Chile is wild nature, high mountains and wide coasts. It’s a land of contrasts. While the landscapes range from volcanoes, to rain forests and the driest desert on earth, Chile’s big cities are fast paced and offer a variety of activities. As a volunteer in Chile you will experience all that, become part of the Chilean culture, and do something meaningful at the same time.
Already falling in love with the country? You can help to preserve its diverse nature and wildlife by volunteering to protect the environment. If you enjoy working with people more, volunteering in a local community might be right for you. The Chileans are friendly and appreciate a relaxed lifestyle. Although Chile has one of the strongest economies in Latin America, there are still regions suffering from extreme poverty. Volunteer in Chile to support the ongoing efforts to end poverty while experiencing the Chilean culture at close range.
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[item title=”Top 6 interesting facts about Chile”]
- Chile is the longest country in the world. From north to south it extends over 4260 km (2,647 miles).
- The city Punta Arenas is the most southern city on a continent in the world. It’s located at the very tip of Chile.
- Chile is home to the world’s smallest species of deer, the pudú, which are extremely difficult to spot in the wild.
- Chile has a government-supported UFO research organization, as one of only a few countries worldwide.
- The air in the mountains in the Norte Grande part of Chile is particularly clear, having 300 clear nights a year. That makes the atmosphere excellent for astronomers and the Chile one of the leading countries when it comes to astronomy studies.
- An unexpected inhabitant in Chile: The penguin. There are penguins living in several areas of southern Chile, including in the north coast and near Punta Arenas.
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Social Projects in Chile
Although Chile has one of the strongest economies in Latin America, there are still regions that suffer from extreme poverty. Being a volunteer in Chile gives you the opportunity to help improve the conditions for locals in these regions, by developing sustainable solutions for urban communities. These can include improvements in waste management, water supply, health care or the lack of community areas. As sustainable development is really important, you can also support local projects as a teacher to give children the chance to break through the poverty cycle.
Another way you can help is by volunteering in animal care or by working in environmental protection. Regarding the country’s diversity in nature and wildlife, it’s even more unfortunate that Chile faces many environmental issues. Those include air and water pollution, deforestation and the resulting soil erosion. As a volunteer in Chile you can help to address those issues and also protect the animals that are affected by them.
Environment
The work of an environmental volunteer in Chile is really diverse, which makes it not only exciting but also means that you will be able to learn a lot. One of the areas you might be involved in is raising awareness for issues by educating tourists and local people. There’s also a lot to do in the National Parks themselves. You can help with maintaining the trails and helping with reforestation. Another important part of solving environmental issues is the scientific research. Volunteering in environmental research is a great opportunity for students in the field of environment, but it’s open to anyone who is interested. You’ll gain hands on experience by assisting the scientists with their projects.
Animals
If you like working with animals and protecting them is important to you, volunteering in animal care might be a great way for you to discover Chile and do something meaningful at the same time. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with animals and the right one for you depends on your own interests. Would you like to protect wildlife or work with small animals? Both of them include similar tasks but can also be very different. When working with wildlife the main focus is to rehabilitate rescued animals and try to reintroduce them to their natural habitat. Raising awareness and educating people plays a big role for all areas of animal care.
Community Work & Education
Working as a community volunteer in Chile will allow you to learn a lot and is very rewarding, as you’ll see the results of your work every day. You’ll meet the local people and you can discuss their most urgent needs with them directly. Then it’s all about finding solutions, raising awareness and supporting the local social workers with their projects. At the same time, you’ll learn all about important topics such as Chile’s educational system, the country’s history and current events that might be important for your work. You can also find volunteer opportunities that include closer contact with the people in need, for example as a caregiver or teacher.
