Volunteer Projects in Central & South America

We provide volunteer work opportunities throughout Central and South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. The projects we offer have been carefully chosen and range from helping street children to monitoring wildcats such as puma and ocelots. These projects are run by reputable organisations and offer some of the lowest cost and most rewarding volunteer experiences in Central and South America.

There are hundreds of volunteer organisations looking for global volunteers and you can see some examples of the projects you could join on this web page. Please note that these are just a few examples of the projects we can send you in a volunteer guide.

All the projects shown below are priced in UK Sterling. If you would like to work out the cost of volunteering in a different currency please click here for a currency converter. The prices shown below are the actual costs of the projects.

Reforestation and Farm Work

This project manages and protects over six thousand hectares of native forest. It has reforested hundreds of hectares of dry tropical forest in abandoned pasture lands or burned areas within the forest since its inauguration. Help is needed to record data on tree growth and mortality in selected parcels, which will help determine future reforestation efforts, including species composition, etc., as well as research information in local libraries on certain tree species to use in future education programmes. The project has also set up an integrated organic farm in the reserve buffer zone to provide alternatives to the slash-and-burn agriculture that was previously used. Volunteers are needed in various projects including beekeeping, agroforestry, integrated pest management, and small animal husbandry (guinea pigs, chickens, ducks).

This project provides the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the protection of a tropical forest.

Volunteers are provided with accommodation and one meal (lunch) per day.

Volunteer at Wildlife Rescue Centre

This project provides suitable and appropriate care for sick and wounded animals. The project currently cares for sloths, monkeys (tamarins, capuchins, howlers), kinkajous, margays, ocelots, jaguarundis, anteaters, cockatoos, macaws, parrots, owls, toucans, and many other species. Volunteers can help out by giving guided tours to visitors, cleaning out and feeding the animals, or by translating the centres literature into other languages.

Housing is available when not occupied but food is the responsibility of volunteers. There is also the option of staying in local hostels at a cost of £4.50 per night.

Holistic Education for an Intercultural Community

This Waldorf school is intercultural, with families from both the local indigenous community and from all over the world. The education it provides is holistic, arts-based and multilingual. There are various opportunities for volunteers (i.e. administrative assistance, gardening, teaching, tutoring and construction projects). The village where the school is based offers an array of courses and workshops that volunteers can get involved in including Spanish classes, meditation, yoga, massage, alternative healing therapies, green building, dance and music.

There is no cost to participate and volunteers are assisted in finding a local homestay or private housing. Housing costs between £60 - £120 per month. There are many cheap restaurants to choose from in the village.

Waterfall Project

This project is looking for volunteers to assist locals in building one of the world's best ecological treks. It will pass by several waterfalls, one of them being 3 times as high as the Eiffel Tower. Each volunteer has the option of being assigned a team of local Andean Natives who will do the heavy work of excavating and constructing the path, or lighter duties such as planting indigenous flora, teaching English in local schools, or other community support. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to assist and support the local community in becoming the caretakers and sole benefactors of this natural wonder.

Volunteers pay £12 per day to hire their own team of village workers. Lodging in the area costs around £4.50 per day plus food. An all-inclusive package is available if you want the project leader to make all the arrangements for your stay.

Volunteer in the Galapagos

This project seeks volunteers for three different programmes. The first of these is a reforestation project where volunteers help control and eliminate non-native vegetation, plant native trees, and take care of the plants in the nursery. The community and education project enables volunteers to work alongside local families, monitoring non-native vegetation, and encouraging the use of native vegetation. Volunteers also have the opportunity to work with local children, providing environmental education or teaching them English. The hipotherapy (riding therapy) project seeks volunteers who are physical therapists or who have some previous experience. Volunteers work directly with the children and take care of the horses.

Volunteers who participate in this project are offered the following activities for free: one day of horse riding; one day of surfing (with instructor and surf board).

The project costs £200 per month or £90 per week. The fee includes farm house accommodation and transfer from the airport. Volunteers buy and prepare their own food (fully equipped kitchen provided).

Help Poor and Disadvantaged Children

This project is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and underserved with the help of international volunteers. There are opportunities to help in education, social work and health care (i.e. working in orphanages, working with street kids or single mothers, teaching English, providing health care in hospitals and medical centres etc). Each programme allows the volunteer to interact with the community, experience the local culture and improve their Spanish language ability. Spanish, dancing and cooking classes are available.

Resident housing costs £170 per month. A kitchen is available to prepare your own meals. Volunteers who prefer a home stay are charged £215 per month including all meals. Airport pick-ups and transfers can be arranged.

Experience a Sustainable Way of Life

This eco village welcomes vegetarians or those who like to experience a vegetarian lifestyle. Within this eco-conscious community, you will learn about yoga, meditation, vegetarian cooking, organic agriculture, nutrition, different kinds of art and life philosophy. Volunteers work for 4 to 5 hours per day on sustainable activities in the village (i.e. organic gardening, eco building, teaching English, etc), and have the opportunity to participate in various workshops.

The project costs £7 per day for stays of more than 2 weeks. The fee includes accommodation, organic vegetarian food, and various activities (hatha yoga classes, meditation, music-therapy with oriental instruments, philosophical study programmes, etc).

Manage a Surf Camp

This surf camp is looking for someone to run the camp. The applicant must be bi-lingual in English and Spanish, have knowledge of first aid, CPR, computer training in Microsoft Excel, have excellent customer service skills, basic boating and surfing abilities.

The manager receives free board and lodging plus a monthly stipend of £250.

Volunteer for Animal Sanctuary

The project is located on a beautiful beach-front property surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The sanctuary needs general volunteers to help look after its animals (mainly cats) and other miscellaneous duties. No previous experience required. It also seeks a veterinarian, a veterinary technician, teacher (environmental education), fundraiser, accountant, writer, and a carpenter. In their spare time volunteers will enjoy spectacular sunsets, excellent diving, snorkelling, manatee watching, white sand and tranquillity.

The project provides volunteers with beach front or floating accommodation for £49 per week. The fee decreases after 2 weeks service. All fees contribute to the running of the sanctuary.

Help Working Children & Optional Spanish Classes

This project is devoted to helping working children (especially working girls) and their families overcome grinding poverty and improve their quality of lives through education and job training, nutrition programs, health and social services, psychological help and recreation. Volunteer opportunities are varied, and range from working in street outreach programmes, to teaching mothers jewellery making, to helping with fundraising or administrative work. There are tasks for all interests and capabilities. There is currently an urgent need for a doctor, dentist and street outreach nurse.

Volunteers are assisted with finding accommodation and Spanish classes (optional). Housing starts at £99 per month including food. Spanish classes range from £2.50 to £6.50 per hour.

Volunteer at Recycling Centre

This project educates the community about the importance of protecting their environment and runs a recycling programme for materials such as plastic, glass, aluminium, paper and cardboard. Children are educated about waste and about recycling, and the funds obtained from recycling are donated to local schools. The project is continually looking for volunteers. Volunteers can give talks about recycling at local schools, organize the sale and weighing of materials to be recycled, monitor the recycling programs at each school, classify and receive materials at the recycling centre, help transport the materials, help with management tasks, translation and promotional work.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses. Cheap lodging is available in the area.

Volunteer at Restaurant and Cultural Centre

The cultural centre focuses on improving the quality of life for youth and community members through arts, culture, education and agriculture. It seeks volunteers for its hospitality services and public relations, education and construction projects. Volunteers can help out in the restaurant and bar or work with the public relations team (i.e. providing tourist information). Help elaborate on and execute one of the existing educational programmes or develop their own programme (i.e. a beach clean-up campaign). Help out with construction work and avtivities in the garden (i.e. setting up a natural drainage system, building raised garden beds, constructing a greenhouse, etc). This project provides an excellent opportunity to learn about local culture and customs.

