Argentina · Americas · Medical Relief Missions
Argentina – Mendoza
This Medical Mission Has Been Completed
September 3, 2022 — September 10, 2022
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Mission Archive · September 2022
The Need
***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***
During this trip, you will work in small villages, also called “squatter camps,” to treat the indigenous people who otherwise would be unable to access medical care. Our visits to a garbage dumpsite and a women’s prison will be especially impactful because the people who work or live at those locations face incredibly dangerous day-to-day working and living conditions.
Our primary goal of this trip is to care for locals with treatable and often preventable conditions. As such, much of the relief you provide at clinic will be for people who would have benefited from access to preventable care. At clinic, you will treat conditions related to malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and the more serious Zika virus.
You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on basic health and hygiene for themselves and their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen the knowledge and skills of the local midwives.
Our Work
Since this will not be IMR’s inaugural trip to Argentina, the indigenous Huarpe people will be eager to meet and greet you. During this trip, you will work in small villages, also called “squatter camps,” to treat the indigenous people who otherwise would be unable to access medical care. Our visits to a garbage dumpsite and a women’s prison will be especially impactful because the people who work or live at those locations face incredibly dangerous day-to-day working and living conditions. Our primary goal of this trip is to care for locals with treatable and often preventable conditions. As such, much of the relief you provide at clinic will be for people who would have benefited from access to preventable care. At clinic, you will treat conditions related to malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and the more serious zika virus. You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on basic health and hygiene for themselves and their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen the knowledge and skills of the local midwives.
This Mission
International Medical Relief first served Argentina in 2008. In 2009, Lavalle and Mendoza were hit hard with a swine flu outbreak, which led to IMR quickly sending emergency disaster response teams. During this time, we partnered with Youth With A Mission under the administration of Robert Victorio Vighi, Major of Lavalle. After the outbreak, IMR has continued to return to Argentina and has since served approximately 3,000 patients with more than 100 volunteers and staff.
Lodging/Transportation
During your time in Argentina, you and your team will stay in a modest but cozy hotel that is located near many of Mendoza’s plazas and vineyards. IMR will arrange safe and reliable transportation to get your team to and from clinic.
Highlights
The Mendoza region, known for its world-famous wines and the distinctive micro-climates that provide the necessary diversity, is also known for its olive groves, fruit orchards, and horsemanship. The Mayor is waiting for your arrival to have you taste and admire the wines produced here! Some of the best polo players train in the region and you can tour the grounds and spend some time with these beautiful animals. Want to join in a game? You’re on!
Extend Your Stay
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Argentina to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators! Contact Worldwide Navigators to book an extension or get more information.
Worldwide Navigators offers two opportunities to extend your time in Argentina to create an amazing vacation following your humanitarian work. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book one of these extensions or get more information.
Highlights:
- Explore Buenos Aires, which starts off with a Mendoza winery tour
- Walk with penguins in Puerto Madryn in the northern Patagonia region of Argentina
See the Extensions tab on this page for details on these amazing experiences!
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 · Saturday, September 3, 2022
Arrivals
Day 2 · Sunday, September 4, 2022
Orientation
Day 3 · Monday, September 5, 2022
Training Day
Day 4 · Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Clinic
Day 5 · Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Clinic
Day 6 · Thursday, September 8, 2022
Clinic
Day 7 · Friday, September 9, 2022
Clinic
Day 8 · Saturday, September 10, 2022
Departures
Gallery
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Please note: Independent flight arrangements should not be made until after the group flight is booked. You will be notified about the group flight at the Early Bird deadline.
If you are planning to fly independently and want to book your flight in advance, please contact Worldwide Navigators at travel@worldwidenavigators.com for the most up-to-date trip information before you book your independent flight. Thank you. If you are not traveling on the group flight or joining an extension but wish to arrange transportation from the airport to clinic, please contact IMR at office@imrus.org.
Please note that additional travel days will be required to travel to and from Mendoza from the United States. Please plan accordingly and call our office should you have any questions at (970) 635-0110.
Arrivals
You will arrive in beautiful Mendoza with the rest of your volunteer team this evening. If you are traveling on the group flight or are purchasing airport transportation a la carte, you will board the transportation that will take you to your accommodation for a team dinner.
Orientation
After a delicious and hearty team breakfast, your team leader will assign roles for the clinic, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the communities your team will serve over the next few days in different villages in and around Mendoza. After orientation, we encourage you to take a short walk into town to experience the local lifestyle and culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Training Day
Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
You will serve and explore a different village on each day of clinic.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Some clinics will be set up in a garbage dump, and one clinic will be established in an indigenous Huerpa village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Clinics begin early in the morning and run late into the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Your days will be long and hard, but also incredibly rewarding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departures
On your last day in the country, enjoy one final breakfast with your team. If you finish early enough, you will have extra time to spend exploring Mendoza before arriving at the airport at least three hours before your return flight departs.
