The best accommodations Bolivia

Budget & Tips

Bolivia's hotels are not the most glorious in the world (most of the bathrooms, even in "5-star" hotels - often corresponding to international 2 or 3-star hotels - are old), but they are gradually improving. From 25 US$ for a double room, you can find decent hotels (mainly in Sucre but also in La Paz, Cochabamba, Potosí and Tarija). The "hostales", small family-run hotels, offer the best value for money, with dormitories from 10 US$. Even the luxury hotels are not very expensive compared to international prices (between 50 US$ and 100 US$ for a double room), so it is not a bad idea to treat yourself for 1 or 2 nights after a long journey in the Salar of Uyuni and the South-Lípez.

Bolivia has all the usual range of hotels in the big cities. In the countryside, it is more difficult to find medium category establishments, although places like the Yungas, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni and the Jesuit missions of Chiquitos have a certain tourist infrastructure... This progress dates from the last fifteen years. Moreover, the situation tends to improve with the development of certain regions and the construction, slow but sure, of asphalted roads (one of the main problems of the country).

Outside the cities, during a 4x4 excursion in the South-Lípez or in the park of Sajama, you will find without problem in the villages a bed for the night in a refuge. Prices are modest (from 5 US$ per person in non-touristy places, 5 to 10 US$ in more touristic places) but, of course, expect a basic comfort (hot shower quite rare, common toilets, sometimes dormitories of 6 beds to share).

To be booked

You will have no problem to find a hotel room in the big cities, even if it is better to book at least one night before your arrival, in order to avoid any additional fatigue from the very long journey and the shock of the altitude if you arrive in La Paz... It is essential to book your accommodation during the big cultural events, festivals and religious celebrations... Of course, for the most important ones, like the carnival of Oruro, the reservation must be made several months before the event.

For food lovers

In the big cities and the charming hotels, breakfast is usually a buffet where you can combine the western breakfast (American, English, eggs, orange juice...) with the Bolivian breakfast(cuñapés, cheese bread, coca mate...). Boutique hotels offer local specialties, such as exotic fruits in the Amazon and Oriente. Hostales and youth hostels often offer only a frugal breakfast. It is better to do as the locals do and eat delicious salteñas in the street. These are oven-baked turnovers filled with meat (beef, chicken or other), eggs and various vegetables.

Smokers

In February 2020, Eva Copa, then president of the Bolivian Senate, introduced a law formally banning smoking in all public indoor places.

Tourist traps

Please note that the 13% IVA tax (equivalent to VAT) in hotels applies only to residents of the country (Bolivians or not), and not to foreign travelers staying less than 58 days in the country. If a problem arises, don't hesitate to call the police or the tourist police.