The project costs £1.20 per day if staying for one month, slightly more for shorter stays. The fee includes lodging in a fully furnished and secure house with hot water. Volunteers receive free food if they work a full day on any project, 50% discount for less hours.

Volunteer at Sloth Rescue Centre

This project cares for over 100 endangered sloths. Volunteers play a vital role in helping to care for the sloths (adults and babies), learning about their ways and educating others. Additionally volunteers play an active role in helping to maintain the jungle trails and the sanctuary grounds, guiding tours, helping with cage cleaning and maintenance, preparation of sloth meals, and lending a hand to staff veterinarians and other specialists and researchers. This is a great opportunity to assist in the rescue of a truly fascinating and endangered animal.

The project costs £20 per day which includes accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), laundry service, orientation, and the unique opportunity to learn hands-on about the wonderful world of the Sloth.

Volunteer at Eco-Lodge

This ecolodge is perched high in the Andes Mountains and it provides an interesting project for those interested in sustainable tourism. A volunteer is needed to help run and maintain the lodge along with other odd projects. Volunteer duties include helping out in the lodge, attending to the needs of guests, general maintenance, gardening, cooking and cleaning, animal care and participating in all the hikes, horseback rides and excursions.

The lodge is also looking for yoga teachers to teach and lead yoga sessions once or twice a day in exchange for room and board.

There is also an opportunity for a massage therapist to train local neighbours in various massage techniques in exchange for free room and board. The lodge has a massage table and a room for giving massage while simultaneously training locals. Guests at the lodge will pay £14 - £20 for an hour long massage and this money will be your income.

Volunteers pay £6 per day for room and board for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks volunteers receive free board and lodging. A comfortable room at the lodge is provided with full bedding and 3 gourmet vegetarian meals per day.

Chocolate Production with Indigenous People

The chocolate project was set up to help an indigenous community add value to their products (cacao) and to market them. It is training indigenous women how to make chocolate but lacks the technical expertise to make good quality chocolate. The project seeks a supervisor to help the indigenous women in the initial phases of the project until they have learnt to do it themselves. The volunteer must have experience in tempering chocolate and quality control at all stages of the process.

The volunteer will receive free accommodation but is responsible for covering the cost of food. This will range from £90 – £175 per month depending on where you eat and your dietary requirements.

Field Work and Exploration

This project is looking for volunteers to gather information on the locations they visit and the people they meet. Volunteers will be responsible for publishing articles, stories, city facts and travel information, news and sports updates. Volunteers require some writing experience (including information gathering and note taking skills), some knowledge of simple HTML and data entry, and must own their own laptop and camera. This project is a young writers dream and a perfect opportunity for bloggers and social activists to get their hands wet.

Volunteers are provided with free room and board.

Ecotourism Internships

This project is based in a very special ecosystem, rich in flora and fauna, and a variety of habitats. Ecotourism interns work with groups of tourists, accompanying them during their activities (hikes, boat trips, adventure sports and visits to native communities). Interns also assist with maintenance duties and provide support in various activities that are essential to a reserve (i.e. bird inventories, photography studies, impact studies, ecological alternatives, etc).

This project also requires volunteers for conservation work, its wildlife rescue centre, and social work in the local community.

The project costs £13 per day which includes board and lodging.

Arts, Language and Literacy

The prime focus of this project is to offer ongoing classes, workshops and events in all aspects of the arts, language and literacy to local communities. It is looking for talented artists, inspiring arts educators and workshop leaders, interested in sharing their skills with staff and willing to be hands-on collaborators on projects aimed at children, youth and teachers. There are also opportunities for English teachers with or without experience and library helpers for the children's library. Volunteers must have sufficient Spanish language skills for the work they wish to do.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering the cost of their stay. Furnished rooms (including kitchen, bathroom, wifi internet etc) are available for £105 per month or £3.50 per day.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education

This project helps protect wildlife and their natural habitats through education programmes, investigation and wildlife rehabilitation. It teaches people, especially children, about the intrinsic value of animals and the importance of conservation, investigates and solves problems involving wildlife, and provides refuge to animals that have suffered any kind of injury. Volunteers can get involved in building and repairing enclosures, cleaning, feeding, animal rescue, animal observation, animal tracking and sampling. Volunteers can also assist with the environmental education programme. No particular skills are needed.

Volunteers are provided with free housing but are responsible for buying and preparing their own food.

Build Homes for Poor Families

This project builds homes for poor families and aims to give them a fresh start in life. Many families live in makeshift homes that are constructed of nothing more than cornstalk, cardboard, or plastic walls with dirt floors. This project build houses for the poorest families making them strong, safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable to maintain. No construction experience is required, just a desire to help the poor. A minimum commitment of 6 working days is required.

Volunteers make a £350 donation to help the project. Volunteers will be provided with bottled water and transportation to the work-site. Homestays cost £6 per day with all meals (packed lunch provided when working). Private accommodation starts at £4 per day.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Children

The focus of this project is to improve the lives of impoverished children, supporting their education, diet, families and communities. Volunteers are required to help run the kindergarten/day care centre, getting involved in activities such as teaching (English, maths, remedial reading etc), computer classes and sports education. Volunteers are also required to support the physical, educational, emotional, and health needs of families at risk and caregivers of HIV/AIDS.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses. Most volunteers stay in a beach house which costs £24 per week for the first four weeks and then £14 per week thereafter.

Volunteer for Animal Orphanage

This project seeks volunteers for a wide variety of tasks. Volunteers mostly help them in the upkeep of the butterfly farm, planting trees, cleaning, building and repairing cages, and guiding visitors. However, if a baby animal arrives a volunteer might be asked to take care of it. Volunteers don't need any special skills, just a genuine love for flora and fauna. The only requirement is a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Volunteer pay £3 per day for accommodation (less if staying more than 2 weeks) and a similar amount for food. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt.

Sustainable Living Project

This recently established sustainable living project is looking for people (volunteers and long term interns) to help out with gardening, natural building (including earthen and stone) reforestation, carpentry, food preparation (cheeses and jams), animal care (dairy cows and chickens), fungus identification, alternative energy, bee-keeping, and creative projects like furniture making. The project offers healthy food, nature hikes, swimming, yoga, meditation, and hands-on learning about sustainable living.

The project costs £17 per week which covers accommodation and food.

Rainforest Conservation

This project enables volunteers to make a genuine contribution to the conservation of the rainforest and is ideal for those taking a gap year or career break. There are a wide variety of activities and projects that volunteers can get involved in such as forest patrols, working in the tree nursery, reforestation programmes, environmental education, forest surveys, teaching English, or simply helping out with day to day maintenance (i.e office duties, painting etc). There are world famous beaches and tourist attractions to visit in your spare time.

The project costs £250 per month which includes accommodation, meals, laundry facilities and free internet access in the evenings.

Monitoring Parrots in the Amazon Rainforest

This project is looking for field assistants to help collect seasonal information on parrot nesting habits and ecology. The work includes counting parrots on mineral licks, monitoring tree fruiting patterns, collecting information on diet, breeding and various other activities. No previous experience is required as full training in identification and field techniques will be given. This project provides a great opportunity to explore the Amazon rainforest and gain valuable field experience.

The project costs £6 per day which covers accommodation, food, unlimited tea and coffee, internet, training materials, research permits, and local transport to and from the site.

Conservation in the Amazon

This project is in its infancy and its purpose is to preserve the Kichwa culture and way of life. At the core of this ancient culture is the knowledge of how to live off the land in a more healthy and sustainable manner. The project is looking for volunteers to not only share their time and knowledge but to also learn and appreciate the many aspects of the culture. As this project is in its early stages there is a need for volunteers in any capacity. Volunteer opportunities include: helping construct volunteer housing; agricultural work in the botanical garden; conservation work in the primary and secondary jungle; water conservation (helping secure a clean, reliable water source); education work (helping open a Kichwa language school); documenting/planting medicinal plants; cooking; teaching English; and web design.

The project costs £7 per day which includes board and lodging.

