Volunteering in a third world country is an experience that is rewarding, selfless, and often life-changing. Here are my suggestions for the top South American countries for volunteering.
Volunteering abroad is a decision that you will never regret but knowing where to volunteer can stump even the most resourceful person.
Where you should volunteer depends more on what sort of environment you can live with during the course of your stay.
It’s one thing to think that working with mountain tribes might be a fun and rewarding experience.
It’s another to get there are realize you’re miserable because it’s freezing cold at night and your internet keeps shorting out.
Where you should volunteer depends more on what sort of environment you can live with during the course of your stay.
People who must have highspeed internet and a vibrant nightlife to be happy probably won’t be happy working on the Amazon.
Individuals that don’t want to deal with the hectic lifestyle of large cities shouldn’t plan on staying there for their volunteer experiences.
Environmental considerations should also be taken into account when you’re planning to work abroad.
If you’re terrified of bugs and wild animals, the Amazon is probably not the best place for you either.
In the same vein, don’t offer to work somewhere where you’ll hate the weather. Yes, it’s South America but some of the highland areas can be quite cold at night.
Cost is certainly something else to consider.
While many programs are free and some do provide lodging and/or food, they often require you to pay for many of your own expenses such as airfare and food for the duration of your stay.
You will probably need to investigate appropriate medical insurance and pay for it before you go.
This is especially true if you plan on working in areas where medical facilities are sparse.
After all, any serious problems may require you to be airlifted to the nearest city for treatment.
You’ll also need to keep in mind general travel costs including the prices for visas and require vaccinations well as other things of that nature.
However, some countries that you may want to check out include the following:
Ecuador
There are lots of volunteer opportunities in cities like Quito that cover a broad range of interests.
In-country volunteer options include teaching English, serving as a farm hand, or working in the Amazon.
A basic daily budget of $21 USD should cover most of your expenses so, even if you’re paying your own way, it won’t cost you too much.
The nearby Galapagos Islands remain a prime attraction that you’ll probably want to check out once your term of service is done.
Chile
Once again, there are plenty of educational and medical volunteer opportunities to be found here which is why it made my Top South American Countries To Volunteer.
It might also be a prime spot to get your hands dirty since the country was just named among Lonely Planet’s top destinations for 2018.
It’s also reasonably priced if you’re paying your own way since a basic daily budget of $38 should cover most of your expenses.
Once you get done working, you can always kick back with a pisco sour or check out the scenery in the Atacama Desert.
Guatemala
Volunteer opportunities in the healthcare sector and education are primarily what’s available here.
Budget Your Trip lists the basic daily price at $15 per person but you might want to cart more than that with you, just to be on the safe side.
Spots to check out in your free time include the Mayan ruins at Tikal, the beautiful pools of Semuc Champey, and the popular resort island of Antigua, and the Lake Atitlan area.
Hiking and mountain biking are also popular activities in the country.
Argentina
The volunteer positions here can mostly be found in the education sector since the country’s poor economy has greatly affected their school system.
Yet it remains a popular travel destination all the same.
The capital of Buenos Aires, in particular, has a very European flair that will probably appeal to some travelers who want to help but don’t want to sacrifice their own comfort to do so.
Learning how to salsa dance, noshing on juicy steaks, and visiting the wilds of Patagonia are only a few of the top things to do when you’re not working.
However, visiting the capitol will only set you back about $36 per day.
* At the time of writing, none of these countries are on the US State Department travel warnings list.
But such things can rapidly change, so you’ll definitely want to check it again before you make your travel plans.
Have you visited any of these destinations? Have you been to South America? Have you volunteered there or anywhere else? Share your experiences with us!
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