Embark on a captivating journey to Bolivia, a vibrant landlocked country nestled in the heart of South America. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of its multiethnic population, comprising Amerindians, mestizos, Europeans, Asians, and Africans.

Discover the allure of Bolivia as we explore two or three mission settlements founded between 1691 and 1760 by the Society of Jesus in the enchanting Chiquitos territory of eastern Bolivia. These meticulously preserved historic missions were honored with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1990.
Delve into the spiritual legacy of Bolivia, chosen by the Holy See for Maryknoll to establish its inaugural presence in the southern hemisphere. In 2021, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers celebrated 79 years of dedicated mission work in Latin America.

Our journey takes us to Cochabamba, Bolivia, where we'll unravel the essence of Missionary Services Maryknoll. This program continues to provide invaluable missionary formation to the Churches of Latin America and beyond. Explore various organizations committed to mission, and delve into their transformative offerings, encompassing counseling, spiritual accompaniment, and the Laudato Si Program—a profound exploration of the care of creation and formation in ecological spirituality. Join us in embracing the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Bolivia, a destination where history and mission converge in a truly unique experience.

Immersion includes visits to:

  • Santa Cruz de la Sierra ("Holy Cross of the Mountain Range"), commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the largest city in Bolivia. 
  • The Cathedral Basilica of St. Lawrence, also called Santa Cruz de la Sierra Cathedral, is the main Catholic church in the city of Santa Cruz. 
  • Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos. Will visit 2 or 3 of the six historic missions mentioned above. Will learn about the history and methods of evangelization from the Jesuits in the 16th Century. 
  • Missionary Services Maryknoll in Cochabamba, the program through which we continue to offer “missionary formation” to the Churches of Latin America and beyond. 
  • Alpaca Wool Project. This project works in collaboration with a congregation of religious sisters, Hermanas Misioneras de Cristo Sediento, to sell alpaca wool and some artisanal alpaca crafts. 
  • School Tutoring Program. In three learning centers, serving 170 children with teachers and volunteers, Fr. Paul Sykora offers tutoring to children in a poor area of Cochabamba, Bolivia where immigration from rural areas is high and families from other cultures must adapt. 
 Immersion trip will also include:
  • Encounter and relationship building with individuals, families, and communities in the places we visit
  • Orientation to the social, political, and economic realities of Bolivia
  • Opportunities for prayer, liturgy and faith sharing
  • Daily reflections and faith formation activities
  • Ongoing missionary discipleship support and formation before, during, and after the trip

Participant requirements and conditions:

  • Acceptance at Maryknoll’s discretion
  • Participants must arrange and pay for their own air travel from the U.S. to Viru Viru International Airport and back during the designated time frame. In-country transportation will be provided during the trip.
  • Accommodations and meals are provided
  • Current passport with an expiration date exceeding at least 6 months from trip date and Visas as required. Check U.S. State website for more information.
  • International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
  • With a visitor visa, you may stay 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival
  • Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia
  • Suggested donation of $1,300 to cover trip costs (subject to change)
  • Participants must sign a Travel Risk Agreement
  • Non-refundable deposit of $300 due upon acceptance
  • If you are not able to make the full donation, please contact us to discuss whether we can help you make other arrangements, including assisting you with fundraising.
  • Trips require a minimum number of participants to proceed

Visit https://www.maryknoll.us/mission-trips for more information or contact Zahira Sandoval at zsandoval@maryknoll.org or (773) 493-3367 ext.263