Argentina is famous for its cosmopolitan capital Buenos Aires, tango, the Gaucho cowboys − and its beef! But since the late 90′s, when the currency crashed, it has suffered from extreme poverty, especially in rural areas. Close to the famous Iguazu waterfalls in the north, there are many indigenous communities trying to sustain themselves while holding onto their ancestors` traditions as they struggle to adapt to modern western life. As with indigenous peoples the world over, their traditional habitat in the sub-tropical forest is either being removed or closed off to them, often to make way for forestry, five star hotels, and more. This program involves voluntary work with the Guaraní community to help the social and cultural development of the indigenous community members as well as improve local employment opportunities.
Highlights
Learn tango in Buenos Aires
Visit the impressive Iguazú Falls National Park (waterfalls)
Volunteer with a local Indigenous community
Participate in indigenous ceremonies and rituals
Learn to make handicrafts
Share classes with local children, including activities such as teaching English, games, theater classes, singing
Local style river fishing, trekking in the jungle, and birdwatching colorful tropical birds
Unique Aspects
The chance to make a difference through voluntary work; cultural immersion with local, indigenous Guarani people in a way that as a standard tourist you could never experience; activities with the local children; visits to Buenos Aires and Iguazu falls.
Accomodations
Cabins from 10 – 20 minutes away from the Guaraní host community.
Best Time to Go
September to May
Duration
10 days
Sustainable Elements
Focus on community service such as construction of local facilities, building animal pens, digging out and creating fish tanks for fish breeding.
Each project is owned, managed, and overseen by local community to ensure sustainability and compliance with local needs.
Meals, accommodation, and basic services provided by the local host community.
Small group sizes to minimize local impact (max 15).
Cost
From US 80 per person based on 15 students and one complementary trip leader space. Trip price includes all meals and snacks, accommodation, ground transportation, donation to community fund, bilingual group leader, additional cultural activities, and 24 hr in-country support. Prices vary depending on trip length and activities included. Flights not included.
Wiser World Travel
Wiser World Travel is a sustainable travel agent, your personal link to eco- and people-friendly trips around the globe. Supporting ethical travel, we consult with and match groups and individuals to the most fitting and responsible trips, whether for an eco trip or adventure, a cultural, educational, service-learning, volunteering experience, or combination of activities, and within the given budget. Our tour operators tailor itineraries to meet your needs while providing value. Wiser World is one point of contact to meet your travel needs as sustainably as possible at no extra cost.
Wiser World Travel also specializes in high school trips, whether for a senior class trip that may include volunteering for students or for a high school trip that includes a combination of activities at an affordable price.
We are your ‘green travel agent’.
Wiser World Travel is dedicated to serving people, cultures, and environments by matching caring travelers who seek new experiences to the most fitting, enjoyable, quality, and sustainable/responsible tours, itineraries, and accommodations. We represent only those travel providers who meet strict criteria for sustainability and responsible travel.
