Wildlife and plant conservation projects – Volunteering in Argentina, Cordoba

Puma refuge

Volunteers come from all over the world with open hearts, ready to lend a hand. In return, they receive training in areas such as construction with alternative materials, nutrition, handling of wild animals, tourism and conservation, among others.

This project is led by a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the local environment. The puma is the organization's emblem. Project leaders raise awareness about the puma's plight in the province of Córdoba and throughout Spain. Through education and research, they have created various programs to improve the current state of the flora and fauna that enrich the puma's habitat. The biodiversity and abundance of other species are directly linked to the puma's presence.

The reserve also houses other rescued animals that were part of the exotic animal trade, such as the native eagle, ferrets, monkeys, llamas, peacocks, owls, etc. Some of them are injured and will have to stay at the reserve, but others will be released back into their natural habitat.

The volunteer's daily tasks include guided tours through the reserve, lectures and workshops, monitoring exotic species, assisting the seed bank, feeding animals, assisting the researcher, checking camera traps, maintaining trails and fences, cleaning, managing waste for recycling, etc.

Horse sanctuary

In Argentina, horses are often used in the streets to collect recyclable waste, such as cardboard and plastics, for resale to recycling companies. This work is generally done by people who lack the money or knowledge to properly feed and care for the horses. Many horses are malnourished and very sick. At this sanctuary, rescued horses will be rehabilitated and, whenever possible, adopted into homes that promote their well-being and long-term care.

The sanctuary team typically consists of 5 to 6 permanent staff members, including biologists, scientists, and a veterinarian. Their knowledge and experience contribute to the overall management and maintenance of the sanctuary.
In addition to the permanent staff, the team is supported by a group of 4-5 volunteers.
You will work with the staff by inspecting and caring for the horses, administering medication, assisting the veterinarian with treatments, grooming, and participating in ranch maintenance. Furthermore, you will participate in the training that prepares the horses for adoption by carefully selected new owners.

Hippotherapy

By moving the rider's body in a way similar to human gait, hippotherapy helps people with a wide range of disabilities gain strength, balance, and confidence. Riding and interacting with horses are also fun, motivating, and stimulating; these activities promote the riders' social, communicative, and cognitive development.

Environment and conservation

These projects are developed in protected natural areas of Córdoba. You will help plant local shrubs and trees, make signs for forest trails, inspect the trails, report any problems such as potential hazards like fires, check the trails and clean them if necessary, rake leaves from the trails, and prune overgrown plants. You will also be responsible for animal emergencies. This could include reporting or treating injured animals, trapping or tranquilizing sick or threatening animals, and removing animal carcasses if necessary.

Farm immersion

You will live with a family and help them with the daily upkeep of their family farm. You will experience wide open spaces, get close to the animals, and have the opportunity to improve your Spanish while discovering a different way of life. Farm placements take place on farms or ranches located in rural and wild areas of the province of Córdoba.

Social Projects – Volunteering in Argentina, Cordoba

Teaching/Tutoring

The mission of the educational program is to provide sustainable educational support within disadvantaged schools and communities to reduce inequalities in education. It aims to empower disadvantaged students by improving their future prospects and equipping them with the skills necessary to actively participate in a multinational community. The schools with which our partners work are spaces that provide attentive care to all their students in an environment of tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation. The schools are attended by children aged 4 to 13; depending on the educational level, the children study mathematics, history, science, geography, English, physical education, and other subjects.

This can also be achieved by mentoring them in extracurricular projects. This program aims to break the cycle of inherited poverty by guaranteeing their access to quality educational opportunities and encouraging the development of skills in children and families to help them improve their social inclusion and autonomy.

Sports coaching

The sports education project helps disadvantaged children and teenagers who lack the resources to participate in sports and recreational activities before or after school. The main objective of this project is to provide children with fun and healthy activities through friendly competition in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Gender equality

The main objective is to support women's initiatives and projects that aim to advance gender equality as a tool for social change. Suitable for more mature, proactive individuals who enjoy taking initiative.

Community development

You will be involved in social integration projects aimed at promoting greater opportunities and local development in disadvantaged communities by generating opportunities in the social and cultural spheres, which indirectly leads to improved job mobility. Some of the tasks you can almost always undertake include recreational activities such as teaching English, developing creative programs in art, music, or dance, assisting with administrative tasks, and working alongside local communities on the construction of new facilities and housing for the most disadvantaged areas of the community

Professional Experience Projects/Company Internship in Argentina – Cordoba

Internships are fully customized to your professional background and expectations. Our partner will place you in a company or organization where you can develop a special project, gaining valuable experience, knowledge, and contacts. These professional internships involve a two-way learning process: the host organization or company benefits from the prior experience of an international intern, while you expand your knowledge, experience working in a different culture, and learn a new language. Internships are unpaid because Argentine labor regulations would require a special work permit, a lengthy and bureaucratic process incompatible with the objectives of this program.

You have a wide choice of work sectors, feel free to make a request to us so that we can find you the best match.

Dates of your next volunteer placement in Argentina, Cordoba

You can start this volunteer stay every Monday (arriving in Cordoba on the weekend).

For projects within the city of Cordoba (community development, professional experience), we do not recommend the months of January and February.

Price for your next volunteer program in Argentina:

Programs	Weeks (minimum)	Price	Extra week
Social/educational projects
Education/women's empowerment/art and culture projects	4	€1,700	€ 250
Sports coaching	2	€ 1,400	€ 250
Animal projects
Puma sanctuary / horse sanctuary	2	€1,780	€ 380
Canine therapy	4	€1,700	€ 250
Farm stay	2	€1,400	€ 250
Hippotherapy	4	€1,700	€250
Professional experience
Pre-medicine/ Medical training	4	€1,700	€ 250
Meaningful company internship	4	€2,400	€ 250

Program inclusions:

• Pre-departure information
• Transfer from Córdoba airport
• Accommodation :

– Social, educational, and professional experience projects, canine and hippotherapy: Shared hostel, room for up to 3 people, no meals

– Puma Refuge: House for volunteers, up to 10 people, full board

– Farm stay:  House for volunteers, full board

– Horse sanctuary: House for volunteers, up to 4 people, full board (vegan)

We can also arrange a homestay or a private room – contact us.

• 24/7 Emergency Number
• Orientation session upon arrival
• Personalized placement in a project
• Support from a volunteer expert
• Donation to the project
• Globally recognized certificate
• Local insurance for the host organization
• Cultural activities

Not included: 

• round-trip flights
• Visa
• travel insurance
• possible vaccines
• criminal record extract (if working with children)
• travel to and from the volunteer project location

It is possible to add Spanish classes . 20 hours/week in person: €470. 10 hours of private online lessons: €260.

Some of these projects were visited in March 2023 by your language travel advisor, Maelle, who specializes in Latin America.

L&T is very careful in choosing its volunteer projects , which too often turn into voluntourism and do more harm than good to the community. Project leaders were selected based on their actual impact on the community or the environment; the organization is a certified B corporation, which provides an objective criterion for this impact.

Our partner organization is small and has a personal touch. The person in charge of volunteers has been personally interviewed and provides exemplary support and guidance.

Other possible eco-volunteering projects:

• Sea turtles in Costa Rica
• Wildlife Park in Australia
• Great Barrier Reef in Australia
• Nature Conservation in New Zealand