British Bolivian Family in La Paz looking for help at Eco-Lodge

Bolivia

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Feedback
101
Last activity
27/03/2020
Nº of Facebook friends
874
Reply rate
76.5 %
Average reply time:
within 20 days
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Description
Hello! We are a British-Bolivian family living in a beautiful semi rural village surrounded by the Andes, just 30 mins from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city La Paz. We have been recieving workawayers for over 4 years and for us and the people that come to be a part of our extended family, it has been a wonderful experience.

We only accept volunteers who can stay for 4 weeks or more - this is because volunteers live as part of our family and our community and is not easy for us to have a quick turn-over of people.

This is the place if you want to experience the real Bolivia and get a true sense community. The area is characterised not only by the stunning natural surroundings but also a blossoming eco cultural tourist circuit. There is great trekking, mountain biking, horse back riding nearby as well as a very vibrant cultural agenda.

My family and I have been involved in community projects for many years and we run an international volunter programme in our community and we have a new camping ground on the beautiful mountain side where we live.

We are a busy household and often have several international volunteers living in the grounds of our family home whilst they spend 1-3 months working on local projects. It is a very sociable and stimulating environment to share with so many committed people and we often have shared meals or cultural events which workawayers are welcome to join.

All volunteers must provide 2 references and evidence that they have fully comprenhensive health and travel insurance.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
Babysitting / child care
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Animal care
Helping with Tourists
Charity work
Language practice
Art project
Help with Computers / internet
Teaching
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live in a very friendly village on the outskirts of La Paz. You will get a true sense of community and belonging during the time you stay with us.
Help
1. To help us with the Camping and Eco-Lodge (minimum commitment 1 month)
In May 2014 we openned our camp site, thanks to the creativity and contribution of may workawayers who we have recieved over the past 2 years. It is build on the mountainside just below our home and has used ecological construction techniques (green roof, solar panels, wine bottle windows, recycled irrigation systems etc).

The help would include:
Helping on the reception of our Camp site and providing information, services, support to guests. - everyday
Support to general services and maintenance of the camp site and the volunteer houses which includes cleaning, watering plans, landscaping, making beds, cleaning the communal areas (bathrooms, kitchen) etc. everyday
Marketing and promoting of the Camping with local travel agencies, and in tourism places in La Paz
Give us feedback and input creative ideas to improve current and future services of the Camp site
Leading excursions for visitors to explore valley - when the needs arrives / demand of tourists

Terms: 5 days a week. 2 days Free.
Hours: 4 days: half-day shift (breakfast and lunch provided). 1 day: a double shift (breakfast, lunch, dinner provided). The shifts may vary from day to day.

Meals: See above - we provide meals on the days that you work.
There are several cheap local shops for groceries in the village as well as great local restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty meal for under USD$5.
Languages spoken
English and Spanish
Accommodation
We offer comfortable independent self catering accommodation on our land with access to kitchen and bathroom, hot water 24hrs, wifi, cable tv, comfy beds and feather duvets, hammocks and probably the best and most unspoilt views in La Paz and the mountains.

As the workawayers share living space with our other volunteers we need people who can are excellent at communal living and can respect the space of other people. This means that workawayers must abide by house rules and contribute to maintaining very high levels of cleanliness and hygiene.
What else ...
We cook for many people each day and it is difficult for us to cater for vegetarians and vegans - sorry!

We ask all potential workaway volunteers to send us their CV and 2 references that we can contact by email before we can confirm the work exchange.

Time Commitment: ideally 1 to 3 months for work on the campsite and eco-lodge

Age: Over 18

Language requirements: Basic Spanish (ideally) and English for work on the campsite and eco-lodge

We have 3 friendly dogs and a beautifu cat.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day 5 days a week

Photos

Our family

Show all photos

Gardens of our family house

volunteer accommodation in converted pigsty!!!

Enjoying a shared Family meal with volunteers

Feedback left by and about host (101)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.6)

19/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host

My experience here was amazing! I stayed for 5 weeks and I had a great time. Emma, Rolando and Bell are very nice people who make you feel at home right away.
I worked with Danny, Vaneza, Marcelo & Clara, who are all super nice and who helped me a lot with my Spanish (I will miss you :-) ).
I stayed in the Green House, which is absolutely… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Nancy)

Nancy is a beautiful person and it was a true priviledge to have her as part of our community and our family.
She worked so hard and showed such commitment - we were moved and inspired by her big heart.
Not only did she work so creatively as part of our team - where she was so very appreciated by all the team- but she also contributed to the… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Nancy) for host

I had a wonderful time (6 weeks) with Emma, Rolando and Bell. It was a warmly and welcoming atmosphere. The other co-workers, Marcello, Marianna and Clara are also very friendly and open minded people. I really enjoyed working with them and learned a bit spanish at the same time. You also dive into the bolivian and english culture, what I… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Tomoya)

Tomoya is AMAZING!
A five star ++++ volunteer!
We did not want to let him go. He is funny, charasmatic, chatty, socialble and within days was a much loved and cherished member of our family and our team. Not a day goes by since he left without us talking about Tomoya and remebering him with such fondness.
We are so appreciative of his kindness and… read more

(Excellent )

25/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tomoya) for host

I miss you team. Totally I can recommend to anyone to stay with them! I had a wonderful 1 month stay in there. Most importantly people in at the camp are so nice. As a description, you will work 5 days in a week(4days half day, 1 day full day) and 2 days off. And accomodation is great, you will have private room with cozy bed. When you are in free… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Anokhi)

Thank you so much Anokhi and Rebecca for coming to be part of our community and our family.
You both worked so hard and we appreciated your willingness to try new taks and to learn with us.
Both such lovely girls, our team miss and rember you fondly.
Wishing you all the best in your travels and your future.

