Volunteer Bolivia

[Image: Working on the roof of an Andean Mountain Lodge; 
in south western Bolivia - a community-based initiative]

Touch Lives & Give Yourself the Experience of a Lifetime
– Voluntourism Opportunities in Bolivia –

You want to combine leisure and meaningful activities. You want to share your skills,
knowledge and passion with others. You want to explore a destination, and also give
something back to a local community. You have a lot of enthusiasm and a positive attitude...

Bolivia is a great place to fulfill your purposes. Volunteers can help:

• Teach English to potential tour guides
• Develop maps, itineraries, activity schedules for tourists
• Assist in repairing the guesthouse and building additional bathrooms
• Assist with developing marketing and communication strategies
  for community-based tourism initiatives in Bolivia
• Recruit more volunteers to train other indigenous communities   
• Teach children English, Art, Music, Environmental Awareness, etc.
• Take responsibility for a particular project and see it through to completion,
  i.e. building a playground for the school children...

We offer flexible packages that allow you to combine tourist activities with volunteering
in Bolivia for a few days and up to 1 year. Our Volunteer Bolivia trips are for all ages and
are open to everyone. Groups are welcome.

VOLUNTEER TOURISM & COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN BOLIVIA

Dinosaur Expeditions

[Image: Footprint of a large Bolivian Sauropod; 
the scale is given by the backpack on the right]

Paleontological Expeditions in Bolivia

Let us take you to the land where time stands still ! Bolivia is a “Dinosaur Eldorado”
says Dr. Christian Meyer, paleontologist at the University of Basle, Switzerland.
Join paleontologists in the field for hands-on paleontological research in Bolivia.

Come explore the land where time stands still on our 'Dinosaur' (Paleo) Expeditions :

1. Bolivia’s Great Paleontological SITES – level 1,
   sampler trips for beginners and experts alike;
   
   
2. Bolivia’s Great Paleontological PROJECTS – level 2,
   sampler trips with an emphasis on exploration, previous
   digging experience recommended (although not a requirement);
   
   
3. Bolivia’s Great Paleontological DISCOVERIES – level 3,
   single site digs, experts welcome.

Our BOLIVIAN PALEO EXPEDITIONS are available on demand.
Ask us for detailed itineraries and availability.

Trains of Central South America

Train Travel in Bolivia – Natural and Cultural History Train Trips

Few thrills in the civilized world can compete with a journey on one of the few remaining great
trains of South America. And we can arrange for you to experience the ride of your life.

There are five trains in and around Bolivia. Traveling on each is a unique experience, enabling
you to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our railtours present a unique opportunity to experience the most famous trains that are still
in operation today in and around Bolivia.

• IN THE ANDES: Travel with the Expreso del Sur through the High Andean Puna to
  the railroad town of Uyuni and Bolivia’s great and spectacular Salt Flats in the heart of
  the Andes Mountains. Take the Andean Train along the shores of Lake Titicaca from
  Puno to Cuzco, and ride the Machu Picchu Train to the most famous archaeological
  site in south America.

• IN THE LOWLANDS: The Ferrocarril Oriental offers incredible vistas with the
  Misionero Train from Santa Cruz east to Puerto Quijarro on the border with Brasil,
  and with the Chaqueño Train south, to Yacuiba on the border with Argentina.

Train equipment ranges from refurbished "nostalgic" carriages to modern air-conditioned
observation cars. Some railtours include full meal service and sightseeing tours.

Year round departures. Travel BOLIVIA... BY TRAIN !

Photographic Expeditions

Combining the Art of Photography & Travel

Be at the right place at the right time! If you focus anywhere between Nature, Local Culture,
and Scenic Photography in the heart of South America we will be happy to help you with your
Special Project. Your story may cover any subject in the following geographic areas :

• Amazonia and the Lowlands in general
• Inter-Andean Valleys and Colonial Cities
• The High Andes and the Altiplano

On a Bolivian Photo Expedition, photography comes first! So your itinerary is likely to have a
specific photographic focus (e.g. native people of the Andes, wildlife in the Amazon, etc.).
Your itinerary is unique and custom designed for photography—we've chosen the best time of
year, built in extra time and repeat visits to key places. Early morning and late evening are the
best times for photography—making for long but productive days.

In our opinion, there is no bad season for photography in Bolivia. Each has it's own particular
magic, charm, and photographic opportunities. Transportation is in go-anywhere, stop anytime
vans because the best pictures are often just waiting alongside the road.

