Volunteering is free, but the organisations that we work with need to cover their adminstrative and material costs.
Volunteer South America also charges a fee to cover the cost of research, advertising, production of material,
mailing and the costs of maintaining a business in the US. We believe that the benefits of volunteering
should go to the communities and reserves not to line our pockets. We have not increased our costs in three years.
We believe our admin costs are the lowest out there and invite you to check out the competition. Some organisations
are charging up to US$2,950 for the same one month volunteer placement we offer. It does not cost that much.
Please ask them who gets the profit!
Volunteer South America Fee
Our fee is US$236.50, which has not increased since 2005. In return for our fee you will receive;
Before you go
- Our full information pack - with information on local customs, history, culture, geography, health, a list of English
speaking doctors, a packing list, safety tips, emergency contact numbers etc.
- A complimentary guide book (see left) of the country you are visiting.
- A complimentary map(see left) of the country you are visiting.
- Visa information and forms.
- Help with travel and insurance.
- Hassle free liasion between you and the local counterpart.
- Information on interesting places to visit.
When you get there
- A position at an organisation with an established and structured program.
- Quality support by the in-country co-ordinator.
- Deeply discounted hotel rates on first arrival.
Local Organisation Costs
The cost depends on the organisation and where you are volunteering, but expect to pay between US$475-900 for 4 weeks. These fees cover the cost of
accommodation, food, transport within the reserve and all materials used for the program and the expertise of a dedicated
professional team. They may also cover laundry service, gudied hikes during your time off and other things.
Please see the details for each positions for an exact list of what is covered.
Most local organisations use part of your fee to finance associated running cost such as
staff salaries of those engaged in supporting your volunteering, maintenance of facilities etc.
Additional costs
Visa - Most nationals do not need a visa for Bolivia, Peru or Ecuador for stays of less than 90 days.
Our counterpart organisations can normally arrange for visa extentions for stays over 90 days. Costs vary.
Vaccinations. Costs vary.
Pre-progam accommodation (normally two nights)- US$19-30 per night
Travel and medical insurance. Costs vary.
Airport departure taxes - $35-42.
Spending Money - We recommend US$100-175 per month.
Spanish Classes
A number of volunteers take the opportunity to study Spanish before taking up their volunteer position.
We work with one of the best local langauage schools in Quito. Their program includes cultural visits, cooking local dishes
and expert Spanish tuition from a qualified professional. Taking these classes in a Spanish speaking environment makes the task
of learning Spanish easier. Encouragement and opportunities to practice are all around you.
A further incentive is the price of classes, which is significantly less than what you pay in North America or Europe.
Spanish Classes - From US$220 per week (4 hours a day)
Family Home Stay
An additional service that we offer is a family home stay. The best thing about our family homestays is that you really
experience what it is like to be a local. There
is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture and understand the way that things truly work than this.
Home stays may be booked in conjunction with Spanish classes or not.
For Spanish students, it gives you a great opportunity to improve your conversational skills.
But both Spanish students and
others will take comfort that each family has at least one person that speaks English. It's great to know that
when you just can't find the right word, help is at hand.
Accommodation is in a private room with a private bathroom. Laundry service and three meals a day are included in
the price. The family will also take you on visits to places of interest.
Homestay with a local family - US$155 per week.
Flights to South America
Volunteers usually arrange there own flight, but we are happy to give advice. Because overall volumes of
flight to South America are relatively low, bargin airlines do not operate on the routes.
But prices vary considerably throughout the year. We advise you to explore out of season fares before booking your
volunteer position. Try to fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday as prices can be cheaper. Booking on-line with the airline will sometimes achieve a discount or extra airmiles.
Our suggestions on airlines that service South America are;
From the US
Try Copa, American Airlines (Miami) and Continental (Houston).
From Europe
Try Ibeira which has direct flights from Madrid to Quito and Lima. KLM has flights out of Amsterdam direct to Quito and Lima.
