Exploring Las Olas Hostel in Copacabana, Bolivia: Alpacas and Unforgettable Views of Lake Titicaca
Nestled in the hills of Copacabana, Bolivia, Las Olas Hostel is one of the most memorable places I’ve ever stayed at. With quirky, artistic rooms, panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, and alpacas wandering freely around the grounds, this place has so much personality. Trust me - you’re going to fall in love with it. Here is everything you need to know about Las Olas:
Nestled in the hills of Copacabana, Bolivia, Las Olas Hostel is one of the most memorable places I’ve ever stayed at. With quirky, artistic rooms, panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, and alpacas wandering freely around the grounds, this place has so much personality. Trust me - you’re going to fall in love with it. Here is everything you need to know about Las Olas:
Unique Rooms at Las Olas Hostel in Copacabana, Bolivia
One of my favourite things about Las Olas Hostel is the rooms. Each one is literally a work of art, with dome shapes, hobbit-like doors, and whimsical staircases that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale - or into a dream quite frankly. We stayed in a cosy dome room with amazing views, and I absolutely loved all the little details. It’s hard not to feel inspired here! Every room has its own unique vibe, and honestly, you’ll want to peek inside them all. Good to know: Most rooms have a private bathroom and kitchenette, and if yours doesn’t, there is a communal kitchen and bathroom with free drinking water.
Meet the Free-Roaming Alpacas at Las Olas Hostel, Bolivia 🦙
Yes, the rumours are true - there are alpacas! They are adorable and roam freely around the property - think natural lawn mowers. It was such a cute surprise to wake up and find them grazing outside our door or wandering up for a quick hello. I loved that they were so comfortable around people and seemed happy just being part of the scene. This was honestly one of the highlights of our stay and I sort of still miss them 🥰
Incredible Lake Titicaca Views from Las Olas Hostel
Now, let’s talk about the views - they are absolutely jaw-dropping! Las Olas is set on a hill, so it gives you beautiful views of Lake Titicaca that you won’t forget. Sunrises and sunsets are pure magic here, and trust me, Lake Titicaca is the bluest lake you’ll ever see! We got lucky and had a room with direct lake views from our bed - wow 🤩
A Word of Warning: High Altitude in Copacabana
One thing I wish we’d been more prepared for was the altitude. Copacabana sits at over 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), and if you’re not used to such crazy heights, it can be a bit of a shock. We felt it - headaches, a little breathlessness, and the need to slow down. It was kinda tricky as Las Olas is set above the town, so lots and lots of stairs are involved. Therefore I’d definitely take it easy for the first day or two, drink lots of water, and try coca tea (it’s a local favourite for a reason!).
Perfect Location to Explore Copacabana, Bolivia
Breakfast in our little garden overlooking the lake
Las Olas Hostel’s location was ideal for exploring everything Copacabana has to offer. Cafes, markets, viewpoints and Lake Titicaca’s shores are all within walking distance, and it’s a perfect starting point for day trips to Isla del Sol, one of my favourite spots in Bolivia - It’s said to be the birthplace of the Incas! Be aware though that walking around Copacabana is not easy as it is yet again, very hilly! Plan enough time to explore, walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
Why Las Olas Hostel in Bolivia is a Must-Visit
For a stay that’s so much more than just a place to sleep, Las Olas Hostel in Copacabana, Bolivia, is a must. With its unforgettable views, unique rooms, and cute alpacas, it’s one of those spots that you’ll keep thinking about long after you leave - that’s a promise! My husband and I regularly share a memory we made from there and keep talking about it to everyone who asks, or didn’t ask to be honest 😝
Whether you’re road-tripping, backpacking, or just exploring Bolivia, I can’t recommend it enough. So, if you’re looking for an experience filled with so much character and charm and wouldn’t mind finding yourself in some sort of Dr. Seuss story all at once: Las Olas is the place to be!
How to Get to Las Olas Hostel in Copacabana, Bolivia
Getting to Las Olas Hostel is part of the adventure! Most travellers arrive in Copacabana from La Paz, Bolivia’s capital. You can hop on a bus or arrange a private car from La Paz, both take around 3 - 4 hours and have beautiful views along the way. There’s a ferry crossing at Tiquina where you’ll need to switch buses briefly (it can be a bit of a confusing process but you’ll manage!) - oh and definitely bring a tiny bit of cash for the crossing, some services have the crossing fee included, some haven’t. For those coming from Peru, you can catch a bus from Puno, which crosses the border and arrives in Copacabana in about 3 hours. Once you’re in Copacabana, it’s a strenuous walk up the hill (especially if you have a lot of luggage, so brace yourself). We actually took a private taxi from La Paz and our lovely driver dropped us off right outside the doorstep, however coming on a bus you will not get so lucky. The walk from the bus station is around 10 minutes.
