Live, Work & Travel in Latin America
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Top Sites
Volunteer Latin America – An online service whose mission is to help protect Latin America’s flora and fauna, its biodiversity, and to offer the most cost effective way to become an environmental volunteer in Mexico, Central or South America. VLA connect prospective volunteers with hundreds of environmental voluntary and intern projects in Latin America. Their Volunteer Information Guides provide ecologists, wildlife enthusiasts, explorers, and gap year students with all the information they need to get involved. The majority of projects included in the guides are managed by small organisations. Projects run by large organisations, or those run through agencies, are only included if considered to be either value for money or relevant to a specific request. Also excluded are projects where the volunteer is expected to pay unreasonable registration fees.
Cooper Island Beach Club – This family owned, eco resort on the sandy northwest shore of Cooper Island, in the British Virgin Islands, often uses JAB to recruit hospitality staff. A strong team playing attitude and the capability to work long hours in a hot and humid environment are a must.
Cloud Forest Adventure – A community run organisation in Ecuador, where any profits are paid direct to local people, and the long term intention is to slow down deforestation by providing an alternative, sustainable source of income for people living in the area. There are three main types of placement: teaching, farm work, and ecology/conservation. Fees for volunteering are very low and includes all meals and accommodation.
Employment in Latin America
Employers, Agencies & Placement Services
American International Schools in the Americas – Teachers recruited for work in South America.
Antofagasta International School – Chile’s AIS embraces the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate, maintaining PYP and MYP certification. Ideal candidates possess teacher certification in their home country and diverse experience in the international classroom. Preference is given to candidates with IB experience.
Extreme Learning Centers – This school sometimes hires native English speaking TEFL instructors. They say that while they can’t pay first world salaries their teachers are able to live comfortably in Arequipa, Peru, on what they earn.
Journey Latin America – Overland tour leaders occasionally recruited. A note from Claire Milner, Recruitment Manager of JLA: “Please do not, repeat NOT include any mention whatsoever of our company in your publications. Not to sound ungrateful, but we are totally SWAMPED with unsolicited job enquiries, most of which are from unsuitable candidates, and we do not have the manpower to respond to them all.” (We’ve kept this link to JLA as we will almost certainly forget Claire’s note and re-add this link down the line without it).
La Hamaca Hostel – If you can see yourself talking, helping or drinking with their guests, and still be up early enough for breakfast then volunteering in this hostel in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, could be for you. Cleaning and cooking is taken care of so volunteers are wanted for their customer service and communication abilities. Participation in their work exchange earns somewhere to sleep, breakfast and lunch, the opportunity to earn commissions and $300 per month. Do read up on the city though – it won’t appeal to everyone.
Language Connection – Teach in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Language Connection is owned and operated by experienced ESL teachers. Since opening in 2016 they’ve welcomed teachers from all over the world, including the USA, UK, Australia, India and South Africa, to enrich their team.
Minerva Bilingual School – The ideal international teacher at Minerva is hardworking, flexible, creative and self-motivated. For visa reasons, they only accept candidates from the USA, Canada and the UK.
Western International School – ESL Teachers are required at their schools in Santa Rosa de Copán and San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Employment Resources for Finding Work in Latin America
Advice & Useful Sites for Finding Work.
Mexperience – An excellent site for those looking for information about living and working in Mexico, including self employment, moving to Mexico and a guide to Mexican immigration. In addition, there are travel guides, food guides, stuff about learning Spanish, real estate and something for those looking to retire to the country.
Partners of the Americas – Promotes opportunity, development and voluntary work throughout the Americas.
Gap Year & Voluntary Work in Latin America
Unpaid Positions & Adventure
Aires Buenos – Found in a small town in southern Chile with eight universities, Aires Buenos has a permanent work trade programme to attract volunteer staff to help around both their hostel and permaculture project. Roles that need filling include guest relations, carpentry, massage therapist, tour developer and green architect. A shared dorm room, two meals a day and a monthly stipend month is provided in exchange for five work days a week. Proof of insurance and a ten week commitment is required.
Aldea Hostel – This Aldea, in Cordoba, is said to accept work exchange volunteers.
Amigos de las Aves – This Costa Rican bird refuge requires volunteers, described as a ‘person Friday,’ to help with various tasks from making toys to feeding duties. Homestays are available for around $15 per day. If you do not feel comfortable working with mentally disturbed Macaws other tasks are available from gardening to fundraising and spreading the word.
