Volunteering in Buenos Aires: Get ready to go

Buenos Aires is a city of contrasts, where the lively historic center with its European style buildings, café culture, and nonstop energy stands side by side with the vast outer neighborhoods that reveal the country’s social and economic gaps, places where many families face daily challenges and limited access to resources. In the middle of this mix of beauty, complexity, and inequality, volunteering in Buenos Aires becomes a deeply meaningful way to connect with the city and understand it beyond its surface.

A short distance from the theaters and nightlife of Corrientes, there are neighborhoods where community kitchens depend on volunteers to make sure families have something to eat. And even as Palermo fills with new startups and trendy workspaces, life along the Riachuelo is marked by ongoing battles against pollution and the absence of essential services.

Choosing Buenos Aires as a place to volunteer isn’t just a chance to explore one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America, it’s also an opportunity to engage with complex realities, work alongside local community organizations, and contribute to real change, whether by teaching, lending a hand, or simply being there to listen.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to get ready for a volunteer experience in Buenos Aires, from basic requirements and expected costs to the top programs and projects available.

What are the benefits of volunteering in Buenos Aires?

Volunteering in Buenos Aires is the kind of experience that changes you from the inside out. You’re not only supporting people who genuinely need it, but you also get the chance to truly understand how a city this complex and captivating works beneath the surface.

Buenos Aires is a city where history, culture, and social struggle are woven into everyday life. When you volunteer, you get to move beyond the postcard version of the city and into the everyday worlds locals actually live in. You’ll connect with community groups that keep showing up, day after day, to support their neighborhoods and push for a better future for the people who rely on them most.

Beyond that, volunteering will give you skills you rarely gain on a regular trip. You will learn to communicate in real situations, solve problems as they come, and work with people from different backgrounds and ages. Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, that won’t hold you back because what matters most is your dedication and eagerness to get involved.

Another advantage is that many programs provide housing and meals, which can significantly lower your expenses. This allows you to make the most of your budget, stay longer, see more of Argentina, or even join multiple volunteer programs.

And of course, there’s everything you gain almost without noticing: a fresh perspective on the world, genuine friendships, unforgettable stories, and that hard-to-describe feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be, doing something that truly matters.

What are the requirements for volunteering in Buenos Aires?

If you’re considering volunteering in Buenos Aires, there are a few key things to keep in mind before you start packing. The requirements are generally straightforward, but being well-prepared will help ensure your experience is rewarding from day one.

• The first thing to consider is age. Most organizations require volunteers to be at least 18, although some programs aimed at students or groups may accept younger participants with parental permission.
• Regarding paperwork, if you come from a Mercosur country such as Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, or Bolivia, all you need is your ID card or national ID to enter and stay in Argentina for up to 90 days.
• For travelers from other countries, entry as a tourist is often allowed for up to 90 days without a visa. Still, it’s always a good idea to check with the Argentine consulate in your country to make sure there haven’t been any recent changes.
• Your level of Spanish usually isn’t a strict requirement, but it can greatly shape your experience. While some coordinators speak English or other languages, many of the people you’ll be working with, especially in underprivileged areas, communicate only in Spanish. That’s why having a solid foundation or being eager to learn is highly appreciated.
• It’s also important to have health or travel insurance that covers your time in Argentina. Some programs include it, but if not, you’ll need to arrange it yourself. Make sure it covers at least basic medical care, accidents, and repatriation.
• Finally, some programs ask volunteers to contribute financially since many NGOs run on tight budgets and need help covering essentials like accommodation, meals, transportation, and training. This isn’t paying to work, but helping sustain the organization so these experiences can exist.

One extra tip is to arrive with an open mind. In Buenos Aires, the pace of life, daily routines, and ways of doing things may be very different from what you’re used to. Adapting with respect and empathy is just as important as having the right documents.

Internet connection during your volunteer work in Buenos Aires

Having internet during your volunteer experience in Buenos Aires isn’t mandatory, but it can make getting around, staying in touch with family, using local apps, and more much easier. While most projects provide WiFi at the work sites, using a Holafly eSIM is the best way to avoid relying on networks that are often unstable or insecure.

