Volunteer in Argentina

35+ Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

Argentina shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, and is home to about 46 million people. Spanish is the official language, though English is spoken in major tourist areas. The country’s economy is one of the largest in Latin America, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.

The climate varies widely—from subtropical in the north to subpolar in the south—but in central regions like Buenos Aires and Luján, expect a mild, temperate climate with warm summers (December to February) and cool, dry winters (June to August). Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS), and while ATMs are available in towns, rural areas may have limited banking services.

Argentina’s vast size means the climate varies greatly from north to south, but in Luján and the Buenos Aires Province, the weather is mild and temperate year-round. Summers (December to February) are warm and humid with temperatures averaging around 28–32°C (82–90°F), while winters (June to August) are cool but comfortable, typically ranging between 8–16°C (46–60°F). Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are especially pleasant, with sunny days and cooler evenings—ideal seasons for volunteering and exploring. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, though summer thunderstorms are common.

Argentinian culture is a rich blend of European influences and South American passion. Family and social gatherings are central to daily life, often revolving around long meals and lively conversation. Tango dancing, traditional folk music, and football are major parts of the national identity. Respect and friendliness are highly valued- locals are open, expressive, and take pride in their cultural heritage.

The famous Argentine asado (barbecue) is more than just a meal; it’s a weekly ritual that brings people together. Sharing mate– a traditional herbal tea, is another key symbol of friendship and hospitality.

Luján is a peaceful town located about 70 kilometres west of Buenos Aires, known for its colonial charm and strong sense of community. It’s home to the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, one of Argentina’s most important pilgrimage sites. Beyond its religious significance, Luján offers visitors a glimpse into authentic rural life, surrounded by farmlands, horse ranches, and open countryside.

Life here moves at a slower pace, allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in local traditions, connect with welcoming residents, and experience the simple beauty of Argentina’s Pampas region. With easy transport links to Buenos Aires, Luján offers the perfect mix of tranquillity and accessibility.

You will be staying in local accommodation in Argentina. Please refer to individual programs for more info.

Argentine cuisine is famous for its bold flavours and love of meat. The asado (barbecue) is the country’s most iconic dish, featuring beef, sausages, and ribs grilled slowly over wood or charcoal. Empanadas—baked or fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables—are a popular snack across the country.

Other staples include milanesa (breaded meat cutlets), choripán (chorizo sandwich), and locro (a hearty stew of corn, beans, and meat). Bread and pasta dishes reflect the country’s strong Italian heritage. For dessert, dulce de leche (caramelized milk) is a national favourite, used in cakes, pastries, and ice cream.

No meal in Argentina is complete without mate, a caffeinated herbal drink traditionally shared among friends—a ritual that symbolizes warmth, trust, and togetherness.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety advice and handling of documents.
• Argentinian Do’s and Don’ts, Argentinian Culture Lessons and Spanish Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Lunch
• City sightseeing

Getting around Argentina is fairly easy thanks to a wide network of buses and trains connecting towns and cities. In Luján, local buses and taxis make short trips affordable and convenient, while long-distance buses are the most popular way to travel between provinces. Trains also connect Luján with Buenos Aires, taking around 1.5 hours. Within major cities, public transportation is inexpensive and reliable.

Things to Do in and Around Luján

In and near Luján:

• Basilica of Our Lady of Luján – Visit Argentina’s most famous basilica and pilgrimage site, a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral that draws millions of visitors each year.
• Enrique Udaondo Museum Complex – Explore Argentina’s history and rural traditions through exhibits on gaucho culture, antique carriages, and colonial life.
• Rural Estancias – Spend a day at a traditional Argentine ranch to experience horseback riding, local music, and authentic asado barbecues.
• Parque Ameghino – A peaceful green space perfect for picnics, walks, or relaxing by the Luján River.
• Local Markets – Browse weekend craft fairs and food stalls selling regional products, handmade goods, and local delicacies.

Further Afield:

• Buenos Aires – Just 70 km away, the capital offers world-class museums, tango shows, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
• Mendoza – Argentina’s famous wine region at the foot of the Andes, perfect for vineyard tours and mountain adventures.
• Bariloche – Known for its chocolate shops, alpine scenery, and crystal-clear lakes.
• Patagonia – For those seeking epic landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife, this region is one of the most breathtaking in South America.
• San Antonio de Areco – A nearby traditional gaucho town showcasing Argentina’s cowboy heritage, crafts, and folk festivals.

Argentina shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, and is home to about 46 million people. Spanish is the official language, though English is spoken in major tourist areas. The country’s economy is one of the largest in Latin America, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.

The climate varies widely—from subtropical in the north to subpolar in the south—but in central regions like Buenos Aires and Luján, expect a mild, temperate climate with warm summers (December to February) and cool, dry winters (June to August). Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS), and while ATMs are available in towns, rural areas may have limited banking services.

Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer? Or perhaps you would like to set up a funraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.