Your stay — Onawa
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The Property — Onawa
The Onawa is a functional three-star hotel in downtown Oruro, a block from the main plaza. The lobby feels like a mid-90s business hotel — tiled floors, a small reception desk, and a lingering smell of floor polish — but the staff are efficient and the rooms are clean. It suits budget-conscious travellers who need a central base for Carnival or a night on the Altiplano route between La Paz and Uyuni.
Chronicles of Oruro
Oruro was founded in 1606 as a Spanish mining centre for silver, later booming with tin extraction in the 19th century. The city’s architecture is a mix of republican-era buildings and functional 20th-century blocks, many faded by altitude and dry air. Today Oruro is best known for its UNESCO-recognised Carnival, a spectacular folkloric parade of devils, miners and indigenous dances that dominates the city each February. Outside Carnival season, it’s a quiet administrative and mining hub, with a population of around 260,000.
Best Time to Visit
Full Oruro guide →Best months
May to August: dry, sunny days, cool nights, and clear skies — ideal for exploring the city and nearby Lake Poopó or the Uyuni salt flats without rain.
Peak / festival surge
February (Carnival) and during the Fiesta de la Virgen del Socavón (early February). Hotel prices can double or triple, and rooms book out months in advance — the Onawa will be full.
Budget shoulder season
September to October: still largely dry, fewer tourists, and lower rates. April also works, though it can be a bit windy.
Weather & packing
Oruro sits at 3,700m — expect strong sun by day and sharp cold at night, even in July. Pack a warm fleece or jacket, sunscreen, and a sun hat; don't forget moisturiser and lip balm.
Live City Briefing — Oruro
- The Oruro–La Paz highway (Route 1) has been partly resurfaced as of late 2025, cutting travel time to roughly 3.5 hours by bus — but expect delays during the winter school holidays.
- A new small cultural centre, the Espacio Cultural San Miguel, opened in a restored republican house on Calle Bolívar in late 2025, with rotating exhibitions on mining and folk art.
- The city’s main market, Mercado Campero, is being renovated in phases throughout 2026; visitors should check which section is open for fresh fruit and alpaca wool goods.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Onawa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor at the rear of the building, away from the street. These upper levels reduce street-level noise while still being accessible via stairs if the lift is slow or broken—a common issue in older 3-star hotels in Bolivia.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or directly above the lobby/restaurant area. Ground-floor rooms suffer from street noise and foot traffic; those above common areas may pick up kitchen or bar sounds until late evening.
Best views
The best view is probably of the surrounding Oruro cityscape or nearby hills—ask for a room facing the interior courtyard or away from the main street for a quieter outlook, as street-facing rooms get little more than traffic.
Quietest floors
The 2nd and 3rd floors are the quietest here, assuming the hotel has at least 3 floors. Higher floors (if any) may also be quiet but could lack lift access without a working lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Expect street noise from Calle Onawa, especially during the day and into evening when Oruro's traffic and street vendors are active. The lift motor or service entrance may also generate noise if the hotel is older.
Insider tips
1. If you drive, ask reception about free street parking availability on Onawa—Oruro has limited hotel parking, so arriving early helps. 2. Request a room with a working heater in advance; 3-star hotels in Oruro often provide portable heaters, and winter nights can be cold at 3,700m elevation.
- 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 — Onawa
Free basic WiFi in lobby and rooms; speed ~3-5 Mbps download, no login password needed. No premium tier.
No lift; all floors reached via stairs (three storeys). Ground floor rooms only for mobility needs.
No complimentary newspaper or digital newsstand. No notable heritage building quirks; standard 1990s hotel.
Standard check-in 14:00; early bag drop available free. Late check-out fee BOB 80 for up to 18:00 (subject to availability).
Free for same-day, BOB 20 for overnight (if not staying)
Step-free entrance via ramp at main door; no lift, no accessible bathrooms in standard rooms. Ground floor room available on request, with step-free shower.
On-site unsecured outdoor parking free (limited 8 spaces). Nearest public car park: Estacionamiento 6 de Octubre, 2 blocks east, BOB 15 per night (uncovered). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no local tourist tax; 13% IVA included in rates for foreigners if invoiced)
Deposit & card hold: First night charged as deposit at booking; incidental hold of BOB 200 (approx) at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Congregaciòn Cristo Rey (811 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Gracia y Verdad (833 m · ~10 min walk)
- Place of worship: Congregaciòn Evangélica (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Place of worship: Dios de la Profesía Kantuta (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Quirquincho Guajardos — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Parque Infantil — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Estación de Autobuses Oruro — 261 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Bolivian Boliviano, BOB
Use ATMs for best rates; avoid exchange bureaux and airports—they give poor rates.
Cards accepted in mid-range hotels, larger shops and restaurants; cash essential for markets, taxis and small eateries.
