Volunteering and Cultural Exchange Program in South America for Animal Conservation and Children's Education

The 8-week Peru and Galapagos gap program gives participants aged 17–24 the chance to support wildlife conservation, education and community activities while practising Spanish. The program begins in Peru and continues in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Available 2027 dates are May 9 to July 3 and August 29 to October 23; the program page also states that start dates are available throughout the year.

About the Peru and Galapagos Gap Program

Participants spend the first four weeks in Peru and the following four weeks on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. In the Amazon rainforest, activities can include helping care for animals at a rescue centre and supporting rehabilitation and release work. Volunteers may assist with turtle breeding by patrolling riverbanks, collecting eggs, incubating them and releasing hatchlings. Other conservation tasks include bird surveys, recording species data during trail walks, using camera traps, helping with sustainable farming, maintaining a mahogany plantation and contributing to local conservation awareness activities.

During the third week in Peru, the project moves to Cusco, where participants help preserve Incan and pre-Incan archaeological sites. Activities include cleaning artefacts, maintaining sites, mapping and classifying, and taking part in a traditional ceramics workshop. The Peru portion also includes work with children in a classroom, lesson planning, creating resources, sports and arts activities, health and hygiene workshops, and light renovation work at a school. A weekend visit includes the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

In the Galapagos, the first two weeks focus on giant tortoise and sea lion conservation. Depending on project needs, participants may monitor wildlife, help care for tortoises at a breeding centre, remove invasive plants, grow native species, join beach clean-ups and collect litter data. A weekend trip to Santa Cruz includes visits to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve and the Charles Darwin Research Station, as well as highland forests, lava tunnels and Tortuga Bay. During the final two weeks, participants can support local education work, including teaching English, planning games and creative activities, and playing sports with children. Previous experience working with children is not required; training, workshops and resources are provided.

Work and accommodation are based in several locations, including a conservation reserve in the Peruvian Amazon, Cusco and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island. The itinerary includes shared accommodation and stays with vetted local host families. Find related exchange and cultural programs or browse other opportunities for youth.

Benefits

• Clean, safe, and comfortable accommodation, including shared housing with other participants and stays with vetted local host families.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as fresh drinking water.

• Airport transfers, daily transportation to and from project sites, and other transportation included in the program.

• Round-the-clock on-site support and 24/7 assistance from global support teams.

• A certificate documenting service hours, workshops, and activities, which can be added to a professional CV.

• Access to program activities and equipment, as well as training sessions and workshops delivered by experienced professionals.

• Pre-departure support, including visa guidance, cultural awareness training, and access to a dedicated travel preparation portal.

• Excursions, social activities, and cultural experiences, including visits to famous landmarks and attractions during the program.

• Opportunities to practice and improve Spanish language skills, with additional language lessons available during the program.

• Flexible payment options with 0% interest, as stated on the official website.

• A risk-free booking guarantee, as advertised on the website.

Who Should Apply

This program is intended for young people aged 17–24 who want hands-on experience in conservation, community activities, education or archaeology. It may suit participants who are interested in cultural exchange and want to practise Spanish during their time in South America. The program combines several types of activities rather than focusing on a single placement.

Key Highlights

• Eight weeks across Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
• Age range: 17–24.
• Listed 2027 start dates: May 9 and August 29.
• Price shown: £5,495 for eight weeks; flexible payments at 0% interest are advertised.
• Accommodation, meals, drinking water, transport, activities, training, equipment and 24/7 support are included.