Hostal Las Olas

We really enjoyed our 2 day stay at Las Olas. It’s an oasis of funky architecture set on the hill with access at the top and bottom. Around 12 unique buildings abound with not a straight line in sight. When you open the windows in the morning you may have alpacas grazing outside, or chickens. We spoke to the owner and architect, Martin. He is German and started this 32 years ago. We stayed in the first house he built. He describes himself as a sculptor, carpenter and teacher. I think he is a genius. His loyal workers have been around him a long time. He has builders who have had to look at the drawing board afresh and take themselves away from what they were taught. But they were open-minded enough to do it. All staff are friendly and welcoming, as is the genial Martin. The views of the lake are stunning with large individually build windows. We had ivy growing through spaces and climbing through to the bedroom - amazing. To stay here is expensive by Bolivian standards but well worth it.

If you’d like a new experience, this is the place to stay! The hotel is located above the city with practically every cottage giving a perfect view of the lake and/or city. Very short walk just 2 blocks down a steep hill to the central part of town. Or you can take a taxi as it’s only 100 bolivaros ($1 dollar). Each cottage is made of wood and stone and some boulders. There’s a small kitchenette too. Showers are all stone but comfortable. Many are duplexes with beds at top and bottom. Also a cute touch are the llamas walking all over the property. Four of them passed right in front twice while here. You can walk among them. The fireplace is also fantastic. Real clay and they prepare it for you each day. There’s much more to detail but it would take multiple pages to give you the right feel. I recommend looking at all the photos and read more reviews. You probably will meet the owner, Martín. He’s a super friendly guy and willing to help with anything you may need. The prices are very, very reasonable as are all hotels in Bolivia! I’ve traveled to almost 90 countries now and this will be an experience like no other. Just think of the cartoons from the 70’s called “The Flintstones”. Howard S.