Where the snow-capped Andes meet the sweltering Amazon rainforest, Bolivia combines breathtaking scenery with a rich cultural heritage. A country of contrasts, Bolivia is home to a cultural mix of Amerindian, Spanish and African groups, helping to create a vibrant backdrop of parades, music and traditional art. The best places to stay in Bolivia promise a choice of cosy self-catering cottages, country houses and urban retreats.

Bolivia can rightfully boast to have some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. From salt flats to the towering Andes, from vivid tropical jungles to rolling hills carpeted with rainforest, the country is remarkable for its geographical diversity. Start by visiting the Salt Flats, the world’s largest salt lake. Try your hand at ‘shadow art’ photography, using cacti and llamas as props, or lose yourself in the infinite horizon. There are several jaw-dropping viewpoints that are worthy of everyone's bucket list: for example Mirador, The Antechamber of Heaven, and Faro de Conchupata, a platform with a glass globe illuminated at night.

Parque Nacional Madidi, one of the largest national parks in the world, has 8,000 documented species of vascular plants, as well as 1,254 bird species and many fish. The park can be enjoyed responsibly by joining one of the many ecotourism tours on offer. Other highlights include the Plaza de las Banderas Uyuni, the Monument Dakar Rally Bolivia, the Train Graveyard, and Salar de Uyuni's islands of exotic cacti and pink flamingos.

In short, Bolivia is a great destination for outdoors enthusiasts and lovers of big skies and wide open landscapes.

The Best Places to Stay in Bolivia

La Paz - the capital

• Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa: offering chic and minimalist rooms adorned with crisp metallic colour schemes, with spellbinding views of the city, and a pampering spa. Ideal for young couples.
• Atix Hotel: sleek and modern, boasting fantastic views over the city, offering beautifully-designed minimalist suites. Enjoy a drink at the trendy bar, fine-dine at the gourmet restaurant or take a dip in the pool. Cosmopolitan luxury at its finest.
• Casa Grande: a gorgeous hotel on the outskirts of the city, offering stylish and chic-modern rooms, an atmospheric cocktail bar, gourmet restaurant and a pampering spa. Perfect for couples looking for relaxation and intimacy.
• Casa de Piedra: chic accommodation, right in the heart of the city. The traditional colonial-era property has been beautifully renovated perfectly mixing the old and new.
• Hotel Rosario La Paz: a charming guesthouse located in a colonial-era property in the centre of La Paz. Featuring warm and inviting rooms and superb traditional cuisine.

Sucre - for colonial heritage

• Samary Boutique Hotel is a charming establishment in the centre of Sucre. The bedrooms are characterful, featuring antique decor and colour schemes that reflect the city's annual festival. The perfect launchpad for exploring the city.
• Hotel de Su Merced is a family-run hotel located in an 18th-century property. Rooms are traditionally dressed and feature antiques and family heirlooms, as well as breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy breakfast on the sunny hotel roof terrace before sightseeing; a warm, inviting hotel.
• Parador Santa Maria La Real is a colonial-style hotel is located in an 18th-century property. Rooms are individually designed, featuring plush bedspreads and 19th-century antiques; book the superior master suite for luxurious living space and private jacuzzi. Eat in the cavernous dining room; a unique hotel.

Uyuni - for the salt flats

• Palacio de Sal is a masterpiece of local salt. Well-appointed rooms have beautifully domed ceilings and there’s an excellent restaurant serving local dishes – not to mention a magical spa. Unwind with an atmospheric massage, before plunging into the pool to soak up seriously stellar views across the salt flats.
• Kachi Lodge boasts six superb pods right on the salt flats, for the ultimate luxury glamping experience. Think toasty wood-burning stoves, big cosy beds, fantastic food and panoramic perspectives across the striking landscape. There’s a big focus on sustainability and partnerships with the local community. Wonderfully private and romantic.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Bolivia's largest city

• Los Tajibos is a five-star luxury hotel is located in the business centre of Santa Cruz. Rooms have bright, modern interiors and comfortable, high-quality beds; book the presidential suite for separate living space and a private balcony. Relax in the hotel gardens or by the pool; a stylish getaway.

• Inboccalupo is a boutique hotel offering stylish accommodation. Rooms are individually designed, featuring a blend of local artisanal pieces and modern artworks; the best suites offer split-level living space and a terrace. Relax by the pool before dinner at the pizzeria; a chic city stay.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to visit Bolivia is between March and April when the temperature ranges between 6 and 18 degrees; during the summer months, the temperature reaches as low as -1 degree, and there is heavy rainfall.
• Fly to El Alto International Airport, 8 miles from La Paz, and get a shuttle bus to the city centre.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through all of our recommendations of the best places to stay in Bolivia.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.