(Excellent )

08/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Anokhi) for host

We volunteered for one month and it was the most wonderful experience. The work varied from cleaning and house work, gardening, building as well as seeing to guests. Emma and Rolando were excellent hosts, another benefit is their three lovely dogs! This was my first workaway and it exceeded all expectations. I learnt a lot from Clara, an amazing… read more

(Excellent )

27/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Coline)

Coline is a beautiful soul and we loved having her as part of our family. We were exctied about her arrival even before she landed in Bolivia thanks to her enthusiastic correspondence and she certainly lived up to our expectations. She has a wonderful positive energy and tried her best at all times. She learnt so much and really contributed to a… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Coline) for host

My awesome 6weeks volunteering here was the best begening of workaway (and also beginning of my travel in South America) I could ever had ! It was great to learn Spanish thanks to them! Then Spanish teacher are very nice if you want to go further.

You will get to learn directly local tips. Emma, Rolando, Marianita, Marcelito and Clarita are so… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Wojtek & Grażyna ) for host

When I think about our time at the village, few words come to mind immediately : excellent, warm, welcoming, fabolous, giant hummingbirds, friendly and comfortable. Those are just but a few, ' cause there's so much to be said about this place, the owners and the stuff. We came as strangers yet, we've been treated as family. We"ve come famished and… read more

(Excellent )

19/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Wojtek & Grażyna )

Grażyna and Walter, are warm hearted, hard working, funny, bright, clever, creative volunteers and great company. We loved haing them stay at Colibri and they were loved by my family, our team and the guests. They were open minded and open hearted to try everything and we really appreciated their flexibility and can do attitude. I would 100%… read more

(Excellent )

10/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Freja) for host

I had an amazing time at Rolando, Emma, Bell and David's! They're all great company and very helpfull. I spend about a month at this place back in april, and it was amazing. The work wasn't very challenging, but it was such an experience to be part of the local society in Jupapina. I learned a lot of spanish from the most amazing co-workers:… read more

(Excellent )

01/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Virginie & Mickael)

A fantastic dynamic couple who were cherished and appreciated by our team of local staff and all the visitors that encountered them during their stay with us. They were always willing to help and contribute creative ideas. Virginie inspired us to start making home made soap, sharing her skills and enthusiasm with all of us. Mikael is a kind,… read more

(Excellent )

01/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ingeborg & Ivo)

A beautiful family who are an inspration to all that they encounter in their quest to live and learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals and travel with meaning and teach their children.
Inga supported us by taking beautiful, sensitive photos of the community projects that we support and with the support of Ivo they made wonderful videos… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ingeborg & Ivo) for host

We had such a wonderful time at the camping, we stayed with our 2 kids in the Pigsty for 3 weeks. Emma, Rolando and Bell are wonderfull people, the welcomed us very warm into their lifes. We had the oppurtunity to visit all the projects and make photo’s and video’s for Up Close Bolivia and for the Camping. Ivo helped with the WIFI and internet as… read more

(Excellent )

22/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Axel ) for host

Je suis resté un mois au Camping, ce fut tout bonnement merveilleux. Le site est magnifique, et toute l’equipe du camping ( les propriétaires Emma et Rolando, les employés Mariana, Clara, Marcelo, Vari d’UpCloseBolivia...) m’a réservé un accueil chaleureux et amical. Les tâches sont intéressantes, j’ai surtout apprécié le contact avec les… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Axel )

A wonderful volunteer. Kind, gentle and so hardworking. Axel is appreciated by all our family and our team. He is always willing to help with a smile.
Thank you Axel. We are delighted you came to be part of the family.
We are going to miss you very much.

(Excellent )

13/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Michelle & Darik)

Such a lovely high energy fun couple. Michelle was full of ideas and creativity which really strengthen our volunteer programme, creating manuals and always looking for opportunities to give us very welcome input!
We love having them as part of our family. Happy Times around the campfire, learning to line dance and sharing special times.
We miss… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Kelli & Arthur)

A lovely kind couple with a fabulous energy. We feel enriched by the month they came to stay with our family. They are so creative and full of good ideas. They made a beautiful video of the Eco Lodge which we love. The other volunteers and all our family loved them as did the local kids in the social projects they supported in our community. They… read more

(Excellent )

17/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Kelli & Arthur) for host

My husband and I had a wonderful experience helping at this beautiful campground! The staff were all very friendly and patient with our limited Spanish. It was wonderful to live in such a beautiful part of Bolivia for a month surrounded by mountains! The property is very close to the city with easy access via public transportation, but we never… read more

