Are you visiting Lake Titicaca in Bolivia? Do you love quirky and one-of-a-kind hotels? Then you have to stay at Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana! In this post, we’ll go over the exciting designs of the buildings and what makes this hotel so special.
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For most people staying in a nice hotel can sometimes be one of the best parts about traveling especially when the hotel is unique and/or elegant. Plus, it’s even better when it’s actually affordable, right?
Copacabana, Bolivia has become increasingly popular in recent years as a vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. Over a decade ago, Hostal Las Olas was built and remains one of the most unparalleled hotels in the area.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Bolivia or you just love exceptional hotels and architecture, I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana!
About Copacabana, Bolivia
Imagine leaving your hotel room and taking just a five-minute walk to get to a beautiful and lively lake high up in the mountains.
You walk along the shore and see kids splashing and playing on large inflatable animals, as well as kayaks and paddle boats for rent. On the opposite side are dozens of small restaurants serving the best locally caught trout for lunch.
Just a boat ride away is the popular Isle del Sol (Sun Island) that many people come to see. There are even floating islands that you can take a boat ride to visit.
This is Copacabana, a quaint village on the shore of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Lake Titicaca is known as the highest navigable lake in the world nestled in between the Andes Mountains.
The lake is situated on the border between Peru and Bolivia and is accessible from both sides. Copacabana is known as a popular tourist and “beach” destination.
Hostal Las Olas
Dare I say Hostal Las Olas Copacabana, translated to The Waves Hotel, is one of the most artistic and distinctly unique hotels I’ve ever stayed in. It’s especially apparent to be one of the most eye-catching hotels in Copacabana.
Located on the hillside of the town, it’s nestled perfectly to give you the best view of the village and Lake Titicaca. With 12 different suites (guesthouses) available, each one has a theme and feel all to its own.
Although each suite is different they all include a small kitchen and seating area as well as a fireplace to warm up on those cold Antiplano nights. Some of the large suites even include a balcony to take in the wonderful view!
Hostal Las Olas focuses on how to best create and sustain eco-friendliness throughout the building process and even thereafter. They do this by using solar panels to heat the water and run the electricity.
Furthermore, they also use natural and native materials such as rock, wood, and mud to lay bricks instead of using iron and cement.
You can view this reel I made of the hotel to get a better idea and view of the inside of the Tepee Suite!
Construction/Architecture
Full of character, each guesthouse has really been brought to life even though it feels like these artistic houses belong in a fairytale book.
German sculptor, Martin Stratker, and his team of three local Bolivians have created the amazing casitas you see today. It all started with the shared vision to blur the lines between architecture and sculpture.
Each little house was designed specifically to be one-of-a-kind and embody different elements of nature and/or animals. Some of the most impressive suites here are sculpted to look like snails, teepees, and even a treehouse-style guesthouse.
Additionally, each suite has a garden and hammock so you can admire the view of each and every other quirky house. Included in its intricate design and style, each suite has fascinating and special large windows to let in a lot of natural light.
Many of these windows are designed in the shapes of animals and plants. There is also an interesting way to release the curtains for some more privacy and darkness.
Affordable Suite Prices
Indeed, one of the best parts about traveling to Bolivia is how affordable most things are. It is no different here at Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana.
Each suite differs in size, sleeping space, and prices range depending on how many guests stay. This is an especially great option if you are traveling in a group and sharing the space with many people. There are multiple beds in the larger suites and it will be much more affordable this way.
