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Volunteer at a Puma Reserve
Volunteer at a renowned puma sanctuary and wildlife reserve for an unforgettable conservation experience. Explore the breathtaking landscape near Cordoba while helping protect pumas and other native species.
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.
Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in South America programs.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteers get involved in a variety of tasks at the project. The major tasks are as follows :-
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Environmental education: Guided tours through the reserve for the tourist, Environmental education, Talks and workshops
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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
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Investigation: Help the investigator, Check trap cameras
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Maintenance: Trails and posters maintenance, Cleaning, Waste management for recycling
Requirements & eligibility
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:
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You must be tolerant towards others and respect the differences
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You must welcome team work but also be able to work alone
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You must be able to speak and understand Spanish
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You have to be a proactive person, we welcome volunteers with initiative
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The minimum length to apply for this program is 2 weeks
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The project additionally requires that the volunteer have the tetanus vaccine
A typical day
The volunteers will be working 8 hours per day having 1 day off per week.
Life on the programme
Accommodation & meals
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.
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Program fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,650 | |
| 3 weeks | $1,990 | |
| 4 weeks | $2,330 | |
| 5 weeks | $2,670 | |
| 6 weeks | $3,010 | |
| 7 weeks | $3,350 | |
| 8 weeks | $3,690 | |
| Each additional week | +$340 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're 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)
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa and Visa extension fee
- Travel Insurance
- Vaccinations
- Any personal expenses
- Return Airport Drop
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply?
Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.
How do I apply and when do I pay?
Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.
What are the requirements?
Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.
Where will I stay and what about food?
You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.
Is there support while I'm there?
Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.
Do I need insurance and vaccinations?
Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.
Do you help with the visa?
Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.
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