Teen volunteer programme in Argentina

In the Calamuchita Valley, the group visits a center that cares for animals injured or affected by threats such as poaching, habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. Pumas play an important role in this project, which raises awareness of local biodiversity.

Working with the center’s team, teenagers take part in suitable tasks such as preparing animal feed, maintaining enclosures and making enrichment items to stimulate the animals. All activities follow the center’s rules, and direct contact with pumas is not guaranteed.

Participants work alongside the nature reserve’s rangers. Depending on current needs, they may help create educational signs, clean up riverbanks and repair fences. Learning about native trees and observing wildlife helps them understand how these activities contribute to biodiversity conservation.

The programme includes games, sports and art workshops with children from a community project. Exchanges with local residents and elders also introduce participants to local dances and traditions. Teenagers take part in these activities with support from the teams on site.

The programme runs for 14 days, from 14 to 27 July 2027. The order of activities may be adjusted to suit local conditions and project needs.

On arrival in Córdoba, a private transfer takes the group to the hotel. After settling in, participants explore the bohemian Güemes neighborhood, its galleries and craft markets. Their first empanadas offer a taste of Argentine cuisine.

A walk through the historic city center includes the Jesuit Quarter and a friendly gathering over maté. A practical introduction to Spanish covers useful expressions, local vocabulary and everyday interactions.

The group then learns its first tango steps with local dancers before visiting a community project to share games, sports and art activities with children.

A private transfer takes the group into the mountain scenery of the Calamuchita Valley, with scenic stops near Lake Los Molinos. Participants settle into apartments at the wildlife conservation center and receive an introduction to their tasks.

Mornings are spent contributing to the project: preparing animal feed, carrying out maintenance tasks and making enrichment items. An asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue, and a guided horseback ride add to the group’s experience of the Sierras.

Lake activities such as canoeing, a visit to a craft market and a guided hike focusing on local plants and wildlife are also planned. A picnic by the river offers time to enjoy the scenery.

The group travels to its accommodation near the rural community and Los Quebrachitos Nature Reserve. A group discussion provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences so far and prepare for the next stage of the trip.

The partner programme includes three days combining conservation work with park rangers in the morning and community activities in the afternoon. Teenagers help with practical tasks in the reserve before joining local residents for sports and traditional activities.

A day with a gaucho family introduces participants to ranch life, with horseback riding along the trails and a shared asado. The stay concludes with a community celebration featuring traditional costumes, instruments, dances and games.

A final breakfast and group reflection session provide time to look back on what participants have learned and the people they have met. A private transfer then takes the group to Córdoba Airport for departure.

Group life, practical activities and cultural exchanges give teenagers opportunities to cooperate and take initiative. The guide helps participants understand the projects and connect their experiences with local issues.

Explore our volunteer programmes for teens or contact Freepackers to plan the trip.