I told you that I was a bit busy because I was spending time on a project I had. Well, now it is time to share it with you: I am going to spend 6 months in South America. My intention is to travel and work as a volunteer in local NGOs for short periods of time, caring about environment, endangered animals and local communities.
I am used to travel as a backpacker; sleeping in hostels or camping, so I’m not the kind of people looking for a 4-star hotel in a touristic place. I like meeting local people, sharing with them and now I also want to be helpful. That’s why I’m thinking about volunteering and also the possibility to try my luck with Couchsurfing and Wwoofing. I also thought about being a crew member on a sailboat to join the Caribbean sea from Chili.
Life’s circumstance made me think about the goals of my life, and I decided that it was the right time for me to leave my job and do something useful for the fellow-man, as well as discover the world. I’m doing the travel alone as it is a really personal project that I have, and I’m really lucky to have such an understanding boyfriend who lets me doing it and is really supportive with all my crazy ideas.
My first destination will be Brazil, then Argentina, and Chili. I will then spend February in the Caribbean islands to relax from my intense “working holidays”! I’m still planning the travel, as there as so many things to do and see in South America, and 6 months is not such a long period. Also I don’t want to have everything booked in advance to leave space to opportunities.
My main preoccupation now is to book the flights. I thought about taking a flight to Rio de Janeiro or Manaus and go back from the West Indies. I am also busy looking for local non-profit association that don’t cover you to work for free (unbelievably international NGOs do it) and don’t ask you to stay 6 months as a minimum. I’m sharing with you my plan for the fist two months in Brazil (sorry, details are in French). I’m not too sure about going to Manaus, as it’s quite complicated (and expensive) to go there and I don’t find any NGO there.
I would thus be really cheered if you could share your experiences with me, give me advice on places to see or to avoid, NGOs you know, or even people who can give me accommodation.
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This is a really interesting itinerary, and I wish you all the best on this journey when you get to take it. I wanted to stop by and thank you for subscribing to my blog. I look forward to sharing more with you. Bella
Thanks a lot, you’re really sweet! I’m really thinking that after Brazil, I may go directly to Peru instead of heading toward Ushuaïa (it could be another trip). Your photos are really convincing me!
there is always something important and also interesting to learn on your posts.
Hi, this looks like an amazing trip! I hope you are having a great and fulfilling time. If you are still looking for contacts, I have some in Argentina, if you still need them. I run a small charity (www.chworldwide.org) and work with two NGOs which accept volunteers, in a town just outside Cordoba. I would be happy to give you more details, if you like.
Hi! Thank you very much. My first week has been quite intensive! I would be really glad if you could send me some more information at soizpic@gmail.com. I should be in Argentina around November.
Hi, I have emailed you with the information. I hope it is useful. I am happy to answer any questions you have about volunteering in Argentina
I hope your trip is going well!
Thank you so much. I will take time to read it and get in touch with them. I’ll ed.keep you informed.
Good post. I’m facing many of these issues as well..
Thank you! If I can help you… just send me an email if you want.