The Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru: Our 5 Favorites

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The 5 Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru

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The post may contain affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Please read our disclosure for more information.

As one of the gems of Peru, Cusco has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy so there should be no surprise that visitors have their pick of some incredible hostels.  Regardless of whether your on a backpackers budget or splurging after exerting yourself on the Inca Trail, this list has you covered., and so does the city’s hostels. If you want a quiet couples getaway or are looking for a safe place to enjoy some nightlife, there is a hostel that will suit your taste.

In a hurry?  Here are our top 3:

 

Kokopelli Hostel Cusco

The Kokopelli Hostel Cusco is located in the heart of downtown Cusco in a historic 200-year old home. Plaza de Armas, the city’s main plaza, is just a two-minute walk away. When you’re not busy enjoying everything the area has to offer, the staff at Kokopelli will keep you entertained. The hostel offers daily activities, a Pisco bar, and live music, as well was weekly Peruvian food lessons and barbecues. The staff will also help you plan adventures and book tours, bus, and airplane tickets. Guests note that although the Kokopelli offers a lot of socializing, the dorms are quiet so you can also get a good night’s sleep.

Amenities include free wi-fi, free continental breakfast, laundry service, sandwiches available 24/7, luggage storage, secure lockers, a garden with hammocks and a bonfire area. The hostel also has 24/7 reception and security and offers airport pickup.

Accommodations are dorm style, but pod-type beds are available for some privacy. Most of the dorm rooms are co-ed, but Kokopelli does offer one female-only room.

What we like:

  • Clean, historic location near the city center with outstanding staff.

What we don’t like:

  • Guests report that the rooms sometimes get too cold at night and rooms are cramped.

 

 

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Pariwana Hostel Cusco

Only two blocks from the heart of Cusco, Pariwana Hostel Cusco offers accommodations that are clean, comfortable, safe. Pariwana is known as a party hostel, so if you’re you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife or meet new people, it is the place to be. Earplugs are offered to all guests, in case you want to get some sleep before the party ends. The hostel also offers free walking tours and other activities such as salsa making and karaoke. An in-house travel agency is available to help you with all of your other plans.

Pariwana Hostel’s amenities include free internet access and w-fi, free breakfast served until noon, complimentary tea and coffee all day, free linens, luggage storage, laundry service, and a “Funky” bar with themed weekend parties. The hostel has 24/7 reception and security.

Accommodations include both mixed dorm-style rooms and private rooms.

What we like:

  • A fun atmosphere for meeting fellow travelers, that is also clean, welcoming and safe.

What we don’t like:

  • Noise can persist late into the night and guests report that showers often don’t have hot water.

 

 

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Puriwasi

Puriwasi is only a couple of blocks away from Cusco’s city center, which makes it an ideal place to stay if you’re traveling with a sightseeing group or you want to soak up this Peruvian city’s landmarks solo-style. The color scheme in this hostel can only be described as “festive,” and every group room comes with ample lockers where you can store your valuable stuff. If you don’t feel like going out during the day, there are lounge chairs and couches in the courtyard where you can lay out in the sun, and the wide veranda that overlooks the courtyard adds an extra layer to your potential social experiences. Puriwasi has a bar and a pool table, but it’s a little bit too chilled out to be labeled a bonafide party hostel.

What We Like

  • Bright, colorful decor
  • Big courtyard with lots of hammocks
  • Lively and comfortable bar

What We Don’t Like

  • Not a lot of privacy in group rooms
  • Some guests report nickel-and-dime tactics and theft

 

 

Sunset House

Sunset House is an extra-small hostel that is close to city center sights like the Museo Inka and the Museo de Arte Religioso. Since this hostel is on the second story of a building overlooking a hill, it provides a commanding view of downtown Cusco and the surrounding mountains. If you’re planning to check out the ruins to the north of Cusco, Sunset House might be the perfect choice since it’s only a couple of blocks away from Av. Circunvalacion, which winds its way into the temple-ridden mountains. Even though Sunset House is so small, it packs a seriously vibrant atmosphere, so don’t be surprised if festivities last late into the night. If you want to avoid the noise, you can rent a private room at this homey hostel.

What We Like

  • Quaint, homey vibe
  • Tiny courtyard for socializing
  • Within walking distance of a number of museums

What We Don’t Like

  • Some guests report cleanliness issues
  • Logistical issues with reservations are sometimes encountered

 

 

Wild Rover

Wild Rover is the real deal; the founders of this hostel poured millions of dollars into its design and construction in their quest to produce the finest backpacking stopover in the entire Cusco area. Not to be outdone, Wild Rover claims to be home to the biggest bar in Cusco, and the parties that go down at this swanky youth hostel aren’t to be trifled with. This hostel is close to Cusco sights like Plaza Regocijo and the Museo del Chocolate, but Wild Rover is also an attraction in and of itself; guests at the five-star hotels in the area have been known to wander over in awe of this hostel’s commanding views.

What We Like

  • Luxurious, upscale hostel with a party-centered, mansion-like atmosphere
  • Professional and knowledgeable staff
  • Extra open-air Irish bar on the rooftop

What We Don’t Like

  • Sometimes the partying can get a little bit too… well, “hardy”
  • Staff can have trouble keeping up with the mess generated by the frat dorm-like atmosphere