Our Real South America Encounter takes you to Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. We seriously can’t think of a more sublime combination of mysterious, picturesque and charming countries to volunteer in. Join us on a mind-blowing 6-12 weeks and be sure to improve your Spanish language in each country as you learn Spanish abroad.
In South America, you will encounter countless views of the Sierra Madre and Andes mountains. In addition, you will take in a range of wildlife species including leatherback sea turtles, 2-toed sloths and spider monkeys. There will be lasting tastes from each country as you enjoy delicious Peruvian Ceviche or Costa Rican Dados de Queso! South America’s various climates and infinite sights will leave you wishing you never had to leave. Volunteer in South America on this once in a lifetime trip and choose the trip duration, volunteer projects and travel experiences that are right for you.
HOW IT WORKS
The South America Gap Year experience has start dates all year round. Moreover, participants can choose the trip duration that is right for them when completing volunteer work in South America. There is 6,9 and 12 week gap year in South America options to choose from on the online application. All programs commence on the first Sunday of each month, but alternate start dates can be considered on request.
Should you choose the 6-week option you will spend 2 weeks volunteering in each of Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. In the same vein, should you choose a 9-week South America Gap Year experience, you will spend 3 weeks volunteering in each destination. Likewise, the 12 week program will see you join us for 4 weeks in each of the three countries.
Volunteers will need to plan their flight schedules to match their country-specific trip dates. Therefore, you will need to arrange your inbound flight to arrive in Costa Rica for the beginning of the South America Gap Year experience. Your outbound flight will need to depart out of Peru once your time on the program is completed.
In addition, you will need to budget and plan your intermediary flights for your South America Gap Year experience. More specifically, you will need to book flights from Costa Rica to Ecuador and then Ecuador into Costa Rica matching your specific trip dates. This may sound a little complicated, but rest assured, the team are on-hand for assistance.
Across your South America Gap Year Experience, you will meet plenty of other travellers and volunteers along the way! The numbers and types of people you will encounter will change as you move from country to country. This will allow you to make many friendships and share experiences with a range of people on your South America encounter journey!
You can choose any of the standard South America volunteer programs in each country during the online application process. Please note, some volunteer projects may be subject to availability and you should only select one project to each destination. Additionally, there may be an additional cost associated with some projects. Any additional costs will be made clear next to the volunteer project option during the online application. You can explore your volunteer options in each destination below. It will be an unforgettable 6-12 weeks!
VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA (2, 3 OR 4 WEEKS)
Your first stop will be Costa Rica. This beautiful country has been an explorer’s dream for decades. Its landscape is diverse with crystal blue waters, dense rainforest and over 60 volcanoes. Be sure to get comfortable with a bit of close interaction because each person you greet will be up for a kiss on the cheek. You will no doubt remember the blissful memories of Costa Rica after your time visiting this amazing country. After all, the country has been referred to as the ‘world’s happiest country’.
Combine adventure travel with community volunteering as well as ticking off all the ‘must-see’ things in Costa Rica. You will spend your first-week learning or enhancing the beautiful Spanish language. The remainder of your time in Costa Rica will be volunteering in either a childcare setting or teaching English.
While Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, the use of English isn’t as often as one would think. For the reason that many of the local people are still unable to communicate properly in English. Consequently, taking the time to interact with local people will help their English levels improve! You will be able to select your volunteer in Costa Rica project during the online application.
VOLUNTEER IN ECUADOR (2, 3 OR 4 WEEKS)
Your second stop is in Ecuador. Get ready for another adventure because your next 2-4 weeks will be spent in the mesmerising city of Quito. Considered the “middle of the world,” the region offers travellers a unique opportunity to walk the equatorial line. The capital’s historic district, considered the largest and best-preserved in South America, was declared a World Heritage site. Across the city, you’ll find spots such as La Compañía de Jesús and the Baroque masterpiece of America. Furthermore, the La Plaza Grande, the centre of Quito’s historic achievements, narrates the history of the city.
From this well-cultured city, you will find yourself in the prime location to visit the Galapagos Islands. This is your platform to witness an abundance of unique wildlife. Alternatively, you can choose to head to the cloud forests within the Amazon rainforest. Other adventure travel opportunities in Ecuador include Mindo for a bit of rafting and Salinas if you like to surf. Finally, Otavalo is home to one of the most colourful markets in the Andes and may be worth a visit.
Your volunteering choices are very varied. Contribute to the lives of children with learning difficulties. On the other hand, teach English to high school students and help them reach their full potential within an indigenous setting. Alternatively, you can gain practical medical experience and insight on elective programs in one of Quito’s biggest hospitals. You will be able to select your volunteer in Ecuador project during the online application.
VOLUNTEER IN PERU (2, 3 OR 4 WEEKS)
Your final stop is Peru. This country is home to the lost city that is Machu Picchu. This is recognised as the empire of the Incans and home to the infamous Inca Trail. The ancient Inca ruins are considered to be some of the most beautiful and mysterious sites in the world. You won’t just encounter visiting such ruins in this glorious city; they are all over Peru!
The real gem of your time in this country will be the people. Peruvians are an interesting bunch of extremely polite, hardworking, peaceful and cultured people. Be sure to ask of their Quechua roots, they may even teach you a phrase or two! Be ready for bright colours and warm smiles as you make a positive impact in the local communities. In the same vein, stone streets, snow-capped mountains and temple ruins await you in Peru. Finally, the Peruvian cuisine you will encounter will leave your taste buds wanting more!
You will spend time in the heart of Peru meeting breath-taking views and delectable cuisine. Furthermore, Cusco will be your hub to make a positive difference in volunteering at local projects. Our development work in Cusco runs throughout the year. You can choose your volunteer project to teach indigenous children the English language. Moreover, you can offer a helping hand at childcare programs provided for the working street children. Alternatively, you can choose to enhance your medical knowledge by observing clinical nurses & physicians. You will be able to select your volunteer in Peru project during the online application.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ON ENCOUNTER TRIPS
Spanish Requirements - For the childcare, teaching and wildlife programs in Latin America, we recommend that you speak a reasonable level of Spanish prior to your trip. There are no specific language requirements in order to join the program and you can join as an absolute beginner. However, we find that the ability to speak a good level of the Spanish language and a passion to learn more will greatly enhance your overall experience. This is because English is generally not widely spoken and therefore our programs should be viewed as a broader language immersion experience. If you do not speak a reasonable level of Spanish then you will find it difficult to communicate. As a result, this could lead to a more frustrating experience.
For the medical program we strongly recommend you speak a conversational level of Spanish as communication is essential to a productive experience at the project.
Different Experiences Across Different Destinations - The Encounter programs are designed to provide a varied experience across some fascinating and unique destinations. Although we try and design our program set ups in the same way your volunteer experience in each destination is very varied. For example, some destinations provide a more basic accommodation set up but a high impact volunteer role, others are more touristy and therefore your role at the project is more limited, teams have different safety policies depending on the local environment etc. Therefore, please remain open-minded when joining our program across different destinations as each country offers a completely individual experience.
Flights Not Included - None of the flights the itinerary are included within the Program Fee for this itinerary. You should therefore budget accordingly for the main international flights from/to your home location and then the relevant internal flights across the Encounter destinations.
