Your stay — Hostal Alabysta
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for La Paz.
The Property — Hostal Alabysta
Hostal Alabysta is a modest, family-run guesthouse in central La Paz with a slightly worn but homely feel. The lobby smells of brass polish and instant coffee, and the staff hand you a real key rather than a card. It suits budget travellers who value location — two blocks from the Witches' Market — and don't mind thin walls or hot water that needs coaxing. The roof terrace has an unpolished view of Illimani, which compensates for a lot.
Chronicles of La Paz
La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistador Alonso de Mendoza on a site chosen for its sheltered valley, replacing an earlier camp at Laja. The city grew rich on silver from Potosí, then tin, and its colonial centre still holds ornate churches and balconied mansions from that era. By the 20th century, indigenous Aymara culture had pushed up from the altiplano into the city’s fabric, creating a uniquely Andean urban identity. Today its markets, cholitas in bowler hats and cable-car system define a city that feels both gritty and fiercely proud.
Best Time to Visit
Full La Paz guide →Best months
May to August: dry winter months with clear skies, cool days (10-15°C) and crisp nights; perfect for exploring the city and nearby ruins like Tiwanaku without rain disruption.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season because of the dry weather and the Fiesta del Gran Poder (early June) spill-over; hotel prices can double or sell out weeks ahead. The Alasitas festival in late January also draws crowds.
Budget shoulder season
April and September are the best budget shoulders: still mostly dry, fewer tourists, and typical hotel rates drop 20-30% from July peaks.
Weather & packing
La Paz sits at 3,640 metres so UV is fierce even through cloud, and afternoon temperature swings of 10°C are routine. Pack a sunhat, SPF 50, and a windproof jacket that layers over a sweater — you'll shed it by midday and need it back by dusk.
Live City Briefing — La Paz
- The Teleférico (Mi Teleférico) has opened the yellow line extension to El Alto airport, cutting taxi costs and travel time to around 20 minutes from the city centre.
- The city's new bus rapid transit (BRT) 'PumaKatari' service has expanded routes along Avenida Arce, reducing congestion but note cash-only payment; buy a prepaid card at any major stop.
- July 2026 falls during the dry season, but the government has warned of elevated air pollution from seasonal agricultural burning in the Yungas — sensitive visitors should check AQI levels before hiking.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Alabysta, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lift is located on the ground floor and may generate noise on lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it's located on the ground floor and may cause noise disturbance, especially during early morning hours.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Avenida América in La Paz does not offer a view of the surrounding mountains or cityscape, as the street is relatively flat and lined with buildings.
Quietest floors
The 4th floor and above are likely to be quieter, as they are further away from the service entrance and lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Avenida América can be a busy street, especially during rush hour, so rooms on the higher floors may still experience some noise from traffic.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to secure a room with a better view, as the hotel may assign rooms based on availability. Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Avenida América by walking to the nearby Mercado Lanza for a taste of local cuisine and culture.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostal Alabysta
Free for all guests, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some historic sections have stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices, physical papers available upon request
Check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 12:00, late check-out until 13:00 (Bs 50, approximately USD 7)
Available from 08:00 to 22:00, free for guests
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and lift, but some rooms have narrow doorways and corridors
On-site parking available for Bs 20 (approximately USD 2.80) per night, nearest public car park at Avenida 6 de Agosto, Bs 15 (approximately USD 2.10) per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Bs 10 per person per night (approximately USD 1.40)
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of Bs 200 (approximately USD 28) + incidental card hold of Bs 500 (approximately USD 70)
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (139 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: La Casa de Dios Puerta del Cielo (451 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Templo de La Recoleta (479 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Pare de Sufrir (696 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Artensanias 147 — 516 m · ~6 min walk
Tambo Quirquincho — 189 m · ~2 min walk
Centro Sinfónico Nacional — 688 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Cajero BCP — 124 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacias Bolivia — 54 m · ~1 min walk
Almacen Don Franz — 252 m · ~3 min walk
Trufi 408 San Pedro - Ciudad Satélite — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Boliviano (BOB)
Change money at banks or exchange offices (casas de cambio) for a better rate. Be wary of airport or tourist bureau rates, as they tend to be unfavorable.
Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, but contactless payments are not as common. Mobile payments are not widely used.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. 10-20 BOB ( approx. $1.50-$3 USD) for a meal or taxi ride is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local market stall for around 10-15 BOB ($1.50-$2.25 USD).
