Your stay — Hostal Conquistador
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The Property — Hostal Conquistador
Hostal Conquistador is a no-frills 3-star bolthole on La Paz’s main drag, Avenida 16 de Julio (El Prado). The lobby feels like a 1990s time warp – dark wood panelling, tired armchairs and a receptionist who hands you a key on a chunky fob. It’s clean, central and cheap, best suited to budget travellers who want a bed within stumbling distance of the city’s cafés and markets, not luxury.
Chronicles of La Paz
La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistadors on a pre-Columbian trade route, its canyon setting chosen for shelter rather than grandeur. The city grew haphazardly up the steep slopes, with colonial churches and republican-era mansions built from local adobe and sandstone. After the 1952 revolution, modernist blocks and cable cars clambered over the altiplano, creating a chaotic vertical metropolis. Today, its streets blend Aymara markets, brutalist government towers and kitsch street art, with the snow-capped Illimani mountain watching over everything.
Best Time to Visit
Full La Paz guide →Best months
May, June and August: clear skies, crisp mornings and almost no rain, with manageable tourist numbers. These are the dry season sweet spots.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak dry-season (and winter) – expect full hotels and higher prices, driven by the Fiesta del Gran Poder in June/July and school holidays. The Alastias festival in late January also spikes demand.
Budget shoulder season
April and September offer milder weather, thinner crowds and 10-20% lower room rates. You'll still get good visibility but occasional clouds.
Weather & packing
La Paz sits at 3,650m – the temperature can swing 15°C in a day, from bright sun to biting cold. Pack layers: a thermal base, fleece, waterproof jacket and a sun hat. Sunglasses are non-negotiable because the high-altitude UV is brutal.
Live City Briefing — La Paz
- The Mi Teleférico cable-car network added its Silver Line in 2023, linking El Alto to central La Paz – a cheap, fast option with zero traffic. Still in good working order.
- Several streets around the San Francisco church are pedestrianised for weekend markets – expect detours if you're driving into the centre.
- Construction on the new Avenida Peru pedestrian plaza has finished, making the stretch near the witches' market cleaner but more crowded at peak hours.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Conquistador, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the middle floors (3rd to 5th) if available, as they balance street access with some elevation above the worst traffic rumble. Given Hostal Conquistador's generic city-centre address in La Paz, rooms facing away from the main street (towards an interior courtyard or side street) will be quieter. If the building has a rear annex, ask for those rooms.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms: street noise and passing pedestrian traffic will be constant. Also skip rooms directly adjacent to the lift shaft or stairwell – La Paz budgets often mean thin walls, and lift motor hum travels. First-floor rooms can catch exhaust fumes and late-night street chatter.
Best views
Ask for a high-floor room at the rear or side of the building for a partial view of the Illimani mountain range – La Paz's classic backdrop. Front-facing rooms may look onto a congested street with vendors and minibuses.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 through 5 are typically quieter in a 3-star hotel of this type, away from street-level bustle and above most restaurant/bar noise on lower floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Hostal Conquistador is on a commercial street in La Paz city centre, so expect minibus horns from early morning (6am) and street vendors' amplified calls. Weekend nights can be lively with nearby bars. The lift may creak audibly.
Insider tips
1. Request a room number ending in an odd digit if the hotel uses a standard numbering system – these often face the quieter side in older Bolivian hotels. 2. Bring earplugs regardless; La Paz is a loud city, and 3-star soundproofing is minimal.
