The Loose Itinerary

(Santiago, Chile)

Its two weeks until I board a plane in Denver bound for Santiago, Chile (connecting in Toronto, ugh!). I have four nights reserved at the Plaza de Armas Hostel right in the heart of Santiago, Chile. I have absolutely no plans for my time in Chile. As it stands, I will probably stay for a couple nights before catching a bus over the Andes into Mendoza, Argentina.

The bus ride from Santiago, Chile to Mendoza, Argentina is suppose to be a beautiful ride. Barring any extended hold up at customs (wishful thinking, from what I've read), the ride takes 8 hours. While most bus companies provide very luxurious sleeper buses for typically just over $20, it is advisable to get a front row seat and travel during the day so as to not miss the amazing views (see above).

(General San Martin Park, Mendoza, Argentina)

Next, I will spend several days in Mendoza, Argentina. The city (and province also called Mendoza) is considered the wine capital of the country and the continent. After a couple days in Mendoza, I hop another bus down to the city of Tunuyan to head out to my first farm. Below is the preview of the first farm:

Type of property: Organic farm
Size (ha): 7
Cultivos: pear, apples, grapes, and medicinal herbs.
We speak: English, Spanish, Italian and Japanese
Description: Welcome to our volunteer program!
The farm is located about 15 kms from the turistic city of Tunuyan. All that the city has to offer is within easy reach, like the shopping area, supermarkets, hotels, hospital, etc. We are working in a project to create a holistic organic farm/retreat center with a program based on spirituality and respect for animals, nature and environment. The farm is located in seven hectares of beautiful land which are located near the Andes mountains in a rich soil area which is suitable for the growing of apples, pears, cherries, grapes, tomatoes and more. It has an old adobe house. We offer a splendid natural scenery to stay. Use of organic fruits and vegetables from the farm. Fresh mineral water. Simple accommodation. Free Buddhist teachings, meditation, yoga, natural cooking. Also in the area you can practice outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, biking. We are looking for people with knowledge/skills in organic farming, construction, permaculture, carpentry, ect...etc... as well as people who can put their whole hearts to this project. If you feel you have a contribution to this type of environment and to our project please send your CV.
Accomodation: basic accommodation in the old adobe house.
The land has lots of space for camping and you can bring your own tent as well.
Maximun number of people admited each time: 25 people
Food: Vegetarian meals. Meals are made and eaten in group. Light evening meals.
Volunteers are expected to follow some simple internal rules according to Buddhist values.
We are: Organic farm and retreat center which is part of the Tibetan Buddhist monastery project “La Joya del Sur” in Mendoza.
When to come: All year round-Starting November 2009
Additional comments: This project will support several social programs in order to benefit the local community.

I currently plan on staying at the above farm for 3 weeks. After talking to the owner of the second farm I am going to (and a simple read over of the description), the first farm seems to be quite idyllic. From what I gather its not much of an actual farm i.e. only one shovel on site. However, so long as they feed me two meals a day and give me a plot to set up my tent, I will be a happy camper (pun intended).

Next, I will shoot back north to the city of Mendoza to attend La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia. It is the national wine harvest festival and carries on for two weeks culminating during the first weekend of March. After a weekend of song, dance, and wine, I will bus it back to Tunuyan to head out to the second farm. Below you can find the preview of the farm as posted on the WWOOF website or head to the farm's blog for more information and pictures.

Small farm started just 1 yr ago. Beautiful tranquil area near Andes, 1 hour south of Mendoza. Bordered by two other organic WWOOF farms and swimmer friendly ditches. Basic, clean accommodations, composting toilet, solar shower, functional kitchen. Looking for help with construction of a passive solar off the grid adobe house and large, organic garden with fruit trees. Requesting volunteers with experience and/or strong interest in natural construction and gardening. Also looking for someone that would mainly oversee meal prep and clean-up. Strong work ethic and positive mood REQUIRED. Beds limited, tents recommended. Please give minimum 2 weeks notice.

My stay at the second farm will include a lot of natural construction on top of gardening. The farm is run by a woman (Margot) and her daughter. They have hosted many WWOOFers in the past and I look forward to getting my hands dirty with them. Below are a couple of pictures from their farm.