The City of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the safest countries to travel to in South America, and has a wealth of culture, colour, and landmarks to see. The efficient public transport service will be able to take you to surrounding districts – or barrios. The city centre is buzzing with energy, and includes a mixture of architectural styles and historical influences where you can wander past nineteenth-century buildings, classic cafes, high-rise blocks, and unique boutiques. The heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, which is the perfect place to begin a tour of the city, located in the very centre. Begin here and take in the government buildings before making your way to the Avenida de Mayo, the main boulevard of the city.
The Reserva Ecológica in Buenos Aires is an area of wild waterways and grasslands, which offers a unique juxtaposition of nature and city. Buildings may be visible through the trees, however you will feel truly immersed in nature here. Guided walks are available through the reserve as well as a range of tours – including one at night. A variety of species are visible here, including 200 species of birds, ducks, snail hawks, herons, swans, and gallinules. Some small mammals which inhabit the park include lizards, rodents, and coypus, making it a must-see destination for a nature lover.
Social Life in Argentina
Social Life in Argentina represents an important part of daily life. People from Buenos Aires are commonly know as the “porteños” who have the reputation of being quite talkative. Not surprisingly, you will come across loads of cafeterias where people meet up and have long conversations. This particular porteño`s characteristic will easily help you to meet likeminded people who love sport and love travelling. Therefore, by joining a local team club you will meet a great bunch of locals who will help you settle in rapidly and also teach you some Spanish slang!. In addition, our in-country team organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time.
Travel and Adventure in Argentina
Argentina is well-known for its amazing diversity of landscapes and also its vast extension from North to South. It is not by chance that it has become a very popular volunteer travel destination over the last couple of years. You will get ample opportunities to head out of Buenos Aires and explore the local area at weekends. A popular volunteer activity is to visit a farm on the outskirts of Buenos Aires and discover the beauty of the surrounding landscapes while getting to know local villagers!
There are plenty of things to do in Buenos Aires; from attending tango sessions to experiencing a traditional Argentine steak. Lets us know if you can finish it! It is a cosmopolitan and cultural city which has been developing over recent years. The so called Paris of South America gives its name to historical buildings and impressive palaces. Therefore, if you love sports and would also like to experience a taste of an interesting and colourful culture then Buenos Aires is a must-visit!
Spanish Lessons
Argentina is a Spanish speaking country so you will really benefit from having a basic understanding of the language. If, however, you are not a confident Spanish speaker, you can take lessons at our language school in Buenos Aires when you arrive, and also throughout your visit. The school offers a personal one-to-one tuition from native Argentineans who will help develop your understanding of both the local language and culture in which you are living. Beginners, intermediates and advanced levels are all very welcome at the school and all will benefit greatly from their time there.
The language lessons are usually for 2 hours a day to fit in around your placement activities. It does cost a little extra to attend the language school, but the benefits really are priceless. Not only will you be able to build stronger relationships and immerse yourself in the local culture, you will leave Buenos Aires with a transferable skill you can use for the rest of your life.
Accommodation
Accommodation represents an important part of the social atmosphere in Argentina. You will be placed in our shared volunteer guesthouse in Buenos Aires, living with other participants who are in-country at the time. The accommodation is centrally located to your volunteer project with shops and other useful amenities close by.
