Hostal Backpackers Travelero

Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming, and we slept really well since it was quiet at night. Our private room had nice air conditioning, though its shower didn’t always work. They’d warned us about that and were working to fix it, and the shared showers on the ground floor worked perfectly. Breakfast and coffee are available too. It has everything you need for a lovely stay in busy Santa Cruz. The Plaza is just a 15 or 20 minute walk away.

I stayed for over 7 weeks, after travelling around Latin America for more than a year, and this is a great place to stay. The neighborhood is safe and quiet, but within walking distance of the city center. Two dance studios are right next door, good places to learn, meet locals and have fun. Canelita Café Bistro has great pancakes, and Siipi Palacio has a very cheap vegetarian lunch menu, best between 12:00-13:00. There’s a 24-hour supermarket with good vegetarian options, though other supermarkets and Los Pozos market can be a bit cheapr. The hostel runs tours, including a walking street market tour, Cataratas El Jardín de las Delicias waterfall, Amboró Park, and sandboarding at Lomas de Arena. Spanish lessons are available too. Biocentro Güembé Mariposario is a butterfly and nature resort, with half-price entry at 75 Bs from 15:00. It closes at 18:30. For the Bolivian blue dollar rate, remember to bring cash. You can change USD, which is preferred, euros and Brazilian cash on the street in the main plaza. There’s a well maintained swimming pool, a good kitchen, barbecue, TV with Netflix, and an area for remote work with reliable Wi-Fi. Rooms have air conditioning, and the long dorm beds are comfortable and have privacy curtains. The showers are good, breakfast is good, and Esteban often cooks eggs fresh for guests. Staff are available 24/7, most speak English, and Esteban speaks several other languages. There are two hammocks, with more planned.

A great hostel with a nice pool, breakfast, laundry service and airport Taxi. September 24 Square is within easy walking distance.

The dorm beds have privacy curtains, plus a private lamp and charging space, and the hot showers are really nice. It’s an affordable, homely hostel where Stefan, the owner, is so sweet and helpful. He and the rest of the staff are great to have a yarn with. Breakfast is generous, with eggs on toast, cake, fruit, coffee and tea. The owner’s family live at the hostel, giving it a home stay vibe, with their adorable children, parrot and dog. I’d definitely come again!