Bosque Nublado Santa Lucia. Santa Lucía is a true community based conservation and eco-tourism effort, We have three basic missions: to conserve and protect the over 650 hectares of cloud forest belonging to the community; to develop sustainable sources of income for the community members; and to help educate and benefit residents of the nearby villages.
Contact: Bosque Nublado Santa Lucia, www.santa-lucia.org, stalucia@uio.telconet.net, tel #: 593-2-2157-242
Campanario Biological Reserve
Environmental education programs (all ages students), field trips, Rainforest Camps, Teachers' professional development programs.
Contact: info@campanario.org, www.campanario.org
CINDURMA Eco Lodge Nicaragua
CINDURMA is a non-profit charity registered in Managua which offers an eco lodge and tours. Your donation will be used for local charities and projects. Nicaragua is a country rich in culture but a poor financially.
Contact: cindurmaecolodge@yahoo.com, www.cindurma.org
Cloud Forest Ecuador
Eco Volunteer in South America
In Ecuador, our projects are located in cultural city of Quito and Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Lodge, a beautiful mountain range of the Choco Andean. If you are planning to explore the real cultural and natural beauty of Ecuador, start your adventure by joining volunteer projects, Spanish lessons, village hiking, and sightseeing of some cultural wonders of Ecuador. Urcu Puyujunda offers you unique opportunities to explore the great land of Ecuador while working for children and people in teaching in an orphanage, health care, preserving the forest with its flora and fauna, and other community development projects.
Contact: urcupuyujunda@cloudforestecuador.com; www.cloudforestecuador.com and www.volunteer-latinamerica.com
Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT)
Socially and Environmentally Responsible Travel to Costa Rica Program
If traveling to Costa Rica, make sure to support socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Support locally-owned green lodges and tour companies. Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT) is compiling a list of hotels, lodges and tour companies that are treading lightly on the fragile ecosystems of this land, and that are contributing positively to the auto-sustainable development of Costa Rican local communities.
Contact: info@conservecostarica.org, www.conservecostarica.org
Costa Rica Rainforest
"Reconnecting with Nature" Enrich your life, expand your horizons and, most importantly, don't let the kids have all the fun! CRROBS offers adult adventures with a focus on personal development and reflection. The theme of the adult adventure is "reconnecting with nature," which incorporates the cutting edge field of applied eco-psychology. You will hike through rainforest, raft down rapids, stay with local families, and participate in all other parts of the multi-element course with the schedule and focus tailored towards adults.
Contact: enrollment@crrobs.org, www.crrobs.org
Eco-Escuela de Español & Bio-Itza
Students learn Spanish in Guatemalan village in Petén region and help with conservation and development work for 2 hours a day. Fee of $150 per week covers 4 hours one-to-one tuition daily plus homestay.
Contact: c.o Tikal Connection Tours, Calle 15 de Septiembre, Ciudad Flores, Petén 17001, Guatemala; Tel./fax. 502-7926-4981; info@tikalcnx.com; www.tikalcnx.com.
EcoLogic Development Fund
Forwards relevant resumés from students and professionals (written in Spanish) to partner organizations in Central America, looking for interns and volunteers in the fields of conservation, community development, and social justice. Minimum attachment is normally 3 months in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Contact: Harvard Square, 25 Mount Auburn St., Ste. 203, Cambridge, MA 02138; 617-441-6300; fax. 617-441-6307; info@ecologic.org; www.ecologic.org.
Ecology Project International
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program (STEP)
This tropical hotspot and travel destination contains an amazing 5% of the worlds biodiversity. Costa Ricas Caribbean coast where Ecology Project Internationals program site is located is the fourth most important nesting beach worldwide for Leatherback sea turtles, a critically endangered species. Through our Sea Turtle Ecology Program, youth from Costa Rica and around the world work in partnership with the Pacuare Nature Reserve to conserve and protect these sea turtles from extinction.
Baja & the Sea of Cortez Island Ecology Program and Whale Ecology Program
The Sea of Cortez hosts 39% of the worlds marine mammal species and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. From John Steinbeck to Aldo Leopold, Baja California Sur has captured the worlds imagination and become a unique travel destination. Through our Island and Whale Ecology Programs, Ecology Project International students from Mexico and around the world work in partnership with local institutions to conserve Baja California Surs desert and marine environments.
Galapagos Islands Ecology Program
One of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, the spectacular Galápagos Islands host a unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Through our Galápagos Islands Ecology Program, Ecology Project International students from the Galápagos and around the world work in partnership with the Galápagos National Park and local institutions to conserve the archipelago. Students travel to several locations on three different islands, studying and experiencing this magical place.