(Excellent )

03/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Gemma & Scott) for host

We had the most amazing six weeks here!!! Emma, Rolando and family welcomed us into their home with open arms. We enjoyed the structure of the work and liked knowing our working hours and days off in advance (other workaways weren't this organised!) We really liked the varied work in the campsite and Eco-Lodge especially greeting the guests and… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Gemma & Scott)

Gemma and Scott are a brilliant couple and fabulous workawayers. They stayed with us 6 weeks and we only wish it could have been for longer! They were wonderful and very much appreciative members of our team, getting on so well with our local staff and our guests which really contributed to a warm and friendly atmosphere at all times. They are… read more

(Excellent )

30/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Melissa) for host

It's almost a year since my workaway with this place and I still feel so much gratitude to have been part of such an inspiring, kind team and learnt so much about making a community thrive. Thank you for the unforgettable experience!

(Excellent )

26/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa)

Melissa was a fabulous workawayer. So willing and helpful, always with a big smile on her face and ready to put in the extra effort. nothing was every too much trouble for her and we really appreciated her positive calm energy. She was especially loved by our local staff for her gentle nature and kindness, they continue to remember her with… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Holly)

She was only going to stay for 2 weeks - but we fell in love with Holly!
The whole family - even the dogs!
She ended up staying for 7 weeks and it was still heartbreaking the day we had to say goodbye - like losing a member of our family. We did not want to let her go.
Holly is fabulous! A true joy to be around. Boundless energy, constant smiles,… read more

(Excellent )

31/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Niall & Carmen) for host

This was our first work-away and we couldn't have asked for better hosts than Emma and Rolando, they welcomed us with open arms and we really felt part of the family the moment we arrived. You won't find anyone who will look after you better, from the welcoming feel to the 5:asterisk_symbol: accommodation and delicious family meals. The work was a… read more

(Excellent )

17/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Niall & Carmen)

Niall and Carmen are Brilliant people! If they apply to volunteer with you, do not hesitate. They are The Dream Team.
It was an absoluter pleasure to have Niall and Carmen join our family over Christmas and New year, a particularly busy time but they took it all in their stride and contributed to a festive and happy atmosphere for everyone who… read more

(Excellent )

26/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Verena)

Verena is a beautiful person and a wonderful volunteer, always smiling, always full of ideas and a great memeber of our team. She is kind and funny and a really hadr worker.
We wish she could stay for longer! It will be hard to let her go.
100% recommended.

(Excellent )

10/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Josepha & Marian)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

12/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Drew) for host

Couldn't have asked for a better experience with such a great family. You will feel at home and get a real sense of Bolivian culture. A big thank you to the Mendoza family for making me feel at home back in April!! It was an experience I will remember for many years to come

(Excellent )

26/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Drew)

An excellent kind warm good person.
Drew was an amazing volunteer and a fantastic person to have around.
he made the most of every opportunity to be in Bolivia and we loved seeing him fall in love with all that this country has to offer.
He worked really hard and was an excellent memeber of the team, enthusiastic, creative and kind.
All our family… read more

(Excellent )

26/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ramon)

Ramon is a computer wizard and helped us update our web page.
He is kind, patient and good humoured and we all enjoyed having him as part of our team.
he is a really hard worker and always worked with a smile and enthusiasm.
He got on really well with all our other volunteers and our local staff and became a very valued member of our team.
We wish… read more

(Excellent )

25/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Hennessy)

Hennessey is sunshine!
her energy and enthusiasm is contagious.
It was like therapy having her around the place. She has so much positive energy, amazing ideas and love to share.
She is a tireless worker, jumps at new opportunities and invests herself in projects with all her heart.
She was a complete joy and we were so sorry to see her… read more

(Excellent )

25/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jordyn)

Jordyn is a a beautiful explorer, teacher, searcher and it has been wonderful to be part of her journey and we have learnt so much from her. She has been an asset to our project, our tea, , our community and our family and we have loved having her stay with us. She has worked with such commitment, always with a smile and lots of ideas. Thank you… read more

(Excellent )

02/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Joseph)

Joe spent the Christmas and new year period with us and truly he feels like a part of the family. It will be hard to say goodbye to him when he leaves tomorrow. Joe is an brilliant volunteer, he has a great attitude and was a fantastic asset to our project during the 4 weeks that he has spent with us. He was flexible taking on new tasks, like… read more

(Excellent )

02/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Pete)

Pete is a amazing volunteer and we are so very appreciative of all that he contributed to our project, our community and our family. He was loved by everyone. He is a really hard worker and does everything with a smile and positive energy. My family loved having him around and enjoyed his conversation, insights and passion for learning and… read more

(Excellent )

21/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Danielle )

Its been wonderful having Danni here. She is such a hard worker and also full of postive energy and smiles. Danni has been helping us with our web design - she has worked dilgently to fulfil the task communicating clearly and with sensitivity to our needs. She is wonderful to have around and has been a real asset to our programme. Thank you Danni.… read more

(Excellent )

25/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Alison & Helene) for host