Animal AWARE – A Guatemalan organisation operating the largest No-Kill animal shelter in Central America. They need volunteer help with looking after over 300 dogs and nearly 100 cats.
The Ara Project – A Costa Rican licensed zoological park and non profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of the two native macaw species of Costa Rica. Two low cost volunteer programmes, at either the breeding centre or release site, are available.
ARCAS – Welcomes volunteers or interns to help keep an eye on the wildlife and sea turtles in Guatemala. The minimum commitment Is only one week. Volunteers will need to pay expenses of $50 to $100 per week but a stipend may be available for a longer commitment or if you have expertise in certain areas.
Asociacion Widecast – A sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica, volunteers are encouraged to join them at any point during the season. For over 20 years they have welcomed students, travelers and professionals from countries around the world who have an interest in hands on conservation and data collection work with an endangered species. Volunteers can commit from a week up to several months of their time participating in their programme in Gandoca Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita Nationa Park.
Ayni – A non profit grassroots organisation in Peru with opportunities for volunteers.
Backpackers San Pedro – We have spotted references, including quite recently, to this place in Chile’s Atacama Desert taking on volunteer staff so they are worth a try if you find yourself in the desert town with empty pockets. Cat lover preferred.
The Barrio Planta Project – An education initiative created to empower low-income children and adults living in Nicaragua.
Barking Horse Farm – Barking Horse Farm in Costa Rica offers two different volunteer options: a workstudy programme for those who have experience with horses but not with natural horsemanship, and an internship position for more experienced riders.
Belize Audubon Society – An environmental protection organisation, BAS prefer volunteers that have already worked in developing countries, in community, tourism or small business development, teaching, art, conservation or park management. Volunteers should be available for three months. Marine park volunteers should have dive qualifications and be available for at least one month.
Betanbauer – Internships and Volunteer work with Spanish classes in the Argentine city of Cordoba.
Camino Seguro – Camino Seguro’s mission is to empower the children of families working in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Volunteer positions, of varying length and skills required, are posted on their website.
Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation – COTERC offers volunteers the opportunity to live and work in the Caño Palma Biological Station set within the northeast Caribbean lowland rainforest of Costa Rica. The work is with trained staff on biological monitoring surveys and a community based conservation programme.
Cape Eleuthera Institute – Spend your gap year in the Bahamas broadening your knowledge of tropical marine ecology, climate change, lionfish research, shark conservation and research, aquaponics, aquaculture, permaculture, or sustainable systems and alternative energy sources.
Casa Amelia – A small hostel located right at the seafront in the village of Huanchaco in Peru. They try to collect as much information as they can on volunteering options in and around Huanchaco, including smaller, local projects less likely to ask for fees.
Casa de la Iguana – A Livingston hostel whose staff should be able to handle a hangover and possibly some nudity too, if one TripAdvisor review is an indication: “Stay here if you want to see the permanently drunk manager running around naked.” Update: We have since heard this hostel has changed hands. Most likely the drunk naked manager has been replaced – the first order of business, I’d say – and we are unsure if the new owners take on volunteers. Also, the website is no more so we have linked to their Facebook page.
Casa Guatemala – A home for 250 orphaned, abandoned, or abused children, located on the banks of the Rio Dulce. Long term volunteers must be over 24, prepared to live in the jungle, have basic Spanish and pay a one off fee of around $200 no matter how long they stay.
Che Lagarto – There are numerous hostels across South America in this franchise, in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Chile. If you are interested in cultural exchange and meeting people from around the world you are invited to stay for free. The work is in reception: helping customers, selling tours, handling bookings, and opening and closing the cash register. Applicants should be aged 18 to 28, flexible, mature and have experience in customer service. There is also a Work and Travel Programme where participants move to a new hostel every three months for one year.
Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad – CIS supports education and social justice in El Salvador. They are looking for people committed to solidarity and social justice to participate in their programmes. During elections CIS seeks volunteer election observers but generally are looking for English teachers and a grassroot organising intern.
Cloud Forest Adventure – A community run organisation in Ecuador, where any profits are paid direct to local people, and the long term intention is to slow down deforestation by providing an alternative, sustainable source of income for people living in the area. There are three main types of placement: teaching, farm work, and ecology/conservation. Fees for volunteering are very low and includes all meals and accommodation.