Gardening Volunteer

This project urgently needs a volunteer to take responsibility for its cloud forest organic garden. This is a great opportunity to learn more about sub-tropical gardening, community conservation, ecotourism, and improve your Spanish. The volunteer will live and work alongside members of the rural community and they will gain a real insight into their daily life. People are always ready for a game of football or you can spend your free time hiking, birding, swimming, visiting waterfalls and enjoying the fiestas and dances in the nearby towns.

Volunteers receive free board and lodging in the heart of a cloud forest reserve.

Volunteer at Eco Lodge

This project is looking for volunteers with an interest in community development, gender equity, ethnic preservation and dissemination of biodiversity, cultural exchange and a passion for nature. This project is particularly pertinent to students of tourism, eco-tourism, hospitality and food. Volunteer activities include organising trips for leisure and recreation purposes, accompanying groups of tourists in wilderness areas, assisting in environmental impact assessments, assisting in the administration of the lodge, assisting in the development of tourist guides, and helping maintain the lodge (i.e. cleaning rooms/cabins etc). Every volunteer is expected to respect the customs and ideology of local indigenous communities.

The project costs £10 per day which includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, various activities and accident insurance cover.

Expedition Leader

This project is always looking for free spirited, open minded, energetic and adventurous travellers to join the team in the field. A good strong positive attitude, flowing energy and giving nature is what they look for most in their staff. The project is currently in need of someone to manage the complete running of the expedition 7 days a week on its forest/beach camps and in a local indigenous village. There are also openings for a yoga and meditation teacher and a PADI scuba diving instructor.

The expedition leader is reimbursed for their flight and receives a living allowance paid as a bonus after every expedition. Accommodation, food and transport are also covered whilst on the expedition.

Organizational Development Worker - Amazon Project

This is a unique opportunity to work with indigenous communities which are striving for survival due to the impacts of colonization and unfair development in their territories. You will gain experience of working in a challenging and difficult area where unsustainable economic development and external pressures are shaping the local politics. You will see the direct benefits of your work by supporting a small organization which main objectives are self-determination and the preservation of their traditional culture and environment.

The indigenous communities provide traditional accommodation and food. Local travel expenses will be covered by the project.

Orphanage and Kindergarten Volunteers

This project seeks volunteers to help out at one of two orphanages or a kindergarten. The first orphanage needs volunteers to teach English or organize activities for the children (i.e. theatre, sports, etc). The second orphanage needs volunteers to help out with various workshops it offers such as cooking, ceramics, clothes making (knitting, sewing, etc) and computers. Volunteers can also offer support as nannies, nurses, and tutors. Kindergarten volunteers assist the teachers in providing English, music, sport and various other activities. Help is also needed in getting the children to-and-from the school safely.

Volunteers make a one-off payment of £140 which includes an airport pick-up and city tour, orientation, in-country support, 4 hour Spanish introduction course, and then £60 per week for a homestay. Tours to Machu Picchu can be arranged for a small additional fee.

Teach English in the Amazon

The project requires a volunteer to teach English to members of an indigenous community. Volunteers need to be fluent in English and preferably be native English speakers. The community is located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is one of the most bio-diverse areas on Earth, with 10,000 different species of plants and more than 570 different species of birds.

Volunteers receive free accommodation (volunteer house) and all their meals.

Environmental Education Volunteer / Tour Guide

This environmental education centre is in need of intelligent and enthusiastic people to help them teach visitors about insects and arthropods (i.e. butterflies, spiders, beetles etc). Volunteers are responsible for giving tours, maintenance of the facility, animal husbandry and other general tasks. During the tours you are encouraged to handle insects (though it is not absolutely required) and express enthusiasm for your subject. Some knowledge of Spanish is useful but not necessary. Fluency in English is essential. There are many good places to hike in your free time including a great sunset look-out and a couple of waterfalls.

Volunteers receive free board and lodging for the enitre duration of their stay.

Street Kids Volunteer

This project provides daily meals, medical attention, and educational support to about 50 children from impoverished backgrounds who would otherwise be on the streets. Volunteers help out by teaching, playing, providing emotional support when needed, and supervising mealtimes. Volunteers also help organise extra-curricular activities such as excursions and sport competitions.

The project costs £195 per month which includes accommodation and food.

Support a Forest Community

This project offers various opportunities for people interested in collaborating with community sustainable development. In particular it needs volunteers to help with: community tourism (promotional work, tour guides); the investigation of flora and fauna; anthropological and sociological studies; English classes; fair trade work with women's groups; arts and crafts; gardening (medicinal plants, herbs and vegetables); environmental education; computer classes; health assistance; and maintaining trails.

Volunteers receive free accommodation but no meals. Food can be provided at a cost of £7 per day. If volunteers are prepared to cook for themselves they are charged less.

Trekking Volunteer

This project offers trekking opportunities and uses its proceeds to support children and communities living in poverty. Volunteer duties include general promotion, preparing for and leading tours/treks and also participation in activities with children from the project. Treks range from 1 to 5 days and allow you to view towering waterfalls, stay in indigenous communities, swim in mountain streams, walk along ancient trails and much much more.

There is no fee to participate but volunteers are responsible for living expenses. Private hostel type accommodation costs around £40 per month and a room in a shared house costs £25 per month. Food is very cheap and £5 per day is adequate.

Eco-Apprenticeships & Free Spanish Classes

This project is seeking hardworking individuals to help revive and redesign an eco-village/educational enterprise. It needs help with organic gardening, eco-building restoration and maintenance, recycling, kitchen preparation, and general permaculture design. Experience in these areas is useful but not essential. Volunteers must be self-starters, good natured, flexible, and willing to learn.

The project costs £32 per week which includes food, lodging, yoga classes, guided meditation, and 2 Spanish classes per week. 3 lacto-ovo-vegetarian/vegan meals are provided daily.

Volunteer in Permaculture Village

This project welcomes volunteers interested in sustainable tourism, ecovillage living, outdoor recreation, personal development and creative activities. Depending on when you participate, you may learn about natural building, organic permaculture gardening, humanure composting, solar and cob ovens, solar panels and alternative energy, vegetarian cooking and outdoor cooking, and ecological living. You can expect to work on a variety of tasks based on your needs and interests.

This project also offers retreats for artists and writers, natural building classes (cob, cobwood, strawbale and adobe), wood and stone carving, ethnobotany, and much more. Other classes available include photography, cooking, and local crafts.

Volunteers pay a small fee (approx. £25 per week) to help cover the cost of their food and lodging.

Volunteer at Children's Village

This project cares for malnourished, abandoned and orphaned children. It seeks long term volunteers to fill positions such as primary teacher, kindergarten teacher, English teacher, art teacher, teacher aid, librarian, physical education teacher, orientador or administrative positions. There are also opportunities for people with medical training (doctors and nurses) and short term volunteers. Volunteers can also work in the projects associated backpackers hotel, and those who opt to do so receive free board and lodging.

Long term volunteers make a 'one-off' donation of £195 to cover board and lodging. If you stay 12 months or longer the donation will be returned to you. The project pays a monthly stipend of £90 to teachers from the forth month of volunteer work.

Volunteer on Organic Farm

This project is working to transform a 10 hectare piece of degraded mountainside into a self-sufficient farm community, using permaculture design principles. There are many opportunities for volunteers including trail building, fencing, gardening, composting, irrigation, animal and tree care, building structures and furniture with local materials, and so on.

Volunteers receive free accommdation (platform bedroom, yurt bedroom or a dorm bed) and contribute to a food kity (approximately £13 per week).

Volunteer on Yoga Farm

This peaceful retreat centre is located in pristine virgin rainforest above a beach. The farm is currently seeking yoga teachers, massage therapists and people who are willing to take charge of the gardens and animals. In your spare time there are opportunities to go for hikes in the rainforest, go on horseback trips, and visit indigenous families to learn about traditional crafts. The close proximity of the beach presents volunteers with good swimming, surfing and other fun activities.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, food, and use of the yoga space.

Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment

Biodiversity monitoring focuses on one species (i.e. agouti, deer, river otters, iquana, jaguar, white-lipped peccary, river turtle, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, manatee, yellow-headed parrot etc). Volunteers conduct population and mapping surveys to determine current numbers, range and habitat. This work contributes to best practice protection and conservation of the species.

Volunteers who can dive or who are willing to learn are needed for marine monitoring. Divers monitor conch, lobster, seagrass, and the coral reef. Divers also participate in assessments of fish species and other monitoring. Time spent out of the water will focus on data entry and data analysis.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their personal expenses. Accommodation starts £65 per month and food will cost around £100 per month.

Nature Conservation and Sustainable Community Development

This project is in a unique and mountainous region which is very rich in flora and fauna. However, it is jeopardised by illegal mining, forest fragmentation and growing anthropogenic pressure. Urgent action is required and volunteers are needed to participate in one or more current programmes working with the indigenous communities in surrounding forests. There are many conservation, community development, teaching and health care projects available. In your leisure time you can go trekking, hiking, biking or bathing in one of the nearby waterfalls.

The project costs £95 per month which includes accommodation in rooms with private bathroom, water and electricity, cooking facilities in a well furnished kitchen. Food will cost between £40 - £90 per month, depending on your diet and preferences.

Volunteer for Weaving Cooperative

This project supports indigenous weaving cooperatives and ensures the crafts people receive a fair wage. It provides an excellent opportunity for volunteers to learn about international development, cooperatives, weaving and fair trade. There are short term opportunities for volunteers with experience in graphic design, photography, fundraising, marketing, product sales, store management and translation. Long term positions are also available and the project seeks a volunteer coordinator, a marketing coordinator, and a fundraising coordinator. All volunteers are given the opportunity to learn how to weave (free of charge) using traditional weaving techniques.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for accommodation, food and all their personal expenses. There are many cheap places to stay in the area including hostels and host families (from £60 per month).

Help in the Fight Against Hunger

This project helps those who suffer from hunger by distributing food to a large number of soup kitchens. The main work carried out by volunteers involves the classification of donated food products (i.e. checking expiration dates, separating products, preparing bags and boxes etc). This project provides a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and help those living on the streets. Everybody is welcome including volunteers with little or no knowledge of Spanish.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their accommodation, food and other personal expenses. Lunch is provided for volunteers working a full day.

Horse Trekking Adventure

This project seeks volunteers interested in horse riding and the great outdoors with some relevant work experience. The work includes fetching the horses from their paddocks, preparing the horses, and looking after guests. Once volunteers have been adequately trained they are given the opportunity to guide short tours of 3 - 4 hours with up to 6 guests. One or two volunteers are required for the following periods: 15 September to 15 December, 1 December to 28 February, and 1 February to 30 April. Female volunteers preferred.

There is no cost to participate. Volunteers receive free board and lodging.

Volunteer Teacher

The aim of this project is to give students a good command of the English language as well as a better foundation in academic subjects than is available in the public school system. Volunteer teachers get a chance to live the adventure of a real immersion experience while providing a quality global education to the students at the school and a culturally broadening experience to the rest of the local community. Everyone is encouraged to apply regardless of their academic level or speciality. The primary prerequisite is good English language skills.

Long term volunteers receive free housing and an allowance for food and general household items. Shorter term volunteers are requested to contribute towards the cost of accommodation and meals.

Earthquake Relief Project

This project is responding to the August 15th earthquake of 2007 that devastated over 80% of Pisco, Peru. Although over a year has passed there is still a vast amount of work to be done as there are many families still living in tents or temporary accommodation without adequate sanitation. Volunteers support the recovery efforts through a variety of construction and community projects. Volunteers can stay for any length of time and are guaranteed a dynamic and rewarding work experience.

Volunteers contribute £4.50 per day to help cover the cost of accommodation and food.

Research Assistants

This project offers volunteers the opportunity to assist with various ongoing monitoring projects. Volunteers must be able to swim and be comfortable in the ocean. Ideally, volunteers should be scuba certified but this is not mandatory; however, it may limit involvement in some projects. Volunteers may take a scuba course if they wish. Projects include: coral reef monitoring; sea turtle, shark and stingray surveys; and the compilation and analysis of data sets from all of the projects mentioned. The project is based on a spectacular coral atoll.

The project costs £24 per day which includes food, lodging, free internet, laundry facilities, transport between the atoll and the mainland, and work related scuba diving.

Surf and Volunteer

This project is looking for volunteers to serve as instructors and assistants in educational surf programmes with local youth. Based on your skills and experience you will contribute to the educational surf programme as an instructor or assistant in one of the following program areas: English and arts, earth connection, swimming and surfing. Volunteers that complete 8 weeks of service are eligible to apply for an internship which includes free housing (academic credit possible). Volunteers have access to a wide selection of surfboards during their service.

The project costs £150 per week for the first 2 weeks and £90 for each additional week. The fee includes accommodation (homestay) and three meals per day. Volunteers are expected to raise some money for the project before arrival.

Distribute Footballs to Impoverished Areas

This project provides the opportunity to do some rewarding and fun charity work while you are abroad. Volunteers are provided with the balls, who then give them out once they arrive at their destination. This can be to people you are particularly touched by, to individuals in the area you will be working, or to a community organization (i.e. school, orphanage, etc). All you need to get involved is a little bit of space in your backpack or suitcase. This project is the perfect opportunity to enhance your experience and efforts in the region you will visiting/volunteering.

There is no cost to participate and volunteers are provided with free sports gear and organisational support.

Help Underprivileged Children

This project works in socially marginalized and extremely impoverished neighborhoods. It provides recreational, educational and social activities as well as food and clothing to underprivileged children and their families. Volunteers are needed to work closely with these children, helping them develop in a healthy and happy environment. No previous experience is required, just a real desire to improve the lives of children. There are also opportunities to help out in community centres, soup kitchens and hospitals.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers are responsible for covering their living expenses (i.e. accommodation and food). Volunteers are given assistance in finding a place to stay. The average cost of accommodation is £175 per month.

English Teacher

This project is looking for a volunteer to teach English to young and adult students. A maximum of 14 people attend each class. The program is computer based so the primary role of the teacher is to monitor the classes. The teacher will be required to work three hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon from Monday to Friday.

Teachers are paid £400 per month for 20 hours work per week and are assisted in finding living quarters.

The Flying Doctor

This project provides free health care and education to people in rural areas. Volunteers are flown to remote clinics where they provide medical, dental, and eye care to people who would not receive help otherwise. The project seeks pilots, physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, interpreter's technicians, medical and dental assistants; plus anyone willing to donate time, energy, and expertise to help impoverished people with medical and dental problems in rural areas.

Volunteers contribute £150 towards the cost of the flight, plus cover all their personal expenses (accommodation and food etc).

Environmental Education & Geographical Information Systems

This project preserves an area of tropical wet forest by means of environmental education to the local community and scientific research. Volunteers can assist staff with the development of the educational programs that are offered to local students, both in the reserve and in the surrounding communities. Volunteers can also help create a GIS database, collecting information by means of different devices such as GPS (Global Positioning System), compasses, measuring tape and others. Volunteers with advanced knowledge of GIS programs may convert the information into different layers. There are also opportunities for students with experience in AutoCAD.

Volunteers pay £10 per night for accommodation (including breakfast). The room has a fridge and all the facilities to prepare your own meals. The budget for food is about £65 per month.

Childcare and Teaching Assistant

Volunteers assist in the operation of a children's home for children at social risk and in government care. Volunteers are immersed in the day-to-day life of the children and should be willing to help with all manner of tasks including serving meals and reading bedtime stories. The children come from all backgrounds and have experienced various types of abuse. Sensitivity and understanding are a must.

Volunteers can stay at the orphanage for £35 per week including meals or in a volunteer house for £22.50 per week excluding meals (kitchen provided).

