Argentina – Mendoza Signature

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

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.

This Mission

Argentina is the world’s eighth-largest country and the second largest on the South American continent. Also, Argentina has laid claim to several small islands in the Atlantic and a portion of Antarctica. The main territory, however, boasts magnificent plains, vast desert, tundra, thousands of miles of shoreline, and mighty mountains. Argentina’s geographic regions can be broken down into the Andes, the North, the Pampas, and Patagonia. The destination for this particular medical relief trip is located in the Andes region and is Argentina’s wine country. Known for its Malbec and red blends, sunny days, bustling streets, and irresistible cuisine, Mendoza is one of the best regions to visit! Here visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of wineries, olive groves, and fruit orchards, but the most commanding view lies to the east. Not too far from Mendoza proper is the 22,841 foot Aconcagua. This magnificent mountain is the highest summit outside of Asia and is the second tallest peak of the Seven Summits. For the causal adventurer, only photographing this mountain is awe-inspiring! Back in Mendoza, adventurers can book white water rafting trips, horseback ride through the Andes during sunrise, bike through the vineyards, and fly fish for trout. More casual visitors love to spend leisurely days walking around town and tasting local food in the many cafes around the plazas. While there is certainly plenty to see and do in this region, your volunteer clinic days will be spent serving the at-need villages in and around Mendoza. Each day, you will treat hundreds of patients who do not have reliable access to healthcare and usually do not see outside visitors.

Lodging/Transportation

This is a SIGNATURE trip, so you and your team will be set up in 4 to 5-star accommodations that are comfortable, clean, and safe. Please stay tuned for details on the accommodations for this mission! 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

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Argentina’s most stunning destinations? Did you know IMR offers an exclusive three-day extension to its volunteers? By continuing your trip by just a few days, you will give yourself the opportunity to visit the beautiful, blue waters of Lakes Fagnanao and Escondido, which are located at the foot of Garibaldi mountain pass. While here, you can visit the penguin colony that resides in the Tierra del Fuego National Park area! You can also hike around the Beagle Channel and take a boat ride to the many surrounding islands.  For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.

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