The eSIM for Argentina is perfect if your volunteer program lasts a couple of weeks and you don’t plan to travel to other countries. However, if you’re staying longer or plan to cross borders, Holafly Plans would be a better choice.

This monthly subscription gives you a global eSIM that works in more than 170 countries, covering all of Argentina. It lets you keep traveling around the continent, join volunteer projects in other places, or even work remotely while on the move.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

What are the best volunteer programs in Buenos Aires?

There are plenty of volunteer programs in Buenos Aires, so all you need to do is find one that fits the kind of experience you’re looking for. To help you out, we’ve highlighted five programs across different areas of the province that work to improve the lives of people in need.

1- Community Kitchen in Villa 21 – Volunteer World

Volunteer World is a global organization offering volunteer opportunities around the world. In Buenos Aires, it runs several active projects, and one of the highest-rated by past volunteers takes place at a community kitchen in Villa 21.

Villa 21 is one of the most precarious settlements in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, with poor infrastructure and limited sanitation. It sits along the stream that separates the city from the province, which suffers from severe pollution and causes a range of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses among residents. In this setting, the community kitchen is essential, offering a daily meal to about 50 people who depend on it to get by.

The work at the community kitchen isn’t just about serving food. Volunteers also engage with children and families from first to seventh grade, collaborating with social workers and professionals to create a supportive environment for learning and overall well-being.

What will your role as a volunteer look like? You’ll assist the women preparing breakfasts and lunches by chopping and washing vegetables, serving meals, spending time with the children, or helping with cleanup afterward.

General project information

• Some of the requirements to join the program include being over 18, speaking fluent English (Spanish is not required), providing a criminal background check, and being willing to work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The program includes ongoing support and guidance.
• Accommodation isn’t included, but the organization will help you find a suitable place to stay. Travel from the airport, travel insurance, meals, and your plane ticket are also not covered.
• The minimum stay is two weeks, with the possibility of remaining as a volunteer for up to two years.
• The project costs around $195 per week, which goes toward covering coordination, administration, and volunteer supervision expenses.

2- Medical and public health assistant – Mente Argentina Volunteer Program

If you’re interested in volunteering in Buenos Aires in the field of public health, Mente Argentina offers an engaging opportunity. The project focuses on improving nutrition and health among disadvantaged communities, working in some of the city’s top clinics and hospitals.

As a volunteer, you’ll support healthcare teams by helping assess children in local communities, promoting healthy nutrition, gathering information, and more. You might also observe surgeries, join medical rounds, and get hands-on exposure to clinical work. For medical students, it’s a rare chance to really see how Argentina’s public health system operates.

General project information

• Requirements: 18+ years old, basic English skills, high school diploma, willing to work Monday through Friday.
• Includes: The program includes a welcome orientation, ongoing support throughout your volunteer experience, Spanish classes, an official International Volunteer Certificate issued by Mente Argentina, private airport transfers, a welcome kit (including a local SIM card, a SUBE transport card, city maps, and more), and additional resources.
• Extra activities included in the price: You’ll also get the chance to explore Buenos Aires, take a trip through the Delta and Tigre, visit neighborhoods like La Boca, Puerto Madero, and San Telmo, enjoy tango lessons, and more.
• Not included: Accommodation, but discounts are available for participants in the Mente Argentina Volunteer Program.
• Project duration: Between four and 16 weeks.
• Price: $440/week.

3- Environment & Community Gardens Program – Voluntario Global

This volunteer program is run in partnership with MILPA Comunidad Agroecológica. At the Pacheco Community Center in Tigre, young people from the surrounding neighborhoods are taught gardening and landscaping skills, helping prepare them for future jobs in the field. Everything is done with an agroecological focus.

As a volunteer, you can take part in different activities depending on your Spanish level. These may include helping kids with homework and gardening workshops, supporting adult gardening classes, assisting with landscaping and gardening tasks in MILPA courses, helping prepare lunches for workers at the Pacheco Community Center, and more.

General project information

• Project location: The MILPA Community Center is located in General Pacheco, northeast of the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
• Includes: Accommodation is provided at the volunteer house, where you’ll stay in shared rooms with private bathrooms and showers reserved exclusively for volunteers. The house has free WiFi, common areas, and a fully equipped kitchen.
• Requirements: A valid passport, health insurance, and availability to work five days a week are required. There’s no minimum Spanish level needed, but having the willingness to learn or improve your Spanish is definitely appreciated.
• Minimum stay: Two weeks.