Below are the estimated costs of each suite summed up in US Dollars (this may differ on the time of year you are visiting):
- Suite 1: The Eucalyptuses (Los Eucaliptos): $62-$94 USD
- Suite 2: The Rocks (Las Rocas): $62-$75 USD
- Suite 3: The Sun (El Sol): $62-$86 USD
- Suite 4: The Turtle (La Tortuga): $62-$75 USD
- Suite 5: The Sky (El Cielo): $62-$86 USD
- Suite 6: The Waves (Las Olas: $42-$64 USD
- Suite 7: Sea Tower (Torre Mar): $62-$94 USD
- Suite 8: The Snail (El Caracol): $62-$94 USD
- Suite 9: The Tepee (El Tipi): $84-$123 USD
- Suite 10: The Arches (Los Arcos): $84-$123 USD
- Suite 11: Nayra (The Eye): $42-$64 USD
- Suite 12: The Wind (El Viento): $120-$245 USD
12 One-Of-A-Kind Suites
Suite 1: The Eucalyptuses (Los Eucaliptos)
The first suite built at Hostal Las Olas sleeps 3-5 people with 2 queen-sized beds and 1 single bed. Although this first suite is a bit simpler than the rest, it’s perfect for a family to share.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
- For 4 people: $86 USD
- For 5 people: $94 USD
Suite 2: The Rocks (Las Rocas)
Secondly, named after the two rocks that were originally found here and then used in the build, this suite is perfect for couples looking to enjoy the view. This suite has the best view of Lake Titicaca without any obstructions in your way. 1 queen-sized bed and 1 double bed are included, sleeping up to 3 people.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
Suite 3: The Sun (El Sol)
Next up, The Sun suite is another house that has a great, unobstructed view of the lake as well as two hammocks and porch chairs in the garden. This suite sleeps 3-4 people with 1 queen-sized bed and 2 single beds.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
- For 4 people: $86 USD
Suite 4: The Turtle (La Tortuga)
Standing at 23 ft (7 m) in height, this dome-shaped suite has two large windows in the front and is entirely made from mud brick. This suite is ideal for 2 people but sleeps up to 3 with 1 queen-sized bed and 1 single bed.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
Suite 5: The Sky (El Cielo)
One of the more spacious and open floor plans is this sky suite which sleeps 2-4 people. With a fun loft area, this suite comes with 2 queen-sized beds.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
- For 4 people: $86 USD
Suite 6: The Waves (Las Olas)
This suite is named after its wavy ceiling and comes with its own garden and hammocks. This one is perfect for a couple looking to have an intimate and romantic night. Comes with 1 queen-sized bed!
Cost Per Person
- For 1 person: $42 USD
- For 2 people: $62 USD
Suite 7: Sea Tower (Torre Mar)
Comparatively, one of the more unique and spacious suites is this sea tower with 3 floors. The kitchen is found on the first floor, a living room on the second, and on the third floor is a relaxing area with a hammock and table. This suite sleeps up to 5 people in 2 queen-sized beds and 1 single bed.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
- For 4 people: $86 USD
- For 5 people: $94 USD
Suite 8: The Snail (El Caracol)
Suite 8, the snail or sea shell house, is one of the more artistic suites available. You won’t find any straight walls in this house. However, you will find 2 large gardens outside. The Snail sleeps up to 5 people with 2 queen-sized beds and 1 single bed.
Cost Per Person
- For 2 people: $62 USD
- For 3 people: $75 USD
- For 4 people: $86 USD
- For 5 people: $94 USD
Suite 9: The Tepee (El Tipi)
Finally, this is the suite my family and I were lucky enough to stay in and it did not disappoint. It reminds me of something out of a Willy Wonka factory!
This suite has two spacious floors with two bathrooms and a beautiful balcony on the second floor. It sleeps up to 7 people with 2 queen-sized beds and 3 single beds. Perfect for a large family or big group of friends.
Cost Per Person
- For 3 people: $84 USD
- For 4 people: $93 USD
- For 5 people: $103 USD
- For 6 people: $115 USD
- For 7 people: $123 USD
Suite 10: The Arches (Los Arcos)
The Arches suite is created by the flow from the 8 pillars that hold this place up. One of the larger suites available as well sleeps up to 7 people with 3 queen-sized beds and 1 single bed.
Cost Per Person
- For 3 people: $84 USD
- For 4 people: $93 USD
- For 5 people: $103 USD
- For 6 people: $115 USD
- For 7 people: $123 USD
Suite 11: Nayra (The Eye)
Suite 11 is perfect for a single person or couple with an excellent private garden as well as its own unique design.
Cost Per Person
- For 1 person: $42 USD
- For 2 people: $62 USD
Suite 12: The Wind (El Viento)
Last but certainly not least, is the largest suite available at Hostal Las Olas – The Wind Suite. This resembles the kind of treehouse you wish you had as a child but way more artistic and professional.
This suite sleeps up to 9 people, has 3 bathrooms, and 2 dining rooms and living rooms. The spacious balcony adds the cherry on top to this one-of-a-kind house! 4 queen-sized beds and 1 single bed are included in this one.
Cost Per Person
- For 3 people: $120 USD
- For 4 people: $145 USD
- For 5 people: $165 USD
- For 6 people: $185 USD
- For 7 people: $205 USD
- For 8 people: $225 USD
- For 9 people: $245 USD
Some Fun Window Pictures
I hope this post has inspired you to book a room at Hostal Las Olas Copacabana as soon as possible. It’s an amazing place to grab your friends or family and enjoy a lovely weekend by the Lake. All while you enjoy the beauty and passion that went into building each individual art house.
Click here to go to the Hostal Las Olas website to book.
Click here to learn more about the construction and architecture that went into building Hostal Las Olas.
For more Bolivia information, you may also like:
- La Paz Cable Car: The Most Unique Urban Transit System
- 10 Fantastic Reasons It’s Worth Visiting La Paz, Bolivia
- Salar de Uyuni: Best Time To Visit Wonderful Bolivia Salt Flats
