Hike and Volunteer! Meaningful Projects in Mountain Regions

Volunteering in mountain regions combines epic hiking with giving back to local communities. From the towering Himalayas to the Andes and Kilimanjaro, these destinations offer stunning scenery and meaningful work. 

Peru & the Andes – Trek to Machu Picchu and Volunteer

The Andes of Peru and Ecuador are iconic destinations for volunteer hiking trips, offering a blend of mountain adventure and meaningful impact.

In Peru, you can join IVHQ’s Cusco-based programs in teaching, archaeology, healthcare, animal care, and conservation, all with the Sacred Valley and Amazon Jungle as your backdrop. Many placements include guided excursions, such as treks to Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, allowing you to volunteer in the mornings and explore ancient ruins or dramatic landscapes in the afternoons. 

For deeper cultural immersion, IVHQ’s Andean Immersion project offers homestays with Quechua-speaking families. In Ecuador, IVHQ’s Quito-based projects like music teaching and NGO support are set high in the Andes, so volunteers can enjoy hikes to volcanic peaks or visits to rural communities during free time. 

GoEco’s teaching English in Cusco program is another great option, or try the archaeology placements in the Sacred Valley, where you can help restore trails and artifacts.

Maximo Nivel in Cusco leads projects in areas like teaching, animal care, healthcare, and eco‑agriculture. Volunteers can also join the unique Andean Immersion project, living and working alongside a traditional Quechua-speaking family in a remote mountain community. 

Projects Abroad rounds out a Discovery Tour that includes multi-day treks.

Volunteering Solutions also offers short-term programs with built-in hiking excursions alongside other programs like volunteer teaching.

African Mountains – Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and More

East Africa’s peaks are a major draw for active travelers. 

IVHQ hosts a popular Tanzania program centered in Arusha. Volunteers can choose from teaching, medical, animal care, agriculture, and women’s education. Free-time excursions include safari trips, Maasai village visits, and day or multi day hikes — including to Kilimanjaro’s foothills and Mount Meru.

GoEco offers the Kilimanjaro Teaching & Community Involvement project in Monduli, combining English-teaching in local schools with weekends exploring Mount Kilimanjaro foothills, waterfalls, and even safaris.

In Kenya, Projects Abroad offers volunteer teaching and conservation placements in highland regions near Mount Kenya, using the mountain’s cool climate and forests as the backdrop for volunteer work and weekend exploration.

GVI also runs projects across African highlands. Here are the GVI programs in Africa located in or near mountainous and highland regions:

• Volunteer in Tanzania (Arusha gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro) – Engage in women’s empowerment and community development work in Arusha, set at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, with opportunities to explore mountain hikes and local culture.
• Wildlife & Conservation Programs in South Africa – Located near the Drakensberg and Table Mountain regions (e.g., Hout Bay and Greater Kruger), these programs allow volunteers to contribute to wildlife conservation and public health while surrounded by iconic highland landscapes .