Important: We do not offer photography lessons. We expect you to have the necessary
knowledge on photography, and carry the adequate equipment. We believe you know your
camera well enough, and will let you work intimately. As for the rest, we will take you to the
right place at the right time, for the best exposure according to your unique Special
PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT.

Small Group Travel

For those Price-Minded Travelers

Ground operations are priced differently for different markets, according to
the level of services and logistics involved, and a variety of other factors such as
time of year, group size, hotel category, overland transfers vs flights, meals, etc.

So Fremen Tours has built a network of carefully chosen service providers
all over Bolivia. We scour this part of the world looking for the best prices on
travel services between hundreds of destinations and activities. Then we pass
the savings on to you!

But if you are looking for further bargains, then let us guide you through the best
places at the best prices in and around Bolivia. Fixed departure dates enable us to
form medium sized groups of travelers sharing a common interest for the natural
beauty and cultural diversity Bolivia has to offer. It’s worth the savings!

Our groups are not too big, not too small—you will travel with no more than
11 travel companions—guaranteed! So if you enjoy traveling with like-minded
people you will certainly love these trips:

DISCOVER BOLIVIA — 13-day trip:

Santa Cruz – Colonial Cities of Sucre and Potosi – Tarabuco Indian Market –
Cerro Rico Indian Mines – Salar de Uyuni – Laguna Colorada & Laguna Verde –
La Paz – Lake Titicaca – Island of the Sun

Optional extensions are available.       Departures opening: NOW

Genesis of the Andean Culture

The legendary Inca civilization is only the tip of the iceberg that covers so many other
pre-Columbian cultures including Tiwanaku, Chiripa, Wankarani...

It is difficult to present a timeline of Bolivia’s civilizations for none of them possessed
a writing system, and thus our knowledge depends exclusively on archaeological
excavations, including a plethora of artifacts (ceramics, textiles, etc.) that fortunately
provide detailed descriptions of daily life.

Check our exclusive GENESIS OF THE ANDEAN CULTURE expeditions featuring
Lake Titicaca & Tiwanaku en route to Cuzco - Machu Picchu.

You will enjoy visiting a number of of community-based tourism initiatives on the way.
With many opportunities to customize your stay, Genesis of the Andean Culture is
creatively designed and perfectly customized to give you an authentic look at Peru &
Bolivia, its people and the daily life in the Andes. Ask us for details.

Andean Spirituality

[Image: Daniel Caballero]

The presently ruling Evo Morales is the first Indian leader of the country for the
last 500 years (image: right, dressed in white). Here at Tiwanaku ceremonial site
the President pays homage in three languages, Aymara, Quechua, and Spanish,
to the ancient worship of Pachamama—Mother Earth or female spirit of Nature.

The Bolivian constitution formalizes the belief system of the indigenous people
of the Andes, and even the Bolivian law states of Mother Earth: “She is sacred,
fertile and the source of life that feeds and cares for all living beings in her womb.
She is in permanent balance, harmony and communication with the cosmos.
She is comprised of all ecosystems and living beings and their self-organization.”
(translated from Spanish)

Woven through the pre-inca culture is a rich Andean-Catholic tradition, which
has incorporated some elements of Bolivia’s ancient shamanic practices.
Although many ancient monasteries were destroyed and religious expression
was severely curtailed during the colonial purges of the 18th century, Bolivia’s
spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of spirituality began in 1825
when Bolivia became independant.

Priceless artifacts, which were hidden for safekeeping, are now being exposed in
museums as well as in local homes. Today, Bolivia is home to some of the finest
collections of South American art and artifacts found in the continent. A highlight
of any trip is the beautiful artistry of the traditional weavers and the haunting
shamanic offerings of the Yatiri wisemen and Kallawaya medicine men of the Andes.

Indigenous Peoples of Bolivia

ANTHROPOLOGY & CROSS-CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS

Relatively unchanged for centuries, Bolivia has one of the last remaining family-based,
indigenous cultures in the world.

Go beyond the sterile, homogeneous international tourism that lures most tourists, to a
land that can only be truly experienced by meeting the local people. Visit the homes of
our Bolivian friends in remote villages, joining in family rites of passage, sacred rituals
and spectacular temple or open air ceremonies. Consult with renowned traditional healers
and Aymara priests, or explore romantic, little-known antiquities along hidden Andean roads.

Bolivian Festivals & Native Events

– on demand –
Bolivian Traditions from the Insider's Point of View

All Bolivia’s peoples contribute to the outstanding diversity and richness of Bolivia’s civilizations
and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of the country. If you're looking for exotic
festivities and native folklore to add colorful traditions to your South American travel experience,
you've come to the right place.

Our tours are designed to be interactive and to engage the traveler in the dynamics and energy
of the Bolivian festivities. Our programs are offered throughout the year and give an opportunity
to experience the dynamics and energy of the Bolivian festivities from the insider's point of view. 

Oruro Carnival, San Ignacio de Moxos Festival, Religious Festivals of the Jesuit Missions,
Festival of Gran Poder... and many other BOLIVIAN FIESTAS – the best of South American
Folklore, Andes & Amazonia.

Arts, Crafts & Textiles

Cultural expression, fueled by tourism, is manifested in a variety of mediums,
from woodcarving, weaving and painting to music, song and dance. Ancient crafts
have been handed down through generations of Bolivians including textile art,
and handcrafted silver work.

Join us at exquisite folk performances, in artisans studios, or meet with leading
dancers, musicians, and mask carvers for personal instruction. Reflected
throughout both traditional and modern art and music is a sense of profound
connection with the land and appreciation of the country’s incredible natural beauty.

Archaeology / History

Magnificent archaeological sites and striking colonial cities

Bolivia’s legacy of the past is imposing, including reminders of antiquity like
Tiwanaku, numerous pre- Columbian paved footpaths, and countless other
architectural sites such as the fortress of Samaipata and the ruins at Incallajta,
hidden in the depths of the Andes or the darkest reaches of the jungle.

...And if that is not enough, consider the dozens of colonial architectural
wonders, such as the city-monuments Sucre and Potosi, the 18th century 
Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, all declared Heritage of Humanity cultural
sites by the UNESCO.

4-Wheel-Drive Expeditions

Off the beaten track there's no track at all!

Explore the White Deserts of UYUNI SALT FLATS in south-western Bolivia.
Drive along eerie landscapes of volcanoes and colored deserts.
Look for rare species of flamingos living in the red waters of LAGUNA COLORADA.
Reach the turquoise waters of LAGUNA VERDE in the southern tip of the Bolivian Andes...

Bolivia, a Bird’s Eye View

BIRDWATCHING in Bolivia

Bolivia houses the world’s biggest birdlist for a land-locked country, with
over 1,300 bird species – over 40 percent of South America's bird diversity.

Numerous spectacular species are expected to be found in this birders' paradise.
Observing over 400 bird species is not an unreasonable expectation for a 15- to
18-day trip, including 12 to 15 endemics!

National Parks & Wildlife Viewing

Since the 1939 inauguration of Sajama National Park, several dozen territories have been
declared protected areas, in response to the ever increasing concern for better conserving
the Bolivia's natural patrimony.

Here is to name a few : Sajama, Cotapata, Ulla-Ulla (Cordillera de Apolobamba), Madidi,
Pilon Lajas, Isiboro-Sécure, Carrasco, Amboró, Noel Kempff Mercado...

Jungle Lodges & Rainforest Walks

Stay in comfortable rainforest lodges while exploring the wonders of the Bolivian Amazon.
Birds of flaming colors, glistening waterfalls, and places of uncommon beauty await you at
our selected ecolodges and rainforest hotels.

Hikes and Treks

Bolivia has loads of unspoiled NATIONAL PARKS and
spectacular, little frequented PRE-COLUMBIAN TRAILS.

In addition to the world famous Machupicchu Trail,
come join us in Bolivia on the Takesi Trail, Choro Trek,
Yunga Cruz Trail, Apolobamba Trek...

Some of our favorites include the lesser known hike to
Ciudad de Piedra, and our special Andean trek through
the clouds down to Carrasco National Park.

The Upper Amazon Basin

Amazon Rivers
Explore the seasonally FLOODED FORESTS of the Bolivian Amazon with the
Reina de Enin Riverboat Cruise & Trek. One only has to travel as far as the
open-air veranda that fronts each cabin to enjoy a private slice of paradise.

Amazon Watersheds
Take advantage of AMBORO & CARRASCO National Parks' easy access.
Also this part of the upper Amazon basin provides great wildlife viewing
opportunities and many rainforest walks.

Amazon Frontiers
Join us on this journey to two of the last remaining nature and wildlife
sanctuaries on our planet. Discover NOEL KEMPFF MERCADO National
Park's imposing waterfalls and cliffs, and explore MADIDI National Park –
Bolivia's greatest biological reserve alone is still bigger than Costa Rica!