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Argentina to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join us on an exclusive trip extension visiting some of the area’s highlights. Join us on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner Worldwide Navigators and some visit of the area’s highlights.
Worldwide Navigators offers two opportunities to extend your time in Argentina to create an amazing vacation following your humanitarian work. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book one of these extensions or get more information.
Argentina Extension: Buenos Aires
Highlights:
- Winery tour in Mendoza, the epicenter for world-class wine
- The brightly painted zinc shacks and street artists of La Boca, Buenos Aires
- Riverboat excursion through the Rio de la Plata to El Tigre
Itinerary:
Day 1: Wine Tour | Transport from Mendoza to Buenos Aires
Before leaving Mendoza, enjoy a full day wine tour to 3 different wineries in Valle De Uco. Feast your tastebuds on different varietals or blends of the traditional lines in the tasting rooms of the wineries. A gourmet lunch will be served in the winery’s restaurant paired with different wine lines.
En route to the Mendoza Airport, you’ll stop at Uco Valley for a quick visit. Then, board your flight to Buenos Aires — the lively capital city of Argentina!
*Please note: Your flight to Buenos Aires is NOT included in this tour. If you would like to add your flight from Mendoza to this tour, please let Worldwide Navigators know when you book your trip.
Day 2: Buenos Aires City Tour
Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day private tour of Buenos Aires, visiting the main highlights of the Argentinean capital, such as Plaza de Mayo (Pink House), Congresso, San Telmo, La Boca, Av. de Mayo, Café Tortoni, Puerto Madero, Av. 9 de Julio, the Obelisk, the Colon Theater, Recoleta Cemetery, and more!
Day 3: El Tigre by Riverboat
Awake to a morning breakfast, then grab your ticket for a river boat excursion through the Rio de la Plata to El Tigre — an Argentinean town just north of Buenos Aires. El Tigre is a gateway to the rivers and wetlands of the vast Paraná Delta. Spend the day sailing along the river, catching wonderful views of the city and the many islands of the delta.
Disembark to experience some of El Tigre’s highlights such as Puerto de Frutos, Paseo Victorica, and Museo del Mate. Spend some free time walking around to explore the craft market, many restaurants featuring local cuisine, and museums before taking the train back to Buenos Aires.
Day 4: Departure Home
During your final day in Buenos Aires, spend your time leading up to departure visiting the botanical gardens or San Telmo Market. Say your goodbyes and head to the airport for your departure home and onward journey.
What’s Included:
- 4-Day, 3-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Flight from Mendoza to Buenos Aires
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive Tour Starting at $810. Contact Worldwide Navigators to Book or Get More Information.
Walk with Penguins, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Highlights:
- Whale-watching excursion where (fingers crossed!) you’ll get to see orca whales up close.
- Walk among penguins at the Penguin Rookery Estancia San Lorenzo
- Ecocentro clifftop museum with exhibits on Patagonian nature and a lighthouse-style tower to catch expansive ocean views.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Madryn
Welcome to Puerto Madryn, an Argentine city on the coast of northern Patagonia. Its sandy beaches and restaurant-lined promenade face Golfo Nuevo bay, where southern right whales breed from May to December. Ecocentro is a clifftop museum with exhibits on Patagonian nature, and a lighthouse-style tower for ocean views. Across the bay, rocky Peninsula Valdés is home to penguins and elephant seals, which are preyed on by orcas.
Upon arrival, settle in at your accommodation and gear up for an exciting two days!
Day 2: Peninsula Valdés | Penguins & Whale Watching
Rise and shine to a beautiful day in northern Patagonia! Here’s what’s on the agenda for the day:
Peninsula Valdés
Begin with a 1-hour whale watching excursion in Puerto Pirámides. If you’re lucky, you might see orca whales up close and personal! Next up is a visit to the Penguin Rookery Estancia San Lorenzo, where you will walk among the penguins for an hour! You’ll also see some of the areas highlights before heading back to Puerto Madryn like sea birds, foxes, rheas, ostriches, armadillos, guanacos and more!
San Lorenzo Ranch
Enjoy lunch with a delicious barbecue at the San Lorenzo Ranch. Your meal will feature Patagonian Roasted Lamb cooked over a wood fire. The lamb served is raised on the property here grazing on natural pastures and water from the mill. Apart from lamb, the restaurant also offers other options, including a vegetarian menu.
Day 3: Departure Home
Enjoy an early morning breakfast at your accommodation before beginning your departure home and onward journey. We home you enjoy your time in Puerto Madryn!
What’s Included:
- 3-Day, 2-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Flight from Mendoza to Puerto Madryn
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
3-Day, 2-Night All-Inclusive Tour Starting at $1,600. Contact Worldwide Navigators to Book or Get More Information.
Flights & Prices
This mission has been completed. The details below are retained for reference; applications and early bird offers for this trip are closed.
Mission minimum donation: $3,150
For current travel arrangements and donation amounts, please view our upcoming missions.
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
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