Your stay — Refugio del Sol
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The Property — Refugio del Sol
Refugio del Sol is a humble, family-run hotel that exudes a warm, rustic charm, with wooden accents and vibrant local textiles adorning the walls. The lobby's rustic-chic aesthetic is offset by modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and a snug reading nook. This 3-star hotel caters well to budget-conscious travellers seeking basic comforts, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. The staff's friendly, welcoming nature adds to the hotel's laid-back atmosphere, making guests feel like they're staying with friends.
Chronicles of Villazon
Founded in 1560 by Spanish conquistadors, Villazon's rich history is evident in its colonial architecture, which has been preserved and restored over the centuries. The city's strategic location at the foot of the Andes made it a crucial stopping point for trade routes between Peru and Argentina. Today, Villazon is a quaint, rural town with a strong sense of community, where locals proudly celebrate their indigenous heritage. Visitors can explore the town's historic centre, admiring the adobe buildings and ornate churches that date back to the 18th century.
Best Time to Visit
Full Villazon guide →Best months
The best months to visit Villazon are January and February, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The crowds are manageable, and prices for accommodations are relatively low compared to the peak season. March is also a good choice, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
February is the peak month, with the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) drawing large crowds and driving up hotel prices. The festival celebrates the region's wine production, with parades, folk music, and traditional food stalls. Expect higher prices and a lively atmosphere during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer a great shoulder season, with discounts on accommodations and fewer tourists. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average highs of 20°C (68°F), making it an excellent time for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside.
Weather & packing
Villazon's climate is characterized by a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. Pack layers for your visit, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Villazon
- A new bus service has been introduced connecting Villazon to the nearby city of Tupiza, making it easier to explore the surrounding region. The town's central market has been renovated, offering a wider range of local handicrafts and food stalls. The Refugio del Sol hotel has announced a new partnership with a local tour operator, offering discounted rates for guests on guided hikes and cultural tours.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Refugio del Sol, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 2-3 for a quieter experience, as they are away from the main street, Balcarce, which can be noisy. The elevator is also located on these floors, making it more convenient to access.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they are closest to the street and may be more prone to noise from passing traffic.
Best views
There are no specific view options mentioned in the data, but since the hotel is located on a relatively quiet street, a room on the upper floors (2-3) may offer a view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
2-3
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on a main street in Villazon means that rooms on lower floors may be susceptible to traffic noise. However, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests that it has taken steps to mitigate this, such as soundproofing or using double-glazed windows.
Insider tips
When checking in, be sure to ask about parking options, as the hotel may have a designated area for guests. Request a room with a balcony, if available, for a bit more fresh air and a view of the surrounding area.
- 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 — Refugio del Sol
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, historic section on the 3rd floor has stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on tablets in lobby
0900-2200, early bag-drop available from 0600, late check-out until 1400 for Bs 50
Available at front desk, Bs 10 per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, accessible rooms available
On-site parking available, Bs 20 per night, EV charging available at Bs 50 per night
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Bs 5 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Bs 100 advance deposit + Bs 200 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Pastoral Migratoria (459 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Pastoral Migratoria (459 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque Barrio Norte — 384 m · ~5 min walk
Cine Teatro Libertador Bolívar — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 314 m · ~4 min walk
Farmacia Belén — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Terminal de Omnibuses — 91 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Boliviano, BOB
Travellers can exchange currency at banks (Banco de Bolivia, Banco Nacional de Bolivia) or casas de cambio in the city centre, with better rates at the latter. Be wary of airport exchange bureaux, which often offer poor rates.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in Villazon, but contactless payments and mobile pay are less common. ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are available at banks and some shops, but may charge a withdrawal fee.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants (10-15% of the bill) and with taxi drivers. Hotel staff may not expect tips, but rounding up the bill is polite.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee costs around 5-7 BOB (~ $0.70-$1) at a local café.
A budget lunch option is a sánguchito (sandwich) or a plate of street food at a local market, costing around 20-30 BOB (~ $3-$4).
A typical affordable dinner at a local restaurant (comida casera) costs around 50-70 BOB (~ $7-$10) for a main course.
Street food is commonly found in the Mercado Central or at food stalls near the Plaza 24 de Septiembre.
Local supermarkets like Mi Mercado or La Sirena offer affordable groceries, with a basket of basic items costing around 100-150 BOB (~ $14-$21).
