Colibri Camping and Eco Lodge
Whenever I told Paceños that I was staying in Jupapaina (30-40 minutes out of La Paz) I always got a reaction like I’d told them I was living on the moon.
To be fair, with Valley de la Luna very nearby, the landscape is rather lunaresque, but what Colibri Camping may lack in a seemingly not-so-shiny central postcode, it more than makes up for with its incredible setting, great facilities, lovely staff and array of nearby activities.
But first things first. What is it?
Colibri Camping is an eco lodge offering a range of different accommodation types. Travellers can park their campervans, byo tent, rent a tent, ‘glamp’ in one of two tipis or stay in cosy cabins or houses with the option of having a private or shared bathroom. Prices range from $7-$32 per night.
Tipi Muela del Diablo on the left and Cabana Valley de la Luna on the right.
Inside one of the three houses available for volunteers and guests.
Without a doubt the best thing about Colibri is the environment. Nestled on a hillside and overlooking a valley presided over by the well known Devil’s Tooth mountain, it is impossible not to relax, especially when there are several hammocks on hand tempting fate.
The view from the campsite of the valley of flowers.
Colibri is the best place to stay if you need to recharge your batteries or are simply looking to explore La Paz without staying in the chaotic city. Commuting via minibus is easy and cheap. Worst case scenario a taxi will only set you back $9.
Enjoying breakfast on the terrace
By way of activities, Colibri is a ten minute journey from the popular Valley of the Moon, the Devil’s Tooth is very close for hiking or visiting, there is horse riding and quad biking available in nearby Mallasa and on site you can take Spanish classes and cooking lessons.
Valley de la Luna or Valley of the Moon
Muela del Diablo or the Devil’s Molar is the jaggedy rock on top of the hill.
The communal facilities are fantastic and include a large, well equipped kitchen, decent wifi (by Bolivian standards) in the main campsite area and hot showers. A full breakfast is available for $5 and a small shop on site stocks basic food items as well as beer, wine, marshmallows and firewood should you wish to use one of the campfires (highly recommend).
Burning our offering to Pachamama on the first Friday of August
Camp kitchen
Bathroom block
The owners, Rolando and his British wife Emma, staff and volunteers are lovely, welcoming and very willing to impart their knowledge and assist in booking local activities and Bolivia-wide travel.
Rolando getting it done on the barbecue
If you are up early or late look carefully for the viscachas. They are very good at camouflage!
If you really fall in love with Colibri, they also take volunteers to help run the place (minimum monthly commitment) and they host a fantastic volunteer program called UpClose Bolivia. See their website for more details: http://site.colibricamping.com/en/home/
UpClose Bolivia volunteer, Elena from the US, with local school children that come to Colibri for English lessons.