Why you should volunteer on farms in Argentina

As many of you already know, we can’t get enough of volunteering during our travels. There really is no better way to gain a deeper understanding of a country and its people (in addition to learning some practical skills) than spending some time volunteering – and its the best way to pick up a language. Alternative El Bolson, located in the gorgeous lake district of Argentina, is a great place to work alongside local farmers and ecologically minded folks. There are many paid online sites, like WWOOOF or Help Exchange that can connect you with locals which need your help. However, you don’t necessarily need to sign up in order to find a cool situation, especially in El Bolson. We got a few farms off a wwoofing list which another backpacker shared with us and emailed them. In the end, we were referred to Rancho Viejo that wasn’t on the list but needed help with their raspberry harvest. The other volunteer, Claire, found them by offering help at the local artisan market. It’s a pretty chill town and there is always work to be had if you just ask around.

Our experience at Rancho Viejo with Pinci and Cristina was great. Not only did we have a great family to spend Christmas and New Year’s with, but we also learned about rural Argentine life and their perspectives. We also shared what life was really like in the States outside of what Hollywood portrays. It was an eye opener to see how an actual self supporting farm worked as opposed to an experimental eco-community. It takes a shit ton of work and long hours, especially when you have animals. Pinci worked from 7am to midnight milking cows and goats, making cheese, delivering dairy products to town, cutting grass for the animals, moving them to different pastures…along with all the other tasks that come with running a farm. And with animals, there is never a holiday or even a day off. They have to eat and they must be milked twice a day or they develop illnesses. So think about that the next time you have a romantic notion of living in the country and working on a farm.

Cristina was part of the Mapuche tribe, which extends all over Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Her and her sister, Carina, were very involved in preserving traditional culture and taught us much about the history and oppression (past and present) of their people. On our day off, we visited her grandmother on land which they were trying to reclaim from the government. She was essentially squatting and living in very basic circumstances with no electricity or running water. TD proposed putting up a log cabin to serve as more housing for other supporters – so we camped there for a few days wielding chainsaws, lugging heavy ass trunks and playing a grown up version of Lincoln Logs.

Just before we left for the north, we squeezed in another volunteer gig with Alberto, a shiatsu massage therapist and spiritual educator. He didn’t live on a farm but we helped him with various projects on his property, such as rewiring electricity, building a ramp for his broken car and mud plastering his house. Mostly though, we got to live with a very intelligent individual who opened our minds to some new ideas. We can’t stress volunteering enough to any long or short term backpacker. And if you’re a virgin, definitely give it a try. It might just turn out to be your most memorable experience.