Hostelling International Bolivia is the sister organization of Hostelling USA, Hostelling International Canada, the UK Youth Hostel Association and part of the Hostelling International network.
Intercultural exchange and international understanding are what we are working for:
We offer economic accommodation with friendly atmosphere and exciting tour packages for travelers from all over the world. Furthermore we organize school and university exchange and we are socially committed with our volunteer services which mainly take place in rural areas.
For a better understanding the Spanish languages is essential. That’s why we’re offering highly qualified Spanish courses in collaboration with the language school “Casa Andina de Lengua” in the HI Hostel in Sucre.
We’re presenting a network of about twenty HI hostels in the most important and scenic places across Bolivia. International experience and deep local knowledge make HI-Bolivia a strong partner for tours and adventures. Visit the world’s largest salt lake (Salar de Uyuni), the lake of Titicaca, the jungle and many more stunning places.
All HI-Hostels have to fulfill the international Assured Standards Scheme. Which means you can rely on a consistent level of services and facilities wherever you stay in Comfort of bed, Cleanliness in toilets and showers, Security for your luggage and belongings and sufficient privacy in separated dormitories.
Our mission is stated in Article 2 of the Constitution of the International Youth Hostel Federation:
“To promote the education of all young people of all nations, but especially young people of limited means, by encouraging in them a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside and an appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities in all parts of the world, and as ancillary thereto, to provide hostels or other accommodation in which there shall be no distinctions of race, nationality, colour, religion, sex, class or political opinions and thereby to develop a better understanding of their fellow men, both at home and abroad.”
Hostelling International Bolivia was established in 2001 as a foundation and non-profit-organization (NGO #1206) under Bolivian law. For nearly ten years we’re now working for affordable tourism and socially committed with our volunteer programs.
Hostelling International is the brand name of more than 90 Youth Hostel Associations in over 80 countries, operating 4,000+ hostels. No other hostel operator can match us for sheer quality or variety of accommodation! Unlike bland motels, impersonal hotels or dodgy backpackers, HI Youth Hostels are fun, lively meeting places, full of like-minded people.
Hostelling International is a not-for-profit membership organization, with a proud history and a relevant philosophy. Supporting UNESCO and a vision of a world of peace, our Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding campaign promotes peace and understanding between all people of the world.
100 years of hostelling
The hostel movement was founded in Germany by the school teacher, Richard Schirrmann in 1909. He came up with the idea when he and his students were caught in a thunderstorm during an excursion and were offered accommodation in a school.
Originally created to help young people of limited means to experience the countryside and cities of the world, hostels are now at the heart of international tourism for a wide age group. Hostellers contribute up to US$ 1.4 billion to tourist revenues world-wide every year.
Since 1909, when hostelling was born out of the excursions of German schoolteacher Richard Schirrmann and his pupils, it has become one of the world's biggest international membership organizations for youth, with about 4 million members and a philosophy that has never been more relevant.
Hostelling’s Global Growth
Hostelling International currently provides 38 million overnight stays a year through more than 4,000 hostels now more than 90 countries. Advance online reservations are can be done on this website – using hihostels.com.
Today’s hosteller is just as likely to be in his thirties and bring his family by car, as to arrive alone on foot with a backpack, or be part of a school group. Nor is hostelling an end in itself. All ages use hostels as their gateway to cultural exploration and the appreciation of nature.
The economic, social and political environment surrounding hostelling has changed dramatically during the last century. The hostel movement has expanded from its European core to embrace the world and fulfill the expectations of today’s young people who have more money, more free time and greater mobility than ever before.
Assured Standards
Hostelling International’s well-established Assured Standards means you can rely on a consistent level of services and facilities wherever you stay. All our member countries are required to have in place regular inspection programs. In addition the requirements of the Assured Standards Scheme are checked through visits to hostels by the HI Standards team. We also conduct regular “mystery shopper” programmes with budget travellers - these programmes check that customer service standards are met.
- Welcome - hostels are open to all. You can join if you are not already a member, and you can make advance reservations. Plus you will have access to essential facilities if the hostel closes for a period during the day.
- Comfort - a good night's sleep (including the hire of freshly-laundered linen if it is not included in the overnight charge), and sufficient washing/shower facilities. Meals are generally available, along with self-catering facilities and a food store close by.
- Cleanliness - the highest standards of hygiene wherever you travel.
- Security - for you and your possessions, including lockers for luggage and valuables.
- Privacy - in showers, washing areas and toilets. Most hostels provide single sex dormitories - although if requested, a mixed sex dormitory may be offered to people travelling together.
With the HI card you are welcome to the unique world of Hostelling International – where you can enjoy a good night’s sleep in friendly surroundings at an affordable price. HI Hostels are your door to the world of adventure and travelling.
Hostelling International is a membership organization, and HI membership gives you much more than a comfy bed! It puts you at the heart of a huge international family, where you can share experiences, travel and friendship with people of all nations.
This card is your entrance to 4,200 HI Hostels worldwide situated in the most important cities and the best tourist attractions.
Become a member
You can get your HI membership card at the most important HI Hostels in Bolivia – for 24 US $.
Starting from the day of issue the card is valid for 12 months.
Alternatively before starting your journey you can become a member of Hostelling International in your home country (like Hostelling USA, Hostelling International Canada, the UK Youth Hostel Association, …).
On the website of the international federation you can find the Youth Hostel Association of your country.
National Youth Hostel Association membership cards are valid at any Hostelling International hostel anywhere in the world, provided your country is a full member of the International Youth Hostelling Federation.
Discounts in Bolivia
In Bolivia you get 10 % on all stays in the HI hostels as well as on all tours.
Worldwide discounts for HI members
For more information on discounts and benefits with an HI membership, check out the information at hihostels.com.