CloudHead Art – An art and education NGO looking for people to teach photography, design and video to students between the ages of ten to 18 in at risk communities. This can mean anything from an underserved neighbourhood on the outskirts of Salta or a small indigenous village in the campo.
COINED – Spanish courses, gap year volunteer work and intercultural programmes in most Latin American countries.
Colonial House Quito – Volunteers working in reception are provided with a bed and food.
Connections English Institute – Foreigners have the opportunity of teaching English as a foreign language in Colombia. In exchange for two hours’ teaching per day Monday to Friday, teachers receive a bed and a meal. The lesson plans for every class are already made and no teaching experience is required. Teachers only have to worry about having fun in class.
Conservation Project Utila Iguana – A popular destination for divers, Utila is also home to the Utila Spiny Tailed Iguana. Most volunteers are biology or veterinary students but those handy with their hands are also made welcome. Living at the station costs €150 per month, falling to €100 after three months.
ContactChile – Offers a number of interesting working holidays, internships and Spanish courses including a learn Spanish and ski in the Andes package.
Cobanacopa Hostel – The chance to live three blocks from Copacabana Beach is offered here. To apply you should be aged 18 to 28, flexible and experienced in customer service.
The Cornerstone Foundation – Non profit humanitarian organization offeing volunteer opportunities in Belize.
Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA) – Spanish language school for foreigners in San Jose, Costa Rica. They offer programmes with homestays and without. Among the list of free services and activities are daily free dance, cooking, and conversation classes as well as a computer lab for free internet use. The CRLA is also glad to help their students with information, assistance, telephone calls, setting up appointments, legal documents, letters of recommendation and other arrangements necessary for finding volunteer work.
Cranky Croc – We have heard mention the Aussie owned Cranky Croc takes in work exchange volunteers in Bogota.
CREES Foundation – Volunteering with CREES means total immersion into the rainforest, in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, in Peru, as they work to connect you with a deeper understanding of conservation, climate change and poverty.
Cuba Solidarity Campaign – Organises work brigades of paying volunteers to Cuba twice annually and is for people who wish to experience the real Cuba and be more than just a tourist.
Discovery Hostel – A medium to long term commitment is necessary to unlock the free accommodation available at this Rio de Janeiro hostel in return for working three or four nights a week on reception.
Earth Lodge – Work exchange possibilities in Guatemala.
El Retiro – A hostel in Guatemala said to take in volunteers.
Eco Volunteer UP Ecuador – A non profit composed of a group of Ecuadorians who work through volunteers to conserve the forests of Ecuador, to improve the community economies and to give Ecuadorian children a better life. They state that they offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and real opportunities for learning and sharing Ecuadorian cultures, customs and traditions, all the while helping different projects promote their development and changing lives through a better place to live.
Ecuador Volunteer – A non profit organization that offers volunteer work opportunities in social, environmental, educational and community areas around Ecuador. Donate only one month’s work and truly make a difference.
El Puente – An expat started non profit that offers educational assistance, food, and microloans mainly to indigenous people in Costa Rica. There is no fee expected from volunteers who want to pitch in for a while.
El Sol – Language courses and volunteer work available.
English Opens Doors Program – Sponsored by the United Nations Development Program and the Chilean Ministry of Education, English Opens Doors seeks highly motivated individuals to work as English teaching assistants in public and semi private schools throughout Chile. The programme provides the following: home stay with a Chilean family, meals, a participation bonus of 60,000CLP for each month of completed service, health insurance, TEFL training, and access to an online Spanish course. The programme does not charge volunteers a fee for participation.
EntreMundos – Over 150 volunteers use their services every year in Quetzaltenango to find volunteer placements with roughly 100 different organisations in Guatemala, the majority of which are based in the Western Highlands.
Erupcion Hostal & Restaurant – Friendly people planning an extended stay in Ecuador are welcomed by Erupcion. Here, there is room for your ideas along with your body – which will be accommodated in the staff room and given a couple of meals a day. Volunteers work six hours a day, five days a week.
Esperanca – Medical professionals are required to share their skills and experience with Peruvian staff and to participate in fieldwork of maternal and child health in rural communities. Esperanza is a US based organisation with 35 years health experience.
