Hostels in Peru
Backpacking in PeruFrom the breathtaking sights along the Inca trail, to the buzzing cities of Cusco and Lima, it’s no wonder Peru has always been a backpacker’s favorite. The country’s vast landscape is ripe for exploration, with the giddy peaks of the Andes mountain range, chilled out beaches on the coast and wildlife packed jungles in the center. Planning your trip couldn’t be easier – with well-trodden backpacker trails up and down the country, the hostels in Peru are some of the best value in South America. Here’s a selection of the top places to stay:
One of the top-rated Lima hostels, the Shark was built by ex-backpackers, and it really shows in the little extras they provide for guests. Housed in a brightly colored building in Miraflores, one of the safest districts in the capital city, you’re still only a short walk from all the shops, restaurants and buzzing nightlife in the city center. The new rooms are modern and well-furnished, with comfy beds and hot showers, and there’s a well-equipped kitchen and huge lounge with a Playstation and plasma TV, perfect for kicking back after a manic day of sightseeing. The friendly, English speaking staff are at reception 24 hours a day and will happily help with any travel tips or queries. Rooms are some of the cheapest in the city, and the free breakfast, linen and towels should also help keep costs down. This homely hostel in Cusco city is only 2 blocks away from the main square, with scenic views of the city. More like a hotel than a hostel, the WalkOn Inn has an outdoor patio with a fireplace, a TV room, a laundry service, a cheap café and breakfast buffet, free internet and a wake-up call in case you need to be up and about for an organized tour.
But one of the WalkOn’s best attributes is the free travel advice the owners give all guests – whether you want to organize a trip to Macchu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, the hostel will give objective advice about the cheapest and safest tours to choose from. If you’d rather stay in one of Cusco’s party hostels, then the Point is the place for you! Run by Aussie, Irish and English backpackers for backpackers, this hostel has a fun atmosphere and great facilities, with its own bar serving cheap drinks, a five-a-side football pitch, and 24-hour snacks and drinks, plus it’s only a short stumble to the clubs of the main square. But its’ not all one big party - the hostel also provides useful facilities like a free breakfast and internet, bus and flight tickets, a tour of Cusco, a book exchange and Spanish classes.
Puno is the perfect place for exploring the Inca ruins at Lake Titicaca, but when they arrive, most backpackers find themselves harassed by dodgy characters offering accommodation in hostels and tours to the ruins. Luckily the Inka’s Rest is a safe and comfortable place to stay, a chic and modern hostel in the center of town. Puna is also a hub for Peruvian folklore, with dance and music festivals taking place in the town throughout the year. The hostel is actually a restored lodge of apartments, each with a bathroom, kitchen and common room area. With no curfew and your own key to each apartment, this hostel has all the benefits of private lodging, with all the facilities of a hostel, with free warm blankets and hot water bottles for Puno’s dry and cold nights, a terrace for watching the sunset, and a travel desk selling tours and excursions, from cooking lessons to boat trips. In the town of Ollantaytambo, and close to the train station to Macchu Picchu, this hostel has a rooftop deck with amazing views of the Ollanta Inca ruins, and a charming courtyard garden. Recently rebuilt and refurbished, all rooms have private bathrooms, and there’s a cheap restaurant and bar serving delicious food. The hostel also offers an airport pick up, and free linen, luggage storage and towels. The owner is from Colorado, USA and is always on hand to give advice about the local area, and can help organize bargain mountain biking, rafting and trekking trips for thrill-seekers. |
