You may not know Jaime Mendoza.  To Vilcabambans, Jaime IS the Andes Children’s Foundation and the local face and the heart of ViaViente.

Jaime Mendoza first arrived in Vilcabamba 38 years ago.  It’s easy to see why he fell in love with this town.  The residents say it is “Muy Tranquillo”  which means “very peaceful”.  When Jaime first arrived in Vilcabamba, his home had no running water or electricity.  He had to ride his horse to a nearby stream to collect his water for the day.

Today Jaime’s home is The Condor’s Nest – aptly named for the condors that can be seen soaring in the skies above his home.  His residence is a 100 year old adobe structure, updated with running water, electricity, full kitchen and bath.  He recently added a guest house that can sleep up to four people.  Jaime’s front porch overlooks a stunning view of the Andes Mountains and the Village of Vilcabamba deep in the valley below. 

Jaime is a living history of the early discoveries that le to the development of ViaViente.  He was present when Dr. Morton Walker visited the region in 1981 to conduct groundbreaking research on Los Viejos or “the old ones”.  Prior to Dr. Walker’s work, scientists from all over the world speculated that the residents’ longevity was due to heredity or the altitude or the negative ions in the air.  It was Dr. Walker who discovered that the region’s organically mineralized water was a key factor in the longevity of the people living there.

Jaime was also present when Craig Keeland first traveled to the valley and when Craig returned shortly thereafter with Dr. Mark Pedersen.  It was on that trip that Dr. Pedersen found that the area’s Anti-Oxidant-rich fruits and roots also contributed significantly to longevity.

Everyone in Vilcabamba knows Jaime.  He is the revered Ambassador of ViaViente and the Andes Children’s Foundation.  When Jaime and his 20 year old son Adrian visit the schools in the region, they are greeted like Rock Stars.  Jaime is ViaVIente’s contact with the schools, continually surveying their needs and soliciting input from teachers and administrators concerning what the children need to enhance their educations.  Along with Craig Keeland and ACF Trustee Terry Minke, Jaime ensures delivery of computers, copy machines, school supplies, uniforms, audio visual equipment and much more.