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Bolivian Photos and Stories

This web site was updated on September 13, 2009.



Join members from the Rotary Club of Chippewa Falls for a week of adventure,

comaradrie, education, and an opportunity to be involved with planning of your club's

future international projects. Your friends and family are welcome to join you.

In Memoriam Tim Johnson 1950-2008 Our long-time friend who was a member of the Rotary Club of Cochabamba/Tunari and helped us with many of our past Rotary projects in Bolivia. Tim is shown here during the celebration of the Rotary Buena Vista water project that was recently completed. This very successful clean water project is now serving over 1,500 people. It was a cooperative effort of several Rotary Clubs using RI matching grants and a model for future water projects.

Program Objectives

• Introduce Rotarians from around the world to the Rotary Club of Cochabamba, Bolivia.
• Develop relationships with Rotarians to facilitate future projects.
• Learn about the history and culture of Bolivia in order to implement projects
• View current projects and learn about future needs.
• Identify and develop alliances within the host country.
• Involve women as much as possible.
• Facilitate world peace and understanding.
• Follow up on the current Sivingani Water Project

Why Cochabamba, Bolivia?

• Bolivia is the poorest country in South America.
• Many unemployed people travel from other parts of the country to live in the moderate climate of Cochabamba.
• The Rotary Club of Cochabamba/Tunari has an exceptional record of completing projects. They are honest, prompt to respond, and are knowledgeable about Rotary International Matching Grants.
• Safe and comfortable travel arrangements for visiting Rotarians.
• Many people in the Bolivian Rotary Clubs speak English.
• Cochabamba is a central location to travel out to remote projects.
• Bolivia offers many opportunities to learn about the culture and history.

Past Project Accomplishments

The Chippewa Falls Rotary Club has been involved in projects in Latin America for over 20 years. The majority of our work has been in Bolivia but we completed numerous other projects in Nicaragua. Those included setting up medical and dental facilities in some of the most remote parts of the country, helping the country's only public dental school to modernize its equipment and teaching curriculum, and providing relief to families following devastating hurricane damage. Some of the projects in Bolivia include:

• Facilitating a planning trip that resulted in a Rotary Club from North Carolina initiating fluoridation of salt that is sold to the public (to reduce dental decay)
• Setting up six dental clinics to serve homeless and street children in Cochabamba
• Teaming up with several other clubs to restore an old horse stable attached to the public hospital into a modern burn center for children
• Setting up a dental/medical facility in the poor outskirts of town that is staffed with dental/medical students from the public university
• Constructing of an eco-toilet at a rural medical center to teach and train people about sanitation and health issues
• Donating of a heifer for a sustainable agriculture program
• Providing a play set at a health center for children to encourage mothers to bring their children in for health care
• Working with the local police to develop a bicycle program so the police can readily make contact with street children and help with their needs
• Joining several other clubs on our first clean water project for the Buena Vista area

Charms of Cochabamba

Cochabamba, Bolivia, a charming city of approximately 600,000, is located in the Yungas (foothills) of the Andes at an altitude of 8,430 feet above sea level. Cochabambians feel their city has the finest, most moderate climate in the world. This "city of eternal spring" is a favored South American vacation spot and an important center for exquisite Alpaca handicrafts. Cochabamba is also known as the bread-basket of Bolivia, a fact which is evident at the extensive local market and the many fine restaurants. Simon Patino, the tin baron who amassed one of the world's largest private fortunes, built his grand mansion in Cochabamba, Bolivia. It is now open to the public.

Who is Dental Seminars and Symposia?

Dental Seminars & Symposia, LLC has been providing annual international continuing education and humanitarian programs since 1979. After 21 years of taking dental groups to Bolivia, South America, and other parts of the world they are now focusing their international efforts on Rotary projects. Dr. David Crane, a Rotarian since 1982, is the group coordinator. This is a not-for-profit project.

Comments from Rotarians who have been with us in the past

"If you've never been to South America, a visit to Bolivia will open your eyes to a wonderous country and culture. The Bolivian people are anxious to work with their American partners to improve the quality of life for those who have so little. On the other hand, Bolivians are a warm and welcoming people, who are willing to share whatever they have, even if they've only known you for a short time. If you are looking for a life changing experience, be a part of the next Rotarian trip to Cochabamba. You won't be disappointed." Mark Baker

"I have been on three of Dave's trips to Bolivia and each one has been exceptionally well organized. Dave leaves little to chance. From the moment we meet in Miami until the day we return everything seems to run very smoothly. But the best part is the cultural experience. Because of the twenty-five years of bringing Rotarians and others to Cochabamba, there are so many opportunities to meet and interact with Bolivians on these trips. That's why I keep going back." Andrew Dane

"Water projects, making a difference where it counts. From my Chippewa Falls Rotary backyard to Tunari Rotary's backyard in Bolivia. The amazing things we did and will continue to accomplish together is boundless. Beautiful culture, people, and country." Jim Barnier

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Tentative Itinerary - 2010

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Expedition Cost

The package cost is $1,685 per person based on double occupancy of hotel rooms. This is subject to adjustment due to changes in the exchange rate, final airline costs, or unexpected charges from our vendors. A single supplemental fee of $196 will be charged for single occupancy.

