer program durations. For example, volunteering for four weeks at a Socio Educational Centre or with the Women Empowerment Program works out to just $273 a week. If you’re passionate about wildlife, prices for volunteering at a Puma Reserve or Horse Sanctuary start at $556 a week. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a developed tourism scene and very high-demand activities that increase its everyday prices. However, for volunteers who stay largely out of tourist-heavy spots and pre-book accommodation through volunteering programs, it can be a great opportunity for people with self-control and discipline. A typical budget when volunteering in Costa Rica ranges from $50-$100 a day, although it could be less if you stick to free activities like hiking and exploring beaches. 

In terms of volunteering opportunities, Teaching English in Costa Rica and Childcare are some of our budget-friendly picks, each with a starting cost of $435 for one week. Conservation programs are always eager for more volunteers; Turtle and Environment or Turtle and Sloth Conservation start at $650 and $699 respectively. 

How to Make the Most of Your Budget When Volunteering in South America

Volunteering on a budget can be daunting, and sometimes even feel impossible. However, knowing some practical tips beforehand makes all the difference when travelling, keeping you confident and in control of your finances. Here are some of our tried and true tricks for making that budget last: 

• Boost your savings pot: The best way to make the most of your budget is to increase it before setting off! Fundraise online and in-person, participate in fun runs or challenges, and ask friends and family to donate to a worthy cause. The more money you start with, the less you have to worry about a shoestring budget! 
• Choose a reputable volunteer organization. Some organizations match you with your chosen program and then leave you to book your accommodation, food, transportation, and more. At Volunteering Solutions, we pre-book your accommodation and airport pick-up, provide food, and offer 24/7 in-country support, so you don’t have to worry about big-ticket items taking up your budget. 
• Research flights before booking: Flights are one of the most expensive parts of volunteering, so researching them beforehand is a great hack to save some money before you’ve even left the country. Look for off-peak times, shoulder seasons, and indirect flights that might bring the price down for your journey there and back. 
• Budget for spending money: While it might be easy to say you’re not going to spend any money while volunteering, we recommend budgeting for it anyway. Small mementos, tokens of your time in South America, and snacks are all worthy purchases during your downtime, so budget a small amount per day to cover unexpected expenses. 
• Plan your downtime: Every volunteering program gives you some time off to explore the country and relax, and it’s up to you what you do with it. Are you going to see a tourist attraction? Swim with sharks or lounge on a beach? Whatever you choose, research its costs ahead of time and budget for them. Some attractions can even be booked online for a cheaper price, so it’s worth a look. 

Ready to Plan Your Affordable South American Volunteering Experience? 

Volunteering doesn’t have to be expensive. The most important thing is that you’re making a meaningful contribution to local communities and a lasting impact on people’s lives, and there shouldn’t be a price tag on that. That’s why at Volunteering Solutions, we aim to help everyone who wants to volunteer live out their dreams. We’ll offer budget advice, help you find your ideal project and destination, and assist you with getting the best possible bang for your buck. 

Check out our volunteering opportunities in South America to take the first step in making a difference and creating lifelong memories.