Volunteer at a Puma Reserve and Sanctuary in Argentina with Volunteering Solutions

Overview

Volunteers work at a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, with the goal of fostering a connection between humans and nature. Through this bond, compassion and a sense of responsibility towards Mother Nature are developed.

Programs aimed at improving the flora and fauna in the puma's habitat have been developed through education and research. As a keystone species, the presence of the puma is vital to the biodiversity and abundance of other species in the area.

Animals that have been trapped or trafficked as exotic pets are rescued, some of which are injured and are kept at the reserve for life, while others are allowed to return to the wild. In addition to pumas, rescued species such as indigenous eagles, ferrets, monkeys, llamas, and various birds and mammals are cared for.

The reserve, located about 90 km southwest of Córdoba, offers a stunning view of the Andes. The area, which has been impacted by forest fires and urbanization, is being restored by reintroducing native flora and fauna.

Volunteers play a vital role in creating a sanctuary for pumas, which often sustain injuries while hunting in urban areas. With only 3% of Córdoba’s land still forested, the organization’s mission is crucial. To enhance biodiversity and rejuvenate the ecosystem, the organization has established a greenhouse, where they cultivate native plants that will be reintroduced into the reserve.

Volunteer Work Schedule

The volunteers will be working 8 hours per day having 1 day off per week.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers get involved in a variety of tasks at the project. The major tasks are as follows :-

Environmental education: Guided tours through the reserve for the tourist, Environmental education, Talks and workshops
Environmental preservation: Exotic species control, Seed Bank (recollecting and selecting seed of the different native species), Environmental enrichment (activities carried out for animal's welfare), Organic gardening, Animal handling
Investigation: Help the investigator, Check trap cameras
Maintenance: Trails and posters maintenance, Cleaning, Waste management for recycling

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.

In addition:

You must be tolerant towards others and respect the differences
You must welcome team work but also be able to work alone
You must be able to speak and understand Spanish
You have to be a proactive person, we welcome volunteers with initiative
The minimum length to apply for this program is 2 weeks
The project additionally requires that the volunteer have the tetanus vaccine

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Volunteer at a Puma Reserve in Argentina

Living

Airport Transfers
We will pick you up upon arrival; our transfer service will be waiting for you with a sign with your name. It is very important that you send us your flight information beforehand. It takes about 40 minutes to get from the airport to the accommodation. Please bear in mind that the transfer back to the airport is not included, you will need to take a taxi or a bus when you finish your project.

Orientation and Transportation
Upon your arrival in Cordoba, we will arrange for your transportation from the airport to the hostel where you will be accommodated until Monday. During your stay at the hostel, you will have the opportunity to participate in a city tour and attend a cultural orientation session, which will familiarize you with the local customs and provide helpful information for your stay. On Monday,the local coordinator will accompany you to the Puma Reserve project and travel by bus. This transportation arrangement ensures a smooth transition from your arrival in Cordoba to your final destination at the project site. We aim to make your journey comfortable and convenient, allowing you to focus on the meaningful experience that awaits you at the volunteer project.

Accommodation
As a volunteer, you will stay in basic yet comfortable communal accommodation provided onsite. Each bedroom is equipped with 5 bunk beds and mattresses, and volunteers are required to bring their own sleeping bag. The shared bathroom is conveniently located nearby. Private rooms are available for an additional fee.

The accommodation offers Wi-Fi, though it may be unstable. During the Córdoba city tour, the local coordinator can assist volunteers in purchasing a SIM card for charging and use.

The volunteer will have the possibility to access to a washing machine once a week.

Upon arrival in Cordoba, accommodation is provided in a hostel dormitory in shared rooms for a night.

Private room upgrades are available at an extra fee.

Meals
All 3 meals a day are provided at the Puma Reserve Project. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be accommodated for. Volunteers need to be proactive and will need to help in the kitchen for cooking meals sometimes.No meals are provided during stay in hostel accommodation in Cordoba during orientation.