Living costs for a volunteer in Chile
The Chilean currency is the peso (CLP) and it’s best to pay all transactions in pesos. You can exchange money in Chile, but it’s always good to get some local currency before arriving. The exchange rates in Santiago are usually good, but you should avoid exchanging money at the airport. The exchange buildings are generally open from Monday to Friday and on Saturday with shorter hours. Just keep in mind that many businesses in Chile close around lunch time for one or two hours. The table below gives you an estimated average cost for a volunteer in Chile and for travelling after completing your program.
Tipping: Before you volunteer in Chile it’s good to familiarize yourself a little with the customs in the country. When eating in a restaurant, it’s normal to tip 10% of the bill. The bill might already include that under “servicio”. You don’t need to tip your cab driver, but you may round off the cost.
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| Hotel $64.46 |
Big Mac® $5.02 |
Coca-Cola® $0.92 |
Eating out $9.45 |
Rental car $386.73/week |
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| Hostel $14.54 |
Marlboro™ $3.20 |
Beer $3.05 |
Fuel $1.21 |
Public transport $0.87 |
Best time to volunteer in Chile
Chile, as you already know, is the longest country in the world. Due to this geographic characteristic, its weather is extremely diverse and not easy to break down into average temperatures. It is still seasonal in most of the country though, with summer running from December to February and winter running from June to August.
Northern Region: In Chile’s north, there’s the dry Atacama Desert. Typical for landscapes like that, it can be quite hot during the day and get really cold at night. The temperatures in that region range from a maximum of 32 °C (90 °F) to a minimum of -2 °C (28 °F).
Central Region: You’ll find a Mediterranean climate in this region, with warm, dry summers and moderately wet winters. In Santiago for example, the temperatures range from 3 °C to 15 °C (38 °F to 57 °F) in winter and from 12 °C to 29 °C (53 °F to 84 °F) in summer.
Southern Region: The very south of Chile is known for its stable temperatures with only small variability throughout the seasons. This region is the coldest of South America, with the heaviest rainfalls between April and May and snow fall between June and September. While it’s the coldest region looking at the whole year, the average temperature doesn’t fall below 1 °C (33,8 °F) in the coastal areas.
What precautions should I consider as a volunteer in Chile?
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[item title=”Social conventions”]
- You should never photograph Native American people without permission.
- In Chile, the greeting is very important. Between two women or a man and a woman who already know each other the customary greeting is usually a kiss on the cheek. You should always wait for your Chilean friend to progress to that stage though. It’s also normal to chat for a while when you meet someone you know on the streets. A simple “hello” wouldn’t be sufficient.
- When you’re invited to someone’s home, never come empty handed. Chileans like to entertain their friends and family at home and it’s normal for guests to bring something small as a thank you. Some flowers or a bottle of wine are perfectly fine – just don’t bring yellow roses, as they imply disrespect.
- The Chilean culture is quite conservative. Men open doors and give up their seats on public transit for women, and especially for elderly people. You should dress accordingly, in a mildly conservative way.
- The Chilean’s attitude towards punctuality is relaxed. It’s common that people show up half an hour late for appointments – so be prepared to wait if you’re a very punctual person.
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[item title=”Religion”]
In Chile, religion has played and still plays a big role in politics and social life. Most Chileans are Roman Catholics, which is the only religion taught in most public schools. Some of the examples for its political influence are that abortion is illegal and divorce was only legalized in 2004. Due to its importance, you should be respectful of the religious customs.
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[item title=”Health”]
You shouldn’t have any problems in Chile if you follow common-sense precautions when travelling there.
- There are no special vaccines needed, but your routine vaccines should always be up to date.
- Most infections in this area of South America are due to contaminated food and beverages. So if you want to be extra cautious, boil your water and eat where there are crowds (which can be an indicator of good quality food).
- Medical care is generally good in the city, but it might be difficult to find help in the more remote areas. You’re expected to pay cash in most hospitals even if you have travel insurance – so be prepared if possible.
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[item title=”Packing essentials”]
- What’s essential for travelling a country with such wide-ranging temperatures is dressing with layers. While lightweight clothes are perfect during the day, it might get really cold at night depending on the region you’re in.