Contact: info@ecologyproject.org, www.ecologyproject.org
Ecotrackers Foundation
Volunteer Work in Ecuador
Ecotrackers works to preserve the cultural and biological diversity of Ecuador through the development of indigenous community in ecotourism and other projects. Volunteers are sent to 17 indigenous communities and 10 National Protected Areas, to stay between one week and 6 months and to carry out a variety of tasks that go from teaching English in children's school, until ecotourism and eco-production with patents, eco-development; and other projects such as reforestation, health & sanitation, and agricultural development. Ecotrackers is currently developing an experimental farm in the cloud-forest near Quito to demonstrate sustainable agriculture.
Contact: email@ecotrackers.com, www.ecotrackers.com
Ecuador Volunteer
Our non-profit organization offers volunteer work programs in South America, our volunteer opportunity is focused in ecological, social and educational areas creating new hopes.
Contact: info@volunteerworkecuador.com, www.volunteerworkecuador.com
EcuadorExplorer.com
Useful information about working and volunteering in Ecuador with links to about a dozen organizations with volunteer programs.
Contact: www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/work_or_volunteer.html
Fundación Cabo San Francisco
Volunteers accepted on projects in the northern province of Esmeraldas to conserve flora and fauna. Placements last between 10 days and 3 months or longer. Participation fee is $300 a month.
Contact: Programa de Voluntarios, Casilla 17-15-73-B, Quito, Ecuador; 011-593-2-278 8061; volunteer@fcsf.org, www.fcsf.org
Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD)
International Development Internship
FSD provides capacity building, funding, and human resources to over 200 grassroots organizations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Our programs provide comprehensive development training, immersion, and the opportunity for participants to design and implement collaborative projects with the help of a Site Team and their host organization. With our partner organizations, we implement solutions that improve social, environmental, educational, and economic conditions at the community level..
Contact: 517 Potrero Ave. Suite B, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA; info@fsdinternational.org, www.fsdinternational.org.
Galápagos Travel
Workshops in the Galápagos Islands. Specializing in comprehensive, educationally-oriented, professionally-led natural history tours of the Galápagos Islands. Each trip spends 11 days to 2 full weeks in the Galápagos, touring all the significant outer islands, and allowing for a maximum of wildlife observation. Three distinct itineraries available.
Global Exchange
Responsible Travel in Colombia
In Colombia, meet with peace communities, union leaders, women's organizations, Indigenous and Afro-Colombia peoples, Fair Trade farmers, and union leaders as we strive to go beyond Washington's "War on Drugs" to meet the people struggling for peace and justice during Colombia's 40 year civil war. Join Fellowship of Reconciliation and Global Exchange on a human rights delegation to support the building of a culture of peace within an environment of conflict.
Responsible Travel in Cuba
In March, 2003 the Bush Administration revoked the "people-to-people" license that facilitated legal travel to Cuba. However this has not stopped Global Exchange. We currently offer the opportunity to participate in research delegations under the following categories: Environment, Education, Healthcare and Community Development. We also provide customized tours for humanitarian organizations, educational institutions and religious groups with a license that need program and logistical support.
Responsible Travel in Nicaragua
Explore Nicaragua and learn about the devastating impacts of IMF policies. Meet with women's groups, trade unions, and Fair Trade cooperatives. Visit Managua's infamous factory zones and learn about Nicaragua's culture of resistance. Global Exchange is also sponsoring several highly motivated individuals to travel to Nicaragua this harvest season and work with a Fair Trade coffee cooperative (CECOCAFEN). This is a unique opportunity to experience the other side of the struggle for social and economic justice.
Responsible Travel in Venezuela
Venezuela is at the center of a new, progressive model of socioeconomic development that is shaping Latin America’s future. After briefly being forced from office in 2002, President Hugo Chavez has embarked upon some of the most innovative social programs that the region has ever seen. We meet with journalists, oil executives and grassroots organizations to for a deeper understanding of the situation in Venezuela and why the U.S. is involved.
Contact: realitytours@globalexchange.org, www.globalexchange.org/tours
Global Vision International
Amazon Wildlife Research Expedition
Want to research endangered species in a truly remote and beautiful part of the Amazon Rainforest? Accessible only by light aircraft and based on a tributary of the Amazon river, Global Vision International’s expedition in the Pavacachi reserve in Ecuador is a biodiversity research program working in conjunction with local community projects. You will join the Expedition team to develop a comprehensive species list of the amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals of this biologically ‘super’ rich habitat, to assist the local community in developing a long-term sustainable eco-tourism project and to initiate an environmental education program. Rigorous training is provided to ensure a holistic understanding of the rainforest. Expedition members will live in basic conditions in open-sided cabins, taking fresh river water showers. Expedition members are needed for 5 – 15 weeks, internships are also available.
