Description

The Andes and Amazon region of Bolivia is defined by breathtaking contrasts and unimaginable cultural and natural beauty. Diving from the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, over twenty thousand feet to the steamy lush canopy of the Amazon rainforest, the region challenges and inspires travelers to expose themselves to the wisdom and strength of their surroundings. In isolated valleys of the Andean highlands, we partake in the profound joy and simple grace that characterizes communal life amongst the Quechua and Aymara cultures while introducing cultural ecological relations and studying Spanish Language. Moving to the colonial city of La Paz we meet with political and NGO leaders, turning our attention to critical challenges and valiant strategies for community development and political representation. Heading out of the mountains we open seldom trodden pathways to the Amazon, learning about the majesty of this unique ecosystem and the compelling need for sustainable cultural and environmental conservation strategies before settling back into La Paz to conclude our epic adventure. Our journey takes us to the mountains and forests that make up the maps edge, highlighting unparalleled trekking and wilderness exploration, rural home-stays, examination of indigenous rights, and the opportunity to hone Spanish Language skills.

Highlights

Following is a sample itinerary for Dragons Bolivia: Diversity and Development Summer Abroad Program. Our sample itineraries are based on past courses; in order to meet instructor team goals, as well as the goals and interests of particular student groups, future itineraries are subject to change.

Week One:
Arrive in Miami; fly to La Paz; acclimatization in La Paz while discovering local markets; service learning with local children's group; introduction to Bolivian history and contemporary issues from local experts; day hikes.

Week Two:
Sorata: Home-stay in gorgeous mountain village; service learning and daily activities with local youth association; Spanish Language clases and introduction to contemporary indigenous political issues; opportunities to study Andean music, traditional Aymara weaving. Cordillera Real: Breathtaking trek through the heart of the Bolivian Andes. Focus on cultural ecology, traditional farming, and medicinal plants.

Weeks Two - Three:
Cordillera Apolobamba: Rural homestays and in the most remote corner of the Bolivian Andes; learn about Kallawaya (medicine men) culture and traditional healing practices; trek 6 days over 16,000-ft passes on the same trails still used by the Kallawayas; introduction to high alpine ecology; discussions of rural and urban poverty; learn expedition behavior and backcountry navigation.

Weeks Four - Five:
Amazon basin: Descend along the Camino del Oro through the cloud forests and into one of the world's most biologically diverse areas; introduction to rainforest ecology with local NGOs; development and environmental conservation. Extended service project with indigenous Amazon community.

Week Six:
La Paz, Lake Titicaca and Tiahuanaco: Visit ruins; work with theater groups, women’s rights groups, political activists, orphanages and other NGOs.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• Camping
• Cooking
• Environmental Studies
• Homestay
• Language Immersion
• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Type of Programs

• High School Study Abroad
• Adventure Travel
• Language Immersion
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• Spanish

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

6,950

Program Fees Include:

Tuition includes everything except international flight medical insurance and small personal expenses (personal calls home personal snacks aside from meals laundry services, email/internet cafes, etc.)

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Where There Be Dragons's Mission Statement

Dragons programs are authentic, rugged and profound learning adventures that expose the beautiful and complex realities of the countries in which we travel. Featuring extended itineraries, Dragons programs encourage deep immersion into strikingly different physical and cultural landscapes, combining the best in experiential education, travel, service learning, and physically and intellectually challenging experiences. While programs vary in their focus - with some trekking and wilderness intensive, others strong on service and development studies, and still others language-oriented - all Dragons journeys are designed above all else to be fun, safe and honest educational experiences.

Year Founded

1993