Esperanza Verde – A wildlife rescue and rainforest conservation project under construction in the Amazon basin of Peru, Esperanza Verde’s aim is to work closely with the local community to offer alternative sources of income so that the forest can be managed in a sustainable way. The project currently owns 58 hectares of rainforest and needs volunteers to help with establishing the wildlife rescue centre.
Establo San Rafael – This farm and equestrian centre in Costa Rica practices natural horsemanship techniques and offers horse riding vacations. Volunteers help with the animals and fix things around the farm. They also welcome volunteers with good internet skills to help promote the farm.
Estancia Ranquilco – Describe themselves as “a five month de-wimping course.” Activities include permaculture, alternate building, soft touch horse training, holistic land and livestock management, organic gardening, country crafts, outdoor skills and wilderness survival.
Expand Peru – A non profit organisation, concerned with the improvement of the quality of life of people living in extreme poverty in Peru. Volunteers need commit for a week and can work in Andean Huancayo or in the city of San Ramón, in the Amazon.
Favelatour – A small company operated 100% by residents in the favela of Rocinha, in Brazil. Volunteers are welcome to help organise and execute their projects. DJs who want to help by offering courses in music production or DJing skills are especially needed. There is no fee to volunteer.
Finca Ixobel – A hostel in Poptun, Guatemala that has had many volunteers and some have gone back over and over again. Their volunteer programme is available to anyone speaking Spanish and English who is able to spend at least six weeks with them. Room and board is given in exchange for work and on your days off can join in on one of the activities or tours that Finca Ixobel offers.
The Flying Doctors of America – Medical and non medical support volunteers wanted in central and South America.
Fox Language Academy – Either tackling a class on your own or alongside one of their professional language teachers, this Sucre based language academy doesn’t charge a thing for your help. They may also be able to provide somewhere to stay or will help you look and, if you don’t want to teach, help with volunteering at nurseries, orphanages or other organisations in the area.
Fundacion Jatun Sacha – Voluntary work in Ecuador.
Fundacion Mariposas Amarillas – A small Colombian grassroots organisation committed to supporting disadvantaged children and families around Santa Marta, Colombia. They provide services, supplies and information on nutrition, education, and childcare to families in Santa Marta’s under served neighbourhoods. They welcome both international and local volunteers to teach after school classes or work on social programmes. They also always need volunteers to help with marketing, publicity, social media and fundraising. Volunteers are responsible for their own accommodation, transportation, living costs, supplies, and visas, but otherwise FMA only asks for a small, one time donation. Basic Spanish is required.
Futuro Verde – An international school in Montezuma, Costa Rica, founded by two expat mums when their daughters were reaching school age. Volunteers assist with classroom instruction, organising after school programmes, or lead outreach efforts with educational organisations in the region.
Green Life Volunteers – This Costa Rican non-profit offers volunteer abroad projects and internship opportunities throughout Costa Rica, but most are located in the Osa Peninsula. Projects include teaching English, turtle conservation, large parrot rescue, dog and cat rescue, hostel work, and solar panel installation.
Guadalajara Language Center – A school for English and Spanish study programs based in Guadalajara, Mexico. Foreign students who wish to learn Spanish can live with a Mexican family. They also employ English teachers and accept volunteers with an intermediate level of Spanish to help street children.
Helping Hands Cusco – HHC help children and single mothers who are in a state of poverty, abandonment, physical and emotional violence, malnutrition, and discrimination. Volunteers can lend their own hand to the project.
Helping Honduras Kids – A non profit rganisation that manages a children’s home, caring for children who have been abandoned, abused and neglected on the north coast of Honduras, near La Ceiba. HHK appreciates volunteers that can share their talents and skills with the children, such as computing, karate, athletics, etc.
Helping Overcome Obstacles Peru – Volunteer English teachers can help their work to enhance the education of children (and parents) in a disadvantaged community on the edge of Arequipa.
Hospedaje Central El Indio Viejo – Staffed by local and international volunteers who are accommodated for all sorts of tasks including cooking, maintenance, housekeeping, gardening, DIY and decorating. Another project, in an Indian village on the other side of Ometepe Island, also welcomes helping hands.
Hostal/Cafe Tiana – Tiana, located in the colonial centre of Latacunga, capital of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi province, accepts help in reception and for general duties for a minimum of one month. Good people skills and basic Spanish required. Their Facebook might be a better bet than their website.