Coastal Rainforest Research Expedition in Costa Rica
Be an active member of GVI’s research team in the beautiful and rich habitats of a Costa Rican Rainforest and work on a variety of long term terrestrial and marine conservation and community education projects. You will be part of a comprehensive research program in this exciting biodiversity hotspot. Activities include; turtle population surveys, jaguar predation surveys, mammal research, bird and amphibian studies, recording bird song, English teaching and environmental education. Expedition members receive hands-on training to provide a base line and holistic understanding of all aspects of the rainforest and coast line, on which to build throughout the expedition. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable at the Cano biological research station near the Costa Rican coastline. The expedition is run in conjunction with COTERC (Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Education), Toronto Zoo, Costa Rican National Parks Board and various universities in Costa Rica and independent researchers. Expedition members are needed for 5 – 15 weeks, internships are also available.
Research and Exploration in Patagonia
Join this demanding and adventurous expedition for 3 months and combine conservation, exploration and trekking in the wild regions of Patagonia. As an expedition member, you will not only explore remote regions of Patagonia but also make a positive impact on the conservation of this unique habitat. After a comprehensive training period, you will be involved in activities such as: exploration and trekking in mountain regions, surveying the Andean Condor, recording mammal species and community and environmental education. There will also be an opportunity to test your new found fitness by climbing at high altitude mountain throughout the expedition. Conditions will be basic in mobile tented accommodation, are you up to the challenge? The expedition runs in conjunction with local universities and various conservation bodies throughout Patagonia and southern South America. Places are available for 3 months only.
Contact: info@gvi.co.uk, www.gvi.co.uk
Green Valley Retreat
Environmental Volunteer Program in Costa Rica
Offering foreign and national participants personal, social, cultural, and academic opportunities while working jointly with the University of Costa Rica in areas of conservation, reforestation, and community development projects in the Paraiso, Orosi and Cartago areas of Costa Rica.
Contact: scott@greenvalleyretreat.com, www.helpingcostarica.com
Ibike Tours / International Bicycle Fund
Ibike Ecuador Exploration
Small group, immersion, bicycle tours, designed to get you out of the box, enrich your life and introduce you to the rich diversity of the people, their culture and the environment of the area. IBF programs are designed to provide participants an opportunity to learn more about the world at a person-to-person level not usually available to tourist. Itineraries highlight the cultural, historical, economic and physical diversity of the area. Throughout the program there are discussions on history, indigenous culture, gender rights and roles, music, language, religion, geology, botany and ecology, great people to meet and scenic beauty to die for.
Ibike Guyana Many People, Many Waters
Gain a better understanding of the rich ecology, culture, history, politics, social institutions, sustainable development projects and beauty of Guyana.
Contact: ibike@ibike.org, www.ibike.org/ibike
Immersive Brazil
Participate in the living culture of Brazil as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Guatemala
Participate in the living culture of Guatemala as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Mexico
Participate in the living culture of Mexico as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Immersive Peru
Participate in the living culture of Peru as part of this immersive small group journey. We'll explore the traditions, meet local friends & support important positive impact projects through our visits. Each departure coincides with an important local festival or celebration.
Contact: info@culturexplorers.com, www.culturexplorers.com
Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center
Located in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil we are offering people the chance to learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) in a beautiful, but little visited part of Brazil. GIS is increasingly used in a number of different disciplines to collect and manipulate data - this course will provide the opportunity to learn about this in the context of land management planning. Learning the new skill will provide you with a way to learn more about Brazil.
Contact: iracambi@iracambi.com, www.iracambi.com
Maquipucuna Foundation, Inc.
Cloud forest reserve near Quito in Ecuador which accepts paying volunteers ($450 per month).
Contact: Baquerizo #238, P.O. Box 17-12-167, Quito, Ecuador, fax. 011-593-2-250 7201. Also: c/o Inst. of Ecology, Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602- 2202; 706-542-2968; volunteers@maquipucuna.org; www.maqui.org
Mar de Jade Ocean-front Center, Chacala, Nayarit
Celebrating our 20th year as a center for responsible tourism, we are located in the fishing village of Chacala on its beautiful beach north of Puerto Vallarta. For 15-years, our volunteer/study program has been offering opportunities to guests to learn Spanish and put it to use in rural community volunteer projects, including a medical clinic, an after school program for children, a community kitchen and garden project, ESL classes, and house construction. Guests gain insight into local culture through volunteering. Surrounded by lush jungle with the warm, clear Pacific at our door, they enjoy swimming, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, whale-watching, and other excursions. Our calendar of retreats include yoga, meditation among others as well as our teen summer camp.