4- Teaching Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires – International Volunteer HQ

If you’re interested in working with children, the teaching program offered by International Volunteer HQ is a great option. Through this volunteer experience, you’ll support teachers, students, and their families in improving their English skills and gaining confidence using the language.

At the same time, the experience will enrich you in many ways. Helping students get comfortable with English can expand their future opportunities, so your support plays a real part in their growth and confidence. You’ll also get the chance to practice Spanish, strengthen your communication skills, and gain international teaching experience. And you can enjoy all of this while discovering the energy and rhythm of Buenos Aires in your free time.

General project information

• Requirements: 18+ years old, criminal background check, good command of English, travel insurance.
• Schedule: Projects start on Mondays, so you should plan to arrive in Buenos Aires the day before.
• Includes: Accommodation, transfers from Ezeiza Airport, an initial orientation and ongoing support during your volunteer experience, breakfast, discounts on language classes, an International Volunteer Service Certificate, and more.
• Other meals aren’t included, but the accommodation provided has a fully equipped kitchen where volunteers can prepare their own food. You will also need to cover daily transport to and from the project, airport transfers, flights, travel insurance, and similar expenses.
• Duration: From 1 to 12 weeks.
• Price: $455 for one week or $2,225 for 12 weeks. There’s also a one-time registration fee of $329, which covers all pre-departure support services.

5- Construction and Renovation Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires – International Volunteer HQ

Would you like to help improve the infrastructure and living conditions of a local community? This volunteer project in Buenos Aires could be the perfect opportunity for you.

​​The IVHQ Construction and Renovation Project gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience and skills in building, renovating, and maintenance. You’ll work in schools, community kitchens, and other community spaces in vulnerable areas of Buenos Aires, helping maintain and improve facilities that are essential to local communities.

As a volunteer, your work will be hands-on and may get messy. You’ll help with repairing furniture and equipment, laying tiles, building interior walls, gardening, and other practical tasks.

General project information

• Requirements: 18+ years old, criminal background check, good command of English, travel insurance.
• Schedule: Projects start on Mondays, so you should plan to arrive in Buenos Aires the day before.
• Includes: Accommodation, transfers from Ezeiza Airport, an initial orientation and ongoing support during your volunteer experience, breakfast, discounts on language classes, an International Volunteer Service Certificate, and more.
• Does not include: Other meals aren’t included, but volunteers can use the fully equipped kitchen in the accommodation to prepare their own food. You will also need to cover daily transport to and from the project, airport transfers, flights, travel insurance, and similar expenses.
• Duration: From 1 to 12 weeks.
• Price: $490 for one week or $2,645 for 12 weeks. There is also a registration fee of $329, which covers all pre-departure support services.

What types of volunteer projects are available in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires, one of Latin America’s most dynamic and diverse cities, is full of volunteer opportunities that capture both its bustling urban energy and the social and environmental issues it faces. Whether in close-knit neighborhood communities or urban nature reserves, volunteering here gives you an inside look at life in the city while allowing you to make a real impact.

1. Education and school training

Many children and teenagers in underprivileged neighborhoods of Buenos Aires face challenges in accessing quality education. Educational volunteer projects focus on:

• School support: Strengthening core subjects like math, language, and English in public schools or community centers, particularly in areas of the Buenos Aires metropolitan region such as La Matanza, Quilmes, or Moreno.
• Creative workshops: Art, music, reading, or theater as tools for expression and self-esteem.
• Digital training: Teaching basic computer or internet skills, a growing need in communities with limited access to technology.

These activities are usually carried out in collaboration with local NGOs or parishes that serve as educational and social meeting points.

2. Care and support for children and adolescents

Children’s volunteer projects in Buenos Aires aim to provide emotional support and guidance in environments where many kids face challenging or vulnerable circumstances.

• Community homes and dining rooms: Assistance with food preparation, organizing recreational activities, or providing emotional support.
• Day centers: Support for at-risk adolescents through vocational workshops or sports.

