Table of Contents
The Essentials
- Volunteering in South America, especially Bolivia, offers immersive experiences that connect you deeply with local communities and nature.
- Direct involvement and proactive communication with organizations can help tailor your volunteering experience, making it more rewarding and impactful.
- Preparing for volunteering involves packing wisely for jungle life, being mindful of health precautions like vaccines and malaria prophylaxis, and setting realistic expectations for local facilities and pace of life.
- Volunteering is about personal growth and transformation—building patience, gaining new perspectives, and forming meaningful bonds with locals and other volunteers.
- Daily life in the Amazon involves early mornings, embracing the heat and humidity, shared meals, and a strong sense of community with fellow volunteers.
What Is Volunteering?
Woofing vs Volunteering
When you travel abroad, your phone current plan often doesn’t include internet. Buying a local SIM card can be expensive and takes time at the store. With Yesim, you can purchase an eSIM in advance (just make sure your phone supports it) and get connected instantly upon arrival. That way, you can book your Uber straight from the airport instead of paying for an overpriced taxi.
When you travel abroad, your phone current plan often doesn’t include internet. Buying a local SIM card can be expensive and takes time at the store. With Yesim, you can purchase an eSIM in advance (just make sure your phone supports it) and get connected instantly upon arrival. That way, you can book your Uber straight from the airport instead of paying for an overpriced taxi.
Where to Find Volunteering Opportunities
Here are some popular platforms that bring together a wide range of offers in one place:
What Types of Volunteering Exist?
Volunteering in Cities
- Work with hostels and restaurants to help with daily operations.
- Join urban NGOs and social projects making a local impact, like after-school teaching or health support.
- Meet other travelers while volunteering in a structured environment.
Volunteering in the Countryside
- Help on organic farms through WWOOF programs.
- Volunteer at wildlife rescue centers caring for animals.
- Support rural schools and community development projects.
- Get involved in conservation projects and experience life closer to nature.
Finding My Volunteering Gig in Bolivia
That’s something important to keep in mind when looking for a volunteer program—try to find something you're passionate about or really enjoy. You’ll be doing this for at least two weeks, maybe a month, or even up to six months or a year depending on the program.
Volunteering with Sustainable Bolivia for 1 Month
Volunteering with Sustainable Bolivia means joining a friendly, community-focused program that connects you with meaningful projects like education support, NGO assistance, and eco-friendly initiatives. It’s a great way to get involved while experiencing life in the Amazon.
Getting There: Practical Logistics
I was already in South America, actually in La Paz in Bolivia doing all the possible activity in the region. The national flight cost me about $120. Since I was already in the region, I didn’t include any long-haul flight costs here.
To prepare for this volunteering adventure on the other side of the world, here’s what you need to do:
- Discuss the volunteering project with the organization before buying your flight.
- Check your visa status.
- Buy your flight ticket, and you’re ready to go!
If you plan to visit that country, especially during high season, don’t wait too long—prices can rise quickly. Trip.com is the perfect place to compare flights, hotels, car rentals, and even book activities. Everything you need, all in one place!
The Infrastructure at Sustainable Bolivia
When you travel abroad for holidays, you’re always exposed to risks like food poisoning, injuries, or even lost luggage. By booking insurance with EKTA, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered, so you can focus on enjoying your trip stress-free.
What is Pisatahua?
This business has contributed a lot to the growth of Sustainable Bolivia, which their customers really appreciate. However, Sustainable Bolivia and its volunteers don’t interact with the retreat, even though the two sites are only about 100 meters apart.
The Two Main Volunteering Programs at Sustainable Bolivia
Here’s a tip for finding a volunteering program: if you discover a great organization you like but don’t see any opportunities that fit you, dig a little deeper. Find out if they might need your skills but don’t know it yet. Jump on a call with them and let them know how you can help that way.
The School Program at Sustainable Bolivia
Leah runs the classes every weekday with the main goals to:
- Teach crafts projects that spark creativity and teamwork.
- Guide problem-solving activities to build critical-thinking skills.
- Help students learn basic English through fun games and exercises.
