Operation Fruit for Life

click for official website

"Operation Fruit For Life" is a program started by the charity Paramedics for Children.  The purpose of the program is to combat malnutrition by planting a special breed of hardy fruit tree at the homes of some of the poorest people in the world.  These fruit trees are bred to grow quickly and should produce fruit within 2 to 3 years.  We spent a couple mornings planting mango, orange and avocado trees at the homes of Chorti families in the mountains surrounding Copán Ruinas.

Chorti Community

 The Project is designed to be relaxed and intent on familiarizing the participants like us, with the families, their lifestyle and culture.  These people in general live on a diet of corn and beans.  The addition of fruit trees will add variety and compliment their diets for years to come.

Planting a Mango Tree

Chatting and admiring our work

We found the visits interesting and rewarding.  The lives that these people lead are so far removed from what we are accustomed to, that it is hard to believe.  Their homes are barely more than shelters from the rain.  They collect firewood to cook their food.  They dry and process corn by hand in order to make tortillas.

Chorti woman removing corn from cobs

About 4 months supply of corn.

Kitchen Stove

The people we encountered seemed shy and reserved, but ready and willing to help dig the holes in order to plant the trees.  It took a little time, but more often than not I was able to engage in some sort of conversation with them. (in Spanish)  The lady in the picture above chatted with me and explained the process she used to make tortillas from the corn she was preparing.

Members of the Chorti Community

Marco Tulio - coordinator of our daily schedule

The kids usually hovered around and were happy to have their picture taken with the blooming flowers or sometimes with one of us.  I got the feeling that we were somewhat strange or a novelty in their eyes.  Tourists regularly visit Copán Ruinas, but "gringos" like us seldom venture into the mountains to offer assistance and visit in a neighbourly fashion.  Despite their shy manner, we felt welcome, and the air of appreciation was definitely fresh and sincere.   

Paramedics for Children - "Operation Fruit For Life" 

I recommend it!!!!

Experience the Rugged Beauty of Honduras without roughing it!

Hacienda La Esperanza

Hacienda La Esperanza is located just south of Copán Ruinas. (Map)  It is a short 10 to 15 minute walk to the Central Park of Copán Ruinas.  If you prefer, a Tuk-Tuk ride will cost you about one dollar.  Copán Ruinas is the home of a Mayan archeolocial site, Macaw Mountain, (a bird sanctuary), and has many boutique style shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a local fruit and produce market.  You may also like to horseback ride, take a trip to the hot springs or the Zip Lines.  

Clinica La Esperanza

Hacienda La Esperanza was created and operates soley for the purpose of supporting the Indigenous Mayan Indians in the surrounding area.  Paramedics for Children is a charity founded by Roger Harrison which provides medical services at subsidized rates to the Indigenous, as well as purchasing and delivering school supplies to the children attending some 25 schools in the mountains surrounding Copán Ruinas. 100% of the proceeds of this beautiful B&B go to support the programs of Paramedics for Children.

Lower level grounds

View from porch

We stayed at the Hacienda and enjoyed every minute of our time there.  The room was spacious and clean.  The plumbing was up to north American standards which was a plus.  Hot water, large showers and nice beds made the stay quite comfortable.  Each morning, I enjoyed a coffee while watching a variety of colorful native birds perch in the trees or take a drink from the fountain.  Watching the cattle go up the road to pasture along the river and listening to the birds singing made for a relaxing environment.  We enjoyed the Baleadas, Pancakes or "Tipico" style breakfasts that were served.  The Staff was friendly and Roger made sure we had everything we needed.

If you plan to explore the beauty in and around Copán Ruinas,  I would recommend staying at Hacienda La Esperanza.  I was satisfied not only with the accomodations, but happy that I was contributing to well being of the Indigenous community that lacks so much in Honduras.  Rooms are limited, and  reservations must be made in advance.  Click Here for more info.  Hope you enjoy your stay as much as I did.  Happy travelling!!!