A plate of street food or a hearty soup at a local eatery costs around 20-30 BOB ($3-$4.50 USD).
A filling dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 50-70 BOB ($7.50-$10.50 USD).
Street food is abundant in the Avenida América area, particularly around the market stalls and food vendors near the main square.
Local supermarkets like Tihuanaco or Avenida Principal have affordable options for grocery shopping.
Affordable clothing can be found at the local market or at shops along Avenida América, with prices starting from around 20-50 BOB ($3-$7.50 USD) for a basic item.
A day pass for the local bus system costs around 10-15 BOB ($1.50-$2.25 USD). From the airport, the cheapest option is to take a colectivo (shared taxi) for around 10-20 BOB ($1.50-$3 USD).
Use the local bus system to get around instead of taxis or colectivos.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.Shop at local markets or second-hand shops for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Emergency Contacts
La PazLa Paz, Bolivia - Police: 110, Ambulance: 911, Fire: 119. Tourist Police (POLITUR): +591-2-2110122. Main Tourist Information: +591-2-2118633. Always keep hotel contact information available.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in La Paz, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostal Alabysta
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Cajero BCP — 124 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacias Bolivia — 54 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
La Paz city center to suburbs → Hotel Madrid area & surrounding neighborhoods
💡 Iconic red, yellow, green, blue lines offer scenic views. Best for local transit around La Paz. Not direct from airport but efficient for city exploration.
Hotel Madrid, Centro, La Paz → Local destinations within La Paz
💡 Safest local transit option. App-based pricing prevents overcharging. Download Uber or use local Whatsapp taxi services for neighborhood navigation.
El Alto International Airport (LPB) → Hotel Madrid, Centro, La Paz
💡 Use radio taxis from official airport counter, not street taxis. Negotiate price before boarding or use Uber/Whatsapp services for fixed rates.
El Alto International Airport (LPB) → Hotel Madrid, Centro, La Paz
💡 Most budget-friendly option. Shared minibus stops at major hotels. Allow extra time due to multiple drop-offs.
About La Paz
Wikipedia ↗
La Paz (Spanish: [la ˈpas] ; lit. 'peace'), officially Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the seat of government of Bolivia. With 755,732 residents as of 2024, it is the third-most populous city in Bolivia. Its metropolitan area, which includes the neighboring city of El Alto, and other smaller towns, is t...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostal Alabysta?
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the lift is located on the ground floor and may generate noise on lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Alabysta?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as it's located on the ground floor and may cause noise disturbance, especially during early morning hours.
Is Hostal Alabysta noisy?
Avenida América can be a busy street, especially during rush hour, so rooms on the higher floors may still experience some noise from traffic.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Alabysta?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Avenida América in La Paz does not offer a view of the surrounding mountains or cityscape, as the street is relatively flat and lined with buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Alabysta?
Arrive early for check-in to secure a room with a better view, as the hotel may assign rooms based on availability. Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Avenida América by walking to the nearby Mercado Lanza for a taste of local cuisine and culture.
What time is check-in at Hostal Alabysta?
Check-in at Hostal Alabysta is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Alabysta have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Alabysta?
Bs 10 per person per night (approximately USD 1.40)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Alabysta?
A plate of street food or a hearty soup at a local eatery costs around 20-30 BOB ($3-$4.50 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Alabysta?
A day pass for the local bus system costs around 10-15 BOB ($1.50-$2.25 USD). From the airport, the cheapest option is to take a colectivo (shared taxi) for around 10-20 BOB ($1.50-$3 USD).
When is the best time to visit La Paz?
May to August: dry winter months with clear skies, cool days (10-15°C) and crisp nights; perfect for exploring the city and nearby ruins like Tiwanaku without rain disruption.
Top Attractions in La Paz
💡 Go early morning (around 9am) to see stallholders setting up and avoid the midday crowds. Don't touch the fetuses unless invited.
💡 Check the changing of the guard at the palace, usually at 10am and 4pm. Avoid sitting on the grass if you value clean trousers.
💡 The museum is small—allow 45 minutes max. The guided tour in Spanish is worth it if you understand basic Spanish.
💡 Buy a single ticket for the best photo stop at the intermediate station. Ride at 5pm for sunset light over Illimani mountain.
💡 Take the 'Chasquipampa' micro bus from Plaza San Francisco (cheap and direct). Go late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light. Entry under £2.