Work and Travel Programs

REAL offers 4 unique work and travel programs:

To be accepted into the REAL Work Exchange Program you must fulfill the requirements, then your Application Form will be evaluated and upon acceptance you will receive an offer in one of our REAL Hostels in your preferred country.

Kinds of Work

Kinds of Hostel

Program 1 - Hostel Work Exchange

This program is for the budget backpacker that is looking for fresh adventure, a new way to immerse themselves in Latin American culture, to be the local and not the tourist and to take a break for a few months from the busy world or a mid-trip rest from all the traveling.

Most of our partner hostels are small family-run operations who are in need of English speakers to assist guests and Spanish abilities to communicate with staff members. Locally run hostels are always in need of business know-how and knowledgeable help when implementing new ideas (not only within the hostel but often times within the community). We believe that independent travelers from diverse backgrounds can find and create excellent applications for their skills and also gain valuable hands on ‘know how’ of how to run a hostel, learn reception skills, customer service skills, entrepreneur skills (in starting your own projects). Many REAL Backpackers also find opportunities to volunteer within the host communities in which they are placed. A project that we suggest for many of our participants is to help create a 'green' culture within their host hostels; initiating or improving eco-friendly policies and procedures.

Program 2 - Work Exchange and Ski in Argentina

You’ve done the Canadian, USA, Australian and/or New Zealand ski season and want to experience it all over again but in a Latin American culture and speaking Spanish!

REAL is giving you the opportunity to hit the slopes and have an extended skiing holiday in the breathtaking Andean mountains of Argentina. Argentina is known to have some of South America’s tallest mountains and the majestic Andes provide a stunning backdrop.

The ski season begins in mid-June and runs to October.

Placements in Bariloche and Esquel

Our Work Exchange and Ski in Argentina Program sets you up in a hostel in either Bariloche or Esquel where you will assist in the hostel in exchange for accommodation and food, while skiing in your free time! The program is designed so that you have the day free to ski for at least 4 days and work during the evening shift starting at 6pm. With that much ski time you will become a South American ski expert in no time!

Once you have been accepted into the program, your position confirmed, and placement fee paid you will have free accommodation and some food set for the duration of the program along with free time to ski in the neighboring ski resorts!

Please note that ski pass cost is at the participant's own expense and will be bought by them upon arrival.

Costs to Ski in Argentina

Cerro Catedral Ski Resort, Bariloche

Patagonian Skiing and Snowboarding at its finest. Cerro Catedral is named for its towering cathedral shaped peaks. Be stunned by the view from the top as you ride one of the resort’s 39 chair lifts before ripping down fresh powder slopes that overlook pristine Patagonian wilderness.

La Hoya Ski Resort, Esquel

Esquel is the powder hub of South America and little known outside of Argentina and South America. Thanks to its low profile the slopes and the city have a rustic charm. When not making fresh tracks through the powder, check out Los Alerces National Park and its amazing ice formations. A true winter wonderland.

Program 3 - REAL Patagonia Adventure Work Exchange

If you are looking to surround yourself with nature, relax during your time off without distractions of modern day technologies, and learn about the flora and fauna of a unique Andean ecosystem, then a REAL Hostel Work exchange at Refugio Neumeyer is just for you. The program includes:

Interested applicants should:

Facilities at Refugio Neumayer

The facilities are run by Adán, often with the help of his three lovely children.

What to Bring

Program 4 - Around South America Work Holiday

If you want to prolong your backpacking trip, get a ‘REAL local’ experience and have the flexibility to work in up to three Latin American countries, then this program is for you!

This unique program gives you the opportunity to participate in work exchange in two to three different Latin American countries of your choice!

You give us your preferred countries and we set it up! (final countries will depend on date availability)

Advantages

Conditions

The Around South America Work Holiday can be as flexible as you want it: Do your first hostel work exchange, take a break to travel around, and then hit up your second hostel work exchange when you need a break!