Back in 2021, I was finishing my freshman year of a biology programme. I was eager for experience in the field. Jobs seemed out of reach at the time; accordingly, I resolved to find volunteer opportunities. Still nothing. Even those are competitive in Southern Ontario. After a bit of research, I decided to focus on Latin America. This proved difficult, as well. Online searches will often yield third-party results; these organisations connect people with ecological programs, charging an arm and a leg for their services.

I knew that there must be a way to get in touch directly with nature reserves and conservation areas for low- or no-cost opportunities. My determination finally led to a brilliant site: Volunteer South America. Here, I found a substantial list of relevant contacts. I’ve distilled it into a collection of ecologically pertinent organisations. For opportunities in teaching, healthcare, disaster response, etc., be sure to check out the original source. If the site’s down, it will be up in the near future*.

Argentina

• Aldea Luna: 963-hectare nature reserve of primary forest

Belize

• Ya’axché Conservation Trust: Operates in the Maya Golden Landscape

Bolivia

• Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi: Animal refuge and rehabilitation centre

• Pisahatua: Non-profit retreat centre offering art residencies and research sabbaticals

• Sendaverde Wildlife Sanctuary: Animal rescue centre 30 km NE of La Paz

Brazil

• Eco Caminhos: Eco farm in the Atlantic Forest, 100 km NE of Rio

• IPBio: NGO prioritising environmental education and scientific research

• Iracambi: Rainforest conservation

Costa Rica

• ASTOP: Sea turtle conservation in Parismina (be careful of the riptides)

• Cloudbridge Nature Reserve: Nature reserve in the Talamanca Mountains

• Toucan Rescue Ranch: Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in San Josecito (sloth image)

Ecuador

• Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco: Nature reserve near Guayaquil, over 6,000 hectares

• Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation: Reforestation and ecological surveys

• Comuna de Rhiannon: Organic farming, gardening, tree-planting, and more

• Darwin Foundation: Conservation of Galápagos ecosystems

• Equilibrio Azul: Marine conservation in Machalilla National Park

• Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas: Jungle reserve (Spanish required)

• Los Cedros: Cloud forest reserve with opportunities in reforestation

• Merazonia Wildlife Reserve: Animal rescue in the jungle village of Mera

• Planet Drum: Tropical dry forest conservation

• Proyecto Ocelote: Agroforestry, permaculture, and bioconstruction

• Ride Andes: Eco-friendly farming and horsemanship

• Sacha Yacu: Wildlife rescue

• Sacred Sueños: Eco farm with opportunities in trail building and animal care

• Un Poco del Chocó: Biological research, organic gardening, and more

Honduras

• Iguana Research and Breeding Station: Ecological research in Utila

Mexico

• Project Tortuga: Sea turtle conservation along the Green Coast

Peru

• Esperanza Verde: Green Hope, an animal rescue centre

Uruguay

• Karumbé: Sea turtle conservation along three coastal locations in Southern Uruguay

*To report broken links in general, please use the Contact form.