Volunteering in Paraguay

Volunteer work in Paraguay offers a truly unique insiders glimpse of this little visited country in the heart of South America. Get off the beaten track in Graham Greene country (of books The Honorary Consulate and Travels with my Aunt) in little visited Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay and you will be submersed in another world.

With a strong Indian culture and language (most people are bilingual and speak Spanish and Guarani, pronounced Waranny), set against the quirky faded colonial architecture of this hot and steamy sprawling city, you will forget any other world existed before volunteering in Paraguay.

The volunteer work in Paraguay focuses on a variety of children based projects from street kids projects to community centres offering free and low cost education and fun activities to both disadvantaged city and rural communities. You can really make a difference when you take part in volunteer work in Paraguay. You may find also yourself helping between activities with meal times, keeping the place tidy and general supervising children. Volunteers stay with host families and travel to projects each day. Weekends are free to relax and explore this hidden untouched gem of South America with newly made friends. A trip to the impressive Iguassu Falls on the Brazilian border is also a must when you have finished your volunteer work in Paraguay!

Download the following document as a PDF file

Here you will find extra information about Paraguay. Call Reservations on 01603 627 007 and book a placement in Paraguay.

What's included in this programme

Accommodation with a local host family is provided for all participating volunteers. The coordinator will be available for you to contact with any queries and they will organise placement.

We consider this project ideal if you...

Want an insight into the unique Paraguayan culture in a tourist-free location off-the-backpacker-trail

Are an independent or experienced traveller with a pro-active approach to volunteering

Really want to make a difference to the lives of underprivileged children

Are thinking of combining this project with either our Brazil project (only 3 hours away by bus, approx. £5) or Argentina project( 24 hours, approx. £70), or Peru (flight to Cuzco or 3-4 days overland on the backpacking route via Bolivia)

Paraguay at a glance

Paraguay is a landlocked country in the heart of South America.

Argentina borders Paraguay to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast and Bolivia borders it to the northwest. It is a country of fascinating contrasts and boasts exotic natural reserves and massive man-made dams. The capital and largest city in Paraguay is Asuncion, where much of the historical section, with its charming colonial buildings and plazas, are near the river and easily walkable. For a glimpse into Paraguayan history watch the 1986 historical film The Mission starring Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro.

Paraguay is one of South America's least densley populated countries and in 2009 the population was estimated at 6.3 million with around 60% living in poverty. Paraguay's economy revolves around agriculture and the official language is Spanish.

Climate: The Summer months are from November-March and temperatures typically reach 30 Celsius. The Winter is June-September, although temperatures can still reach 25 Celsius.
Time difference to the UK: GMT -5hrs

Please note: A police check/CRB is required to access this programme. If you do not hold a recent CRB, advice on obtaining a police check is provided upon application.