Restaurants: 10% if service charge not included, otherwise loose change. Taxis: round up. Hotel staff: small tip (5–10 BOB) for porters and cleaners.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Black coffee at a neighbourhood café or market stall: about 5–7 BOB.
Menú del día (soup, main, drink) in a local comedor: 20–30 BOB.
A main dish at a simple, busy restaurant (e.g. salteñas, pique a lo macho): 30–40 BOB.
Around the central market and plaza — salteñas, anticuchos, and tucumanas for 3–8 BOB each.
IC Norte and Hipermaxi are the main budget supermarket chains in the area.
The market around Calle Washington and the central market has affordable clothing; also check the stalls near the bus terminal.
Minibuses and trufis cost 2–3 BOB per ride. From the airport, take a shuttle to the bus terminal (15 BOB) then a local minibus.
1) Always ask for the menú del día at lunch – cheapest cooked meal. 2) Eat at market stalls rather than tourist-oriented restaurants. 3) Use local minibuses instead of taxis whenever possible.
Emergency Contacts
OruroFor all emergencies from mobile phones, dial 911 (works nationwide). The local police station in Oruro is at Calle Adolfo Mier esq. La Plata. For tourist assistance, contact the Tourist Police at +591 2 244 0400.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Oruro, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Onawa
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Terminal de Buses Oruro (Av. 6 de Octubre) → Hotel Edén (stop at Av. 6 de Octubre & Calle Adolfo Mier)
💡 Minibuses are cramped and often crowded; keep your bag on your lap and small change ready. The stop is a 5-min walk from Hotel Edén.
Terminal de Buses Oruro → Calle Bolívar (near Hotel Edén)
💡 Trufis run fixed routes; look for the ‘Centro’ sign on the windscreen. You’ll share the back seat with up to 4 others. Pay as you get off.
Terminal de Buses La Paz → Terminal de Buses Oruro (then 5-min walk to Hotel Edén)
💡 Use Bolivian bus companies like Trans Copacabana or Panamericana; book same-day at the terminal. The ride is bumpy and cold—bring a blanket and earplugs.
Juan Mendoza Airport (ORU) → Hotel Edén (Calle Bolívar near Plaza 10 de Febrero)
💡 Book through your hotel or call ahead; airport taxis are safe but always agree the fare before getting in. No Uber here.
About Oruro
Wikipedia ↗
Oruro (Hispanicized spelling) or Uru Uru is a city in Bolivia with a population of 264,683 (2012 calculation), about halfway between La Paz and Sucre in the Altiplano, approximately 3,709 meters (12,169 ft) above sea level. It is Bolivia's fifth-largest city by population, after Santa Cruz de la Sie...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Onawa?
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor at the rear of the building, away from the street. These upper levels reduce street-level noise while still being accessible via stairs if the lift is slow or broken—a common issue in older 3-star hotels in Bolivia.
Which rooms should I avoid at Onawa?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or directly above the lobby/restaurant area. Ground-floor rooms suffer from street noise and foot traffic; those above common areas may pick up kitchen or bar sounds until late evening.
Is Onawa noisy?
Expect street noise from Calle Onawa, especially during the day and into evening when Oruro's traffic and street vendors are active. The lift motor or service entrance may also generate noise if the hotel is older.
Which rooms have the best views at Onawa?
The best view is probably of the surrounding Oruro cityscape or nearby hills—ask for a room facing the interior courtyard or away from the main street for a quieter outlook, as street-facing rooms get little more than traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Onawa?
1. If you drive, ask reception about free street parking availability on Onawa—Oruro has limited hotel parking, so arriving early helps. 2. Request a room with a working heater in advance; 3-star hotels in Oruro often provide portable heaters, and winter nights can be cold at 3,700m elevation.
What time is check-in at Onawa?
Check-in at Onawa is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Onawa have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi in lobby and rooms; speed ~3-5 Mbps download, no login password needed. No premium tier.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Onawa?
None (no local tourist tax; 13% IVA included in rates for foreigners if invoiced)
Where can I eat cheaply near Onawa?
Menú del día (soup, main, drink) in a local comedor: 20–30 BOB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Onawa?
Minibuses and trufis cost 2–3 BOB per ride. From the airport, take a shuttle to the bus terminal (15 BOB) then a local minibus.
When is the best time to visit Oruro?
May to August: dry, sunny days, cool nights, and clear skies — ideal for exploring the city and nearby Lake Poopó or the Uyuni salt flats without rain.
Top Attractions in Oruro
💡 Mass at 7am on weekdays gives you the place nearly empty.
💡 Ask the guard to unlock the back room — it holds the best pieces.
💡 The ice cream kiosk by the east entrance sells cheap fruit popsicles.
💡 Go late afternoon for good light on the facade and fewer crowds.
💡 The guide (Spanish only) worked underground for 20 years — worth waiting for.