When I found myself with a three-month gap between English teaching placements in Argentina, I knew I wanted to travel further afield through South America. But let’s be real – my budget wasn’t going to stretch that far. Determined to find an experience that matched my skill set, covered food and accommodation, and (crucially!) looked fun, I stumbled across Estancia La Peninsula. Their polished website and picturesque Instagram showcased the dream setup: basic hospitality duties, feeding the dogs, and collecting firewood in exchange for free lodging in the middle of Patagonia’s heavenly Last Hope Fjord. I mean, what more could you ask for?!
'My time at La Peninsula gave me memories to last a lifetime, and I can’t recommend volunteering enough. The concept isn’t just about giving back – it’s a way to truly experience a place beyond the tourist attractions.'
The estancia was the perfect place to level up my Spanish since most of the staff didn’t speak English. But I still got a linguistic break when bilingual guides came each day with English-speaking tourists. My daily tasks? Simple – laying tables for meals, sweeping floors, and washing up. With only five hours of work each day and plenty of breaks in between, I had loads of free time to call home, explore the grounds, or go horseback riding with the staff. It was a peaceful, remote bubble, and after weeks of nonstop backpacking, I welcomed the chance to stay put for a while. Sure, the monotony kicked in occasionally, but waking up each day to breathtaking landscapes more than made up for it.
That said, remote is an understatement – La Peninsula was perched on a fjord, only accessible by boat! The farm ran on an 11-days-in, 4-days-out work schedule, so I had regular opportunities to escape to the neighbouring town of Puerto Natales for a change of scene. I could stay at the estancia during my days off, but if I wanted to head into town, I of course had to plan my own food and lodging. A hotspot for hiking enthusiasts, there were many cheap and cheerful hostels to choose from, as well as local tours to the nearby rugged, yet incredible Torres del Paine National Park.
The whole experience was a dream, and I’d honestly go back in a heartbeat. The team was beyond welcoming, always making sure I had fun outside of work. And the skills I picked up? Unreal. I learnt how to ride and gallop like a gaucho, cook an asado lamb, herd sheep with the sheepdogs, saddle up horses, and even shear a sheep – things I never imagined doing before!
My time at La Peninsula gave me memories to last a lifetime, and I can’t recommend volunteering enough. The concept isn’t just about giving back – it’s a way to truly experience a place beyond the tourist attractions. You’ll connect with locals, immerse yourself in their rich culture, and gain a deeper understanding of the world while make a real impact. Plus, it’s an adventure that broadens your perspective, establishes lifelong connections, and is more often cheaper than traditional travel.
Why just visit somewhere when you can be part of something bigger, for less?