Volunteer in Central America
Is volunteering in Central America calling your name? International Volunteer HQ has 17 years experience in providing the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer opportunities in Central America.
Every year, thousands of people from across the globe choose to volunteer in Central America with IVHQ, as it enables them to play a hands-on role in supporting important community and conservation projects, while being immersed in a new culture and learning from unique local traditions. IVHQ offers a huge range of impactful volunteer programs in Costa Rica and Guatemala that are family-friendly and suitable for volunteers under the age of 18.
Wondering what Central America volunteer work is available? Whether you want to volunteer in Central America and learn Spanish, teach English abroad, support local coffee producers, help conserve endangered sea turtles or participate in medical volunteering, IVHQ has a Central America volunteer opportunity for you.
Best Central America volunteer programs in 2024 & 2025
Discover the top places to volunteer in Central America right now and explore our full range of volunteer opportunities below.
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Guatemala
Why volunteer abroad in Central America with IVHQ?
Whether you’re seeking mission trips to Central America or simply want an easy and affordable way to organise your Central America gap year, IVHQ’s programs are available year-round and you can volunteer for 1 - 24 weeks. With flexible booking and unlimited free changes, program orientation, 24/7 support, safe accommodation, meaningful volunteer work and everything in-country organised for you, IVHQ is the most trusted volunteer organisation in Central America.
Where do you want to explore next?
”My favourite thing about this whole experience was definitely the culture and the people, they definitely gave me a new mindset about life. I’d say definitely be open to everything, don’t close yourself to new experiences. Jump out of your comfort zone!”
Mallory, Canadian, 16
Childcare volunteer in Guatemala
Where do you want to explore next?
Common questions about volunteering in Central America
What volunteer work in Central America does IVHQ offer?
Volunteering in Central America in 2024 or 2025 is an opportunity to make a significant impact during a time of need.
IVHQ offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities in Central America. Whether you want to volunteer and teach English in Central America, support local coffee producers, construction projects, sea turtle volunteering, or nursing and medical volunteer abroad projects, IVHQ has volunteer trips to Central America that are suitable for volunteers with a range of skills and experience.
What are the most popular Central America volunteer opportunities?
- Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
- Childcare in Guatemala
- Mayan Cultural Immersion in Guatemala
- Teaching English in Guatemala
- Animal Care in Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio
- Healthcare in Costa Rica - San Jose
- Eco-Agriculture in Costa Rica
Explore our full range of Latin America and Caribbean volunteer programs here.
How much does it cost to volunteer in Central America?
IVHQ makes it super easy and affordable to book volunteer trips to Central America. Our fully hosted volunteer programs start from only $330 for 1 week and include accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation and comprehensive support services that you won’t find elsewhere
How to volunteer in Central America
Applying to volunteer in Central America is simple! Once you’ve decided which country you want to travel to and which volunteer project in Central America you would like to join, you can apply. It’s free, only takes a few minutes and there is no commitment needed at this stage. Our team of Volunteer Travel Specialists will then guide you through the next steps to secure your spot and start preparing for your trip.
You can learn more about how to get started here.
What are the best Central America mission trips for 2024 & 2025?
IVHQ offers a diverse range of mission trips to Central America, which are family-friendly and open to teen volunteers under the age of 18. Choose from 2 of the most sought after destinations for your humanitarian work in Central America:
- Costa Rica - San Jose, Manuel Antonio, the Central Highlands and coastal locations
- Guatemala - Antigua and the Pacific Coast
Find out how IVHQ volunteer Alexandre got on volunteering in Costa Rica.
Looking for more Latin America mission trips? Check out our volunteer programs in South America and the Caribbean.
Is it safe to volunteer in Central America?
Thousands of IVHQ volunteers travel to Central America every year without encountering any issues. We have a comprehensive approach to managing safety and reducing risks across all of our programs, which gives volunteers the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe, secure and healthy. This includes:
- All local teams are trained in volunteer management, are required to undertake first aid training and ensure that programs adhere to IVHQ’s Risk Management Policy.
- All IVHQ volunteers receive pre-departure and 24/7 in-country support, are required to have travel insurance and are strongly encouraged to take our online pre-departure training which can be accessed for free.