This was our first workaway so we have no comparison but I can't imagine a better experience. We were welcomed like family members and treated as such throughout our stay. The work is fun and diverse and if you have ideas you are encouraged to put it into action. Rolando is such a character and his brain never stops working, it's been a privilege… read more

(Excellent )

20/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Alison & Helene)

If you have the chance to host Helene and Alison - JUMP at it! They are amazing! What lovely people, creative, energetic, easygoing and so enthusiastic to contribute and share their skills, ideas and not afraid of hard work. And always with a smile. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They work hard behind the scenes, making bed, preparing… read more

(Excellent )

18/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lucy & Doug) for host

After travelling for 4 months, this was the perfect place for us to stop for a while. We were made very welcome by the family and the other staff, I have to give a special mention to Danny who was great to work with and clearly loves his job. The accommodation was more than we could of hoped for, nicer than our little flat in London, and we were… read more

(Excellent )

17/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Lucy & Doug)

Lucy and Doug are probably two of our very favourite workawayers EVER! and that`s saying a lot, considering all the amazing people that have come to volunteer with us over the past few years as you will see from the reviews below.
They are such hard working, creative, committed people. They both really made a difference to our camp ground. Lucy… read more

(Excellent )

17/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)

Becca is beautiful! Inside and out!
Feed her pizza, make sure she has lots of puppies to cuddle and she will be in her element!
Becca loves life and makes the most of every opportunity, including workawaying.
She was a wonderful volunteer and she really enriched our small community here with her constant positivity and can-do attitude.
We… read more

(Excellent )

23/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca) for host

It's so hard to put into words how incredible my experience here was! The family was immediately so welcoming and accepting and the living arrangements far exceeded my expectations. It was lots of hard work, but it was 100% worth it knowing that it was benefitting these lovely people. Emma, Rolando, Bell, David, Lizzy, and the 3 pups were… read more

(Excellent )

07/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Gwion & Nia) for host

An excellent workaway placement. Volunteers should expect good, honest, hard work in return for a thoroughly rewarding workaway experience - the setting and scenery was stunning and the accommodation first class. More importantly, the family, their fantastic team of staff and fellow volunteers made us feel right at home from the off. It was a… read more

(Excellent )

04/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Gwion & Nia)

Gwion and Nia are wonderful volunteers and we highly recommend them. They are great company, good fun, wonderful conversationalists and hard workers. They were only with us 2 weeks or so but they helped us so much with the construction of a new cabin for our campsite. We are very appreciative of them and remeber them both with great cariño.
We… read more

(Excellent )

03/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastien & Sarah)

Sarah and Sebastian are a wonderful couple. They are creative, generous with their skills and talents and very hard working. Sarah also has a wonderful sense of humour and they are both amazing cooks! We loved having them as part of our family for 2 weeks and we can`t recommend them highly enough! Muchas Gracias Sarah Mariposa and Sebastian.

(Excellent )

23/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas & Jade )

Tom and Jade are amazing, big hearted, giving people. They were only wwith us for a month - but somehow it seemed they were with us a lot longer - becasue when it came ot say good bye, we felt like we were saying goodbye to lifelong friends.
They are wonderful people!
In terms of work they were proactive, energetic and had a an eye for detail… read more

(Excellent )

08/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Thomas & Jade ) for host

We had an amazing month with Emma and Rolando, their wonderful family, gorgeous pets (we miss Lizzy!!) other volunteers and staff. It was a fantastic experience for us, we learnt a lot and got to spend time in a very special and beautiful part of Bolivia. I would definetly recommend this workaway and we hope to come back and visit in the future!… read more

(Excellent )

23/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Kyle)

Kyle is a gem. He is very funny and made us laugh - a lot! he was a wonderful addition to our family. He is a great worker too, and got along realy well wiht our local staff. He is very very very tall - and strong - but most of all he has a kind and good heart. We highly recommend Kyle and we are so pleased that our paths crossed in his South… read more

(Excellent )

23/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Kyle) for host

Emma & Rolando have a truly wonderful organization going on under their roof. With a stunning campsite, volunteers from all over the world living there to make a difference in the nearby town, and a loving demeanor, even someone like myself could feel safe. Having very little travel experience I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but it… read more

(Excellent )

02/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Simon )

Simon is a perfect workawayer, charming, friendly, always always ready to help and most importantly of all he does everything with a big smile on his face! How we will miss that laugh of his! We wish he could have stayed for longer. He was an asset to our campsite and the guests and fellow volunteers all loved him. He worked diligently and… read more

(Excellent )

01/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Simon ) for host

Amazing! This was my first time as a work awayer and so glad i spent it here. Rolando, Emma, Bell and David were so welcoming, they really make you feel like you are part of the family. Great accommodation, great food, great guests! Thank you guys!

(Excellent )

30/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (George)

George is lovely, willing to learn and to get stuck in. We are so pleased he enjoyed his time with us, we certainly enjoyed his easy manner and ready smile and he was also appreciated by our guests and our other volunteers. Thank you George we wish you well on your travels and you are welcome back any time.

(Excellent )

29/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (George) for host

An experience like no other!