A Complete Guide to Visiting the Salt Flats in Bolivia: What to Know Before You Go
‘Is this place even real?’ I promise you it is, it’s not easy to get there and it’s definitely a crazy experience through and through, but it’s also a place that has made it to the top 5 most beautiful destinations on earth, for me. So here’s what you need to know before visiting the ‘Salar the Uyuni’ in Bolivia
You may have seen pictures of the Uyuni Salt flats in Bolivia and wondered: ‘Is this place even real?’ I promise you it is, it’s not easy to get there and it’s definitely a crazy experience through and through, but also a place that has easily made it to the top 5 most beautiful destinations on earth, for me. The flats stretch out endlessly creating a super surreal landscape that transforms into the world’s biggest mirror during the rainy season - wow! As you can imagine: A trip here requires some planning, especially because of the altitude and super remote location. Here’s what you need to know before visiting the ‘Salar the Uyuni’ in Bolivia:
1. Where are the Uyuni Salt Flats?
They’re in southwest Bolivia, right near South America’s biggest mountain range: The Andes. To give you an idea of just how huge they are, the flats cover over 10,000 square kilometers - making them the largest salt flats on the planet! 🤯 The closest town is Uyuni, which is where most of the salt flats tours start from. It’s about 500 kilometers from Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, and not too far from the borders of Chile and Argentina, so it's a popular stop for travelers and backpackers exploring this corner of South America - just like my husband and I did 🥰
2. How to get to the Uyuni Salt Flats?
Reaching the Uyuni Salt Flats is not easy, but it’s part of the adventure, right? 😛 To get there, you can:
Fly to Uyuni: This should be your preferred option if you are on a tight schedule. You can fly from La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, or from Santa Cruz (via La Paz). Here are a few options to consider:
✈️ Find flights from La Paz to Uyuni here
✈️ Find flights from Santa Cruz to Uyuni here
Take a bus to Uyuni: Taking buses in Bolivia works, but is for sure a bumpy ride - literally. We booked plenty of buses via Busbud and had always a ‘good’ experience 😉 Just arrive with plenty of time to find the right bus, practise your Spanish and you won’t have an issue.
Join a tour: You can take a day tour from Uyuni, but I highly recommend going for a longer experience. Some companies even offer 3 - day tours from La Paz or all the way from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Here are a few of the best Uyuni Salt Flats tours you can check out:
🚙 1 day trip from Uyuni: Sunset guided Tour with Lunch
🚌 3 day trip from La Paz: Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus
🚙 3 day trip from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile: Meals included (this is the one we did)Where to stay in Uyuni? Just so you are aware, Uyuni town might not be the most picturesque place you’ve ever visited, but we felt like we found a few nice places to stay. Some of the tours might include accommodation in Uyuni town btw. but if you need a place to say, I recommend these hotels in Uyuni:
🏨 Stay here for a relaxing wellness hotel in Uyuni
🏨 Stay here for an affordable hotel in Uyuni
3. Altitude Matters: Prepare for 3650 Meters Above Sea Level
The Uyuni Salt Flats are at a crazy altitude of 3650 meters, so it's very common for travelers - including myself 😵💫- to experience altitude sickness. To prep yourself, follow these tips:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body adjust.
Eat light: Avoid heavy meals or meat, which can make altitude symptoms worse.
Take it easy: Don't do anything too strenuous (this is not the time for a running challenge!) and try not to stress.
Have medicine handy: Bring altitude sickness medication just in case. You can get pills at local pharmacies, but it's smart to pack some before you leave.
I honestly struggled! My digestive system was not playing ball, I had a constant headache, and I felt sort of dizzy all throughout the experience. But I would do it all over again and would wholeheartedly recommend visiting to anyone - it remains one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
4. It’s Not Ideal for Kids
The harsh conditions - think cold weather, high altitude, and rough terrain - make it a challenging destination for little ones. If you're traveling with family, consider this carefully before bringing children along. I’d say this is an adventure best suited for grown-ups!
5. Budgeting for the Experience
While we considered Bolivia a budget-friendly destination 💰, tours of the Uyuni Salt Flats can be on the pricier side. Plan ahead, especially if you want a more private or customised experience. It’s always a good idea to book in advance to secure your spot. For example, if you’re okay with staying in a hostel during your tour, sharing the van, and splitting photo spots, you can easily fit this into your Bolivia budget. But if you’re after a private driver, you may want to save up just a little more. The difference between a group and private tour in Bolivia can be hundreds of pounds.
6. Drone and Photography Heaven
Calling all photographers! 📸 Drones and cameras are allowed on the flats, so you can capture stunning professional shots. If you're not such a seasoned photographer, don't worry at all! Many, if not all, tour guides carry fun props 🦖 for those must-have optical illusion shots. The landscape is so vast that you’ll have a lot of space to take pics without any distractions.
7. When is the Best Time to Visit the Uyuni Salt Flats?
If you want to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats for the mirror effect, plan your trip during Bolivia’s rainy season, which typically runs from December to March. This is when the flats become a giant reflective surface, creating the world’s largest mirror. Just keep in mind that it’s colder and wetter during this time, so pack accordingly. I loved my trusted and packable Uniqlo jacket!
8. Bring Toilet Supplies
So yes, there are no toilets on the flats! And with the altitude likely to put a little bit more pressure on your bladder than usual, you will need to go eventually. I’d say you need: tissues, a rubbish bag for the tissues and other potential female hygiene products, and a large-ish towel so your fellow traveler can hold it up to shield you 😂 I promise I’m not joking; there is literally nowhere to hide 🫣
9. What to pack to visit the Salt Flats in Bolivia?
Layers: Lightweight jackets, fleeces, hiking trousers etc.
Strong Footwear: Comfy waterproof shoes
Sunglasses & Hat: Essential as the sun is super strong all day
Sunscreen: Even more essential at this altitude. Factor 50 minimum!
Reusable Water Bottle: Extreme sun & high altitudes = Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Toilet Supplies: Tissues and a rubbish bag for hygiene needs
Camera Gear: Need I say more?
Small Backpack/Daypack: Small enough to carry but big enough for all your daily essentials