Weather
Depending on the time of the year Cordoba could be very hot or very cold. The temperature during summer varies from 29°C to 40°C o and the temperature in winters varies from 2°C degrees to 15°C or 18°C. Sometimes you wrongly assume that Latin America is always hot, but this is not true for Argentina. It can be really cold in winter especially for projects that are located in the middle of the mountains.

During your free time
This beautiful town has the privilege of combining two of the most characteristic components of the Cordoba landscape: beautiful white sand beaches, with crystalline rivers and a majestic lake. This town was extended to the side of a dam Embalse Río III,where you can practice nautical sports by sailing and fishing silverside.

The lake, offers tourists the charm of its river, the Santa Rosa River that meanders between its surroundings, forming a beautiful sandy beach under the imposing look of the small mountains. One of the favorite pastimes of many visitors is to climb the hill where the famous tower stands.

Only 2.5 hours away you can get to Córdoba Capital, is the second largest city in the country. Its Jesuit heritage and its strong Spanish vividness result in a fascinating blend of past and modernity. Córdoba is also a university city, home to several colleges and universities which endow it with a youthful and forward-looking environment on many different aspects. This is the reason why people from Córdoba are kind, friendly, and open-minded, and easily integrate their visitors and students, a really valuable distinctive feature.

The people of Córdoba are known as fun-loving folks with a fondness for cuarteto music, rally car racing, and the drink of Fernet and Coke. Feel free to linger over a long lunch, relax in the square with a coffee or ice cream, and meet a few of the laid back locals.

Volunteer accommodation at Puma Reserve in Argentina

Dates

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
2 Weeks	$1113
3 Weeks	$1413
4 Weeks	$1713
5 Weeks	$2013
6 Weeks	$2313
7 Weeks	$2613
8 Weeks	$2913
Extra Week	$300

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For?

24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Pickup from Cordoba Airport
In country induction
Transfer to the Puma Reserve outside Cordoba
Meals at the Project
Accommodation in a centrally located Hostel in Cordoba on arrival
On Site communal accommodation at Puma Reserve
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

Airfare
Visa and Visa extension fee
Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
Any personal expenses
Return Airport Drop

FAQ's

Application and Program Details

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Argentina?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is strongly recommended to apply for the program and reserve your spot in the program well in advance. You can book your spot in the program by filling an online form and pay the application fee.
Once you complete your application, your individual 'My Account' will be active in which you will receive your placement confirmation after which you can pay the program fees. You can pay the program fees later as well in installments, but 45 days before the program starts.
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?: Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be active. You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
Does VolSol provide with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the programs?: You must be respectful of other cultures

You must be tolerant towards others and respect the differences

You must welcome teamwork but also be able to work alone

You must be able to speak and understand Spanish

You must be at least 18; if you are underage you need to come with a permission from your parents

You have to be a proactive person, we welcome volunteers with initiative
Do I need to speak Spanish to join the programs in Argentina?: Speaking Spanish is not a mandatory requirement to join the programs, however, knowledge of it would be an added advantage in the program. Volunteers are advised to learn basic Spanish.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?: Yes, you are welcome to take part in the Programs in Argentina as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer in Argentina programs together.
How do I get to the program location?: Your program coordinator or a member of the local coordinating team will take you to your placement on the first day and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, its surroundings and other facilities around the location. From the 2nd day onwards, you’ll have to commute by yourself to the program location.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/"; target="_blank">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/"; target="_blank">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer"; target="_blank">Meet a Volunteer page on our website.

Health and Safety

Which vaccinations will I need?: If you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) transmission, you are required to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

Apart from that, travelers are recommended to take the following vaccinations:

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid

Tetanus

You can take a quick look at the https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/argentina"; target="_blank">CDC List for vaccinations. We would also request you to consult your travel doctor before going to Argentina.