From the minute I arrived, it was warm welcomes and a laid back, family atmosphere. Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience.

Extremely generous with working hours and the liberties while while working here. Working alongside Rolando, Danny and Clara. I practiced my spanish hugely and learnt so much… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Eli)

Eli is a unique and wonderful person, bursting with talent, creativity and ideas. She arrived and changed our lives for the 3 months that she lived with us, by enabling us to see how we can live in a simpler and more connected way to the planet, with the animlas and the world around us.

Eli helped us in so many ways, for example by helping us… read more build a wooden yoga room / lounge and deck area, which involved physical effort and carpentry and other building skills. She also helped us with gardenning, receiving guests at the reception, cleaning and preparing our tipis to receive people form all over the world. We loved how kind and welcoming she was to everyone, making them feel instantly a home and taking the time to get to know them and without doubt enriching their stay with us.

Eli was also a role model to the other young volunteers that live with us and participate in a volutneer programme that our family run in our community- Eli was always so generous with her skills - organising parties and making what are, without a doubt, the best pizzas, south of Rome!

She enriched out family life, treating us to home-cooked banquets from the Czech Republic and just sharing her perspectives and stories of life on the road. She has an amazing blog and is one of the best travel writiers I have encountered.

I am in awe of her Spanish and English language skills and her ability to express herself so beautifully in both languages.

Eli is a beautiful artist and left us with a gallery of wood-etchings of the birds that can be found in the valley where we live which we have hung in the new house she helped to build - as well as a beautiful portrait of our cat. They will also be a very special memory of her for my family.

Eli has rich experieince also working in summer camps with children and left us with ideas about how we could expand and dveelop our campiste in the future too. She is good working in a team and assuming resposnability but can get on and work by herself too without needing instruction. Everything Eli does, she does to the highest of standards.

Eli has a very special connection with animals of all types, she loved our dogs, the cat and spent time with the horses in the Equine Therpay Centre on our hillside grooming and taking care of the young horses.

I could write pages about Eli!
But see for yourself - of you are reading this and looking for a unique and inspiring volutneer - look no further. We can´t recommend her highly enough. Thank you WorkAway for facilitating these amazing encounters for our family with such lovely people who are so committed to sharing their talents.

Muchas Gracias Eli, te queremos mucho and you know that you always have a home, a base, a port in South America - you are welcome at any moment. We are waiting for you with open arms.

(Excellent )

18/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Eli) for host

Volunteering here was my first Workaway experience and I could not possibly wish for a better one. I have met so many amazing people there (both volunteers and guests from the campsite), I have learnt so much about Bolivia, its culture and traditions, I have learn a lot about construction and was able to put some of my own creative ideas to… read more practise.
This is the most beautiful campsite I have ever been to in my life. The unspoiled breath-taking views of stunning mountains around, fields of flowers with a meandering river in the valley below, the clear unpolluted air that all forms this magical harmonious haven of peace. It is the perfect place to get away from the noise and pollution of La Paz, while still staying conveniently close as well as a great base camp while exploring the beauties of Bolivia. After all it is number 1 on Trip Advisor for a reason and it was great to be a part of that and to celebrate it.

From the moment I arrived, I felt at home, safe and at peace. The feeling of being part of such an amazing family, the community, learning so much about Bolivian culture, meeting sooo many wonderful people from all over the world, campfire nights, pizza nights, movie nights, women circles, hikes, treks and travels with both the volunteers and guests who soon became good friends of mine, that all was part of my outstanding experience that made me stay much longer than I initially planned (and I was not the only one...)

It is run by a lovely and incredibly inspiring Bolivian-English couple Rolando & Emma, who both have been for years helping the local community on so many different levels, with assistance of hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, of all ages and all walks of life, with their organisation. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome and a treat you like a part of their family. There are incredibly kind, helpful and generous, doing their best to make your stay pleasant and unforgettable experience.

The work is varied from Customer Service, Maintenance, Admin, Marketing to Construction, whatever is needed at the time depending on current projects and priorities. Most of people who come to the Campsite are absolutely delightful which makes your work a real pleasure. It was also so rewarding to build a common/Yoga Room, being part of the project from the very beginning till the end and to see it finished and being used and enjoyed.

Volunteer accommodation is absolutely outstanding, comfortable, spacious, clean and well equipped. With WIFI, books, DVD collection, Cable TV, wonderful hot showers and much more.

It's nice just to chill at the Camp but there is lot to do around as well. There is easy and cheep connection to La Paz with local buses or you can take a taxi directly from the campsite. There are traditional Bolivian cooking classes and Spanish lessons available on site. If you feel like you can hike up to Muela del Diablo (Devil's Molar), the rugged peak you have been watching from the campsite - there are many different ways you can do it, you can either hike up, take a taxi or go on horseback, ask at the reception for detailed info pack. I myself hiked twice there from the campsite and back and loved it! Down below there is valley of the flowers and an Equine Therapy Centre you can go and check out. There is also the beautiful Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) close by and a the La Paz ZOO.