Hostal Llullu Llama – Almost always has volunteers to help take care of their guests in Quito. The minimum stay here is two months and you need to speak Spanish and English.
Hostel Che – Will swap accommodation and breakfast for 20 to 25 hours’ work a week – providing you can commit to one or two months in Playa del Carmen.
Hostel Casa Del Parque – A San Jose hostel that has advertised for the past couple of years in July for responsible volunteers with sales and customer service.
Hosteria PapaGayo – A bed and food are offered in exchange for participation in three different volunteer roles. These are helping out at the Papagayo hostel, teaching in local schools, and working at a surrounding dairy farm.
Hotel Finca Tatin – This jungle accommodation in Guatemala takes on volunteer workers.
Iko Poran – A Brazilian international volunteer organization. Iko Poran means “Alright” in the Mbya dialect of the South American Guarani Indians.
IMAC Spanish Language School in Mexico – Spanish in Mexico. On their website you will find a description of daily activities to make learning Spanish a unique experience. Also included with your Spanish programme fee is a free volunteer placement.
Internships Colombia – Provides internships and jobs for international students and recent graduates in Medellín and Bogotá.
Inti Wara Yassi – This organisation runs a wildlife refuge in Bolivia where hundreds of volunteers from all over the world work each year. As they are building a second refuge they could use more volunteers.
Intro Hostels – If you are fluent in English and know some Spanish, you have the opportunity to belong to the Intro Hostels team in Cusco. They can offer bed and breakfast in exchange for four days’ work in the bar per week. The management also has another hostel in Lima and plans to open two more in Iquitos and Tacna.
Kiya Survivors – Voluntary work available in Peru.
Kusi Warma – Need volunteers to aid their work with malnourished children and their parents in Lima, Peru. Volunteers help with feeding, bathing and playing with the children. No fees required and a free lunch is offered in return. Site is in Spanish.
La Brisa Loca – Located in an 80 year old, new republican mansion that has been restored to recover its genuine colonial, Caribbean feel, this backpackers in Santa Marta, Colombia, can accommodate up to 85 people. Run by two Californian brothers who settled in their favourite country after travelling around South America, we have seen them asking for bar staff via their FB page. We can’t say if this is a paid or an unpaid position but La Brisa Loca seems the sort of place open to working travellers. If not, they also help support Fundacion Mariposas Amarillas, a local grassroots organisation that meet every weekday at 1pm on the upstairs floor of the hostel.
La Casona – Travellers are invited to come and experience Peruvian surf hostel La Casona by working for a maximum of five hours per day in exchange for accommodation and a meal. The work involves either working in the bar or restaurant or helping to repair and decorate the house. Creative and innovative ideas are always welcomed too.
La Iguana Perdida – A Lake Atitlan hostel staffed mosty by English speaking volunteers from abroad.
The Lake View Hostel – Welcomes chilled but responsible backpackers in Colombia, including couples, to work and stay for free. Along with free dorm accommodation, benefits include free mountain bikes and kayaks and discounts on Spanish classes. Duties include a maximum of three hours cleaning, then just hanging out – perhaps fishing or reading – to be on hand in case someone shows up or guests have questions. The hostel also supports the rural community of La Meseta, located in the mountains above Guatape. Fees are reasonable (around £15 one time admin fee and £10 per day local homestay accommodation with three meals included a day) to volunteer and the work can involve teaching English, environmental work and helping handicapped children.
La Montana Spanish School – A Spanish language school in Bariloche, Patagonia. They run several volunteer projects in different fields.
La Rocca – 200 metres from Porto de Galinhas, one of the best beaches in Brazil, La Rocca is reputed to have a work exchange programme.
Latin Link – LL’s STEP programme involves short term voluntary community work.
Life Argentina – With no paid staff, Life Argentina have relied on over 900 volunteers since 2001 to carry out all its activities and projects with disadvantaged children. Participation is flexible and free.
Loki Hostels – There are five Loki Hostels in South America, in Salta, Lima, Cusco, Mancora and La Paz. Spend a month working four shifts in the bar of one of them and there is some free accommodation, meals and discounts in it for you.
Luna International Hostel – A Nicaraguan non-profit social enterprise. They list a range of volunteer positions including helping out on their mobile library bus, developing their organic garden project, and working in the office.
