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Where to Stay in Bolivia: From Budget Stays to Luxury Hotels

Bolivia is a budget traveler’s dream, offering a wide range of affordable accommodation options alongside more luxurious stays. Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets of La Paz, discovering the otherworldly landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats, or relaxing near Lake Titicaca, there’s plenty to choose from. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to stay, from budget hostels to luxury hotels across Bolivia’s major cities and tourist spots, so you can find the perfect place to match your travel style and budget.

La Paz: Where to Stay in Bolivia’s High-altitude Capital

La Paz is a city full of energy, perched at over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. Choosing the right place to stay is key to ensuring you enjoy your time there.

Budget: Loki Hostel

This hostel is a favorite among backpackers. It’s affordable, lively, and social, with regular events and a central location. If you’re all about meeting other travelers and don’t mind a party atmosphere, this is a great choice. Dorm beds start from about $8 USD.

Mid-range: Sagarnaga Hostel

For something quieter but still affordable, Sagarnaga Hostel offers private rooms starting at $28 USD. Located close to the iconic Sagarnaga Street and Witches’ Market, it’s perfect for exploring the city’s highlights. The rooms are basic but clean, and the staff is very helpful.

Luxury: Hotel Europa

If you want to splurge, Hotel Europa offers spacious rooms, a spa, and great service. The cost starts from $100 USD per night, and it’s known for comfortable beds and friendly staff. It’s located in the heart of the city near the main tourist areas, making it a convenient (yet more luxury-oriented) option.

Uyuni: Accommodation Near the Salt Flats

The Uyuni Salt Flats are breathtaking, but the town itself is small and primarily serves as a base for salt flats tours. Here’s where to stay when you visit one of Bolivia’s most unique landscapes.

Budget: Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel

For budget travelers, Piedra Blanca offers comfortable dorms or private rooms starting from $12 USD. It’s a basic but clean hostel, offering a great value and a friendly, relaxed environment. Many travelers end up staying here before or after their salt flats tour.

Mid-range: Hotel Palacio de Sal

How about staying in a hotel made entirely of salt? Palacio de Sal offers unique rooms starting around $150 USD per night. They also have great food and spa services. It’s perfect if you appreciate quirky, special accommodations that only a place like Uyuni can offer.

Luxury: Hotel de Sal Luna Salada

For a truly iconic experience, try staying at Luna Salada. This luxury hotel offers beautiful views over the salt flats, excellent comfort, and modern amenities. Rooms start from $160 USD, and the hotel is known for its cozy (and yes, salty) atmosphere. After a long salt flats tour, this is a place to relax in style.

Sucre: Bolivia’s Colonial Gem

Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital, is a charming colonial town that tends to attract travelers who are looking for a mix of culture and history. Here are the best options depending on your budget.

Budget: The Celtic Cross Backpackers

This small, laid-back hostel has a homely feel with dorm beds starting at $8 USD and private rooms at about $18 USD. It’s great for solo travelers with its social atmosphere without being a party spot. The hostel also organizes movie nights and tours.

Mid-range: Hotel Monasterio

Located in a beautifully restored mansion, Hotel Monasterio offers colonial charm combined with modern comforts. Prices start at around $55 USD per night. It’s centrally located, so you can easily walk to Sucre’s main attractions.

Luxury: Parador Santa María La Real

If you want something a bit more luxurious, head to Parador Santa María La Real, a high-end boutique hotel inside a former colonial mansion. With rooms from $125 USD, this hotel offers the perfect mix of history and comfort, boasting a historical courtyard, rooftop views, and an excellent location.

Copacabana: Staying by Lake Titicaca

Copacabana is your gateway to Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest lake. It’s a popular place for relaxation and launching tours to the Isla del Sol. The accommodation here varies from basic to high-end options.

Budget: Hostel 6 de Agosto

This inexpensive hostel, located near Copacabana’s main square, offers both private rooms and dorms starting at $10 USD. It’s a basic but clean place, with friendly staff who can help you book tours to Isla del Sol.

Mid-range: Hotel Gloria Copacabana

For a step up in comfort, Hotel Gloria Copacabana, located near the shore of Lake Titicaca, offers lake-view rooms with breakfast included for about $50-70 USD. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for something a bit quieter and more comfortable.

Luxury: Hotel Rosario del Lago

This boutique hotel is right on the shores of Lake Titicaca with stunning sunset views. It offers well-decorated rooms starting at $120 USD per night. You’ll also find an excellent in-house restaurant with local dishes and international options.

Santa Cruz: Bolivia’s Lowland City

Santa Cruz is a growing city with tropical heat year-round. It’s Bolivia’s business hub, but more and more travelers are discovering that it’s a fun place to explore. Here’s where to stay in Santa Cruz.

Budget: Residencial Ikandire

Located right in the city center, Residencial Ikandire offers dorm beds starting from $10 USD and private rooms for around $25 USD. It’s a laid-back hostel with simple but clean rooms and a great courtyard to relax in after exploring the city.

Mid-range: Hotel LP Santa Cruz

If you’re looking for comfort without too much fuss, Hotel LP Santa Cruz offers clean rooms with air conditioning starting at $45 USD. It’s next to the Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera, and it’s an easy walk to the historic center.

Luxury: Los Tajibos Hotel & Convention Center

For luxury seekers, Los Tajibos is the place to indulge. Rooms start from $150 USD, and the hotel features sprawling tropical gardens, a fantastic pool, and high-end dining options. If you’re looking to splurge during your time in Santa Cruz, this is the spot.

Unique Accommodation in Bolivia

Besides the usual hotels and hostels, Bolivia offers some unique places to stay. If you’re looking for something outside the box, these options should be on your radar.

Eco-lodges: Chalalan Lodge (Madidi National Park)

If you’re big on nature, you’ll want to check out Chalalan Lodge in Madidi National Park. The eco-lodge is community-run and provides the unique chance to stay deep in Bolivia’s Amazon rainforest. Prices start at around $150 USD per night, including meals and guided jungle tours.

Salt Hotels: Cristal Samana (Uyuni)

One of the most unique places you can stay in Bolivia is in a salt hotel. These hotels are constructed entirely out of salt blocks. At Cristal Samana, which starts at $160 USD per night, you’ll not only experience an incredibly unique hotel but also have a prime location to access the salt flats.

Homestays: Isla del Sol (Lake Titicaca)

For something truly off-the-tourist-path, try a homestay on Isla del Sol. Homestays are simple but allow you to connect directly with local families and experience Bolivia’s culture first-hand. Many families charge around $10 USD per night for a basic room and meals.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you’re headed in Bolivia, there’s an accommodation option for every budget and travel style. From hostels to luxury hotels and to the truly unique lodgings, Bolivia offers more than just a bed to sleep in— it gives you experiences. Make your stay part of the adventure, and you’ll have even more stories to take home from this unforgettable country.

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