Creativity and Human Rights

This project is seeking volunteers who want to help achieve long-term social change through arts education and human rights. It is particularly interested in volunteers with one or more of the following skills: circus arts and acrobatics; theatre and dance (break dance/hip-hop); puppet-making and puppeteering; costume and stage design; yoga and martial arts; music (singing, rapping, guitar, accordion, percussion; painting (murals); arts and crafts; photography and film-making; English teachers; administration and accounting; web design and development; construction and carpentry; permaculture and gardening; environmental education and recycling; cooking and baby-sitting.

The project costs £16 per day or £400 per month which includes on-site accommodation and three meals a day.

Green Sea Turtle Conservation

This project needs volunteers to help with research and conservation activities. Volunteers must be in good physical condition to be able to walk long distances on loose sand and know how to swim. It is not necessary to have previous experience in handling sea turtles as training is provided. In addition to this project volunteers are sometimes able to participate in other projects conducted in the area such as dolphin and sea lion projects. This coastal area hosts the largest sea lion population in Latin America.

The project costs £10 per day which includes accommodation and all meals.

Teacher Training Programme

This project is looking for recent graduates or undergraduates from Canada, UK, USA and other English speaking countries for a 12 month internship. Trainees teach English, learn Portuguese, and learn about the Brazilian way of life, its people, customs, and culture etc. Participates are awarded a recognised certificate if they have earnt enough credits by the end of the programme.

Participants pay a £200 administrative fee but receive a monthly allowance of £240 for their personal stipend, plus full board with a screened Brazilian family and local transportation.

Bird Monitoring and Conservation

This project requires seasonal volunteers to assist with identifying and counting birds, data entry, and flight interpretation to visitors. The site is located within an indigenous reserve which has around 330 species of resident and migratory birds; it is an obligatory passage area for Neotropical migrants, and therefore a privileged place to study bird ecology and conservation. Observations are made from a 10m tower with a 360º view. Bird observation experience or previous ornithology fieldwork experience preferred but not essential - full training provided. This is an excellent opportunity to gain fieldwork experience and to learn about conservation efforts with migratory birds in the Neotropics.

Volunteers receive free board and lodging.

Hotel Assistance

This small family run hotel is looking for someone to help out with various duties including cleaning and preparing rooms, preparing and serving breakfast, and general reception work when required. The hotel is based a short stroll to some excellent beaches. Here you can surf, snorkel, sunbath, ride horses or take a beach buggy for a drive. You can also swim freely with dolphins feeding in the bay every day at low tide. Previous hotel experience and a second language are a big plus. The position is available in November 2009.

Hotel assistants receive free accommodation and food, plus a small salary of £175 per month.

Education and Research & Optional Spanish/Diving Courses

This project is dedicated to the conservation of fragile reefs, mangroves and island animals. It currently seeks volunteers (undergraduate or graduate) to work as research assistants and environmental educators. Research assistant's help manage the database of dive sites, patrol and monitor the reefs, organize eco-tours on foot or by boat, work in the information centre, and much more. Environmental education volunteers work on programmes in local schools, organize field trips, community workshops, beach and underwater clean-ups, reforestation, and many other activities.

Diving courses are optional but can be arranged at a cost of around £170. Spanish language classes cost £90 for 20 hours of tuition.

The project costs £230 per month which includes accommodation, electricity, (wireless) internet, TV/Video, water, and laundry. Volunteers should plan on spending around £190 a month on food and entertainment.

Whale Shark Monitoring and Research

This project seeks volunteers to assist with research, office and teaching duties. Research volunteers help man expedition boats and assist scientists in various activities such as photo ID and tissue sampling. Research volunteers must also carry out their own research and time is split between work duties and your individual project. There are also opportunities to help with office duties, organise special events and teach young children.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers must cover all their living expenses (accommodation, food etc).

Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Protection

This program monitors the health of coral, sea grass, and mangrove ecosystems and works towards their restoration and protection. Volunteers receive training in fish identification and reef monitoring methods, as well as participate in marine awareness projects and events. Volunteers can also attend workshops in coral reef conservation.

Volunteers pay £325 per month to cover the running costs of the programme (i.e. accommodation, boat and diving equipment, training, etc).

Marine Conservation Programme

This project protects the marine environment and take a participative approach to ocean management. Volunteers/interns can get involved in different projects including: shark identification and observation; photo-identification of the giant manta ray and humpback whales; sea turtle conservation; coral reef management; and fisheries related activities. Scuba diving is a big part of the project and existing divers have the opportunity to expand on their current knowledge and experience. Non-divers have the opportunity to gain accreditation whilst they are volunteering.

The project costs £295 per month which includes accommodation, 3 meals per day, supervision, orientation, training, airport pick-up, free t-shirt, and certificate of participation. The fee doesn’t include diving courses.

Research Programme & Optional Spanish Classes

This project is looking for certified scuba divers to help gather important information about local fish species and their habitat. Volunteers have the opportunity to observe endangered, newly discovered fish species in their natural habitat; and gain valuable research and diving experience. For non-divers PADI Open Water Diver Certification is available at a cost of £190. This project can also be combined with Spanish language classes.

The project costs £175 for 2 weeks or £275 per month (including board and lodging).

Volunteer in an Indigenous Mountain Village

This small grassroots organisation matches the skills of volunteers with various local groups and projects. There are opportunities to teach English, work with children, help out in a health clinic, work in a botanical garden, assist local artisans in marketing their products, develop ecotourism, and get involved in numerous environmental initiatives (i.e. environmental campaigning, solar panel maintenance etc).

Homestays are available at a cost of £24 per week. The fee includes a private room, 3 traditional meals per day and 2 gallons of bottled water per day.

Fair Trade in Indigenous Communities

This project supports artisan groups and small family businesses, and provides them with access to health care and education. It is looking for open minded, motivated and creative volunteers. Depending on your personal skills and specific interests it may be possible to design your own volunteer placement; however, if you do not already have a specific project or area in mind the following areas may be considered: product design; marketing; computer skills training; teaching English; translation; data entry; medicinal herb project (working in the herb garden); fundraising; grant writing; and research activities.

Long term volunteers (3 months or more) receive free housing with use of fully equipped kitchen. Short term volunteers pay US$250 per month for housing.

Correspondents

This independent news journal is looking for energetic, free-thinking correspondents to contribute to its coverage. Applicants must have a focus on social justice and human rights in Latin America. Some topics include: economic and socio-economic affairs; political analysis; sustainable development; indigenous peoples; women and gender issues. children's issues; the impact of heavy industries on the environment and surrounding communities; social movements (union, campesino, religious); and cultural trends. Articles must be first-hand and reported from the country involved in the story.

You will not be paid for your articles but your story (and photos) will be published on the web.

Sustainable Community Development

The aim of this project is to protect the environment and to rescue the ancient culture of communities located on the buffer zones of natural protected areas. It offers (sustainable economic) alternatives to local communities in order to improve their way of life without affecting their culture or degrading the natural environment. Volunteers are needed for a wide range of projects in many threatened areas (i.e. biological field surveys, social work, education, art and design, architecture and construction, forestry, organic farming, community work, and tourism). There are projects in the Andes, the Amazon and in coastal areas.

The participation fee varies from project to project but the average cost is £225 per month which includes accommodation and all meals.

Plant Trees and Learn Spanish

The primary purpose of this project is local reforestation and volunteers are needed year-round to plant trees. There are also opportunites to get involved in organic gardening, environmental education, waste reduction and recycling initiatives and investigate sustainable economic alternatives (alternative crops, eco-tourism etc). The overall aim of this project is to inspire people to care for and respect the natural world. Volunteers are given the opportunity to learn Spanish whilst volunteering.

There is no cost to participate but volunteers must cover their living expenses. Homestays cost £30 per week including meals. One-on-one Spanish classes start at £32 per week (15 hours of study), group lessons start at £27 per week (20 hours of study).

