Top Central & South America Volunteer Tours

Learn about social projects that benefit residents of low-income Bogotá neighborhoods on this small-group tour, led by a local guide. You'll take a ride on a cable car to El Paraíso, where you'll visit a local nonprofit and meet locals. You'll then head up to a viewpoint to take in the Bogota skyline, with a stop for a snack at the end of your tour.

On this guided tour of the Butterfly Conservatory, which is dedicated to the preservation, growth, and study of the rainforest, with a focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, experience a live demonstration of the butterfly life cycle, see poison dart frogs and other species of amphibians from the Arenal rainforest, and explore the botanical gardens and medicinal herb gardens.

See a totally different side of Lima away from the usual tourist highlights during this visit to one of the city’s shantytowns. During your exploration, encounter silverware craftsmen and visit a local kindergarten, offering a chance to challenge the prevailing myths about poverty and the people it impacts. Best of all, a portion of your trip purchase goes to helping the community and its residents. Your tour includes round-trip hotel transport from Barranco, Miraflores, and San Isidro.

Discover this unique and off-the-beaten-path tour that many are still unaware exists. A Private tour or 6 Small Group Avoiding the crowds and being one of the only hikers on the path exploring the beautiful landscape! This is the perfect alternative to the Classic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Why Visit South America? -This tour is a private or 6 small group adventure. -We connect with the communities. -Enjoy local gastronomy! Peruvian Buffet lunch.

Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.

Visit Colombia’s colorful, mural-filled Comuna 13 with a local guide on this small-group tour of the famous neighborhood. You'll get a bird's eye view of the area from aboard a cable car and have the chance to get down and check out the comuna's many colorful murals. You'll even get to sample some delicious local fruit.

On this walk, many questions can be asked about emigrating to Panama. Your companion emigrated himself and lives on site. Knows the circumstances well. The most important places for daily life and the cost of living also make the conversations special. Since many exciting places in Boquete are shown and explained, this experience is also worthwhile for tourists. You get to know this place in a different way. Due to the in-depth knowledge of botany and natural history, plants are not only companions. I also like to share moments with individuals. Shared experiences delight twice.

Explore Quechua culture and society through its ancient wool-weaving traditions on this tour from Ollantaytambo. With round-trip travel from Ollantaytambo included, visit a Quechuan village and meet the locals with your guide. Savor a delicious home-cooked lunch in the Andean countryside, and gain insight into indigenous weaving techniques dating back to pre-Inca days. Learn how alpaca or sheep wool is hand spun into yarn, and give it a try yourself.

Experience local flavor at the Belen Marketplace then travel to our unique Floating City on the water.

Costa Rica is known for its lush scenery, but getting around—and seeing the best the country has to offer—can be a challenge without your own transportation. On this full-day tour, experience both forests and volcanoes in a single day as you combine a guided nature walk in Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a refreshing waterfall swim. Hotel transfers and lunch are provided for a seamless experience.

Experience an unforgettable eco-adventure where you’ll get up close with playful monkeys and other fascinating wildlife. Perfect for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts! Highlights of the Tour: Close Wildlife Encounters: Meet curious capuchin monkeys and see exotic birds, iguanas, and crocodiles. Photo Opportunities: Capture incredible shots of Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife. What to Bring: Comfortable clothes and sandals Sunglasses and hat Sunscreen and insect repellent Camera or smartphone for photos Reusable water bottle Best Time to Visit: Morning tours (7:30 AM) are ideal for spotting the most wildlife.

See more wildlife than you'd likely spot on your own with a guided walk through the forest and coastline of Avellanas. Instead of hoping to encounter animals by chance, explore with a local guide who can identify animals, such as monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds, and explain their behavior. Walk through four different ecosystems and help protect these habitats with a quick trail clean-up during our tour.

You will experience local flavor and views of the Itaya River at the Malecón Tarapacá and Belen Marketplace, the most important market from Iquitos where local food and traditional medicine are sold. Then travel to our unique Floating City where you will see an entire city built on the water and witness how the local residents live and work. Afterward you will see the Amazon River itself where the Rio Itaya meets the Amazon.

Live the Rocinha as a real resident! Our local, accredited and accessible guide will guide you through alleys, shops, graphite walls and the football court. The tour includes biking or van climbing, walking down and visiting a rooftop with panoramic views perfect for photos and videos. Optional drone video (see values on the day of the tour).

