Programs: The Sub-Andean World | The Sub-Andean Life | Tradicional Festivals
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Villa de la Independencia is the capital of the Ayopaya province in the department of Cochabamba and was founded on November 8, 1833. According to researcher Raúl Guzmán Tribeño, the town was given the name Independencia (=independence) due to its noble contributions to the liberty of the country, which at the time was under Spanish rule. The council of Independencia became renowned as a symbol for freedom because it had fought against the Spanish crown and never again during the War of Independence came under Spanish rule.
The region has impressive mountain ranges and a diverse range of landscapes, amongst them natural fog forests like the Podocarpus forest (mountain pines), Polylepsis (Kewiñas, highest forests on earth), Yunga forests (tropical rainforest at high altitude) where many orchid species of different sizes, colors and shapes grow. Many places in this region were already inhabited by the Incas due to its natural resources (fertile lands and precious minerals), and there is clear evidence of their settlement in the area like paths, walls, cemeteries and ruins. Besides the natural and archaeological beauty, traces of Spanish colonization like houses, streets, squares and churches are also recognizable. However, the Spanish past is most clearly demonstrated through the customs and traditions of the people. There are for example many traditional celebrations where colonial, indigenous, religious and mystical elements of the culture can be admired. The more remote communities have managed to maintain their culture and way of life.
Program “The sub-Andean world”
Participating in the programme the visitor will get to know the different Andean mountain landscapes and will be able to observe a wide range of microclimates and endemic forests. Just turning around a corner one can observe sudden changes in vegetation and landscapes. The programme will demonstrate the visitor this natural richness and the importance to protect it. The present ecosystems are at risk to become extinct, as they are very small and contain valuable resources that have often been exploited.
Requirements and provisions:
- Minimum number of participants: 3
- Variable duration of stay (at least 4 nights)
- Reception of the visitors by a project team member in Cochabamba
- Overnight stay in a hostel and camp in the country
- Food provided
- Camping equipment and machetes
- Trained local guides
- Public and prívate transport
This program offers the visitor the opportunity to experience the day-to-day life of Andean farmers of Bolivia, to participate in their daily activities as well as in cultural events, such as traditional celebrations, customs and Quechua and Aymara rituals.
Requirements and provisions:
- Maximum number of participants: 2 (per village)
- Minimum stay in a Quechua or Aymara village: 3 nights
- Maximum stay in a village: 5 days
- Reception of the visitors by a project team member in Cochabamba
- Overnight stay in a hostel or with a family in the country
- Food and attendance by the assigned family
- Participation in the daily life of the family and the community
Tradicional Festivals- 5 Days in Independencia
Telephone numbers: (591) 4403138, (591) 73789983
Fruit Fair and Fair of Santa Veracruz
May 1-5
The day of the fruit fair begins at dawn with an explosive cocktail called “Ambrosía”, a mix of fresh cow's milk with Singani. They begin showing fruit (custard apple, tangerine, orange, avocado, pacay…) and there is a compeition of the best producers. Evenmore than the fruit, each stands will have derived products (fruit juice, honey, marmalade, sweets, liquors…) and a variety of handcrafts.
Folkloric groups will dance to the rythm of traditional music sung by groups of Cholitas. After the producers' award ceremony, there will be a great party, popular all around.
After enjoying the fruit fair, you will visit the chapel on the day of Santa Veracruz. The festival of Santa Veracruz is an occassion to ask for fertility. The women ask to have children and the agriculturalists pray that their animals have babies and the earth produces fruit.
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Festival of Virgen del Carmen (The Virgen of Carmen)
July 14-18
You will be able to participate in the morning's solemn mass and the procession of the Virgen del Carmen with the participation of the brotherhood and the authorities of the village. You will attend the demonstrations and choregraphed dances performed by the brotherhood. At night, there is a popular festival in the main plaza but also in every house in the city. You will walk with a guide from the foundation and a local guide to the Pajchanti community, where you will find the cloudy forest of pine mountain. This forest is endemic of Bolivia, because of this it is very important, evenmore to protect rare species of Orchids, without mencioning the rarity of particular flowers. After a picnic, you will return to the village to enjoy the bullfights in the main streets. Finally, at night, you will continue with the activities of the brotherhood in the villagers' houses and you will enjoy this last day in Independencia.
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Festival of Todos Santos (All Saints)
1-4 de Noviembre
You will begin walking to the dry zone called “Las Vegas," where you will find many fruit trees and and more species of cactus of different shapes and sizes. In this zone you will find many rare species of cactus known scientifically as “Martin Cárdenas” . In the afternoon you will take part in the festival of the dead with the villagers in a singing competition called “Coplas” and also the "Hualluncas" (Cholitas' swinging competition).
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