Included
All air and ground transportation from Miami to Cochabamba, Bolivia and return trip to Miami. Hotel accommodations (including bottled water) with buffet breakfast and private bathrooms while in Cochabamba. Meals, tours, and activities indicated in the above schedule. Tips to baggage porters upon arrival in Cochabamba.

NOT Included
Airfare from your hometown to Miami and return. The package price is based on Travel Leaders making these connecting arrangements (airline schedules change, so we strongly advise you to coordinate all your travel with CVTS). Passport and visa fees ($100 that can be paid upon arrival in Bolivia). Airport and departure taxes (approximately $24). Optional activities. Most lunches and evening meals. Other food and beverage not included in prepaid meals, including any liquor or wine.

Deposits
$250 immediate deposit required ($175 is non-refundable); $800 deposit by December 15, 2009; Balance due by February 5, 2010.

Cancellations
A $175.00 per person administrative fee is non-refundable. Although Travel Leaders and Dental Seminars & Symposia will try to recoup your money in event of cancellation, some non-refundable fees may be imposed by the suppliers and can only be refunded if the space is resold. Therefore, cancellation insurance is highly recommended as an optional purchase plan.

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Our Official Travel Agency

Travel Leaders/Chippewa Valley Travel serves customers nationwide with a full portfolio of travel services. From leisure and cruise vacations to complete business travel management, their knowledgeable travel consultants know how to identify the best travel options for their customers. Travel Leaders (Chippewa Valley Travel Service) is celebrating 28 years of assisting our group with their travel needs. They provide exceptional service, outstanding value and take pride in their reputation in the travel community. All carriers and suppliers have approved Travel Leaders to make accommodations for you for this expedition. All tour deposits are placed in escrow for your protection until paid out to the various tour suppliers.

Optional Post Trip Activities

If you are interested in doing some optional activity after our stay in Cochabamba, please call Linda at Travel Leaders. She has had much experience with these types of programs.

• 2 or 3 day trip to Lapaz and Lake Titicaca
• Fly to Peru to visit Machu Picchu
• Layover in Key West for a few days
• Visit the Panama Canal

New Visa Requirements

All travelers to Bolivia from the United States must have a Bolivian visa stamped into their passport. This can be done when you arrive in Bolivia at the Santa Cruz airport. You must bring with you the following:

• A passport valid for 6 months beyond date of arrival into Bolivia
• An official size passport photo (2x2)
• Photocopy of official document validating your Yellow Fever shot
• A credit card for proof of financial responsibility
• Your airline ticket
• A confirmation of your hotel reservation (Linda puts this on your AeroSur itinerary)
• Completed form "Sworn Statement for Visa Application". Click here to download
(check "tourist" as purpose of trip)
• $100 Cash

Air Transportation Air transportation is provided by AeroSur. Travel Leaders will find the best airfare from your home city to Miami. Some business class upgrades are available.

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Smoking
No smoking will be allowed on any motor coaches or in meeting rooms during our expedition. Smokers are advised to limit their smoking while they are at high altitudes.

Special Note
All prices and schedules are based on rates and conditions quoted at the time of this publication, including foreign exchanges rates expected to be in effect at the time of departure. Such prices and itinerary are subject to change without notice.

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PDF Documents Online (You will need Acrobat Reader)
Travel Tips
Bolivian visa application form

For more information call:

Linda Schmick
Travel Leaders (Chippewa Valley Travel Service)
31 East Columbia Street
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 54729
1-800-826-6644 (United States and Canada). Ask for Linda Schmick.
E-Mail:

Dental Seminars & Symposia, LLC
405 W. Prairie View Road
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 54729-3382
Phone: 715-723-1662
E-Mail:

Travel Leaders (Chippewa Valley Travel Service, Inc., CVTS), Dental Seminars & Symposia, LLC, and/or their associated agents act as agents only for all services furnished as described herein and EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO PROPERTY DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER occurring during the tour or tours described herein. All tickets, coupons and orders are issued subject to the foregoing and to any and all terms and conditions under which the means of transportation and/or other services provided thereby are offered and/or supplied by the owners, contractors or public carriers for whom CVTS acts solely as agent. CVTS reserves the right in its discretion to change any part of the itinerary or air carrier or the aircraft utilized without notice and for any reason. The airline concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchasers of these tours and/or passengers.

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