Your stay — Hostal Catacora
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The Property — Hostal Catacora
Hostal Catacora, a 3-star gem in La Paz, Bolivia, exudes a warm, laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel like you're staying with a local friend. The hotel's rustic-chic aesthetic, with its exposed stone walls and wooden accents, perfectly complements the city's rich cultural heritage. The staff's genuine enthusiasm for the city's history and customs adds to the welcoming ambiance. This hotel is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic La Paz experience, rather than luxury amenities. As you step into the lobby, you're surrounded by maps, guides, and local handicrafts, setting the tone for your adventure.
Chronicles of La Paz
La Paz, the highest administrative capital in the world, was founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistador Alonso de Mendoza. The city's unique blend of indigenous and colonial architecture is visible in its narrow cobblestone streets and historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. La Paz's cultural identity is rooted in its indigenous Aymara and Quechua heritage, reflected in its vibrant street art, traditional markets, and cuisine. The city's growth as a commercial centre was fuelled by the silver mining industry, leaving a legacy of grand colonial buildings and a rich history. La Paz is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern urbanisation.
Best Time to Visit
Full La Paz guide →Best months
The best time to visit La Paz is from September to November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 18°C (64°F), making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The shoulder season from April to May offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with discounts on accommodations. June is another great month, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season is July, when the city hosts the Fiesta de la Asunción, a vibrant celebration of indigenous culture, music, and dance. Hotel prices increase during this time, and popular attractions can get crowded. The festival showcases La Paz's rich cultural heritage and is a must-experience for visitors.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget-friendly shoulder months are April and May, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. You can find discounts on accommodations and enjoy the city's pleasant weather without the crowds.
Weather & packing
La Paz's climate is known for its dramatic temperature fluctuations, with warm sunshine giving way to sudden rain showers. Pack layers and waterproof gear to ensure you're prepared for the city's unpredictable weather.
Live City Briefing — La Paz
- The city's new metro system, the Teleférico, has expanded to connect the city centre with the scenic El Alto district, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Mercado Central, a bustling marketplace, has been revamped with new stalls and food options. The city's famous Witches' Market, a hub for traditional medicine and handicrafts, has been relocated to a new site, allowing for a more organised and visitor-friendly experience.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Catacora, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize street noise from Calle Catacora.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the 1st or 2nd floor may be more prone to noise from the street and potential noise from the service entrance.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Calle Catacora doesn't offer a clear indication of a scenic view, but rooms on higher floors might have a glimpse of the city's surrounding mountains.
Quietest floors
3-4
🔊 Noise notes
La Paz is a bustling city, and Calle Catacora can be particularly busy. Be prepared for some street noise, especially during peak hours.
Insider tips
Ask the staff about the hotel's parking options, as it's likely that they have a limited number of spots available. You may need to park nearby and walk to the hotel. Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as the shared bathroom facilities are located in the hallway and might be a concern for some guests.
- 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 Catacora
free, 100 Mbps, login through hotel's app required
serves all floors, wheelchair-accessible, no stairs-only sections
complimentary physical newspapers in lobby, no digital newsstand
14:00-22:00, early bag-drop available at 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 for Bs 50
available for Bs 10 per bag per day, maximum 2 bags
step-free access, wheelchair ramps, some rooms adapted for guests with disabilities
on-site parking for Bs 20 per night, public car park at Costanera del Sur for Bs 15 per night, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Bs 21.75 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Bs 100 advance deposit + incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Pare de Sufrir (400 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (449 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Ministerio Internacional Desafio (575 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia San Juan de Dios (610 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Shopping Norte — 380 m · ~5 min walk
Museo Nacional de Arte — 247 m · ~3 min walk
Centro Sinfónico Nacional — 379 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz — 131 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacias Bolivia — 161 m · ~2 min walk
SuperMarket SUGOR — 326 m · ~4 min walk
Trufi 408 San Pedro - Ciudad Satélite — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Boliviano BOB
Travellers can exchange money at banks, currency exchange houses, or use ATMs. Be aware that the exchange rates at the airport or tourist bureaux are often poor. Consider using a debit/credit card with no foreign transaction fees for better rates.
Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is still king. Contactless payments are also becoming more common, especially in restaurants and shops in the Sagsamarca area.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 10-15% in restaurants and bars is considered polite. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or leaving 5-10 BOB is sufficient. Hotel staff, like porters and concierges, expect 5-10 BOB per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a street stall or market for around 10-15 BOB.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a traditional Bolivian salteñas from a street vendor for around 20-30 BOB.
For a main course, a meal at a local restaurant like a comedor can cost around 40-60 BOB.
The street food scene in Sagsamarca is a great place to try local delicacies like salteñas, papas rellenas, and humitas.
Local supermarkets like Tiko or Supermercado La Paz offer affordable options for groceries.
For affordable shopping, head to the local markets like the Mercado de las Brujas or Mercado Central.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the colectivo (shared minivan) services, which cost around 2-5 BOB per ride. From the airport, take a colectivo to the Sagsamarca area for around 10-15 BOB.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices can be inflated. Opt for local eateries or street food for a more authentic experience.Use public transportation, like colectivos, to get around the city instead of taxis.Bargain at markets and shops, especially for souvenirs or clothing.
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 Catacora
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz — 131 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacias Bolivia — 161 m · ~2 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 Catacora?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) to minimize street noise from Calle Catacora.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Catacora?
Rooms on the 1st or 2nd floor may be more prone to noise from the street and potential noise from the service entrance.
Is Hostal Catacora noisy?
La Paz is a bustling city, and Calle Catacora can be particularly busy. Be prepared for some street noise, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Catacora?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Calle Catacora doesn't offer a clear indication of a scenic view, but rooms on higher floors might have a glimpse of the city's surrounding mountains.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Catacora?
Ask the staff about the hotel's parking options, as it's likely that they have a limited number of spots available. You may need to park nearby and walk to the hotel. Consider requesting a room with a private bathroom, as the shared bathroom facilities are located in the hallway and might be a concern for some guests.
What time is check-in at Hostal Catacora?
Check-in at Hostal Catacora is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Catacora have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps, login through hotel's app required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Catacora?
Bs 21.75 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Catacora?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a traditional Bolivian salteñas from a street vendor for around 20-30 BOB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Catacora?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the colectivo (shared minivan) services, which cost around 2-5 BOB per ride. From the airport, take a colectivo to the Sagsamarca area for around 10-15 BOB.
When is the best time to visit La Paz?
The best time to visit La Paz is from September to November, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 18°C (64°F), making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The shoulder season from April to May offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with discounts on accommodations. June is another great month, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
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.