14 Best Hotels in Side Trips from La Paz, Bolivia

This is the best budget place to stay not quite in town. It offers a few rooms with bare brick walls, simple wooden furniture, and the obligatory terrace with stunning views, but stands out for being well kept and having a warm, welcoming staff. Most rooms have shared bathrooms (which are impeccably maintained); there is only one en-suite. The restaurant sources some of its food from the garden and as much as possible locally. The menu, vegetarian only, changes daily, as does the breakfast (except for the great coffee), which keeps things interesting.

Spread over 5 acres of subtropical jungle, Sol y Luna is an idyllic retreat, perfect for detaching yourself and getting a good dose of green back into your life. Although there are rooms available in the main building, the cabañas that dot the property are what it is really all about. Each has a small kitchen, a porch with hammock or recliner, and a fire pit—some even have outdoor showers. Just strolling around the beautiful property will keep you busy for a day; there are plenty of trails and little viewpoints, and there's an abundance of birdlife. And if that's not enough, the staff have excellent information about other activities in the area.

Named for the pyramid at the Tiwanaku ruins, this hotel is the best of the few places to stay in the area. The large property has a restaurant, library, games room, and relaxation garden. Single, double, and executive suites are available; request one of the larger rooms with a fireplace and balcony. Some rooms on the east side have views over the ruins. For cultural music and exotic drinks, visit the Folkloric Peña "Wiracocha," open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. City tours can be booked through the hotel's travel agent.

The prime location overlooking the river and the owner's mother's restaurant across the road make this hotel a good option. The rooms are clean, and though the mattresses are a bit thin, all beds have mosquito nets—it is worth confirming this before checking in, because the big brick arch windows are covered only by mesh and won't keep 100% of the bugs out. There are plenty of private, en-suite rooms, but if you're on a budget, you can opt for one of the shared rooms.

The best place to stay if you're not up for the noise and rush of Rurrenabaque, El Mirador is perched on a hilltop, about a mile out of town, commanding impressive views over the river and jungle. The peace is absolute, the swimming pool is inviting, and the four little round bungalows have been built with love and style. A mototaxi will cost around (Bs)10 and a regular car, (Bs)30. The restaurant serves lunch as well, with most dishes around (Bs)30.

This beautiful Spanish-style resort hotel is perched high above the valley, among clusters of sugarcane and banana trees heavy with fruit. Relax by the pool or play a few games of tennis. There is also a large garden area with a children's playground. At the tour office you can make arrangements for a rafting trip on a nearby river. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner so no need to head into town; the grilled steak is one of the excellent entrées.

Central and comfortable, Pahuichi offers spacious rooms at an excellent price. Recently refurbished, it feels a little better than most options in town, and even has working electric showers. Try to get a room on one of the higher floors to get a taste of the cooling breeze.

A couple of blocks down from the central plaza, Hotel Bella Vista, although a little bit stuffy, truly lives up to its name with what are probably some of the best views in town. The views are great from all the rooms, but the two spacious family suites have huge panoramic windows overlooking the valley and the mountains beyond. You can experience an unforgettable sunrise and sunset without ever leaving the comfort of your bed. Most rooms open onto a nice, glass-roofed central courtyard. Internet access is decent and is available throughout the hotel, a rarity in town.

From the sunny patio at this unpretentious hotel up the hill from Coroico's central plaza, you'll get astounding views of the valley below and, if you biked, the road you came down. Most rooms have balconies with private baths. Like so many hotels here, the views are amazing, but the rooms and the hotel in general are run down. The breakfast is decent though, and so is the restaurant—when it opens. They offer a free pickup at the town plaza.

Although it doesn't look like much from the outside, Hotel Oriental is clean and comfortable and, crucially, has ceiling fans that keep the worst of the nighttime heat and mosquitoes at bay. The central garden, liberally decorated with hammocks, is a big plus, and the Wi-Fi is decent in the common areas.

This is probably the most popular hotel in the Yungas, and it can get very busy as a result. Go during the week to unwind and do very little except listen to the river, slide down a tube into a pool or two, and slap bugs. At this resort-style property, you can choose from a wide range of room types including cabañas, apartments, studios, and standard rooms. The property spans three acres with such offerings as racquetball courts, a movie theater, soccer field, and game room. There is even an on-site chapel where mass is held. Of the eleven swimming pools, several double as aqua-discos with music blaring throughout the day. This resort is a great place to practice your Spanish since the clientele and staff are predominately Bolivians. All meals are included and are buffet style.

Basic but comfortable, with warm showers and clean rooms, this is a good option for spending the night in Tiwanaku. Ask for a room in the newer part of the hotel, and inquire about a heater; it is not always a given. The restaurant serves a decent breakfast, and the meals throughout the day are worthwhile—the quinoa soup is delicious. The hotel is two blocks from the ruins and three from the town plaza.

This hard-working refuge for abused and mistreated animals is set in a subtropical jungle 7 km (4 miles) from the town of Coroico. There are four small cabins, two eco-cabins which are a bit newer and the best of all, a four person treehouse. You won't find any luxuries here (no Internet, no a/c, no cell reception), but most guests come to relax by the pool or take a dip in the river, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, and spend time with the rescued monkeys. The restaurant is buffet style with decent pastas and salads, they also have some pretty good beers, brewed by a neighbor. You're in the jungle now—be sure to bring repellent!

A short stroll out of town, Villa Bonita offers what most people come to Coroico to find: peace, simplicity, and proximity to the impressive natural surroundings. There are three separate cabins scattered behind the main house, each with a pleasant living/chilling space outside. Breakfast and the food served at the restaurant is all homemade and vegetarian. Everyone comes for the ice cream—a treat in this warm environment—but the lentil burger is delicious, and it's a delight to find a properly made egg rosti, a touch of home from the Swiss owner.