FAQs Argentina Monkey Sanctuary

Daytime temperatures hit a high of 32c in January and a low of 17c in July. The dry period is between May to August. The wettest months are January and February.

Volunteers are expected to work seven days per week at this project. Depending on the number of volunteers at the project, you can arrange time off in advance with the volunteer coordinator. Days off and half days off can only be taken by one volunteer at a time (if these are during working hours). Outside of working hours you can go to the nearest town, La Cumbre, whenever you want, either alone or with other volunteers. There are some great local activities, including trekking, horseback riding, parachuting and paragliding.

Volunteers are expected to work seven days per week at this project. After all, the animals need to be looked after every day! Depending on the number of volunteers at the project, you can arrange time off in advance with the volunteer coordinator. Days off and half days off can only be taken by one volunteer at a time (if these are during working hours). Outside of working hours you can go to town whenever you want, alone or with other volunteers.

The official language of Argentina is Spanish so it is beneficial, though not essential, to be able to speak some Spanish. The volunteer coordinator at the project speaks English so you will need to be proficient at either Spanish or English to be able to understand instructions on how to care for the animals.

The Argentina Monkey Project will typically have between 2 and 10 volunteers at a time, and these will come from various countries and a variety of backgrounds. Ages range from 18+ to 70, with the majority aged between 18 and 30. There are many gap year students and some animal/conservation-related science students. This project is also popular with young Argentinians.

There is no telephone or internet service at the project. However, these are available in La Cumbre, where you can go by taxi. When you arrive in Argentina, you should buy a Claro cell phone card, which can be used in the volunteer coordinator’s phone when you want to call a taxi to go to town. If you want to bring a mobile phone, you can buy a local SIM card to access the local networks. Generally, network reception is poor, but there are places, a little higher than the main house, where you can access a mobile network.

Yes of course, in fact we have a page all about how you can fund raise for your trip here.

In keeping with the project's rural surroundings, accommodation at the sanctuary is simple and basic. There are few urban comforts but it provides volunteers with a true back-to-nature experience. The accommodation is in shared rooms (2-3 people per room) in basic stone huts in a very rustic environment. There is a toilet and shower in an outhouse about 5 minutes walk from the rooms. The shower is heated by lighting a fire - full instructions are given when you arrive! There is no electricity or running water on the rooms themselves, but there is electricity in the salon where volunteers take meals and relax. There is no internet on site but you can visit internet cafes in La Cumbre, where you will also find laundry facilities. In some of the higher parts of the sanctuary you can get a mobile phone signal for which you can buy a local SIM when you arrive in Argentina. There is electricity in the “salon”, where the volunteers eat and rest.

Food is prepared and served by the centre staff. The meals include breakfast (a simple meal of tea, mate cocido, bread and marmalade) and a simple lunch and dinner. If you prefer to eat something that you particularly like, you can buy these things in town. At the project there is a fridge where you can store your food purchases and a small stove to heat food.

Of course, but we request that you use your common sense about these things. Neither drinking alcohol nor smoking are permitted when working with the animals and you would be unlikely to enjoy your volunteer experience or work effectively if you were hungover at the start of the day.

The official currency is the Argentinean Peso (AR$). Volunteers will find little opportunity to spend money at the project. There are a few banks with ATM machines (cajeros automáticos) in La Cumbre. Almost all ATMs use Cirrus, Plus or Link systems – if you’re not sure whether your card will work overseas, check before you go. Remember that your bank may well charge you a fee for withdrawing cash in a foreign country so you may want to check with your bank about fees before you go. You should also inform your bank that you will be travelling to avoid having them cancel your card.

Argentina is a safe destination and most visits are trouble free. When you’re in Cordoba, as in any foreign destination, it is sensible to be aware. Please try to avoid walking alone at night down a dark street, don’t accept lifts from strangers and take care of your belongings. Violent crime against visitors is rare in Argentina and, although petty theft and pickpocketing are possibilities, please don’t be paranoid. As in your own country, or on holiday in any other country, take care of your belongings. For more information, visit our International Travel Advice Page

We recommend that you let your health professional know that you will be volunteering in a wildlife rescue centre and discuss the various vaccination options. For more information, visit our International Travel Advice Page

Finding the right insurance to cover your travels can be daunting, confusing and time-consuming, however – travel insurance is a must. You never know what could happen, and if you are unlucky enough to get ill or find yourself in a sticky situation, being uninsured can be really expensive and downright dangerous. This is why we strongly recommend that all our volunteers take out suitable travel insurance. We also recommend that your purchase your insurance and soon as you book your trip to cover you for all up-front costs in the event of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances. Globalteer has formed a partnership with a leading travel insurance provider to help you through this process.

Please visit our page about visas for information about entry visas.

There is no dress code at this project, you will need clothes that suit the climate and the work.

Argentineans are very friendly and open. Expect to exchange kisses on the cheek with people you know (opposite sexes and between women). A hand shake is always exchanged when meeting new people. In the Western world we are very hung up on time, with our meetings and schedules. Argentinean people do not stress over time and it is not uncommon for things to happen later than arranged. Just go with the flow and forget stress – it’s better for you anyway!

No, a love of animals is the main qualification. You will be given guidance and training, and will initially be supervised by the project staff and work with the experienced volunteers. A certain amount of independence is required to be a volunteer.

Yes, on arrival you will receive orientation from the project coordinator, giving local information and advise. Basic training will be given to ensure you achieve the project objectives.

Volunteers arrive at Cordoba where you will be collected from the airport and taken to the project.

Globalteer is fully committed to ensuring that your volunteer placement is responsible. More information can be found on our Responsible Volunteering Page.

As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is financially transparent, our accounts are independently audited and posted online. You can read a full report on where your money goes here.

We understand what motivates volunteers and what makes a memorable volunteer experience. We have been placing volunteers at our projects since 2006 and have built up a wealth of knowledge in those years about what makes volunteering rewarding for volunteers as well as impactful for the fantastic projects we work with. You can read here why we think you should choose Globalteer.

You can read more about this project on our blogs page.