Volunteer together as a family at an established wildlife reserve in Argentina, helping care for rescued pumas and other native animals while supporting wider conservation efforts. For 30 years, the project has worked to rescue wildlife, restore native habitat, promote human-wildlife coexistence, and protect pumas and other species across the region. Families take part in animal care, enrichment, wildlife monitoring, native planting, and habitat restoration, with activities designed so children from age 10 can participate alongside their parents. With private family accommodation and five full volunteer days, the program combines hands-on conservation with the opportunity to experience Argentina together.
Program Highlights:
Your schedule at a glance (minimum one-week commitment):
Schedules and activities may vary according to weather, seasonal temperatures, animal needs, and current conservation priorities.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
The wildlife reserve is located near Villa Rumipal in Córdoba Province, approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Córdoba city. Surrounded by the Sierras Grandes mountain range, the region combines mountains, forests, lakes, and small towns. Villa Rumipal sits on the shores of Lake Rumipal and is a popular destination for outdoor activities and family holidays.
During time off, families can enjoy the lake, nearby rivers, walking trails, and surrounding countryside. The region is home to diverse native wildlife and more than 150 species of birds. Nearby Villa General Belgrano is known for its Central European influences, while the mountain village of La Cumbrecita offers walking trails and a scenic setting.
The program also gives families time in Córdoba, Argentina’s second-largest city, before traveling to the reserve. Córdoba is known for its historic center, Jesuit heritage, universities, and lively cultural atmosphere. Beginning the program in the city before continuing into the countryside gives families an opportunity to experience two very different sides of central Argentina.
About the program:
Care for rescued wildlife while helping protect pumas in the wild.
The program takes place at a legally recognized wildlife reserve that has been working to protect Argentina’s native animals and ecosystems for 30 years. During that time, the project has rescued more than 560 wild animals, including pumas, guanacos, peccaries, eagles, and owls. Animals arrive for many different reasons, including illegal wildlife trade, hunting, traps, exploitation, and injuries caused by agricultural activity.
More than 90% of the animals brought to the reserve cannot safely return to the wild. Some have spent too long in captivity to develop the skills needed to survive independently, while others have permanent injuries. The reserve therefore provides long-term care while also working on the wider conservation challenges facing native wildlife.
Habitat restoration is another important part of the project. The team has created an active native seed bank, harvesting more than 3.2 million seeds from 53 indigenous plant species to support the restoration of depleted native forests in the region.
The project also works directly with farmers and ranchers to reduce conflict between people and wild pumas. Non-lethal approaches include installing flashing-light deterrent systems and introducing livestock guardian dogs and donkeys, helping farmers protect their animals without harming native predators.
Its work extends into conservation advocacy and education. The project helped advance an initiative approved by PARLASUR to prohibit the export of hunting trophies and advocated for Aerolíneas Argentinas to stop transporting native wildlife hunting trophies. Educational outreach with schools, communities, and visitors also promotes wildlife coexistence and biodiversity protection.
Families contribute to this wider work through animal care, enrichment, monitoring, research support, habitat restoration, and practical reserve activities.
Your Family’s role as volunteers:
Parents and children volunteer together, with activities structured so children from age 10 can participate in the project’s main tasks. Children must remain supervised by a parent or guardian during all volunteer activities and cannot work independently.
Animal care can include preparing food and providing water, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, monitoring animal behavior and health, and helping create enrichment activities. Enrichment encourages natural behaviors and helps support the physical and mental well-being of animals living permanently at the reserve.
Conservation work extends beyond caring for individual animals. Families can assist with research and data collection, manage the native seed bank, collect seeds, plant native vegetation, remove invasive species, maintain trails, and help with general reserve upkeep.
Activities vary according to the animals’ needs, weather, season, and current conservation priorities.
Possible volunteer tasks:
A typical day:
8:30 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Volunteer activities
1:00 PM: Lunch break
2:00 PM: Volunteer activities
5:30 PM: Online training sessions twice a week covering:
6:00 PM: End of volunteer workday
8:30 PM: Dinner time
Note: During summer, schedules may change due to excessive heat. One free day per week, usually on Sunday.
At the project, each family stays in a private apartment with its own bathroom and compact kitchenette. Apartments accommodate up to four people and include one double bed and one bunk bed with two single beds. This gives families their own space while remaining directly at the project and close to the daily volunteer activities. Families of more than four people will require additional accommodation arrangements, which can be confirmed before booking.
Your family program begins in Córdoba, giving you an introduction to one of Argentina’s most interesting cities before traveling to the wildlife reserve. A city tour and cultural orientation provide an introduction to local history and everyday life before the journey into the countryside. During the program, families are based near Villa Rumipal on the shores of Lake Rumipal. Free time can be spent enjoying the lake and surrounding countryside, with activities such as kayaking and boating available locally.
Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby hills and forests and look for some of the more than 150 bird species found in the region. Villa General Belgrano is another popular place to visit, known for its distinctive Central European influences, restaurants, and cultural events. The mountain village of La Cumbrecita offers a scenic setting and walking trails for families interested in spending more time outdoors.
Families who want to see more of Argentina can add additional travel before or after the program, including extra time in Córdoba or elsewhere in the country. Optional activities, excursions, and additional travel are not included in the program fee unless specifically stated.
Add on the Spanish Week in Cordoba!
Dive into a world of language and culture with our very own Spanish School, located in the vibrant heart of Córdoba city. This special Spanish Week is an invitation to seamlessly integrate an enriching language learning experience into your program. Tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re beginning your journey or looking to advance your skills, our initial placement test ensures a customized learning experience. Engage in immersive group lessons or choose the focused attention of one-on-one sessions, complemented by a rich tapestry of cultural activities each afternoon. From Tango and cooking classes to museum tours, every activity is designed to deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and Argentine culture. Join our Spanish School for an educational adventure that promises not only to enhance your linguistic abilities but also to connect you with unforgettable cultural experiences.
Note: Since the program is immersed in a local community, this Spanish and Cultural Introduction week is highly recommended for those who don’t already have conversational Spanish.
