Where will I work in Bolivia?

About the location

Bolivia is sometimes called the Tibet of the Americas and is the highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics. Due to its high altitude, La Paz (where the project is based) does not get excessively hot. This cooler climate will be well received when you are hard at work on your chosen project. The dry season runs from May – August, which tends to be our most popular time for individuals to volunteer on our projects.

Bolivia’s highlands in the west are made up of the Andes mountain range are home to some natural wonders. For instance, Lake Titicaca on the Peruvian border is the highest altitude lake in the world! This lake is so large, that it takes 6 hours to cross by fast hydrofoil and is one of the deepest lakes on the planet. Down in the southwest are the “Salar de Uyuni” – the world’s largest salt flats.

Bolivians are renowned for their love of parties and fiestas which are a fundamental part of Bolivian life. These take place the length and breadth of the country with such frequency it would be difficult to miss one, even during the briefest of visits!

Accommodation

Your project is based about 30 – 45 minutes outside of La Paz, in a beautiful, semi-rural village called Mallasa (pronounced Mayasa). In Mallasa, you’ll be able to get a good feel for the Aymara culture and, as very few people speak English, it is the perfect place to learn or improve your Spanish speaking skills.

During your time on one of our Kaya projects, you will be living in one of the volunteer houses. You will be quite comfortable living here as each house is equipped with electricity, running water and indoor plumbing – not to mention that the houses are furnished to a good standard! You will most likely have your own room, however we would remind you to be mindful of the fact that you may be required to share with another volunteer during the busy summer months.

Local Bolivia food is easily available from local stores and volunteers can cook meals in the kitchen area of the volunteer house. If you’d like to eat out, then there is a pizzeria close by to the volunteer houses where you can grab a pizza for around £4 ($7)!

What to do in your spare time

In your free time, venture to La Paz, the highest administrative capital in the world! Explore its museums, colonial buildings and many craft shops, as well as its abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants. Bolivia offers a wealth of artisan goods. The Mercado is a huge market, stretching for blocks, where you can buy almost everything. An alternative is to seek out one of the smaller boutiques and shops such as the craft shop Comart Tukuypaj which supports artisans from poor, rural communities and cooperatives by selling weavings. Popular weekend options include 2-3 day trip to see the amazing Lake Titicaca or to the famous salt flats.

Pictures from our Construction & Animal Welfare Volunteering project in the Bolivian Andes