The work usually takes place in working-class areas of Greater Buenos Aires, where community networks are strong and volunteers quickly become part of neighborhood life.

3. Support for women and gender equality

Buenos Aires has a vibrant network of feminist and community organizations dedicated to gender equality. Projects in this area may involve:

• Supporting shelters or resource centers for women affected by gender-based violence, helping with workshops on self-esteem, art, or job skills.
• Awareness campaigns on reproductive rights and domestic violence, particularly in neighborhoods with limited access to information.
• Workshops on female entrepreneurship, providing training to help women generate their own income.

Taking part in these projects offers a deeper understanding of social and gender movements in Argentina, which play a significant role in the public life of Buenos Aires.

4. Environmental care and sustainability

Despite its urban character, Buenos Aires is home to natural spaces where environmental volunteering is very important:

• Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve: Trail cleanup, waste sorting, and support for educational programs on biodiversity.
• Urban gardens and composting projects in neighborhoods like Palermo or Chacarita, promoting sustainable practices and responsible consumption.
• Recycling and environmental awareness campaigns in schools and neighborhood fairs.

This type of volunteer work combines ecological commitment with everyday life in a large city that seeks to become greener and more sustainable.

5. Social and community outreach

Social outreach volunteer programs in Buenos Aires have a strong participation component. They involve volunteers in organizing:

• Charity fairs, soup kitchens, or snack bars that provide food to families in need.
• Cultural projects such as murals, public libraries, or neighborhood festivals that strengthen community identity.
• Support in senior centers, offering companionship, conversation, and recreational activities.

These experiences are an opportunity to experience the warmth and solidarity of Buenos Aires neighborhoods.

6. Community health and wellness

Volunteering in the health sector tends to focus on promotion and prevention rather than direct medical tasks. These include:

• Vaccination, hygiene, or healthy eating campaigns, especially in schools or community centers.
• Support in public hospitals, helping to guide patients or collaborating in recreational activities for hospitalized children.
• Community mental health projects, supporting elderly people or those in socially vulnerable situations.

The public health system in Buenos Aires, although extensive, relies heavily on the collaboration of volunteers and civil organizations.

7. Animal care and protection

Buenos Aires is an animal-loving city, but it also faces challenges related to pet abandonment and overpopulation.

• Shelters and rescue centers: Helping with the care, feeding, and socialization of dogs and cats at organizations like El Campito Refuge or Proyecto 4 Patas.
• Adoption and sterilization campaigns, helping to organize and promote events.
• Education on responsible pet ownership in schools and public squares, promoting respect for animals.

Some projects even focus on rescued horses, saved from abuse or forced labor, an issue that still affects some peripheral areas.

How much does it cost to volunteer in Buenos Aires?

Volunteering in Buenos Aires comes with various costs, from the program fee to your plane ticket. At the same time, it can save you money, since many expenses you’d normally have as a regular tourist are often included or reduced when you join an organized project.

Among the mandatory expenses you will have are:

• Volunteer program fee: This is the fee you pay directly to the program or organization running the project. It typically covers accommodation, orientation, local support, and sometimes meals, among other things.
• Airfare: The amount will depend on your country of origin (Europe, USA, Latin America), season, and layovers.
• Travel/health insurance: Almost all organizations require it.
• Airport/program transfers: Some program fees already include this (e.g., airport-reception).
• Accommodation and meals: If the program does not include this 100%, you must budget for rent, meals, and services.
• Local transportation: Getting around Buenos Aires by public transport is quite affordable. However, it’s a good idea to read our cost of living guide to get a better sense of daily expenses, including commuting and other essentials.

The best part is that volunteering either lowers many of the costs you’d normally pay on a regular trip or covers them altogether.

• You don’t need to book and pay for tourist accommodation on your own (if it’s already included).
• If meals are included (breakfast, lunch, dinner, or at least some of them), you save a lot on food.
• You don’t have to arrange tourist tours, because many projects include them in the program fee.
• Many programs have local support, which minimizes unexpected expenses due to unfamiliarity with the city.

Here’s an estimate you can use as a reference. Keep in mind, though, that your home country, the length of the program, the type of accommodation, whether meals are included, and other factors can all affect the final cost.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering in Buenos Aires

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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