- You should also prepare yourself for a lot of rain if you’re planning to volunteer in Chile during the wet season. Bring waterproof clothes that are still breathable so you don’t overheat.
- It’s really important to bring warm clothes if you’re coming to Chile in the winter. Many houses have limited or no central heating systems.
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Key Phrases
The Spanish spoken in Chile, often called “chileñol”, is really unique and almost a language in itself. Therefore it’s good to familiarize yourself with some words before going. Chilean Spanish is really fast and you’ll notice that the “s” is often dropped from word endings.
Chilean Spanish 101:
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¡Hóla! = Hello
Buenos diás = Good day / Good morning
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Al tiro = right away (“Me voy al tiro!”: I’m coming right now/ at this moment!)
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Bacán = cool/awesome
Cachai? = do you get it?/ you know?
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How to spend your free time as a volunteer in Chile
Volunteering in a country like Chile will leave you wanting to explore the many beautiful places. While every project is different, you can still expect to have the weekends or some days off to travel and get to know the country. So what shouldn’t you miss?
Nature & Wildlife
The majority of Chile’s population lives in and around Santiago, leaving most of the countryside untouched. This is one reason for many travellers to come to Chile for its beautiful pristine nature. The great diversity in Chile’s climate and sceneries makes the country even more interesting. The same applies to the animals living across the regions. As a volunteer in Chile you can look for llamas, alpacas, pumas, mountain vizcachas, foxes and many, many different types of birds. Here are some tips for places to visit:
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[item title=”Lago Llanquihue”]
Lago Llanquihue is not only the second largest lake in South America, it is also one of the prettiest, offering gorgeous volcano views and clear water. In Mapuch, its name means “deep place”.
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[item title=”Parque Nacional Torres del Paine”]
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is located in the Patagonia region and is definitely worth a visit. With its view of the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) and azure lakes, it’s on the list of the top National Parks in South America.
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[item title=”Laguna Verde”]
The green water of Laguna Verde is surrounded by massive active volcanoes, creating a contrast that makes for an almost surreal scene. How about relaxing in one of the hot springs along the lakeside while enjoying the scenery?
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[item title=”San Rafael Glacier”]
The San Rafael Glacier in Patagonia is the tidewater glacier nearest to the equator. It’s over 4 km wide and 70 m high – a real giant. Use your free time as a volunteer in Chile to go on a boat ride alongside this impressive ice formation.
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[item title=”Penguins”]
You didn’t expect to find penguins in Chile? Well, if you head to Isla Magdalena and Seno Otway you’ll find them. You can go on a guided sailing trip to see the home of a colony of 150,000 penguins, many sea lions and sea elephants.
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[item title=”Valle de la Luna”]
Always wanted to walk on the moon? Valle de la Luna – in English “Valley of the moon” – is a “moonscape” located 13 km west of San Pedro de Atacama. It is located in the Salt mountain range and a great place for trekking.
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[item title=”Parque Nacional Lauca”]
When discovering the Parque Nacional Lauca you’ll find remote geysers and beautiful altiplano lakes. Chile’s highest national park, with altitudes between 4000m and 6000m, is also home to herds of llamas.
