The best accommodations Bolivia

Budget & Tips

Bolivia's hotels are not the most luxurious in the world (most bathrooms, even in so-called "5-star" hotels, often correspond to international 3-star hotels), but they are gradually improving and are not expensive. From US$25 for a double room, you can find decent hotels (mainly in Sucre, but also in La Paz, Cochabamba, Potosí and Tarija).

Hostales", small family-run hotels with a friendly atmosphere, generally offer good value for money, with dormitories from US$10 and double rooms from US$20. But they are not heated.

Hotels at around US$40-50 are charming, and have appreciable heating at 4,000 m at night!

Luxury hotels are not very expensive (between 80 US$ and 100 US$ for a double room), so it's not a bad idea to treat yourself to 1 or 2 nights after a long tour of the Salar d'Uyuni and Sud-Lípez.

In the countryside, it's harder to find mid-range and luxury establishments, although places like the Yungas, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni and the Jesuit missions of Chiquitos offer all price ranges. On a 4x4 excursion to Southern Lípez or Sajama Park, you'll have no trouble finding a bed for the night in a refuge in the villages. Prices are modest (US$5 to US$10 in the more touristy areas) but, of course, you can expect basic comfort (hot shower is rare, dormitory or private room without heating).

To be booked

You'll have no trouble finding a hotel room in the major cities, although it's best to book at least one night before your arrival, to avoid any additional fatigue from the long journey and the shock of altitude if you arrive in La Paz...

It is essential to book accommodation for major cultural events, festivals and religious celebrations... Of course, for the most important events, such as Oruro's Carnival, reservations should be made several months in advance.

For food lovers

In large cities and boutique hotels, breakfast is usually a buffet combining Western breakfast (American, English, eggs, orange juice...) with Bolivian breakfast(cuñapés, cheese bread, coca mate...). Boutique hotels offer local specialties, such as exotic fruits in the Amazon and Oriente regions. Hostales and youth hostels often offer only a frugal breakfast. It's better to do as the locals do, and eat delicious salteñas on the street. These are oven-baked turnovers filled with meat (beef, chicken or other), egg 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.