It is hard to believe that just half an hour outside of Bolivia’s most chaotic city, sits a tranquil Colibri Camping. Bolivian – British owned and located in a small community outside of La Paz, this glamping retreat is the perfect mix of authenticity and luxury. Designed with an eco-focus to make the world a little bit better, Colibri Camping truly is a little slice of heaven.
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Incredible vistas
The surrounding scenery of Colibri Camping really has to be seen to be believed. The campsite itself sits on a hill overlooking the Valley of the Flowers, a vast area dedicated to growing plants for the local markets.
The location provides complete immersion into nature and showcases not only the best views but also some of the region’s unique wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a Viscacha (a creature similar to a rabbit with a long tail) right on the lawn one morning!
Options for all budgets
Colibri Camping is an accommodation choice with something for everyone. For those who enjoy the authenticity of the odd stone in their back, it is possible to bring/rent tents and other camping equipment.
However, for those who are less Bear Grylls and more Princess and the Pea, the glamping huts provide all the comfort that any hotel could.
As well as tipi lodges, there is also a fully furnished double storey hut, which is essentially a tiny house! Complete with two single beds and a double upstairs, it even has its own private en suite bathroom! This is without mentioning the views of the mountains you get when you wake up – it sure is a stunning scene!
Prices start at as little as 50 bolivianos per night for camping with your own tent. A twin for two people comes in at 228 bolivianos on booking.com.
Amazing breakfast
For just 35 bolivianos per person, guests can gorge on a varied and delicious breakfast in the morning.
This hearty feast includes scrambled eggs, crusty bread, cereal, tea, coffee, yoghurt and juice. There is no better way to start the day, especially if you are planning a long and tiring hike!
When you sign up for breakfast, you will also be given the option of what time you wish to eat and where. As with everything that Colibri Camping does, the guest’s needs are always at the heart of things.
Read more about backpacking Bolivia here!
Great facilities
With any good campsite, there should be great facilities and this is true of Colibri Camping.
The shared toilets are immaculately clean and there are plenty of hammocks dotted around for those chill-out afternoons.
For those assuming they have to compromise of WiFi quality here, let me assure you this is not the case! The connection at Colibri has been one of the most reliable we’ve found in Bolivia!
There is a fully stocked kitchen for communal use and even a small shop attached where you can buy the essentials.
One really nice touch is the areas dedicated to campfires. You can purchase both firewood and marshmallows for roasting for just 47 bolivianos. It isn’t real camping without toasted marshmallows after all!
For those really looking to relax, there is even the option to rent the on-site hot tub for a dreamy evening gazing up at the stars.
Volunteering
Aside from running Colibri Camping, owners Emma and Rolando are also heavily involved in supporting local community projects.
They have their own volunteering program called ‘Up Close Bolivia’ which allows volunteers to partake in rewarding community-based work. They have affiliations with many local organisations including La Paz Zoo and the Valley of the Moon Children’s Centre.
Volunteers have flexibility regarding the length of their stay and are housed close to Colibri Camping.
This organisation has glowing reviews from volunteers who speak very highly of the program and the staff.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Up Close Bolivia, email to find out more.
Check availability and reserve on booking.com.
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
