Volunteer in Latin America and the Caribbean and become part of our ongoing efforts to support the sustainable development of local communities.
Picture yourself doing something exciting and wildly different, like:
- Protecting and releasing baby sea turtles into the Pacific ocean on our Conservation Project in Mexico.
- Living in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest and contributing to reforestation and animal rehabilitation in Peru.
- Supporting teachers and caregivers and giving youth a stronger start with education through a childcare volunteer program in Jamaica.
And so much more, including the chance to learn or improve your Spanish while you volunteer in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Peru! We also offer a range of internships if you’re looking to be a medical volunteer in Latin America, and you can focus on different fields, from Nursing to Public Health.
Once you know which incredible country you’d like to do volunteer work in, we’ll take care of all the details so you can have a hassle-free trip. All you have to focus on is making the biggest impact and having the best time! Our staff are also available 24/7 to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Why volunteer in Latin America or the Caribbean?
In Latin America and the Caribbean, you’ll discover a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit all preferences. Whether you’d love the vibrant city life that you’d get as a Human Rights volunteer doing in Cordoba, Argentina, or you value the peaceful tranquility of beach-living, there’s something for you.
Interested in wildlife conservation work? Some of our best volunteer programs in South America focus on preserving the incredible biodiversity found in the Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands. Read more about our range of volunteer programs in South America.
Your skills and hard work can make a real difference to the lives of people living in Latin America and the Caribbean. In turn, your life will be impacted by being immersed in an exciting culture, while adding valuable work experience to your resume.
How can I volunteer in the Caribbean or Latin America?
Ready to volunteer abroad, but unsure where to start? Well, it’s simple! Just follow these steps to turn your dreams into a reality:
- Think about the volunteer work you’d prefer to do, whether that’s educating young children, protecting Olive Ridley Turtles, or a medical internship. If you have your heart set on a particular country, then choose your favorite from the projects we offer in that destination.
- Reach out to our Project Experts, who can provide more information and help you make the right choice according to your interests and goals.
- Decide how much time you have to travel to Latin America or the Caribbean, how flexible your dates are, and if you’d rather travel solo or as part of a group. This will determine what kind of trip is right for you, whether that's an independent Flexi Trip, Team Trip, or a High School Special.
- Once you know which country you want to visit, what type of work you’d like to be doing, and the length you wish to travel for, there’s nothing left to do but fill in the application form and book your place!
How old do I have to be to volunteer in Latin America and the Caribbean?
All our volunteer opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean are open to volunteers aged 16 and over. Most of these programs have minimum requirements, which are clearly stated on the project page. If you meet them, then it’s time to apply! You can always get in touch with our Project Experts for more information and advice.
There’s also volunteer work in Latin America and the Caribbean for high school students aged 15-18. Our High School Specials are designed to give students the support and care they need as young travelers.
Worried you’re too old to join our volunteer vacations in Latin America and the Caribbean? We believe that all age groups should be encouraged to volunteer overseas. In fact, your experience and skills are much needed to support development in these countries. We even offer a volunteer trip to Ecuador specially designed for over 50s.
Is volunteering in Latin America and the Caribbean ethical?
Rest assured you’ll have an ethical experience when volunteering in Latin American and the Caribbean with us. We hold all our volunteers to a high standard, and with projects involving animals, children, or medical care, we have an even stricter code of conduct.
As champions of responsible volunteer travel, we follow an eight point checklist for all projects. This guarantees an ethical travel experience for all involved in volunteer programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Learn more about our policies and approach to ethical volunteering.
Do we offer short term volunteer opportunities in Latin America or the Caribbean?
Our volunteer opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America are flexible, so you can choose the length of time you’re abroad for. While we recommend staying longer to maximize your impact and get the most out of the experience, you can volunteer for a minimum of a week. Week-long trips can be incredibly positive, if that’s the best fit for your budget and schedule.
If you’re unsure about what kind of impact you can really make in a week, read our blog that explains how we approach short-term volunteering.
Can I volunteer in Latin America or the Caribbean for free?
Looking to volunteer abroad for free? This isn’t something we can offer, for the following reasons:
- We prioritize your safety abroad, so we hire all our own staff who can be contacted 24/7 in-destination.
- We believe in offering the best possible experience, so we take a hassle-free approach. Planning all these logistics requires funding.
- We’re committed to sustainable development, which simply cannot be done without enough income for us to be able to think long-term.
Read more about why you can’t volunteer abroad for free.
The cost of a volunteer program in Latin America and the Caribbean depends on where you go, what you do, and how long you volunteer for. But it’s probably not as much as you think. Especially when you consider that our project fees include:
- Three meals a day
- Accommodation
- Transportation to and from your placement
Plus, prices don’t increase greatly from week to week, so staying longer may be more affordable than you know!
We want our volunteer programs to be open to as many people as possible. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans. We only ask for an initial deposit and then you can pay as much as you like in a series of small installments. We’re completely flexible, but the fee does need to be paid in full before you leave for your project.
We also offer advice and support for volunteer fundraising, so you can get the funds you need to go on the adventure of a lifetime! Our staff and alumni are experts on raising funds and we’ll ensure that you’re able to secure the required amount.
Is it safe to volunteer in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Safety is the top priority for many travelers, and it’s our priority too. That’s why we place you in Latin American and Caribbean countries that are politically stable and safe. Our local staff monitor changing situations and are there to offer advice and support regarding safety matters.
Where to volunteer in Latin America and the Caribbean
Excited to choose your next adventure? We offer volunteer opportunities in the following countries:
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We have the expertise and staff on the ground to create a custom project for you, or simply help you find the best option.
Speak to one of our Latin America and the Caribbean experts on:
or
Request Infoto start planning your project
Our accreditations