Volunteer Work & Permaculture Design Courses

This demonstration Permaculture project offers internships and regular courses on the following topics: permaculture gardens, integrated animal husbandry, natural architecture, renewable energies (solar, micro-hydro, wind), cooperative community kitchen, biological waste treatment and a number of sustainable models for ecological living. It offers a six week volunteer programme where volunteers work within five specified areas (i.e. vegetable garden, bio-construction, habitats in schools etc). The programme is designed so that every volunteer spends one week working in every area. The final week is left open for the volunteer to decide which area they would like to focus on. Extended stays possible.

The volunteer programme costs £8 per day (includes board and lodging). Meals are mostly organic and ovo-lacto vegetarian. The permaculture courses cost from £124 to £280.

Tourism Internship

This internship provides a profound insight into the working environment of an ambitious, internationally operating tour operator. It offers practical experience as well as the opportunity to use your knowledge, creativity and innovation skills. Interns must have successfully completed their 2nd or 3rd year of academic studies or be in their final year of study. A study course or apprenticeship in tourism or hospitality is not essential but preferred. Students of other related courses like business, marketing, graphic design, Latin American studies are also welcome to apply. Previous practical experience in the tourism sector is useful but not essential. Interns must be fluent in Spanish and English. Other languages such as Dutch, Italian, French or German would be of benefit.

Interns receive a £155 per month stipend, the use of a fully furnished flat and a mobile phone. Interns are provided with full support during their stay.

Photographer

This project is looking for someone with photography skills to take professional pictures of the local school, the surrounding environment, and anything else seen by creative eyes. This is a great opportunity to build a professional portfolio whilst carrying out international humanitarian work. The volunteer has the opportunity to teach English in their spare time if desired.

The volunteer photographer receives free room and board.

Teaching and Health Assistance & Free Spanish Classes

This project works with under-privileged children in depressed areas to improve their education and health. Volunteers have the opportunity to take part in teaching and health projects (mental stimulation and nutrition, dental programme and opportunities in hospitals). There is also a sports development programme which gives children the opportunity to play football and baseball. Volunteers are given the chance to improve the lives of the children and to get to know the local culture. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required as the language course will equip you with the Spanish needed for the project.

The project costs £90 per week or £320 per month (4 weeks). The fee includes accommodation (homestay available), 3 meals per day, orientation, supervision, support, Spanish lessons, tours, activities and pick-up from the bus station.

Help Out at Surf School

This project offers free surfing and skateboarding lessons and materials to local youth who can't afford these things. Volunteers are required to help out with daily activities in the surf school (cleaning, renting, promotion), repair surfboards in workshop, assist with surf classes for students, teach kids to skateboard, and various other tasks. The benefits of this programme include free housing, the use of surf and skate equipement, the chance to learn new skills (i.e. learn how to repair surfboards), and bundles of fun with kids.

Basic Spanish skills and a minimum commitment of 6 weeks is required. The project is available from December until April every year.

Volunteers receive free accommodation (tent on the premises of the surf school) but are responsible for buying and preparing their own food. Basic kitchen facilities, a hot shower and electricity are provided.

Community Health Workers & Optional Spanish/Surfing Lessons

This project works in a small community to create sustainable, locally-run initiatives in the areas of community health, social services and education. The project serves the most vulnerable members of the community (i.e. women, children, the elderly, the poor, and people living with illness or disability). They are looking for doctors, nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, sexual health educators, womens health specialists, social workers, and ESL teachers to participate in education and training programs for local volunteers, for counselling, primary patient care during regular clinic hours, emergency care after hours, and to assit with health promotion, education and the creation of educational materials.

Volunteers must be comfortable communicating in Spanish and preferably have some expeirence of living and working overseas (not essential).

The project costs £95 per week and includes: private room; meals; bedding; towels, wireless internet; telephone; the use of 2 surfboards, a boogie board, board games and table tennis. Spanish classes cost £2 per hour and surfing lessons cost £6 per hour.

Experience the Amazon and Indigenous Culture

This project is for people who actively want to engage in community development, conservation, and experience the Amazon as well as getting a unique insight into the contemporary life of Shuar and Quichua Indians and the flora and fauna. Volunteers can participate in a series of ongoing projects that include teaching in local schools, traditional farming, construction, trail creation, health promotion, reforestation, nursery work, raising native animals, and other community activities. There are also opportunities to carry out your own research according to your skills and the needs of the community. The involved communities are surrounded by lush rainforest.

This project costs £195 per month, £45 per week or £7.50 per day. The price includes lodging (own house) and 3 meals per day.

Assist Indigenous Communities & Optional Spanish Classes

This project was set-up to improve living conditions for the most disadvantaged children and families of more than 20 indigenous communities. Their work is based on the fundamental right to education according to Human Rights Conventions. The project aims to give people this right by helping them to help themselves, with the goal of making individuals and communities independent by giving them skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Motivated and creative volunteers are given the opportunity to use their capabilities to the benefit of the indigenous population, and are given assistance in finding a suitable project. Different projects in which you can work include: helping to renovate and build new schools and community halls; teaching English and other subjects (music, art, science, environmental awareness and sport); and a health education project.

In return for a one-off donation of £130 you will receive accommodation and meals from an indigenous family. A free airport pick-up service is available. Spanish classes cost between £2.50 - £3.30 per hour.

Street Kids Project & Free Spanish Classes

This project supports children who live in extreme poverty with the aim of getting them off the streets and into school. They are always in need of volunteers and welcome anyone with a positive outlook and bit of enthusiasm. There are lots of opportunities to help, whether working directly with the children or behind the scenes, and they currently need teachers, social workers, psychologists, project co-ordinators, medically trained people, language professionals, marketing and fundraising professionals.

The project costs £260 (1 - 3 months); £180 (4 - 6 months); and £100 per month (7 month onwards). The fee includes accommodation, 3 meals a day, free Spanish tuition, and free internet access. Short term stays possible (1 - 3 weeks).

Camp Watchers

This project needs a group of 2 - 3 people (couples are welcome) to take care of a sea turtle conservation camp during the off season (1 April - 30 June). This camp is extremely isolated and the closest community is almost a 2 hour hike on foot. There is no electricity, no running water and you will be living a camping lifestyle. The camp includes a well to get bathing and washing water, an outhouse, a gas stove (and all cooking utensils), 2 big canopy tents, and beds. Food and potable water will be brought in once a month. This is a great opportunity for a small group of experienced campers to stay on a beautiful beach for free.

Room and board is provided for the entire 3 months, plus a small camp petty cash box of £65 a month for provisions.

Volunteer at Backpackers Hostel & Free Spanish Classes

This backpackers hostel is seeking volunteers to help run the hostel. Activities include serving in the restaurant and bar, greeting guests, taking reservations, etc. This is a great place to meet other travellers and be in the heart of a popular city.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, meals, unlimited drinks and 10 hours of free one-to-one Spanish classes per month.

Volunteer at Botanical Garden

The gardens are in a beautiful area known for its diverse flora, archaeological sites and caves. This project is looking for volunteers with skills in horticulture, landscape design, conservation education, permaculture, marketing, grant writing and computer science/geography. Internships are also offered to students seeking work experience to complete their degree. If you would like to be an intern your degree should be in a relevant work topic such as ethnobotany, botany, environmental science or tropical ecology.

Volunteers/interns have the use of canoes and horses when available during their free time. The river that borders the garden has a small beach and is a perfect spot for swimming, tubing and canoeing.

The project costs £325 per month which includes includes room and food. The grant writer may be able to stay for free.

Volunteer in Eco Village

This self-sufficient and artistic community is based on a beautful stretch of coast. Residents and volunteers live together according to principles of non violence, simple living and high thinking, and visitors can learn and experience how it is possible to live happily in harmony with nature, others, and themselves. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to experience a different culture and way of living. Volunteer positions include helping with and learning about vegetarian cooking, organic agriculture and nutrition, environmentally friendly construction/design projects, yoga, meditation, philosophy, and working with art and educational programs for the children living in and around the community. You can also use your creative energies in various workshops.

