There are 6 countries in Latin America with 51 volunteer projects:
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Honduras
- Peru
- Brazil
- Argentina
Here are a few ideas of what is possible.
COSTA RICA--Sea Turtle Conservation
Due to the long-term stability and stunning natural beauty of Costa Rica it is a tourist hotspot. As a consequence, large-scale coastal development has had a negative impact on natural habitats. Conservation volunteers are needed to redress the balance. From 1-12 weeks you can be part of turtle beach patrols, monitoring nests and recording data. You'll receive specific training to help with research and data collection. In Costa Rica there are also project for beach and forest conservation, and building homes or community work for underprivileged children.
ECUADOR--Galapagos Conservation
You can be based in a research station helping preserve the natural habitat of the island and helping to introduce new organic farming methods to islanders. Tasks include planing new crops, assisting in building, and maintaining island trails. The project commitment is from 2-10 weeks. Other Ecuador projects include animal wildlife rescue in Guayaquil or teaching English in the Galapagos.
HONDURAS--Building homes or getting journalism experience at a newspaper.
PERU--Archaeology work in Lima, teaching English in Cusco, or conservation projects along the Maccchu Pichu trail.
BRAZIL--Here there are four projects in Rio de Janeiro: you can join the party with carnival preparation; assist with favela renovation; be part of community work, or teach at a surf school.
ARGENTINA--Do community work with children in Buenos Aires or assist with animal rehabilitation work in Posadas.
If you want a greater emphasis on touring, with a volunteer component, here are examples of what is available.
ULTIMATE COSTA RICA. 4 weeks, $3075. Your adventure will take you to the base of the active Arenal volcano, flying by zip line through the magical cloud forests, lounging on the golden beaches of the Pacific coast and swaying gently to the reggae beat while running your toes through the black sands of the Caribbean coast. After spending a few days building homes for Costa Rican families in need, you will also have a chance to catch a few waves during your surf lesson and visit with some surprisingly adorable sea turtles.
ULTIMATE ECUADOR. 4 weeks, $4175. You start off in historic Quito where you can bond with your home stay family and get an insider’s tour of the city. Then you head off into the hills to the dramatic Valle de Mindo where you will roll up your sleeves and lend a hand to help conserve this amazing region. Your reward for all your efforts comes in the form of flying through the forest canopy by zip line. Then you’re headed deep into the Amazon where you will ride around in a motorized canoe seeing monkeys, dolphins and some incredibly rare flora and fauna. Once you emerge from the jungle you will board you’re flight to the Galapagos for a four day tour of these magical islands. Make friends with giant turtles, watch flamingos breeding in the afternoon and snorkel in warm waters in search of tropical fish so colorful and funny looking you can’t even imagine. And you’re not done yet! You still have a trip through the beautiful Andes region on horseback to visit some amazing volcanic craters and breathtaking scenery.
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