What I really appreciated is the flexibility and many opportunities to travel and explore if you give sufficient notice. Rolando and Emma are both wells of knowledge and very helpful not only when it comes to anything you need to know about your Bolivian trip, advises and tips on where you should go and what to do and what to look out for. I highly recommend to discuss your plans with them. They can also help you book the best trips to the Salar de Uyuni, the Jungle and Pampas, Death Road on Bicycle or various buses to wherever you need, as well as tip for great treks and adventures.

Depending on your skills and interests is also possible to join some of the Volunteering opportunities with them in your free time, where you can help at the Children Centre, Equine Therapy Centre, Transitory Home for victims of abuse, teaching English or helping at the La Paz ZOO.

Well to cut the long story short, this was my favourite place in Bolivia, I feel so grateful for the whole magical enriching experience and I really hope to be back some day.

(Excellent )

28/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca & Anton)

We have been hosting workawayers for years now and are constantly inspired by the wonderful people that come to stay with us - but Anton and Rebecca who volunteered with us for a month in September - October 20015, were in another league!

Anton and Rebecca helped us build a house out of wood and a wooden deck and they also worked on our… read more

(Excellent )

15/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca & Anton) for host

We spent an amazing month with the family and it was a truly unique and inspiring experience! Emma, Rolando, Bell and David were so welcoming and immediately made us feel at home. They were great at organising different activities with the volunteers, such as dinners and bon fires. It was like becoming a part of their little family :-) The work… read more

(Excellent )

01/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine)

Antoine is a wonderful volunteer and i cannot recommend him highly enough. He is hard working, charismatic and very easy to have around. He got on very well with all our other volunteers and was a greatly appreciated member of our team and our family. He was always willing and open to help with everything that we ask of him. He taught French to… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2015

Left by Workawayer (Antoine) for host

Je dois dire que cette experience en Bolivie restera un moment marquant de mon voyage.
Malgres le nombre important de volontaire passer par ce lieu, la famille Mendoza m'ont accueilli comme un membre de leur famille a part entiere...
Le camping est tout simplement incroyable avec cette vue sur les montagnes. A seulement 20 in du centre de la… read more

(Excellent )

20/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

I feel sad that Laura did not get a lot out of her experience with us. We tried our best to include her in our family and make her feel welcome. I think she has a good heart, but she is a very serious person, quite uncommunicative and solitary. I think it was a case of clash of personalities and expectations. Working with us is not an office job,… read more

(Neutral )

19/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host

Reading all the wonderful reviews here, my expectations were obviously really high and all the more so as I did a lot of volunteering before.
I spent a month working in the campsite and was overall disappointed about my stay for several reasons.
First, the shift hours were different from what is written here. I never had 2 days off per week: my… read more

(Neutral )

05/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Greg)

Greg was a wonderful volunteer. He is the ideal workawayer - so keen and open to learn everyday, happy to help and always with a smile as well as being sensitive, intelligent and great company. We loved having him to stay with us and wish he could have stayed for longer. He is a true modern explorer, travelling through South America by bike,… read more

(Excellent )

27/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (Greg) for host

I had an amazing seven week stay with the family and the volunteers in September/October 2014. Two months on I still feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to help out with a whole load of things at the campsite and to work on two of the brilliant projects. I look back at it as one of the highlights of my travels and I still think… read more

(Excellent )

05/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)

Marie is a really lovely person, thoughtful, considerate and a delight to have around. She was so helpful and always willing to help us with any job and willing to learn new skills. She was loved by the other volutneers living with us too and helped contribute to a very harmonious living environment. Marie is obvioulsy very skilled with building… read more

(Excellent )

05/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Janina & Nils)

Janina and Nils are AMAZING! They ust have been 2 of the hardest working workawayers we have had over the past 4 years! They had endless energy and enthusisam for everything we asked them to do, working their way down a list of taks in 4 weeks that could have taken others 4 months to complete. Nils is very handy with electricity and brought light… read more

(Excellent )

05/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Ross)

Ross is now family and we can`t wait to welcome him back later this year. He is a great volunteer, so friendly, always willing to help and to learn new skills. He is really easy to get along with and we loved sharing our Christmas family celebrations with us and relatives visiting from UK. We wouldnt hesitate to recommend Ross to future hosts. You… read more

(Excellent )

23/01/2015

Left by Workawayer (Ross) for host

Where to start? This must be on of the best workaway oppertunities out there! Emma, Rolando and thier family absolutely rock and I Learnt more about Bolivia from Living With them six weeks than I did in my six traveling around the country by motorcycle.