How to Support
Sustainable Bolivia is always looking for new volunteer teachers to join the program. They also rely on donations to keep classroom materials, books, and community events going strong. There are many ways to contribute—from sponsoring language lessons to funding teaching supplies or supporting community workshops.
The Research Program
Meet the Researchers
- Xavier, from the US, geeked out on lake water stats—temperature, pH, you name it—to see how it impacts mosquito populations and the fun diseases they’re carrying.
- Suzie, also from the US, went full bird nerd, documenting every feathered friend in the reserve. She spent nights and days with her camera (no bird-wrangling, promise) and set up camera traps to catch critters snacking on palm trees.
- Rachel? She was on a jaguar hunt—well, sort of. Instead of wrestling big cats, she teamed up with local guides to plant camera traps deep in the jungle and gather proof that jaguars really do roam here.
How to Get Involved
Sustainable Bolivia welcomes volunteers from anywhere all year long. Check out their website at sustainablebolivia.org or shoot them an email. They’ll take care of your logistics, permits, and accommodation so you can focus on your jungle science—and maybe spot a jaguar or two.
My Role
School Program Video
Research Program Video
For the research program, I captured what the infrastructure looks like and interviewed current volunteers. These study cases help future volunteers understand the kind of research happening at the reserve and what they can expect if they join.
Daily Life in the Amazon: What to Actually Expect
Typical Day Breakdown
- Morning work sessions: Wake up early to the jungle sounds—whether it’s crickets, parrots, or monkeys. This is the coolest time, perfect for working on my computer without it overheating.
- The hot morning: After 11 a.m., it gets too hot to work on the computer. I usually switch to brainstorming or help other volunteers while gathering pictures and footage of their work.
- Lunch and siesta time: We all eat together, sharing stories and good moments. It’s also the perfect time to relax and nap in the hammock.
- Afternoon activities: Dive back into work, help with site maintenance, or tag along on a wildlife outing. But no computer for me—it’s still too hot.
- Evening relaxation: The sun sets early in the Amazon; by 7 p.m., it’s dark. It cools down again, so I can get back to work on my computer.
- Dinner time and games: Like lunch, we eat together, share a beer, and play card games. It’s all fun.
Preparing for Your Amazon Volunteering Adventure
Essential Packing List
- Insect protection: Strong bug spray and a mosquito net
- Clothing: Fast-drying shirts and pants, long sleeves, and a lightweight rain jacket
- Tech: Headlamp, power bank, and waterproof bags for your gear
- Health: First-aid kit and any prescription meds you need
- Comfort items: Travel hammock, quick-dry towel, and a reusable water bottle
- Work tools: Camera equipment or other gear specific to your role
Health and Safety Tips
- Vaccines: Get Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A shots before you go.
- Malaria: Take prophylaxis and use mosquito nets at night.
- Water: Stick to boiled or purified water only.
- Sun and heat: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated.
- Medical facilities: Basic clinic on site; major hospitals in Riberalta.
- Emergencies: Follow Sustainable Bolivia’s protocols and keep their on-site manager’s number handy.
Setting Realistic Expectations
- Facilities: Expect cold showers, simple meals, and occasional power outages.
- Jungle life: It’s hot, humid, and you’ll share space with mosquitoes and other critters.
- Internet: Starlink works, but speeds can vary—plan to disconnect sometimes.
- Pace: Life moves slower here; go with the flow and embrace the downtime.
- Weather: Rainstorms can pop up suddenly; pack quick-dry gear and patience.
FAQ
Is volunteering in South America safe?
How much does it cost to volunteer in South America?
Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer in South America?
How long should I volunteer in South America?
What vaccines do I need for volunteering in Bolivia?
Can I volunteer in South America without experience?
Can I travel around South America while volunteering?
More Photos of Volunteering in the Amazon
When you travel abroad for holidays, you’re always exposed to risks like food poisoning, injuries, or even lost luggage. By booking insurance with EKTA, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered, so you can focus on enjoying your trip stress-free.
Conclusion: The Adventure of a Lifetime
This experience teaches patience and slow living, showing you the value of community and the balance between preservation and daily life. It rewires your priorities, transforming the way you see the world and your role in it.
That's a really great place and activity to do if you plan a trip to bolivia.
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