Contact: In Mexico, Tel./fax 011-52-322-222-1171; Tel. 011-52-322-222-3524. U.S. mailing address: PMB 078-344, 705 Martens Ct., Laredo, TX 78041-6010; info@mardejade.com, www.mardejade.com.
Maya Mountain Research Farm Internship Program
Maya Mountain Research Farm in Belize is a registered NGO working on issues of food security, nutrition, biodiversity and poverty alleviation using permaculture techniques, agroforestry and appropriate technology. Interns have an opportunity to learn new skills in a beautiful environment, while contributing to ongoing efforts at the farm. Interns are involved in all aspects of work on the farm, and should be hard working, willing to get dirty and interested in in tropical agriculture.
Contact: info@mmrfbz.org, www.mmrfbz.org
Mundo Verde Spanish School
Spanish school has links with development project in the rainforest and with many other voluntary projects to which students can be assigned (no fee).
Contact: Nueva Alta, 432-A Cusco, Peru; 011-51-84-221287; info@mundoverdespanish.com, www.mundoverdespanish.com
New Development Experience
Volunteer and Travel in Guatemala
New Development Experience (“NDE”) offers social entrepreneurship volunteering programs, Spanish language programs for educators, as well as exciting travel programs in Guatemala. NDE is led by former Guatemala Peace Corps volunteers and international development professionals who have unmatched experience in creating opportunities for both local and international constituents. Having consulted for and created education, tourism, artisan, health care, technology and agricultural ventures in this amazing country, we have in-depth knowledge about what the amazing Maya people have to offer. Join us for the international experience of a lifetime where you will not only observe, but rather learn about and create a friendship with this country and its people.We have designed our programs so that you are truly investing in yourself in a way that improves others' lives.
Contact: info@newdevelopmentexperience.com, www.newdevelopmentexperience.com
Pantanal Institute
Institute combines teaching English as a Foreign Language (to Brazilian biologists) and captive breeding facility for hawks. Voluntary/work experience vacancies available on conservation projects in the Pantanal region, a vast wetland habitat in central western Brazil. Volunteers must pay £500 ($982) a month for board and lodging.
Contact: Rua B, No. 4, Setor Centro Sul, Morada do Ouro, Cuiabá/MT, Brazil CEP: 78053-164; 011-55-65-3644-2331; contact@pantanalinstitute.com, www.pantanalinstitute.com.
Parallel 41 Patagonia
Offering specialized ecotourism programs through the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia for individuals, families and small groups. Stay in unique lodgings surrounded by nature with access to wildlife observation, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. Spend time with field specialists and researchers that study local flora and fauna of Patagonia. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience. Eco-programs for all ages and interests.
Contact: info@parallel41.com; 1-858-764-1896; www.parallel41.com.
Peace Villages Foundation
Conservation
Our conservation projects put you to work in stunning locations with local people who carry out environmental conservation. Just bring enthusiasm, self-reliance, patience and an open mind - Nurture plant seedlings, maintain the grounds and fruit and vegetable gardens, guide visitors, assist in setting up a tree nursery, a bamboo plantation and a bird sanctuary; teach or assist in programs for environmental education, help with ecological restoration and reforestation, assist building an educational trail for schoolchildren in a nearby rain forest or setting up an organic vegetable garden for our therapy and training centre for special need children. Tasks vary from tree planting to dry stone walling, footpath and step-building construction to creating wildlife habitats and occasional trash collecting projects at tourist sites. (No previous experience required).
Contact: peacevillages@yahoo.es, www.peacevillages.org
Piedra Blanca Community Ecotourism Project
A community ecotourism project providing alternative sources of income whilst sustaining the local rainforest. Volunteers are needed to teach English to local guides, service providers and school children. Other volunteering opportunities are also available.
Contact: ecopiedrablanca@hotmail.com, www.piedrablanca.org
PRETOMA (Programa Restauracion de Tortugas Marinas)
San Jose, Costa Rica. Qualified Interns and Volunteers walk the 4km beach on a nightly basis looking for nesting sea turtles. When found, turtles are measured, tagged, and checked for general health conditions. Nests are then taken, monitored, and protected in a project hatchery. Hatchery duties include monitoring for hatching baby turtles and releasing them into the ocean, as well as post hatching nest excavations to determine success rates.
