Argentina
Our efforts in Argentina focus on community projects, children’s and after-school programs, care for marginalized communities, and nature conservation programs.
Day 1: Arrivals & orientation
A driver will meet you at the airport and shuttle you to the hotel to check in. Depending on what time you arrive, you can explore the local area until our orientation dinner. We’ll meet as a group for dinner on the first night where you'll get a chance to meet your fellow travelers and enjoy authentic Argentinian cuisine. Trip leaders will introduce themselves and speak to the group about the work we will do over the course of our time together. The rest of the night is yours.
Day 2: Volunteer in local community
We’ll take a short drive to a local community where we will work to improve living conditions through beautification projects. We will take a break for group lunch and some rest then continue our volunteering activities into the late afternoon before heading back to our hotel. The evening is yours to immerse yourself in the bustling nightlife of Buenos Aires. Trip leaders will provide recommendations on where to eat, neighborhoods to visit, and a must-see Tango show!
Day 3: Volunteer in local community
We’ll continue our work from yesterday or visit another local community to do similar projects. Like yesterday, we’ll break for rest and lunch then continue our work through the afternoon before heading back to our hotel. The rest of the night is yours. Argentina is world renowned for its cuts of meat and Malbec wine. Your trip leaders can provide restaurant recommendations. If you missed the Tango show last night, tonight is another opportunity.
Day 4: Cultural day and introduction to Patagonia
After breakfast, we’ll visit a traditional Estancia (ranch) where we will learn about the rich history of the Gaucho, enjoy a full day of BBQ and horseback riding, then wrap it up with an overview from your trip leaders about Patagonia and the places where we will volunteer over the coming days. We’ll head back to the hotel and the rest of the night is yours. Be sure to pack your bags tonight as we leave for Patagonia first thing in the morning.
Day 5: Flight to El Calafate, Patagonia & volunteer at local school
As a group, we’ll leave the hotel at 6am for Buenos Aires Domestic Airport. Trip leaders will check us in to our flight to El Calafate. We’ll check in to the hotel and settle into our rooms then have lunch as a group. After lunch, we will spend the afternoon volunteering at a local school. The evening is yours to enjoy the slow pace and beautiful town that is El Calafate. Trip leaders will provide restaurant recommendations.
Day 6: Cultural day - suggested: Perito Moreno Glacier
Today is yours to rest or adventure. We strongly recommend adding the Perito Moreno Glacier tour to your itinerary ($140 USD). Tern Travel will arrange the excursion for those that want to participate. It’s a full-day visit to Perito Moreno National Park including a mini trekking experience over the glacier – an experience you will never forget. Round-trip transfer, lunch, and crampons are included in the visit. Perito Moreno is considered the eighth wonder of the world. We’ll end the day with a group dinner as we prepare to go to El Chalten in the morning.
Day 7: Transfer to El Chalten with cultural stops
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to El Chalten. Along the way, we’ll stop at Estancia Santa Teresita to visit the Petrified Forest. We’ll enjoy lunch at La Leona, where Butch Cassidy hid for some time while on the run. After checking in to the hotel in El Chalten, we’ll spend time as a group learning about the preservation work the park rangers are doing in the area, as well as the work we will do the next day. The evening is yours to relax or stroll through the quiet town of El Chalten.
Day 8: Volunteer
We’ll spend the day volunteering in a nearby rural area. Volunteer activities may include painting, after school programs, beautification projects, and national park preservation projects. The evening is yours again to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of El Chalten. Pop into a local spot and practice your Spanish.
Day 9: Cultural day - suggested: trekking to Laguna de los Tres
Today is yours to rest or adventure. We recommend adding the Laguna de los Tres trek to your itinerary ($50 USD). Tern Travel will arrange the excursion for those that want to participate. Starting at 8 am, it’s a 10-hour round-trip trek to the stunning Laguna de los Tres for a breathtaking view of Mt. Fitz Roy. Jump in the frigid waters or just enjoy the view and a boxed lunch before making the return journey. It’s a memorable and picturesque day that you are sure to love. If you do the trek, you’ll be back at the hotel around 6 pm giving you plenty of time to freshen up before our final group dinner.
Day 10: Flight back to Buenos Aires & final departures
As a group, we’ll leave the hotel at 8 am to El Calafate Airport for our group flight back to Buenos Aires International Airport, arriving at 4:50 pm where you can connect to your flight home. For guests staying longer, trip leaders can help arrange transfers to your next destination.
*The itinerary and service activities are subject to change based on the needs of the local communities and other factors (weather, ceremonies, traffic, school holidays, etc). Each trip is unique.
What to expect
The top priority of our trip leaders is to ensure your safety. Besides that, they will help you maximize your time in Argentina with expert recommendations, guided tours and excursions.
We cap our Argentina group at 20 guests. Given the expansive areas we’ll be spending much of our time in, this seems to be the right amount of people to connect with each other and be a manageable size for the places we volunteer.
Each guest will receive an extensive Argentina Information Packet once they’ve registered and paid for their trip. This contains everything needed to prepare for the Service Trip, including a packing guide, money and exchange information, the Customs and Immigration process, useful phrases, and much more. Further, your trip leader will be available to answer any questions you have leading up to the trip.
Inclusions
Airport pick up & drop off at EZE International
10 days and 9 nights at 4-star hotels
WiFi Internet access in your room
Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 3 group dinners
Round trip group air transfer from Buenos Aires to El Calafate
A guided short hike through Patagonia
Organized group service outings
Cultural and heritage site entrance fees
Educational talks
Transportation to and from scheduled activities
Plenty of free time
Additional excursions at extra cost
Accommodations
We’ll stay at three different 4-star hotels during our trip through Argentina. In Buenos Aires, we are in the heart of Palermo - a wonderfully vibrant neighborhood with great restaurants and fun things to do. In El Chalten and El Calafate, our hotels are in quiet areas just a short stroll into town. Cozy up to a fireplace, sip on some yerba mate, or just enjoy the view. It’s truly tranquil in Patagonia.
Dates
February 22 - March 2, 2024 (tentative)
Program Rates* **
Double Occupancy: $3,350
Single Occupancy: $4,350
*If you are participating through your company’s donation matching program, you may be eligible to split the program cost with your company
**Does not include airfare