Volunteers make a donation of £200 per month which covers accommodation, food, and all activities.

Training Course in Organic Farming

This course enables volunteers to gain a greater understanding of organic farming and other methods of non contaminating sustainable agriculture. Some of the topics the course covers include: principles of organic farming; fertilizers; composting; seed saving; the principles of permaculture and design.

The 4 week training course costs £95 and there is also a regular volunteer fee of £230. The fee includeds accommodation and food. Most of the food served is vegetarian.

Volunteer Field Assistants

This projects seeks volunteer field assistants for an ongoing behavioural study of a tropical bird species. Responsibilities include conducting behavioural observations at male display sites, monitoring birds using radio-telemetry, nest-searching, mist-netting birds for banding and blood sampling, and data entry. Experience in one or more of these areas are required, and experience working in isolated field settings and/or living in close quarters with a small field crew is strongly preferred. This project is most appropriate for people who are interested in pursuing a career in behavioural ecology, and who have previous field experience.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, food and in-country transportation. The project will also contribute up to £350 towards international travel.

Rural Development and Research

The aim of this project is to promote sustainable development via the active participation of men and women working to improve the community's standard of living in a stable environment.

The location makes it an ideal place to study climate change, particularly relating to peoples' perceptions and experiences of their natural environment. Water, rainfall, soil erosion and deforestation are all important and controversial local issues. Volunteers able to carry out research into the relationship between people and their environment are required. There are also opportunities for volunteers capable of carrying out socio-economic research, focusing on areas such as health, economy, basic services, housing etc. Additionally, the project welcomes volunteers with an interest in agriculture who would be able to carry out research into organic coffee production.

There is no participation fee but volunteers will require approximately £100 per month to cover their food, lodging and day to day living expenses.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

This project welcome students, travellers and professionals from around the world who have an interest in hands-on conservation and data collection work with an endangered species.

No qualifications or previous experience is required but volunteers must be fit and healthy. The main work involves beach patrols and hatchery shifts. A minimum commitment of one week is required.

The cost of participating as a volunteer starts from £5 per day. There are options to camp, stay with a local family or share accommodation with other volunteers.

Arts & Culture

This project uses the arts to advance social change initiatives. It achieves this by sending professional volunteer artists to work with development organizations with established environmental, public health and human rights programs. The artists promote arts and culture as powerful tools to generate cooperative and sustainable work between development organizations and the communities they serve. The project currently seeks an artist to volunteer his or her creative talents to strengthen dialogue between community members and World Neighbours and to improve the effectiveness of community environmental education. To qualify, artists must be proficient in Spanish and have community arts experience.

Volunteers receive their airfare, room and board, medical insurance, and a personal stipend of approximately £700 to reduce personal costs. All work, living and international travel expenses will be paid for by the project.

Fieldwork, Research and Education

This project is seeking volunteers for various ecological projects. The tasks change continuously and are mainly dependent upon the skills and initiative of the volunteer. The project takes into consideration what each volunteer wants to accomplish whilst volunteering, and matches their aspirations with the tasks at hand. Current project include: the re-vegetation of hillsides using native plants to reduce erosion and create habitats; promoting the use of sustainable practices in local neighbourhoods; renewable energy development; environmental education; and water supply and purity.

An interest in ecological sustainability is useful but not essential. Willing hands and a desire to help restore a damaged biosphere are the most important requirements.

Volunteers receive free accommodation, extraordinary beach and wilderness recreational activities, and opportunities to improve their Spanish skills. Volunteers contribute around £10 per week for communal expenses (i.e. food, toiletries etc).

Resident Naturalist

This project seeks a resident naturalist to facilitate academic programs for student groups and eco-tourists. Naturalists have the opportunity to advance their training in the fields of tropical ecology, natural history, environmental education, sustainability, conservation, agriculture, local culture and Spanish. Naturalists will participate in on-going long-term research projects and are also encouraged to develop their own individual projects within their areas of interest.

Room and board are provided in return for the services provided by naturalists (special rates to stay at the field station are available to family members).

Primate and Wildcat Survey

This project carries out research on critically endangered primates and maintains a network of camera traps to monitor the status of wildcats such as puma and ocelots. As there is an urgent need to maintain field surveys and to monitor trends in population numbers, this project welcomes hardworking volunteers. You must be a self starter able to manage field surveys and data management. This project provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience. It is located in one of the most biologically diverse and endemic habitats on Earth.

There is also a much easier programme which entails a couple of long hikes per week to service camera traps. Other duties include assisting with the running of the centre, organic gardening, fence repairs, mule wrangling, general trail maintance and a little cooking at the weekends.

The project costs £285 per month for board and lodging. The fee also includes transportation from the bus station to the reserve (a four hour mule trek).

Riding and other Therapies - Internship Programme

This project works with people with disabilities, providing riding therapy jointly with other alternative and conventional therapies (physiotherapy, language, art, dancing, occupational therapy, therapy with dogs etc). Depending on the interns experience and interests, the tasks to be fulfilled include the following: assistance during riding therapy; cleaning of stables; taking care of the horses, training of horses; maintaining and watering the riding area, office work and fundraising, and much more.

All interns pay a £95 inscription fee. Accommodation provided in volunteer house free of charge. Food is not included.

Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

This project needs volunteers will help build infrastructure within 6 newly established nature reserves. Work will entail creating and/or maintaining trails, constructing benches and cabins, posting signs, assisting with the implementation of specific action plans written for each site, helping gather information for the creation of brochures which includes wildlife observations, and other various tasks. There is also the possibility of getting involved with local environmental education efforts.

Volunteers with Spanish speaking skills, construction experience, a spirit of adventure and a serious interest in having an effect on rainforest conservation and sustainable tourism development are required. Couples are welcome to apply.

Free accommodation is provided at all of the sites but only three sites are able to cover food costs. Volunteers are expected to pay a small amount of money for food at these sites.

Educational and Community Aid & Optional Spanish Classes

This project supports the well-being and human growth of abandoned and disadvantaged children. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and community aid programmes. There are volunteer positions in the following areas: working in orphanages; caring for the elderly; health programmes for students and graduates; teaching; helping street children; providing day care for children; taking care of children with mental and physical disabilities; assisting farming communities; conservation work; making bricks and tiles; and an earthquake recovery programme (construction). Spanish classes cost £4 per hour.

The project costs £325 for 4 weeks. Shorter and longer stays possible (i.e. 1 week - 6 months). The fee covers accommodation, food, pick up from the bus terminal or the airport, support of local coordinator, information pack, and orientation.

Biological Research and Sustainable Living

This project studies the biodiversity of a cloud forest in order to make conservation work more effective. It also aims to create a model of sustainable living based on principles of permaculture. Possible work options include opening trails in the cloud forest, inventory of biodiversity, bamboo construction, organic gardening and permaculture, and eco-tourism related tasks. Spanish classes can be arranged at reasonable cost.

The project costs £45 per week or £160 per month and includes accommodation, 3 meals a day, and orientation. The food is mostly vegetarian.

Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtle Research Project

The aim of this project is to improve the knowledge held on Leatherback and Pacific Green sea turtles and implement guidelines for better conservation actions. The project seeks regular volunteers and research assistants. Regular volunteers do not need any prior experience as full training will be provided upon arrival at project site. Research assistants need to be at least 21 years of age, have a strong background in biology and conservation issues, and preferably some conservation experience. The project needs volunteers from the 1 November to 15 March every year.

This is one of the best places in the world to see an arribada. This is when massive turtle nestings occur and up to 300,000 turtles (Olive Ridleys) may lay over a period of 8 to 10 days.

Regular volunteers pay £11 per day for accommodation and meals. Research Assistants pay £8 per day to cover accommodation and three meals.