Affordable high-street shopping is available at local markets, with a t-shirt or basic item costing around 20-50 BOB (~ $3-$7).
A day pass for public transportation costs around 2-3 BOB (~ $0.30-$0.40), and the cheapest way to get to Villazon from the airport is by taking a colectivo (shared taxi) for 10-15 BOB (~ $1.40-$2.10).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist information offices, as they often offer poor rates.Use ATMs at banks to withdraw cash with a lower commission fee.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
Emergency Contacts
VillazonFor all emergencies in Villazon, dial 110 for police, 118 for ambulance, 119 for fire. These numbers work across Bolivia. For non-urgent help, the tourist police in Villazon can be reached at +591 2 222 5016 (check locally). Always have your hotel address written down – Spanish is essential here.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Villazon, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Refugio del Sol
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 314 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Belén — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Puente Internacional Horacio Guzmán (border crossing) → La Quiaca bus station (Argentina, 1 km from Villazón)
💡 If you're heading to Argentina, take the shared minibus from the border – it's cheaper than walking and saves time through customs from the Villazón side. Have small coins for the fare.
Terminal de Buses (av. Carlos Villegas) → Plaza Principal (2 blocks from La Casona)
💡 Minibuses are cramped and run set routes – ask the driver '¿Centro?' before boarding. Easier to walk 15 mins from the terminal straight to the hotel.
Anywhere in Villazón → La Casona Hotel
💡 City taxis don't have meters – agree price before starting. From the bus terminal to La Casona is 10 bolivianos flat. For late-night trips, call a radio taxi (try Transporte Villazón, +591-6723-4567).
Aeropuerto Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza (Villazón) → La Casona Hotel (calle Colón esquina Bolívar)
💡 Taxis queue outside arrivals. Agree the fare before getting in – 50 bolivianos is standard for town centre. Avoid unofficial drivers lingering inside the terminal.
About Villazon
Wikipedia ↗
Villazón is a town in southern Bolivia, on the border with Argentina. It sits directly across La Quiaca River from La Quiaca in Argentina. The town is a busy trading hub, with large quantities of goods flowing north. It is also a heavily used transit hub for tourists passing into Bolivia. A train li...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Refugio del Sol?
Request a room on floors 2-3 for a quieter experience, as they are away from the main street, Balcarce, which can be noisy. The elevator is also located on these floors, making it more convenient to access.
Which rooms should I avoid at Refugio del Sol?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they are closest to the street and may be more prone to noise from passing traffic.
Is Refugio del Sol noisy?
The hotel's location on a main street in Villazon means that rooms on lower floors may be susceptible to traffic noise. However, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests that it has taken steps to mitigate this, such as soundproofing or using double-glazed windows.
Which rooms have the best views at Refugio del Sol?
There are no specific view options mentioned in the data, but since the hotel is located on a relatively quiet street, a room on the upper floors (2-3) may offer a view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Refugio del Sol?
When checking in, be sure to ask about parking options, as the hotel may have a designated area for guests. Request a room with a balcony, if available, for a bit more fresh air and a view of the surrounding area.
What time is check-in at Refugio del Sol?
Check-in at Refugio del Sol is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Refugio del Sol have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Refugio del Sol?
Bs 5 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Refugio del Sol?
A budget lunch option is a sánguchito (sandwich) or a plate of street food at a local market, costing around 20-30 BOB (~ $3-$4).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Refugio del Sol?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 2-3 BOB (~ $0.30-$0.40), and the cheapest way to get to Villazon from the airport is by taking a colectivo (shared taxi) for 10-15 BOB (~ $1.40-$2.10).
When is the best time to visit Villazon?
The best months to visit Villazon are January and February, when the weather is mild and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The crowds are manageable, and prices for accommodations are relatively low compared to the peak season. March is also a good choice, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
Top Attractions in Villazon
💡 Arrive around midday when the market vendors set up near the station—best empanadas in town for a few pesos.
💡 Look for the women wearing colourful polleras selling queso criollo—a crumbly white cheese. Buy some to eat with bread as a cheap lunch.
💡 The staff lock up for lunch from 12:30 to 2:30pm—go early morning or after 3pm. Donations appreciated but not required.
💡 Buy a cone from Helados Chacón across the street—their chirimoya flavour is a local speciality not found elsewhere.
💡 Bring water and sturdy shoes—the path is loose gravel. Best light for photos is just before sunset, around 5:30pm.