Mayan Families – Volunteers are welcomed to lend a hand in Panajachel, Guatemala. Preference is given to volunteers with at least an intermediate level of Spanish and a minimum commitment of two weeks. Volunteers should be self funding but there doesn’t appear to be a fee to get involved.
Mente Argentina – Customizable study abroad programmes in Buenos Aires, including learning Spanish, internships, volunteer programmes, and short artistic programmes such culinary, photography, sports clinic and DJing.
Millhouse Hostels – There are two hostels in this small group in Buenos Aires and another in Cusco. Download the provided application if you are prepared to work 32 hours per week in a variety of tasks, such as front desk duty, housekeeping, bar tending, hostel promotion and administrative work.
Nexos Voluntarios – A Peruvian non profit organization that creates bonds between different social actors within society, with whom it develops projects with the objective of promoting responsible human development. Nexos Voluntarios receives the support from dedicated volunteers who come from all parts of the world and who are interested in learning, as well as at the same time, contributing towards the development process in the communities where they work. A large volunteer contribution is required.
Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign – A political and human rights organisation, the NSC send two work brigades of paying volunteers to Nicaragua each year.
Oasis Hostel – Billing itself as the only real backpackers’ hostel in Puerto Vallarta for young souls with a budget looking for a good time, Oasis Hostel has been known to employ volunteer workers, aged 23 to 32 and with pertinent work experience, for a minimum of eight weeks. Breakfast, dorm bed, internet, laundry, and drinks are provided in exchange for six hours work a day, with the possibility of pocket money after eight weeks.
Open House – Will let you stay for free in Salvador, Brazil, should you collaborate in an art or social project between May 15 and December 15.
Osa Conservation – A sea turtle conservation programme in Costa Rica.
Osa Mariposa – We have seen this small bungalow beach hostel on Mexico’s Pacific coast requesting temporary help in the kitchen for four to five hours per day. In exchange they will offer you bed and food, plus a share of tips. Some kitchen/cooking experience is required, along with basic Spanish and English, for what is described as a “typically mellow job.” They may be able to use a cleaner for three hours in the morning.
Outward Bound Costa Rica – Offers experiential learning via outdoor activities, including scuba diving, hiking, surfing, sea turtle conservation, and volunteering in indigenous communities, allowing participants to get out of their comfort zones, gain confidence, resilience and leadership skills. They are based in the Costa Rican rainforest and have built a lot of local relationships over the years.
Para la Tierra – A not for profit biological station in Paraguay staffed by professionals and assisted by a constant stream of ecologically minded volunteers. All volunteers need is enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Internships also available.
Pariwana Hostel – Hangout for free, behind the bar or reception, in exchange for investing little elbow grease into Pariwana, who are constantly looking for enthusiastic and outgoing individuals in Cusco. They have another hostel in Lima.
Peru Luz Esperanza – Founded with the aim to fight the poverty and ignorance which exist in the rural places around Huancayo. Volunteers can join in a number of projects including a bakery, carpentry and cattle raising.
Proyecto Karumbe – Volunteers required in Uruguay to help with capturing and caring for sick Green turtles, research, cooking and cleaning. A small daily fee is required for food and accommodation.
Proyecto Peru Centre – Spanish courses with a variety of interactive language learning experiences. They also arrange volunteer and internship placements in Cusco.
Quetzal Trekkers – Nature lovers, with first aid experience and basic Spanish, will enjoy the challenge of working as a volunteer guide leading trekkers around the volcanoes near Leon, Nicaragua. Duties include recruiting customers, making promotional materials and cleaning the equipment. Volunteers pay a small refundable deposit returned after a two month commitment.
Rainforest Biodiversity Group – Volunteers are required from October to end of December to help prepare six newly established nature reserves to be a part of the new Costa Rican Bird Route. Accommodation provided at all sites and food at half of them. Spanish and construction skills necessary. Volunteers are also required in the USA.
Reto Juvenil Internacional – RJI is a Costa Rican based organisation working to carry out volunteer programmes where community development is complemented by personal growth, group work and community service.
Roatan Backpackers’ Hostel – Help out for two hours a day and there’s a dorm bed on a Caribbean Island in it for you. Mostly the role involves helping the owner’s sons with their English homework with a little cleaning on the side. Other locally based volunteer projects are also listed on their website.
Sacred Suenos – With the aim of regenerating a small piece of mountainside in Ecuador into a self sufficient farm community, volunteers participate in all aspects of the community. Volunteers contribute $30 per week towards the food kitty and a donkey service is available to take your luggage up the mountain.