Discover the local traditions of Peru as you explore the countryside of Arequipa on this private half-day tour. With a dedicated guide, visit the local market to learn about Peruvian gastronomy, enjoy scenic views, see a rock quarry where statues are made, and sample typical dishes in the Carmen Alto neighborhood.

As one of the world’s top flower exporters, Colombia is known for its gardens and annual flower festival. Learn little-known facts about Medellín’s flower industry on this private half-day tour with round-trip transport from your local accommodations. In addition to navigating, your guide facilitates a farm tour and demonstration with local silleteros, or festival flower vendors.

If you are not into intense hikes, but still want to get the most out of Palomino, we highly recommend this experience. In this tour we will pick you up by motorbike from your hotel or inn. You will go around the area of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta where an indigenous community settles. Here you will be able to meet the community, learn about their handicrafts, customs and beliefs. Besides you will be able to swim and relax in the rivers near the area. A day to disconnect and reconnect with different ways of living. - A trip by motorbike - A short lesson on how indigenous near the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta live. - The experience of learning about customs and beliefs of indigenous people - The chance to have unique handicraft made by Tunkeka people

Join naturalist biologists on a guided tour through Parque La Libertad, where you will discover the restoration of 32 hectares once occupied by an old cement factory and learn about the ongoing reforestation process. You will observe birds that arrived with ecological regeneration and easily identify more than 30 species. Along the way, you’ll learn about waste management and pollinator gardens, and discover how the community comes together through art, sports, and social projects. Most importantly, by joining this experience you become part of a social well-being initiative that supports local communities in need.

Discover the vibrant wine inside DA Rocinha, the largest favela in Latin America, on this authentic tour. Gain a deeper understanding DA daily life and the rich culture of the community by breaking the stereotypes often seen in the media. With experienced guides, explore the history DA Rocinha while for a more immersive experience. This small group tour ensures respectful interactions with local residents, allowing you to hear their inspiring stories. Learn more about the challenges and resilience OF the commune DA da Rocinha, making this tour not only educational but also a unique cultural experience. - Explore the Rocinha, the largest favela DA Latin America - Engage with local residents and learn their stories - Use public transport for an authentic experience - Small group sizes promote respectful interaction and deeper connections

This off-the-beaten-path Lima experience is fun, educational and very Peruvian. It is perfect for those that need a break from archeology and architecture but still want to learn more about Peruvian culture and its diversity. On this Lima tour and cultural exchange, we visit an urban community of the Shipibo-Konibo, an indigenous Amazonian people. The Shipibo are known in Peru for their very recognisable art and handicrafts. In particular the Shipibo textiles are very popular Peruvian handicrafts. During the tour, we learn more about Shipibo art, culture and traditions, and their interesting but often tragic history and current efforts to keep their culture alive. We’ll also share with our host family and will see and try out Shipibo techniques for ourselves. If you’re more of an observer, that’s perfectly fine as well!

The difference of my tour is that you live the Rocinha really, accompanying a local Guide who was born and lives in the community. We start with the famous motortaxi climb — an authentic adventure that already puts the vacationer within the rhythm of the favela. The whole journey is safe, cultural and full of real stories, showing exclusive sights, urban art, local business and the routine of the locals. It is not an ordinary tourist tour: it is a human immersion that only those who live here can provide.

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Guarani indigenous community on a private half-day tour from Sao Paulo. Relax, as air-conditioned transportation takes you from your accommodation to the Tekoa Itakupe Indigenous Reserve. Here, you'll observe daily life, visit the Guarani temple, try Xondaro Fighting Dance, and interact with local leaders. Complete the experience with a visit to Jaragua Peak Park, where you'll enjoy a UNESCO-listed panoramic view of Sao Paulo

Get a feel for the way that most Bogotanos live by visiting the poor El Paraiso neighborhood, high on a hill overlooking Colombia's capital city. You'll arrive and leave on Bogotá's spectacular TransMicable cable car, with its breathtaking views of this Andean metropolis of nine million people. In El Paraiso, you'll meet local residents, hear their histories, learn the stories behind the striking street art, sample local foods, visit a historical museum and more.