Proyecto Asis Spanish Institute
Spanish language courses,learn in ecological reserve in rain forest, near volcano Arenal, small groups. Asis Job Volunteer: Ecological work in different areas.
Contact: info@institutoasis.com, www.institutoasis.com.
Quetzaltrekkers
Eco-Friendly Adventure Trekking in Guatemala
Quetzaltrekkers is Guatemala´s only all volunteer managed, non-profit trekking/hiking organization. Quetzaltrekkers offers multi-day adventure treks and one day excursions in the highlands of western Guatemala to an international clientele of outdoor enthusiasts. We follow locally sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. Volunteer guides are always needed.
Contact: Quetzaltrekkers, Casa Argentina, 12 Diagonal, 8-37, Zona 1, Quetzaltenango; 011-502- 7765-5895; info@quetzaltrekkers.com, www.quetzaltrekkers.com.
The Rainforest Education & Resource Centre (CREES)
Fauna Forever is a training, team building and environmental monitoring initiatives located in important biologically and culturally diverse habitats. There are currently two programs based in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a conservation area in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The programs are an adventurous yet professional way to experience and learn first-hand about humid tropical ecosystems and indigenous Amazon cultures whilst contributing to valuable on-going research.
Contact: info@crees-manu.org, www.crees-manu.org
San Miguel Eco Project, Biological Monitoring Expedition
Volunteers are needed to carry out a biological survey of the rainforest bordering the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve in Ecuador. The survey will last for 3 weeks, and will constitute a serious piece of scientific research. $450 for 3 week program.
Contact: 12-27 Juan Leon Mera y Calama, Quito, Ecuador, tel 593 22528769; admin@ecosanmiguel.org, www.ecosanmiguel.org
Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) in Costa Rica
Located on the beautiful Sarapiqui River, the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to link the community with conservation. We are currently looking for a volunteer to run our Environmental Education Program. This includes leading weekly ecology clubs to students at local schools and at the Center, supporting the community in conservation projects, and helping community members build on their ecotourism projects.
Contact: info@learningcentercostarica.org, www.learningcentercostarica.org
Soultime Travel
Individual and Custom Travels in Latin America
Soultime Travel is specialized in providing responsible, tailor-made holidays in Latin America for Cuba, Peru, Bolivia & Argentina. Contact us with your requirements so that we can design a trip specifically to your needs and wishes.
We differ from luxury tour operators as we are based in Latin America and travel regularly to our destinations with clients, and therefore we have the direct expertise of all possibilities and personal relationships with local agents that allow us to provide the detail and flexibility essential in the creation of an unique travel experiences.
Contact: www.soultime-travel.com
Volunteer in Brazil with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You will have the chance to volunteer in our teaching English and community outreach efforts in the city or in our rainforest conservation project in the nearby Tijuca Rainforest. As a volunteer with Volunteer Adventures, you will be able to take intensive language classes in our school in Brazil while volunteering with our local partner organization. You will benefit from not only learning the language, but also by applying it in your volunteer placement to make for a more meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Volunteer in Costa Rica with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You will work in a sea turtle hatchery on the beach, helping collect eggs from nesting mother turtles and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. You will be directly involved in the protection of the wildlife in our two locations, defending animals from illegal poachers and promoting conservation awareness.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Volunteer in Ecuador with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. As a volunteer, you will be able to help conserve the natural wonders of Amazon. This lush area boasts thousands of unique rainforest plants and hundreds of animal species, including monkeys, llamas, mountain cats, and tropical birds. You will be involved in replanting and preserving this important natural habitat, as well as in efforts to save the endangered Andean Spectacled Bear—the only bear in South America.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Volunteer in Guatemala with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer in Guatemala. As a volunteer, you will be able to take care of rescued animals in the Petén rainforest, or help hatch and release endangered sea turtles on the black sand beaches of Hawaii, Guatemala. Both projects allow you to participate in the protection of these animals and restoration to their natural habitats.
Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com
Volunteer Latin America
Volunteer Latin America is a small and independent organisation committed to helping protect Latin America’s flora and fauna, its biodiversity, and to offering the most cost effective way to become an environmental volunteer in Mexico, Central and South America.
Contact: info@volunteerlatinamerica.com, www.volunteerlatinamerica.com.
Witness for Peace Delegations
WFP delegations combine international travel and education with the struggle for peace, economic justice, and alternative development. Delegates witness firsthand the effects of global economic trends on the people of Latin America and meet with local partners and community members in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, or Nicaragua to explore cross-border advocacy.
Travel Abroad 
Responsible Travel and Ecotourism 