There are other Volunteers Also here from all around the world working on other projects… read more

(Excellent )

20/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (David & Beatriz) for host

Estuve en Jupapina en Marzo de 2013. Fue mi primera experiencia como workaway. Ahora después de mucho tiempo viajando y de trabajar como voluntario en otros muchos sitios, sin duda puedo confirmar lo que entonces sospechaba. El trabajo en Jupapina es el mejor voluntariado en el que he estado.
Primero por dejar todo bien claro a la hora de lo que… read more

(Excellent )

17/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Gilles) for host

To be honest, I don't know where to begin to express how much I enjoyed my trip with the family Mandoza.
I was a boy who had never made a real trip around the world. I wanted to do this trip to discover and also to emancipate myself but, like any normal person, I was nervous to go alone to a country I didnt know.
Thanks God, I decided to go for… read more

(Excellent )

03/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Gilles)

Gilles stayed with my family for one month. He is a lovely, kind, responsible person and it was a pleasure to have him with us. He is strong and a very hard worker, but above all, he is creative and has lots of wonderful ideas to share. We all loved him, especially my children - he was their hero and a wonderful role model. I would not hesitate to… read more

(Excellent )

20/03/2014

Left by Workawayer (jeremy) for host

We spent a magical four months here and could have easily stayed longer. Waking up to that phenomenal view every morning is just one of a million reasons to go, and stay as long as possible! Emma and Rolando are incredibly warm and welcoming, genuinely treating their volunteers like part of their family, even inviting us to spend Christmas day… read more

(Excellent )

24/02/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (jeremy)

Jeremy and Paula stayed with us for 4 months and we now consider them not only to exceptional, hard working, creative, enthusiastic volunteers but also good friends and part of our family. They were great company and it was wonderful to share Christmas and other family celebrations with them. Jeremy and Paula worked tirelessly on our land… read more

(Excellent )

03/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Viia)

Viia is a very special person and it was lovely to be part of her journey of discovery and adventure. She receives each new day with energy and a smile. She gives generously of her time and her talents and I think all of us who come across her on her journey are left richer by the encounter. She is young and so full of light that it is impossible… read more

(Excellent )

31/10/2013

Left by Workawayer (Viia) for host

I had a really wonderful but short stay with the family! Unfortunately I couldn´t stay longer than two weeks, and half of that I was sick.. However, I really enjoyed every moment of it! Rolando is very intelligent and hard-working man, and I enjoyed helping him in the garden. I´m not a professional, but it wasn´t so hard after all! Four hours work… read more

(Excellent )

06/10/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Judi)

Judy was a joy to have living with us, always smiling, chatty and full of ideas and creative energy. Her banana ginger cake is the best! She is generous of spirit and very caring as well as a really hard worker. A perfect workawayer volunteer who fitted right into our family and community. Thank you so much Judy for everything! To other potntial… read more

(Excellent )

23/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Jean-Thomas & Sara) for host

My five weeks in the project were more than excellent.
The place is beautifull, realy quite, and just 40 minutes from the center of La Paz.
You will have the opportunity to meet lot of people, locals and others volunteers.
You will have time for you, for visiting around, learning spanish or for working on other projects.
But first of all, you… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Jean-Thomas & Sara)

Thank you Juan Tomas for all that you have shared with us over the past month - you are such a giving person, always willing to help and be proactive with new ideas and tireless energy. It felt like you had been with us longeer than a month as you fitted right into our family and our community. We appreciate especially your work coaching the local… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (thibault)

Thibault you are so sweet and warm hearted as well as a really hard worker. You give 100% to everything whether it is working on the UCB volunteer projects or helping Rolando and his trees. You have been a very much appreciated member of our small community due to your generosity of spirt and energy. Thank you very much Thibault. We highly… read more

(Excellent )

31/05/2013

Left by Workawayer (thibault) for host

Thank you so much Emma and Rolando for this amazing experience.

I've been there as well as a volunteer with UCB and workaway. Such a nice family. I highly recommend this place. The job is intersting, you will practice your spanish while working with Rolando (he speaks english as well), and you will share the lunch with them the day you will… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (alain)

Alain you have been a star! Thanks for your hard work and always positive energy and ideas. We have loved having you as part of our family and we will miss you very much. To other hosts we would not hesitate to recommend Alain - he has shared so willingly his skills and creativity and made a lasting difference to our projects.

(Excellent )

31/05/2013

Left by Workawayer (alain) for host

my time as a workawayer here has been one the best experiences iv ever had. I have learned so much and met so many inspiring people.
Its a very social environment and there was never a boring day. iv worked and made friends with people from all over the world.
Being a carpenter and helping out with the construction of the camp site made me have a… read more

(Excellent )

02/05/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan David & Rosanna)

Rosies and John are the cutest couple. It has been wonderful to share int heri adventures in Bolivia where, after the motnh they spent living with us, they decided to stay and live for another year working as English teachers! Although they lived in the city, they were regular visitors and continued to share our celebrations and also looked after… read more

(Excellent )

01/02/2013

Left by Workawayer (Jonathan David & Rosanna) for host

We loved our time here! Emma, Rolando, David, Bell and Karen were incredibly warm and welcoming. It has been rewarding, interesting and most of all great fun to volunteer with the local community and with a group of enthusiastic and like-minded volunteers. We have just been amazed how ideas are made into reality so quickly. This is somewhere that… read more

(Excellent )

02/05/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Ella)

Ella is simply beautiful. Such amazing positive energy and that laugh! She deighted us with her funny stories and inspired us- Ella stayed with us 3 months and she was always willing to turn her hand to whatever we asked of her and also contributing incredibly to all our community based projects too. Ella we love you. We love your banana bred. We… read more

(Excellent )

