Cochabamba, Bolivia

A break during Spanish language lessons. Students took several weeks of Spanish while living with host families in Cochabamba.

On the way to the Chapare, the lowland Amazon area close to Cochabamba.

Fossils in rock near Cochabamba. The are is known for its fantastic fossils.

Botanic gardens had a good collection of native plants for us to observe.

We learned about coca while in the Chapare, including a visit to a coca leaf market. This was the first of many chances to try chewing coca leaves, as is traditional for Bolivians.

Visiting Carrasco National Park gave us a taste of the beauty and diversity of the Amazonian region.

Crossing a river on the way to the oilbird caves was an adventure.

Carrasco is known for its oilbird gaves. We were able to observe these rare birds.

In the afternoon we studied Bolivian culture and contemporary issues, by visiting organizations and hearing speakers. Here we visit a rural health clinic.

One of the current issues is the proposal to build a road through an indigenous forest reserve (TIPNIS) near Cochabamba.