Bird volunteering in South America (1 Viewer)

Hi all,
Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on where would be the best places to volunteer as a guide in South America.
I know this sounds ridiculously broad but I have come across some of the following and was wondering if anyone had taken part in them, and if there's any other programmes.

http://www.santarosabirdlodge.com/volunteers.html
http://www.manubirdinglodge.com/about/manu-volunteer-opportunities.html
http://www.ecuadortierraviva.org/volunteer-ornithologists-amazon-jungle.html
http://regua.org/volunteer/


I would love to volunteer as a guide but any info on any bird related volunteering would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Sittelle

Hi Sittelle,

I don't really think it is necessary to pay to volunteer as some of the links suggest, although they are not, to be fair, quoting silly prices. It's a case of just e-mailing round bird lodges in the countries you want to go to. I tried this tactic back in 2014 and ended up covering for the hotel manager's holiday at Cabanas San Isidro in Ecuador. I'm not sure how helpful it was if you are looking for guiding experience but it was great fun and I picked up a lot of Spanish. I actually got two offers and ended up giving the other one (Rancho Naturalista in Costa Rica) to a friend. I don't think these two places are currently looking for volunteers but I know Tandayapa Lodge in Ecuador offer room and board to volunteer bird guides. I also know Bellavista in Ecuador (which does charge a little) are also looking for volunteers.

Thanks very much, I'll start emailing around.
Thanks again