29/04/2013

Left by Workawayer (Ella) for host

Thank you so much Emma, Rolando, David and Bell! I worked with Rolando and the other volunteers on their beautiful campsite for 3 rewarding months. It was so great to work outside everyday in the Bolivian mountains and on other projects in the local community. The perfect Work Away experience with fantastic food, lovely accommodation and great… read more

(Excellent )

31/01/2013

Left by Workawayer (Lorcan) for host

This was my first workaway experience and I couldnt have asked for a better introduction. Rolando, Emma, David and Bell are an incredible family and it didnt take long for me to settle in. The work for me was great. I worked alongside Rolando on the campsite most of the time. He is a man with a lot of knowledge, great ideas and I learned a great… read more

(Excellent )

05/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Lorcan)

James stayed with us for 6 weeks and he was an ideal workawayer. His warm gentle humour, great converstation and willingness to work alongside Rolando and also get involved in community activities / including amateur dramatics! - was very much appreciated. He is a lovely person to be around and was loved by our family and kids. We hope that we… read more

(Excellent )

05/09/2012

Left by Workawayer (Karen & Nick) for host

Emma, Rolando, David and Bell,
We loved you from the first moment we met you. Your positive take on everything, wonderful sense of humor, warmth and energy are to be admired. Such a gorgeous family in a beautiful location it was no wonder our month was extended to seven weeks. Even then it was hard to leave! What you do for the community of… read more

(Excellent )

22/08/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Karen & Nick)

What special people! Karen and Nick you came to volutneer and have become appreciated, and I hope life long friends. We turned to youboth not only for your technical skills but also for personal advice and support with our projects. Your warmth, honesty and love for life and new adventures is contagious and you were both an amazing asset to our… read more

(Excellent )

28/08/2012

Left by Workawayer (Regan) for host

Six weeks in Bolivia and I had fallen in love -- with the Mendoza family, the country, and each person I was able to get to know in the local community. The variety of perspectives and backgrounds other volunteers brought to the experience were invaluable and I am confident that this experience has something to teach regardless of one's age or… read more

(Excellent )

22/08/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Regan)

Regan is now part of our family. She spent one month with us over this summer and we all fell in love with her energy, creativity, passion for justice and openness. She has so many talents and we feel enriched by her time with us. She was amazing as tutor nanny for our kids with who she had all kinds of adevntures and also committed and giving,… read more

(Excellent )

21/07/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Dirk & FC)

What can I say? Workaway keeps sending us these amazing people and Dirk and FC were excellent in every way and imediately became much appreciated members of our family with their gentle humour, enthusiasm and commitment to working alongside Rolando on the camping and yurt site that we are building. They had so many fantastic ideas, especially… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2012

Left by Workawayer (Amy) for host

Staying with Emma, Rolando, David and Bell was fantastic. They are a really warm and open family, with heaps of interesting ideas and projects on the go all the time! We got to meet a lot of people through them and really get to know Bolivia a lot better during our 6 weeks there. They took our interests and experience into account and set up work… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)

Amy and Ryan stayed with us for about 6 weeks in May - June 2012. They were amazing, the brought so much colour and creativity into our lives painting murals in our home and also in our neighbourhood on the wall of the local school with the students. They worked really hard and we are just delighted by the results. They are lovely people,… read more

(Excellent )

15/04/2012

Left by Workawayer (Bethany & Ted) for host

Working alongside Emma, Rolando, David and Bell and meeting Karen and the other volunteers was a highlight of our South American trip. We learned so much from them and their kind hearts of compassion and stewardship. They care deeply about their land and their community, and we will always think of them with fondness! They have a very special… read more

(Excellent )

07/02/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Bethany & Ted)

Sharing our lives with Bethany and Ted was an absolute joy - we wish they could have stayed for longer. We will miss them very much and thier openness and energy for learning constantly from their environments and contributing to life and the people they meet during their travels.
A very positive experience and I would highly recommend both of… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2012

Left by Workawayer (Orion) for host

Lovely family and beautiful place to stay and work for a month, I was very sad to leave.
Mostly worked with Rolando and exchanged English and Spanish, I didn't realise untill I left how much I'd learnt!
Thank you Emma and Rolando for your hospitality

(Excellent )

28/03/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Orion)

We have really enjoyed having Orion stay with us, he is a gentle soul and a very hard and dedicated worker, always ready willing and able to work alongside us and local workers to build a new vguest house and also to undertake landscaping. He gets along with everyone. We wll miss him and we highly recommend him for other workaway placements in the… read more

(Excellent )

11/11/2011

Left by Workawayer (Dane) for host

I had a brilliant month staying with the family, very nice family and a beautiful place to stay. Very good place to learn Spanish as the Bolivians speak very correct and clear Spanish. Very good accommodation and food. (La sopa mejor del mundo).
Well worth it and a variety of things to do depending what interests you.
Thank you.

(Excellent )

02/11/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Dane)

It was wonderful having Dan to stay with us as part of ur family. He was full of enthusisam and made such a beautiful difference to our garden with his landscaping skills. He was funny, respectful and we will miss him a lot. I highly recommend Dan to other hosts.

Thank you Dan!

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 16833473364e

Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Bolivia Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in South America Family Bolivia

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