Sea Turtle Survival League / Caribbean Conservation – Turtle conservation.
Sharing Dreams – A non profit organization founded in Huancayo to back up the region’s poor populations, especially children, by means of alternative projects, to achieve an integral sustainable development with the help of volunteers.
Shiripuno Research Center – The most remote biological station in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador, whose mission is to establish studies on natural history and tropical ecology. The volunteer programme involves four weeks in the field with a whole series of activities and work assignments.
Spanglish Exchange – Combines nightlife and education pairing native Spanish speakers with native English speakers in a series of conversations. Native English speakers can volunteer in Buenos Aires to teach English to students ranging from the age of five years old to adults.
Spanish School in Buenos Aires – Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires. Also volunteer work, tours and Spanish lessons in Bariloche and Cusco, Peru.
Sustainable Bolivia – A non profit community of 36 partner organisations in Cochabamba with numerous volunteer and internship opportunities.
Tribu Hostel – A Mexican hostel that takes on a volunteer receptionist and bartender. Spanish and English language skills are needed along with a big smile. How long you stay depends on how much you like them and how much they like you.
Troncones Point Surf Club and Hostel – Removed from the tourist hustle 20 miles to the north of Ixtapa, Mexico, these guys have in the past taken on an on-site manager in exchange for accommodation, food and a cut of the profits on rented rooms.
Tropical Adventures – A non profit volunteer organisation placing volunteers in community, teaching, indigenous, wildlife and animal rehabilitation projects across Costa Rica. TA welcome volunteers to take part in one or more of these projects for a minimum of one week at any point of the year. They also arrange tours or activities such as rainforest hikes, volcano tours, rafting or Spanish lessons.
Utila Iguana Research and Breeding Station – Since 1994, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Senckenberg Nature Research Society have worked jointly to preserve the Utila Iguana, an endangered reptile living only on the Island of Utila, Honduras. Jobs for volunteers are varied: public relations, environmental education, animal care, gardening, station maintenance and ecological research, are a few examples.
Volunteer Bolivia – Located in Cochabamba, VB will match your skills and interests to local needs in order to provide you with an unforgettable cross cultural experience.
Voluntario Global – Volunteer organisation based in Argentina.
Volunteer Latin America – An online service whose mission is to help protect Latin America’s flora and fauna, its biodiversity, and to offer the most cost effective way to become an environmental volunteer in Mexico, Central or South America. VLA connect prospective volunteers with hundreds of environmental voluntary and intern projects in Latin America. Their Volunteer Information Guides provide ecologists, wildlife enthusiasts, explorers, and gap year students with all the information they need to get involved. The majority of projects included in the guides are managed by small organisations. Projects run by large organisations, or those run through agencies, are only included if considered to be either value for money or relevant to a specific request. Also excluded are projects where the volunteer is expected to pay unreasonable registration fees.
Volunteer South America – Many years ago Steve McElhinney was having trouble finding a volunteer project in Argentina that didn’t require stumping up large sums of money to middle men. This simple site listing cheap and free projects in Latin America is the result of his research.
VolunteerWorkLatinAmerica.org – Volunteer work in South America.
Wild Rover Hostels – We’ve seen mention that this small Irish branded group of hostels in Peru and Bolivia have foreigners working there and that they all seem to be Irish, or at least putting on the accent. There’s a jobs page too.
Wiracocha Spanish School – Learn Spanish in Cusco, Peru. Spanish courses, volunteer work, accommodation and excursions.
WWOOF Chile – Members receive a list with more than 100 organic farms by email.
* Free or Cheap Volunteering *Your family might prefer if you go to Latin America with a placement agency, but volunteering can be cheaper when travelling independently. Visit our Free or Cheap Volunteer Work Abroad pages to find NGOs and grassroots organisations in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru & Uruguay. |
Living in Latin America
Real Estate and Resources for Staying Long Term
Abraham Tobago Realty – Homes and land for sale and rent in Tobago.
Living in Mexico – Overseas property investment in Merida and the Yucatan.
Medellin Living – A lifestyle and travel blog for a city increasingly seen as a great place to live.
Travelling in Latin America
Accommodation & Getting Around
Aerolineas Argentinas – Argentina’s national airline.