Housing and Development

This project develops housing and provides education to families who are currently squatters. The goal is to bring to these families to a model of sustainable development. Volunteers are needed to help the families build their homes and are given the opportunity to get involved in all kinds of development courses and workshops. There are no fees or special requirements although it's desirable to have some knowledge of masonry, plumbing, electricity or carpentry.

Volunteers receive free accommodation and are provided with lunch whilst working.

Education for Poor Families

This vocational and bilingual school offers education and job training for children of low income families. The school is always looking for volunteers to share their skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm with its students and teachers. At the moment the greatest need is for teachers and teaching assistants for the bilingual preschool and elementary school.

The project provides free board and lodging plus a monthly stipend of £50 for volunteers and £200 – £350 for qualified teachers.

Volunteer for Amazonian Lodge

This lodge is located within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve between the Andean mountain chain and the Amazon basin. Volunteers can participate in all areas of work offered at the lodge.

They are reforesting an area of 20 hectares with native trees and medicinal plants and plan to expand this activity to nearby areas. You can choose to get involved in various volunteer assignments (i.e. nursery work, planting, documentating plants etc) and a list of possible activities. Each volunteer chooses an area of specific interest and dedicates one third of his/her time to this. Volunteers choose from the following activities: archaeology; horses (take care of horses and train them); building; teaching (teach English to the children of the local communities); guiding and bird watching.

The project costs £6.50 per day for accommodation and all meals. If volunteers stay for less than 4 weeks the price is £10 per day.

Help Out at Jungle Hideaway

This jungle lodge is surrounded by 500 hectares of virgin tropical rainforest. It affords visitors a cosy stay in a jungle environment and numerous close encounters with wildlife. Poison dart frogs, monkeys, toucans, parrots and caiman are common sightings in this tropical paradise.

Volunteers at the lodge help look after guests (helping on tours etc) and assist with general duties.

Volunteers are given complimentary food and accommodation whilst staying at the lodge. Volunteers also receive £50 per month pocket money and are offered a free pick-up from the international airport.

Cloud Forest Conservation & Optional Spanish Classes

This project works in natural conservation, combating deforestation, protecting existing forest, restoring degraded areas and searching for sustainable activities that enable them to support the reserve and to offer a better way of life for the local community as well as those at the reserve. It offers three different programmes for volunteers: a conservation programme (reforestation, research, trail maintenance, nursery work, collecting seeds from the forest etc); a sustainability programme (sustainable wood production, alternative animal production, organic agriculture, bio-food production, alternative energy and eco construction); and a social development programme (teaching, helping out in the medical centre and fundraising).

The project costs £315 for the first month and £300 for every month thereafter. The fee includes 3 meals a day plus lodging in cabins. Short term stays possible (i.e. 2 weeks). Spanish classes cost £3.50 per hour.

Short Term Work Groups

This project offers one week working trips to help disadvantaged Peruvian families and children. Volunteers provide hope and vital services to some of the most impoverished communities in Peru. The next trips are scheduled for spring and autumn 2009. In addition to the work, volunteers have the option of visiting Machu Picchu and other tourist sites for an additional fee.

Volunteers receive accommodation and two meals per day. Volunteers will need approximately £130 to cover their personal expenses.

Human Development Volunteer

This project cares for orphaned and abandoned children and provides them with food, clothing, shelter, medical care and an education. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of one year and may serve in a variety of positions, including house parents, nurses, physicians, therapists, teachers, secretaries, gardeners, kitchen help, librarians, or assistants in the clinics.

Long term volunteers receive free accommodation, food, access to medical care and a small monthly stipend.

Educational Projects in the Galapagos

This project is dedicated to improving the health and educational system of the Galapagos Islands. Short term (2 weeks) and long term opportunities (3 months or more) are available in a wide range of educational fields. These include giving workshops on conflict resolution or music, to teaching English or art in schools, to teaching English as a second language.

£30 application fee. There are some projects that offer free board and lodging, otherwise volunteers have to pay for everything. Staying with a host family ranges from £130 - 230 per month. There is also the option of staying in local hotels.

Adventure in the Andes (Internships)

This ecotourism and adventure travel company manages more than 12,000 hectares of private land, dedicated to sustainable farming production, cultural heritage, ecotourism and conservation. They specialise in offering adventure trips and seek young professionals that have experience in one of the following areas: mountain biking; horseback riding; rappel and climbing. A basic knowledge of Spanish and a commitment of between 3 - 6 months is required.

Interns receive free board and lodging.

Student Internship Programme

This ecolodge and botanical reserve is situated on 200 acres of untouched, protected land, preserving the natural habitat of many endemic plants, animals and over 110 different species of exotic birds.

Interns are required to assist with various activities at the ecolodge and botanical reserve (i.e. hotel management, tourism activities, bird watching tours, reforestation work, maintenance work, organic gardening, internet marketing and sales, research projects, biology projects, teaching English and environmental education, and much much more). Interns must be studying the fields of hotel and tourism management, hospitality and facilities management, green hotel management, sustainable eco-tourism and development, international marketing, conservation, biology, ornithology and/or ecology. Interns must have excellent computer skills and be conversational in Spanish.

The project costs £65 per month which includes accommodation in either a small dormitory style building or in private rooms. Meals are not included and interns must purchase and prepare their own food (kitchen provided).

Ecotourism and Community Support

This fair trade, organic coffee and macadamia project is owned and run by a cooperative of forty families. There are various ways to get involved and support the community: agricultural work (picking coffee, collecting and processing macadamia etc): eco-lodge renovation (construction work, painting and decorating, organic gardening etc); ecotourism assistance (teaching vegetarian, vegan and international cooking etc); and community services (medicine, marketing, teaching English and other subjects etc).

The project costs £25 - £55 per week depending on length of stay. The fee includes accommodation and a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals.

Volunteer at Wildlife Centre

This project protects habitat, wildlife and encourages eco-friendly economic alternatives for local communities. It is based in pristine rainforest where you can enjoy close-up views of macaw clay licks, tapir clay licks, giant otters, and a dazzling array of birds (i.e. barbets, cock-of-the-rock, tanagers, hummingbirds etc). The area also boasts two canopy platforms and 10 species of monkey. Volunteers are required to help with teaching local children and guides, guiding tourists, and general day to day chores (no qualifications are required). There are also opportunities to carry out independent research.

The project costs £6.50 per day for board and lodging.

Resident Naturalist Programme

This programme offers professionals and recent graduates with a keen interest in natural sciences and teaching to spend an extended period of time in the richest and greenest corner of the Amazon rainforest. Volunteers help undertake numerous simple scientific-based tasks associated with the ongoing environmental monitoring programme (i.e. recording weather data; maintaining wildlife sighting logs; monitoring giant otters, macaws and parrots etc). Volunteers also help train resident guides in European languages and tropical natural history.

Volunteers receive free room and board in return for undertaking RN activities.

Wild Animal Refuge Volunteer

The animals here are rescued from circuses, animal dealers or homes and are brought to the refuge for rehabilitation and liberation back into the wild. For those animals that are debilitated or captivated for an irretrievable amount of time, the refuge provides them the care they need and a home in the jungle. The refuge houses about 200 monkeys, dozens of tropical birds and wild cats like pumas, jaguars and ocelots.

Everyone can volunteer, you don't need previous experience or a biology degree, all you need is a big heart and the will to work hard to save the animals. Volunteers who wish to be responsible for a specific animal need further training and therefore are required to stay for a month (usually more for the cats).

The project costs from £90 - £120 for the first 15 days (depending on accommodation). After 15 days the price decreases to £4.50 per day (including food and accommodation).

Education and Community Development Volunteers

The core of the work involves assisting teachers by tutoring 1st and 2nd grade in basic reading, writing and mathematics in 4 rural government schools. Other projects include teaching English to primary grades, promoting health care, community workshops and special activities, administrative tasks, and general school maintenance. This project also helps groups of women start their o