Welcome to Latin America, a continent filled with natural wonders, an incredible array of wildlife and a mix of vibrant cultures. Are you ready for adventure? Let’s go! 

Whether you’re taking a gap year, a summer volunteer holiday, a career break or are looking for an internship program, this is your chance to experience this diverse region while gaining practical experience, developing valuable skills and contributing to vital conservation efforts. 

Where can you volunteer in Latin America?

From our two research stations in Costa Rica and Mexico we run a range of programs with a focus on:

• Wildlife and marine conservation
• Sea turtle conservation
• Rainforest conservation
• Jaguar and wild cat conservation
• Coral reef restoration 

In Costa Rica, you can get involved in our wildlife conservation projects from our conservation base located in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, home to some of the richest jungle habitats in the world and species like frogs, sloths, ocelots and toucans.

In Mexico, we dive into the tropical waters of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System off the coast of Puerto Morelos. Here you can earn PADI diving qualifications while contributing to valuable marine conservation initiatives, including sea turtle conservation and coral reef restoration.

We run one GVI program in Peru. On our Amazon rainforest conservation volunteer program, you’ll live and work in the Tambopata National Reserve, engaging in hands-on projects to protect the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Explore diverse ecosystems teeming with incredible species like jaguars, sloths and harpy eagles.

A partnered approach

At GVI, we prioritise collaboration with local organisations and communities. This ensures our volunteer programs have a sustainable impact, support local initiatives and work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we create long-lasting change.

In Costa Rica our conservation base is situated in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, with the permission of the local community. From here we work in collaboration with the following organisations:

• Turtle Rescue Cahuita
• Kekoldi Hawkwatch

In Mexico we work in collaboration with the following organisations:

• Centro Regional de Investigacion de Acuacultura y Pesquerias (CRIAP)
• Healthy Reefs for Healthy People
• El Instituto Mexicano de Investigación en Pesca y Acuacultura Sustentables (IMIPAS)
• National Commission of Natural Protected Areas Mexico (CONANP)
• Saving our Sharks
• Coral Watch
• Takata Experience
• Tolok Divers