Another Planet Peru – Formed in South Africa, Another Planet moved to Peru when Lesley, the owner, fell for the country and decided to stay. They make exclusive clothing from cotton, wool and alpaca, operate Hostel Casa de la Gringa, and offer combi tours for spiritual clients in Cusco.
Aruba 411 – Aruba website with many guides including vacation packages, hotels and resorts, vacation ideas, plus travel and tourism information.
Best Andes Travel – Hiking trails, backpacking, camping, trekking, mountain biking, ecotourism, excursions, hotels and outdoor adventure in all Peru.
Casa Particular – Homestay accommodation in Cuba.
Costa Rica Web – Guide to Costa Rica in English, Spanish and German.
CuscoPeru.com – Attractive and informative guide to the former capital of the Inca empire.
Easter Island Foundation – A guide to Easter Island, events and scientific studies.
Ecuador Explorer – Tools, tours and general information.
Flying Dog Backpackers – Accommodation in Miraflores, Lima, with a relaxed feel and English speaking staff. The editors of this site stayed here during our first few nights in Peru and recommend the place for bed, breakfast and lounging around Parque Kennedy. There are other Flying Dogs in Cusco, Iquitos and Arequipa..
Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch – Adventure and jungle lodge set beneath a 100 foot rainforest canopy in the privately owned 58,000 acre Caves Branch Estate, Belize.
Inca Trail Info – Find Trekking Information about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
La Cupula Hostal y Restaurant – A well run treat on a hillside overlooking Lake Titicaca. The hostel in Copacobana, Bolivia, has 17 rooms, hot showers all day, gardens and hammocks with a view of the lake, free use of kitchen and washing facilities, games, music instruments and videos, tourist info and an international restaurant offering, among other things, a large and enjoyable lasagne.
Mexico Travel Plan – Information for independent travel around Mexico from a small specialist internet based tour operator.
Pacaritambo – Machu Picchu online magazine.
Pachamama Explorers – Trek and tour company based in Cusco.
Pakboats – Folding canoes and kayaks for sale.
Parque Das Aves – The Parque Das Aves is often overlooked by visitors to the Brazilian side of the Iguacu Falls. A shame, as the birdlife from around the world is easy to view either in cages or in the covered enclosures. The enclosures are entered via double doors to prevent the free flying birds from making off and visitors will be able to experience storks blocking their path, screeching parrots and toucans flying from their tree perch to land a foot away from where they stand. In other enclosures visitors may interact with humming birds and large butterflies or view caymans and turtles. Site is available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.
Poncho Tours – An independent British owned company specialising in tailor made holidays to Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
The Tranquilo Traveler – This blog is a celebration of voluntourism, slow travel, and other interesting ways to see the world both as a resource for world trippers and a window into the author’s ongoing travels, especially to Nicaragua and Belize.
Yellow River – A hostel and working coffee farm in the heart of the Peruvian Cloud Forest near Machu Picchu. Their website is gone. This is their TripAdvisor.
Other Useful Latin American Websites
Culture, News…
Acupari Language School – Spanish and Quechua language tuition offered in Cusco, Peru.
The Amazon Conservation Team – Works in partnership with indigenous people in conserving biodiversity, health and culture in tropical South America.
Che Lives.com – Links and pictures about the Argentine born revolutionary.
ENFOREX – Spanish Language schools open all year round for teenagers, university students and adults. Schools in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Equinox Spanish Schools – A Spanish school in Ecuador.
Expanish – A Spanish school in Buenos Aires.
Guyana News – News and information.
Habla Ya – Learn Spanish in Panama at Habla Ya Panama Spanish Schools. There’s also a spot of volunteering on offer.
Ibero Spanish Argentina – Spanish school in Buenos Aires offering free Tango lessons, cultural programmes, group and private lessons.
Montañita Spanish School – Learn Spanish and enjoy the culture and lifestyle on the coast of Ecuador. Some volunteering options are available.
The Nature Conservancy – Magazine.
The Nicaragua Dispatch – Was an online newspaper but now appears to be a news source via Facebook.
Save the Wild Chinchillas – Save the Wild Chinchillas is trying to prevent these endangered cute big eared rodent like things from becoming extinct through a mixture of education and promoting awareness, protecting the land and creating sustainable preserves.
Think Venezuela – News, information and links in English, Spanish and German.
Unilanguage – Learn and study Spanish in Tucuman, Argentina.