What is the purpose of this trip?

This trip will immerse travelers in all aspects of Mano a Mano's work. Travelers will learn first-hand about the organization’s programs, by talking with Bolivian doctors, nurses, heavy equipment operators, volunteers, and villagers.  They will see and experience the need in Bolivia and the efficiency of Mano a Mano’s programs in meeting those needs. Mano a Mano's Bolivian staff will give group members an unforgettable lesson on how health care and economic development projects can be delivered—cheaply and effectively—in communities with very few resources.

We hope that by creating opportunities for groups of people to travel together, we will expand the network of people who have become knowledgeable about Mano a Mano’s activities, both here and in Bolivia.  And, when you return, we hope that you will be passionate advocates, helping us raise funds by telling the Mano a Mano story and/or volunteering in whatever capacity fits your interest and schedule.                                       
 

Rotarians participate in clinic dedication

Where will we go? What will we do?

In order to get a full picture of what Mano a Mano has accomplished, we will do several of the following:

• Visit clinic sites or other Mano a Mano projects in and around Cochabamba;

• Help with set-up of a clinic, school or similar project that is about to open;

• Attend a project dedication and community celebration;

• Meet and talk with Mano a Mano staff and volunteers.

There will be plenty of time for sightseeing in Cochabamba, a lovely, progressive city where Mano a Mano is headquartered. If you have other interests in social services or health care, we will try to arrange separate visits to prisons, hospitals, or schools.  You will have the option of traveling within Bolivia at some point in your trip.  Many travelers choose to take a day trip to the Salares, high altitude salt beds from which Bolivia’s salt is harvested. You may want to plan for independent trips to other parts of Bolivia, or perhaps to the Inca city of Macchu Picchu in Peru, after you leave Bolivia.

Where will we stay?

Mano a Mano will reserve a block of rooms at the Apartment-Hotel Regina, a comfortable, clean hotel off the main plaza with kitchenettes, continental breakfast, and in-suite bathrooms. Private single or double rooms are available.  There are many internet cafes in the area from which you can e-mail or phone home.

For purposes of an address you may use the Cochabamba address of 291 Junin – esq. Ecuador, Cochabamba, Bolivia (address of Mano a Mano – International).

How will we travel?

Mano a Mano will arrange air travel from Miami to Bolivia with American Airlines.  If you wish, we will work with our travel agent to reserve a flight from your nearest airport to Miami. Auto travel to and from Mano a Mano worksites in Bolivia will be provided by experienced, safe drivers. Travel during free times will be the responsibility of the traveler.

Is Bolivia safe?

Cochabamba is a safe, stable city. Bolivians, in general, are chivalrous and polite. The likelihood of any bodily harm coming to you is very, very low. However, Bolivia is also one of the poorest countries in the world. Poverty leads to desperation and sometimes to theft. You will want to be careful about your property and cash.