Volunteer in South America

Work depends on the country and project. In Peru and Costa Rica you might support classroom teachers or childcare staff; in Argentina and Ecuador you could work in a wildlife reserve, sanctuary, or community center. Volunteers assist local staff rather than run activities alone — you won't take sole charge of a class or group of children, and wildlife roles are welfare-based, with no riding, bathing, or handling for photos.

It depends on what you want to do. Peru, based in Cusco, covers childcare, teaching, and medical placements. Costa Rica has the widest conservation offering, including turtle and wildlife rescue work across several coasts. Ecuador focuses on Amazon animal rescue and community work with children in Quito and Puyo. Argentina, centered on Cordoba, covers wildlife reserves, sports coaching, and women's empowerment work.

Minimum age is 17 in Peru and 18+ on some programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Argentina. Some placements ask for basic or intermediate Spanish, particularly the community program in Ecuador and the community, sports and women's empowerment programs in Argentina. Everyone needs a clean background check, and an open, flexible attitude toward working in a new environment matters more than prior experience for most roles.

Programs start from $744, with a $249 deposit to secure your place and the balance due later. Fees cover accommodation, meals, airport pickup, and in-country support for the length of your program. Costs vary by country and project type, so check the individual program page for exact figures. See how program costs are explained for a full breakdown.

Placements run from 1 to 24 weeks, and most South America programs run on fixed weekly or twice-monthly start dates rather than open enrollment. Peru and Costa Rica offer the shortest options, including one and two-week special programs, while Argentina and Ecuador projects generally ask for a longer minimum stay. Check the start dates explorer for exact dates by country.

Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Argentina are established, well-traveled destinations for volunteering, and Volunteering Solutions has run programs here since 2007. Each placement has a local team on the ground and 24/7 in-country support, and every volunteer is briefed on the local area on arrival. Our safeguarding policy sets out how we handle safety and conduct across all programs.

Volunteers support local staff and never take sole charge of a classroom or group of children, and never diagnose, prescribe, or administer medication on medical placements. Wildlife projects, such as the puma reserve and horse sanctuary in Argentina or the rescue centers in Costa Rica and Ecuador, are welfare-focused: no riding, bathing, cuddling, or photo sessions with animals. Our child and vulnerable adult protection policy covers this in detail.

Each country program is booked and run separately, with its own local team, accommodation, and schedule, so there is no single combined package across Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Argentina. Volunteers who want to see more than one country typically book back-to-back placements with a gap in between for travel, coordinating dates through the same application process for each program.

It depends on the country. Cusco, Peru is driest and best for trekking from May to September. Costa Rica's Pacific side is driest December to April, while the Caribbean coast and turtle nesting seasons follow their own timing. Quito, Ecuador is mild year-round with a drier spell June to September. Argentina's Cordoba region is warmest December to February. Programs run all year regardless of season.

It varies by program. Peru's Cusco projects and several Costa Rica placements list Spanish as helpful but not required. Argentina's community, sports coaching, and women's empowerment programs, along with Ecuador's Quito-based community project, ask for intermediate or required Spanish, since volunteers work directly with local staff and families. Check the language requirement listed on each program page before applying.

Once you have chosen a country and project, you submit an application form, receive a welcome email, and are sent a booking confirmation with your program details and payment steps. If you are unsure which country or project suits you, our program advisors can help you decide before you book, and you can reach out through contact.

Volunteering Solutions allows free changes to your program, dates, or destination up to 45 days before departure under the flexible booking policy. This applies across all four South America countries, so you can adjust your plans if your schedule shifts after booking. See the flexible booking policy for full terms.