Central and South America
Think of South America and visions of energetic carnivals, welcoming people and stunning biodiversity spring to mind. So what better place than this colourful continent to embark on a gap year, career break, volunteering, or teaching abroad?



Full of tropical rainforests and frenetic energy – from Rio's carnival atmosphere to the Caribbean coast – South America makes an unforgettable gap year travel experience. For overseas volunteer work and travel in South America which really makes a difference, i-to-i offers amazing and rewarding teaching and volunteer projects in South America to help you improve the lives of Latin America's poorest people. You might want to teach English in Ecuador, volunteer for community work in Costa Rica, or assist with healthcare in Honduras. So whether it's teaching English in Brazil or volunteering on a vital community or conservation project in South America, you'll be fully immersed in the local culture while giving something back. Plus, you get to experience the stunning sights and tantalising tastes of a colourful continent!
Click on your chosen country to find out more about i-to-i's South America gap year volunteer work and travel adventures. We have some great opportunities that you'll find hard to resist!
60 trips have been found based on your choices
Build homes for underprivileged families in Costa Rica
Experience life in rural Costa Rica and work alongside locals on a housing project designed to improve the living conditions of the local community.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Continent: South America
- Type:Building
- Duration: 1 to 8 weeks
Latest trip review:
The best summer i have ever had...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Build homes in La Esperanza, Honduras
This project is a great way to work and live with local families and enjoy the best of rural Honduran hospitality.
- Location: Honduras
- Continent: South America
- Type:Building
- Duration: 1 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
"a worthwhile experience that humbles, enlightens and develops!"...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Conservation work on the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands boast one of the world's most incredible natural habitats and amongst the lagoons, forests and beaches you'll be right at the heart of the fight to protect it.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 2 to 10 weeks
Latest trip review:
My lifew will never be the same again...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Archaeology work experience in Lima, Peru
Help discover the secrets of Peru's past on an important archeological site whilst enjoying all the benefits of its modern capital, Lima.
- Location: Peru
- Continent: South America
- Type:Internships
- Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
Fun, different, huge experience, a chance to live in a...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Community work with children in the Amazon, Ecuador
Ecuador is known for its incredible natural landscapes but on this project you'll also enjoy the equally colourful culture of its young people.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Work with children
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
A brilliant, rewarding and fulfilling experience!...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Amazon rainforest preservation in Ecuador
Work with a community based conservation project in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on Earth and see for yourself why protecting this habitat is so important.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
A chance of a lifetime...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Teach English in Cusco, Peru
Teaching in the ancient Cusco region in the footsteps of the Incas, this is a fascinating place you'll want to explore once class is dismissed!
- Location: Peru
- Continent: South America
- Type:Teaching
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
Know the country and the people- a good way to...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Community Work in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Lend your time and support to this project and help with innovative activities designed to engage young people from the urban slums of the city - whilst getting to know the party capital of the world!
- Location: Brazil
- Continent: South America
- Type:Community Work
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
'life is what you make it!'...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Community work with young children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Use dance, theatre, sports and the arts to provide education and support to children from the city's favelas and gain a very different view of life in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
- Location: Brazil
- Continent: South America
- Type:Work with children
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
Best month of my life...
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!
Community work with orphans and underprivileged children in Posadas, Argentina
Working with children in the busy city of Posadas you'll develop your teaching, sporting, dancing and singing skills as you help young orphans at one of two children's homes.
- Location: Argentina
- Continent: South America
- Type:Work with children
- Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
Challenging, rewarding and uplifting. it has changed me considerably....
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Secure your place for only $275 - Book today!






