Bolivia has several deluxe and first-class hotels. Service charges and taxes (amounting to 25-27%) are added to bills. Rates are for room only, except where otherwise indicated. There is an assortment of mid range hotel accommodation available, generally of good value.

Pensions in major cities provide visitors with comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.

Camping is rare but possible in Bolivia. There is no formal organisation or marked zones but adventurous travellers may find adequate lodging for a small fee. Mallasa, Valencia and Palca in the river gorge below the La Paz region of Zona Sur are possible options.

These offer a more in-depth experience and a fuller appreciation of cultural identity. Community-based tourism is a growing sector with homestays a popular option as a way to learn the language at grass-roots level, or volunteering with community projects in return for board and lodging a good way to get under the skin of the local community. Local tour companies and NGOs can help advise on options.

Eco lodges are primarily based around Bolivia's Amazon region. Rurrenabaque is the hub for lodge stays and packages typically include full board, nature trails and wildlife-watching excursions into the rainforest. The original and best known lodge in Bolivia is Chalalan (website: www.chalalan.com), a community-run eco lodge managed by the indigenous community of San José de Uchupiamonas.

Cámara Departamental de Hotelería (Bolivian Chamber of Hotel Management)
Calle Panamá, esquina Plaza Uyuni, edificio Shopping Miraflores, 3°, oficina 303, La Paz, Bolivia
Tel: (2) 222 2618 or 6290.