Volunteering in Puerto Vallarta
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Puerto Vallarta is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Volunteering is a wonderful way for expats to integrate into the local community of Puerto Vallarta. It offers the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, practice Spanish, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. By dedicating your time and skills to a cause, you can make a significant difference in the lives of others while enriching your own experience abroad. Puerto Vallarta has a diverse range of volunteering opportunities, from environmental conservation to education and community development.
Pasitos de Luz
Pasitos de Luz is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities from low-income families. They provide physical therapy, psychological support, and educational programs. Volunteers can assist with these programs, help with fundraising events, or contribute to administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week. Spanish is helpful but not required.
Website: pasitosdeluz.org
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week
PEACE Mexico
PEACE Mexico (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture, Environment) is a multifaceted organization that focuses on community development, education, and environmental protection. Volunteers can participate in various programs, including teaching English, assisting with animal rescue, or contributing to environmental conservation efforts. The time commitment varies depending on the program.
Website: peacemexico.org
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies by program
Sendero Verde San Pancho
Sendero Verde San Pancho is an environmental organization focused on conservation and education. Volunteers can participate in beach clean-ups, sea turtle conservation, and environmental education workshops. The time commitment is flexible, with many volunteers participating in weekly or monthly events.
Website: senderoverdesanpancho.org
Location(s): San Pancho, Nayarit
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week or month
Casa Jojo
Casa Jojo is a non-profit organization that provides free education and support to children and adolescents in vulnerable situations. Volunteers can assist with teaching, administrative tasks, or organizing recreational activities. The time commitment is usually a few hours per week, and Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: casajojo.org
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Biblioteca Los Mangos
Biblioteca Los Mangos is a community library that offers a wide range of educational and cultural programs. Volunteers can help with teaching English, leading workshops, or assisting with library operations. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week. Spanish is helpful but not required.
Website: bibliotecalosmangos.org
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week
Corazón de Niña
Corazón de Niña is a non-profit organization that supports young girls and women through education, health, and social programs. Volunteers can assist with teaching, mentoring, or contributing to administrative tasks. The time commitment is usually a few hours per week, and Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: corazondenina.org
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Entreamigos
Entreamigos is a community center that focuses on education, arts, and cultural programs. Volunteers can assist with teaching, leading workshops, or helping with community events. The time commitment varies depending on the program, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week. Spanish is helpful but not required.
Website: entreamigos.org.mx
Location(s): San Pancho, Nayarit
Time Commitment: Varies by program
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is dedicated to the preservation and study of native plant species. Volunteers can assist with garden maintenance, leading tours, or contributing to educational programs. The time commitment is flexible, with many volunteers participating in weekly or monthly events. Spanish is helpful but not required.
Website: vbgardens.org
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week or month
SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública)
The SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública) offers volunteering opportunities in public schools throughout Puerto Vallarta. Volunteers can assist with teaching English, leading extracurricular activities, or supporting school events. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week. Spanish is beneficial but not required.
Website: sep.gob.mx
Location(s): Public Schools throughout Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Humane Society of Puerto Vallarta
The Humane Society of Puerto Vallarta is dedicated to animal welfare and rescue. Volunteers can assist with animal care, adoptions, fundraising events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with many volunteers participating in weekly or monthly events. Spanish is helpful but not required.
Website: spcapv.com
Location(s): Puerto Vallarta
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week or month
Manos de Amor
Manos de Amor is a non-profit organization that provides care and education to children from low-income families. Volunteers can assist with teaching, childcare, or contributing to administrative tasks. The time commitment is usually a few hours per week, and Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: manosdeamor.com
Location(s): Bucerias, Nayarit
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Puerto Vallarta
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Puerto Vallarta
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Puerto Vallarta
- Public Transportation in Puerto Vallarta
- Best Markets in Puerto Vallarta
- Retire in Puerto Vallarta Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Puerto Vallarta
- Pros & Cons of Living in Puerto Vallarta
- Driving in Puerto Vallarta
- Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta
- Health Care in Puerto Vallarta
- Discover the Best of Puerto Vallarta
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Real Estate in Mexico
- Cost of Living in Mexico
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico