1. Interested in getting to know the community by volunteering?
- La Paz
- Journalism/photography/TV production internship through Bolivian Express (this costs money)
- Helping street children with Hormigon Armado, Kaya Children International, Para Los Ninos, Fundacion Arco Iris
- Habitat for Humanity Bolivia
- Combat poverty with CARE International (they have offices in several cities of Bolivia)
- Poverty reduction and childcare opportunities through Up Close Bolivia
- Sucre
- Teach English, build libraries, encourage reading with Biblioworks and INTI
- Childcare (these types of jobs can usually be arranged through your Spanish language school)
- Teach English through Fox Language Academy (and probably other organizations, too)
- Work at the local orphanage (but you must stay at least 3 months)
- Be a trekking guide with Condortrekkers
- Care for disabled childre with Centro Nanta organization
- Cochabamba
- Be a travel writer with Bolivia Online
- Childcare or teach English, often arranged through your Spanish language school
- Volunteer Bolivia has plenty of options in multiple sectors of society
- Sustainable Bolivia is a group of 35 nonprofits, all who are interested in volunteers
Bolivia Bella provides a list of other nonprofits/NGOs to work with also. There are probably many, many more opportunities. You just need to ask around.
2. Bolivia does not get as many tourists/backpackers as its neighboring countries, so sometimes the people here can seem rude. They are not really rude, they just are not accustomed to travelers, and don‘t exactly know how to treat them. So smile, move along, and ease the way for the next backpacker behind you.
3. Sucre is the prettiest city in Bolivia, and a visit to the country is not complete without a few days in Sucre. It is quite common for people to change their travels plans because they want to stay in Sucre longer.
4. It is really worth the extra money to shell out for a nicer, larger seat on the buses. El Dorado, Trans Titicaca, and Copacabana are two lines often used by backpackers. I personally wouldn’t recommend Titicaca, though. I won’t ride on that line ever again. Even though the others aren’t comfortable, at least they won’t break down!
5. Bolivia is a great place to learn Spanish. Their accent isn‘t thick and the prices are probably the cheapest in South America. Sucre, Cochobamba, Santa Cruz, and La Paz all have multiple schools to choose from.
6. This probably goes for most places, but find a cafe off the beaten path. Internet isn‘t good in Bolivia, so most backpackers go to cafes near the main plazas to eat and get their internet fix. It is worth your while to search around a couple blocks away from the plaza to find a cafe designed more for locals (fewer gringo prices!) with good internet.
7. Copacabana and Isla del Sol is definitely worth a visit. But it is better to stay on the island than the town. One night or two is enough to see everything.
8. Here are other resources we found and used during our time in Bolivia:
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