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Towns & Culture
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[item title=”Santiago”]
Chile’s sprawling capital has a lot to offer – beginning with its skyline that’s surrounded by the snow-capped Andes in the background. Experience a spectacular view over Santiago by visiting the hill Cerro San Cristóbal.[/item]
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Located in a wide bay next to the sea, Valparaíso is a colourful place with houses spreading across the hills around the bay. Artists like poets and painters have long been drawn to this chaotic and unusual place.[/item]
[item title=”Tapati Festival, Easter Island”]
The Tapati Festival is a great way to experience the Chilean culture as a volunteer in Chile. It takes place on remote Easter Island and is a mix of traditional dancing, surfing competitions and arts like woodcarving.[/item]
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The Churches of Chiloé are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and a must-see for everyone interested in architecture. The beautiful wooden churches can be seen in almost every small village in this area.[/item]
[item title=”Pablo Neruda”]
Pablo Neruda is one of the most famous Chileans. Having won a Nobel Prize, the poet is well-known and read all around the world. Visiting one of the three houses he has lived in (La Chascona in Santiago, La Sebastiana in Valparaíso, or the museum on Isla Negra) is a great cultural activity.[/item]
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Food & Drinks
It’s not a surprise that the Chilean cuisine is just as diverse as the country’s different regions – which makes it a paradise for every adventuresome food lover. It’s a must for every volunteer in Chile to try some of the typical Chilean dishes and the seafood, which is also a highlight.
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[item title=”Typical Chilean Dishes”]
- Arrollado de Chancho: Chunks of pork wrapped in pork fat smothered in red chili
- Carbonada: A meat soup – with beef and all kinds of vegetables
- Charquicán: Potato, pumpkin, onion, carrot, and mince all mashed together – it also comes with peas and corn sometimes
- Empanada de Pino: Baked pastry filled with meat, hard-boiled egg, olive, onions, raisins
- Pastel de Choclo: A baked dish with ground corn and meat, small pieces of chicken, hard-boiled egg, onions, and olive raisins
- Sopaipilla: A flat deep fried “bread” made of pumpkin and flour
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[item title=”Chilean Seafood”]
You could probably guess that in a country with a coastline that long, seafood is also really important. And really good! If you’d like to try some of the typical seafood dishes during your stay in Chile, these ones are common (and delicious):
- Almejas con Limón: Raw clams with lemon juice
- Congrio Frito: Deep-fried conger eel
- Ceviche: Minced raw sea bass in lemon juice
- Machas a la Parmesana: Parmesan cheese raisor clams
- Empanada de Mariscos: Turnovers filled with chopped seafood onions and seasoning
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The Pisco Sour is Chile’s national cocktail. “Pisco” is its main liquor and it’s made with sour citrus juice and sweet juice. Ready for a “Pisco” tasting tour? Visiting a distillery and having the cocktail afterwards is a great activity for a free weekend.
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Do I need a visa to volunteer in Chile?
Short-Term Visa: If you’re planning to volunteer in Chile for up to one year, the short-term visa is for you. It applies to people coming to Chile for an internship, for volunteer work and travelling. Please note that there aren’t any express visas in Chile, so you should apply well in advance as it normally takes up to 4 weeks to get it approved.
You need to submit the following documents when applying:
- the completed application form (including the contact information of your contact person in Chile)
- 4 passport-sized, biometric photographs
- police clearance certificate (not older than three months)
- photocopy of your valid passport
- a document supporting your reason for applying (e.g. your letter of invitation/contract with the social project in Chile)
- proof of funding
- a copy of your international certificate of vaccination
- certificate of health
Find the Chilean embassy closest to you on this website and get in touch to start the application process.
Long-Term Visa: If you’re planning to live and work in Chile for more than one year, you need a work contract to apply for the regular work visa. This might apply if you find work during your volunteer stay in Chile or start working for the organization as a regular employee. You’ll need the same documents as listed above as well as a copy of your work contract to apply.
Volunteer Requirements
- You should speak Spanish at a basic level to volunteer in Chile; some programs also require basic English skills
- The minimum age for most volunteer programs in Chile is 18
- You might need a health declaration and a criminal background check, depending on the area of work you’re interested in
How to find volunteer opportunities in Chile
Ready to start planning? Find and compare volunteer programs in Chile and find your very own volunteer opportunity on Volunteer World. This platform is all about making volunteering in Chile simple and transparent. Featuring more than 500 volunteer programs and over 600 social projects in 70+ countries; Volunteer World is a one-stop resource for volunteer opportunities abroad.
