Albergue Yolosa | Hotel

I was on a solo bike tour from Ecuador to Ushuaia. Today there were several places to camp on the Death Road. Camping was free except at the end, at Albergue Yolosa, where it cost 10 BOB ($1.50) pp. In the village at 1.0 km was a large open space for camping, with bathroom and water faucet. One had to walk 20 m for views. At 3.9 km was a clearing with space for several tents (photo). No water. Good views. At 20.8 km (Mono Zipline) cyclists could camp under cover in the outdoor seating area (photo). This place had bathrooms and water. Good views.

I stayed at Albergue Yolosa for 1 night. This hotel was relatively new and was a community-owned project. Clearly they were still learning how to run a hotel. Price for my ensuite matrimonial room was 70 BOB ($10) or nearly 2x that of my room in Coroico, yet it was of inferior value. This room had space for my bike. (There were tiny rooms for 40 BOB). I felt it worthwhile to help the community. The standard may improve once more people come and stay. The alternatives were expensive accommodation at Senda Verde and at one other upscale hotel up the river from Yolosa. (This I did not visit. I was told about it by a villager).

Pros: large pleasant courtyard with table and seating. Ensuite. Large plastic table and plastic chair (upon request). At 70 BOB it was the cheapest accommodation option in Yolosa. One could camp for 10 BOB pp. Cons: no TP, towel or soap. On-demand hot shower suffered from intermittent water flow so one had to turn in nearly full on for the heating element to work. The temperature was then too low to be pleasant. Instead I boiled a liter of water and used this to wash myself. Bed sagged in the middle and was a bit short, such that my feet pressed against the end. (I am 5 ft 11"). Lighting was rather dim. No internet. 220V socket was worn so my 220 V kettle’s plug would not make contact unless held in place.

For more details see Day 145 of my blog.