Volunteer in Central America

Overview

Travelers from all over are drawn to Central America's beauty and culture. Central America is a narrow isthmus of southern North America extending from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico southeastward to the Isthmus of Panama where it connects to the Colombian Pacific Lowlands in northwestern South America. Having an area of some 523,000 square kilometers, it includes the portion of Mexico east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, namely the Mexican states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán. The North Pacific Ocean lies to the southwest, the Caribbean Sea lies to the northeast, and the Gulf of Mexico lies to the north.

For most of Central America, conservation is the key word. With deforestation being a major problem throughout the region, hundreds of species have had their natural habitats taken from them, threatening their continued existence. The good news is that there are plenty of programs in place to help defend these habitats, and a traveler you can volunteer some of your time to these projects and see nature in a way that you otherwise wouldn't be able to.

When To Go

The dry season (verano; November to April) is the most pleasant time, weather-wise, to be in Central America. Along with summer holidays, however, it's also the busiest. The wet season (invierno; from May to October and until November/December in the north and the east) may restrict some activities and make some roads difficult. It can be worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, particularly as you'll be more likely to pick up accommodation bargains.

For Travel Packages

We've researched travel packages by the subsequent companies, all offering eco-friendly vacations throughout Central America. What makes these eco-friendly vacations? Read our guide on ecotourism to find out.

* ResponsibleTravel
* VolunteerAdventures

Helpful Resources:

Get the Lonely Planet Guide :: Central America on a shoestring Mayan pyramids, worship the sun on palm-fringed shores and chill out in the shade of a smoldering volcano. Whatever your passion, Central America is jam-packed with possibilities. Written by experts who travel on your budget, this guide lets you go further, stay longer and pay less for the adventure of a lifetime.