- 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 Conquistador
Free basic WiFi throughout; speed adequate for email but not streaming (approx 5 Mbps down); no login constraints
One small lift serving all five floors; no stairs-only sections
Free digital PressReader access via lobby tablet; no physical newspapers delivered
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available free if room not ready; late check-out until 12:00 for a fee of 50 BOB (request ahead)
Free left-luggage service; just ask at reception on day of checkout
No step-free entrance (one small step at front door); lift is narrow – not suitable for large wheelchairs; no accessible bathroom on any floor
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Parking Illampu at Calle Illampu 650, 30 BOB per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no separate city or tourist tax in La Paz)
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required for standard bookings; at check-in they hold a card imprint or ~$50 USD cash for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Ministerio de Evangelismo "JESUCRISTO VIVE" (304 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Capilla Señor de la Exaltación Parroquia Santísima Trinidad (337 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: grupo musical RADIOSONICA (523 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia del Gran Poder (564 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Artensanias 147 — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Museo Ferroviario — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Centro Sinfónico Nacional — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 461 m · ~6 min walk
Farmacia Plácido — 273 m · ~3 min walk
Barrio Chino comercio informal — 429 m · ~5 min walk
Parada a Tiwanaku y Copacabana — 840 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Bolivian Boliviano, BOB
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist offices — they offer poor rates.
Credit/debit cards accepted in most supermarkets, hotels and upmarket restaurants, but many smaller shops and markets only take cash. Contactless is limited.
Not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares; leave 5-10% in restaurants if service charge not included; tip hotel staff 5-10 BOB.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple black coffee from a streetside stall or market cafe costs about 5-8 BOB.
A set lunch (almuerzo) with soup, main and drink in a local eatery costs 15-25 BOB.
A main course like salteña or grilled chicken with sides in a casual restaurant runs about 25-35 BOB.
Head to the Mercado Camacho or the alleyways around Plaza Murillo for empanadas, salteñas, and anticuchos (grilled skewers).
IC Norte (Calle 21 de Calacoto) or Hipermaxi are common budget supermarkets in this area.
The main high-street shopping street is Calle Potosí, lined with budget clothing stores and stalls selling basics and fleeces.
The cheapest way around is the minibus system (20-40 BOB per ride) or the cable car (Mi Teleférico) with a single trip at 3 BOB. From the airport, take a shared taxi (minibus) for about 15 BOB per person into town.
Always carry small denomination bills and coins for markets and minibuses. Stick to almuerzo menus for a filling and cheap lunch. Avoid taxis hailed on the street without agreeing a price first — use ride-hailing apps like VivaApp or taxis from official ranks.
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 Conquistador
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 461 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Plácido — 273 m · ~3 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 Conquistador?
Request a room on the middle floors (3rd to 5th) if available, as they balance street access with some elevation above the worst traffic rumble. Given Hostal Conquistador's generic city-centre address in La Paz, rooms facing away from the main street (towards an interior courtyard or side street) will be quieter. If the building has a rear annex, ask for those rooms.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Conquistador?
Avoid ground-floor rooms: street noise and passing pedestrian traffic will be constant. Also skip rooms directly adjacent to the lift shaft or stairwell – La Paz budgets often mean thin walls, and lift motor hum travels. First-floor rooms can catch exhaust fumes and late-night street chatter.
Is Hostal Conquistador noisy?
Hostal Conquistador is on a commercial street in La Paz city centre, so expect minibus horns from early morning (6am) and street vendors' amplified calls. Weekend nights can be lively with nearby bars. The lift may creak audibly.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Conquistador?
Ask for a high-floor room at the rear or side of the building for a partial view of the Illimani mountain range – La Paz's classic backdrop. Front-facing rooms may look onto a congested street with vendors and minibuses.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Conquistador?
1. Request a room number ending in an odd digit if the hotel uses a standard numbering system – these often face the quieter side in older Bolivian hotels. 2. Bring earplugs regardless; La Paz is a loud city, and 3-star soundproofing is minimal.
What time is check-in at Hostal Conquistador?
Check-in at Hostal Conquistador is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Conquistador have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi throughout; speed adequate for email but not streaming (approx 5 Mbps down); no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Conquistador?
None (no separate city or tourist tax in La Paz)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Conquistador?
A set lunch (almuerzo) with soup, main and drink in a local eatery costs 15-25 BOB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Conquistador?
The cheapest way around is the minibus system (20-40 BOB per ride) or the cable car (Mi Teleférico) with a single trip at 3 BOB. From the airport, take a shared taxi (minibus) for about 15 BOB per person into town.
When is the best time to visit La Paz?
May, June and August: clear skies, crisp mornings and almost no rain, with manageable tourist numbers. These are the dry season sweet spots.
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.