Which are the best hostels in La Paz, and where should you stay when you go to La Paz for the first time?
La Paz is the world’s highest capital city, at a whopping 3,640 metres altitude. Thanks to its altitude La Paz has a really interesting subtropical climate, with hot, rainy summers and dry winters. You will also find that the UV index is always high in La Paz, even on fairly cold days, due to the altitude, so this is something to consider when you’re heading to stay in La Paz! When I was there, it was very tempting to lay out in the sunshine to get some warmth when it was just 20 degrees in the shade, but the UV index was 13 at the height of the day!
You will find some people say that there isn’t much to do in La Paz, and whilst I wouldn’t recommend staying there for more than just a few days, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied.
Contents
- The Best Hostels in La Paz, Bolivia
- The Best Hostel in La Paz
- Other Best Hostels in La Paz
- FAQs About the Best Hostels in La Paz
- Conclusion
The Best Hostel in La Paz
Wild Rover La Paz
It has to be said: In La Paz, there is one hostel that stands out above all others, and you might not like it: it’s a true party hostel. I’m talking the kind of hostel where the staff stand on the bar and pour shots directly into your mouth, the kind of hostel where nineteen year old British uni students go round hitting on absolutely everyone (yep, even 28 year old me – I’m practically old enough to be your mother, darling), and where you wake up in the morning discussing whose bed was creaking last night like you’re on Love Island.
Okay, that last point may have been because we were in lockdown in this hostel due to a country-wide census, but you catch my drift.
If you look at the reviews for any other hostel in La Paz they just don’t compare, which is why the majority of backpackers end up staying here whether they like to party or not.
Luckily the hostel is big enough to accommodate plenty of parties and more, so I spent the majority of my weekend in Bolivian lockdown lounging in the gardens playing Monopoly Deal and eating the emergency sandwiches I’d made with some friends I’d made on the bus from Puno to La Paz.
Okay, we did join in the party for a rendition or two of Sweet Caroline, but it is the kind of hostel you can avoid that sort of thing if you want to.
Other, better hostels do seem to be popping up around La Paz as the tourism industry there grows, so hopefully this will continue and bring a bit more variety to the hostel scene in La Paz!
Other Best Hostels in La Paz
Best Hostel in Sopocachi, Central La Paz
Sopocachi is La Paz’s bohemian neighbourhood, where you’ll find a lot of cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces. It’s slightly outside of the touristic centre, which means you get a bit more of a down to earth experience of La Paz, whilst still being in a relatively safe area with access to modern amenities.
This is where the aforementioned Wild Rover La Paz is, but there aren’t many other hostels in this area.
Best Hostel in Sagarnaga Street, La Paz
Sagarnaga Street is one of the most famous things to do in La Paz. They call it the Witches’ Market, and the street is full of souvenir shops with brightly coloured umbrellas hanging above. It’s a really cute vibe, but this is a very touristy spot.
Staying here puts you right in the middle of the action, with easy access to tours, restaurants, and the main attractions in La Paz.
Adventure Brew Hostel
Split between two buildings (B&B and Downtown), Adventure Brew hostel in La Paz is famous for its free beer hour and excellent breakfast. The rooms are basic but clean, and there is a really social atmosphere where you’ll find a little less chaos than a hostel like Wild Rover.
Best Hostel in San Pedro, La Paz
San Pedro is, of course, the area which San Pedro Prison is in (but don’t worry, that doesn’t make it less safe than other areas of La Paz). This area is home to some of the city’s most affordable accommodation options. It’s also close to the San Pedro Market, where you can find amazing local food at unbeatable prices.
El Prado Capsule Hostel
One of the newer additions to La Paz’s hostel scene, El Prado Capsule Hostel has pod-style dorm beds, which are great if you’re looking for a little more privacy. It’s modern, clean and has really nice common areas as well as a roof terrace. That being said, I tend to avoid capsule hostels like these because I find they attract the types of travellers that don’t want to socialise as much. No shade to them, but I prefer a more social vibe! It really just depends what you’re looking for.
Best Hostel Outside of La Paz
Colibri Camping & Eco Lodge
Colibri Camping & Eco Lodge is a hostel just outside of La Paz. It’s at lower elevation (3,200 metres instead of 3,600 metres), so it’s a good option if you don’t have much time to acclimatise to the altitude or if you’re affected badly by altitude in general.
It has incredible views over the city and the mountains, so it’s perfect if you want to escape the chaos of La Paz. It’s around a 30 minute taxi ride into the centre of La Paz, so it’s a much quieter vibe and you’d need to plan well to make the most of your time there.
FAQs About the Best Hostels in La Paz
What’s the best party hostel in La Paz?
Wild Rover La Paz is undoubtedly the city’s premier party hostel. Known for its lively atmosphere and bar-top shot pouring, it’s popular with younger backpackers. However, the hostel is large enough that you can still find quiet spaces to relax if you’re not in the mood to party.
Is it safe to stay in hostels in La Paz?
Yes, hostels in La Paz are generally safe, but you should take standard precautions. Don’t walk alone at night, and use official taxis arranged by your hostel. Most hostels in La Paz have good security measures in place.
How do I deal with the altitude when staying in La Paz?
At 3,640 metres, La Paz’s altitude can be challenging. Most hostels offer coca tea to help with acclimatisation. Consider staying at lower-altitude options like Colibri Camping & Eco Lodge (3,200m) if you’re sensitive to altitude, and plan for rest time when you first arrive.
Which area in La Paz is best for backpackers?
Sagarnaga Street (the Witches’ Market) is ideal for first-time visitors and backpackers, offering easy access to tours, restaurants, and attractions. Sopocachi is great for those seeking a more local experience with cafes and co-working spaces.
How long should I stay in La Paz?
While La Paz isn’t typically a long-term destination, a few days is enough to explore the city’s main attractions. Consider your acclimatisation needs when planning your stay – you might want to add an extra day or two to adjust to the altitude.
La Paz’s steep streets can be challenging given the altitude, especially when you’re walking around with a large backpack on! So, consider the location of your hostel wisely and make sure you have a plan of how you’ll get to and from the bus station or the airport.
Conclusion
Most hostels offer coca tea to help with acclimatisation, but you will still need some time to rest after you arrive if you come from a low altitude area.
While La Paz is generally safe for tourists, it’s not safe to walk around alone at night. Most hostels will be able to call you a reliable taxi if you need to go somewhere, otherwise stay in groups if you go out after dark.
