The 6 Best Hostels in Cusco (Updated 2024)

Published: 1/14/24 | January 14, 2024

Cusco is the undisputed archaeological center of South America, and visiting it is an important part of any trip Peru. The city was the capital of the Inca Empire for centuries and is not far from one of the world’s iconic wonders, the famous Machu Picchu.whether you are Hiking the Inca Trail Or just passing through, Cusco is worth spending a few days exploring.

While most tourists visit Cusco for its proximity to Machu Picchu, there is plenty to see and do. The city is popular with hikers and history buffs, as well as partygoers who come to enjoy the nightlife and festivals.

Because of this, most travelers backpacking South America pass through Cusco and stay for a night or two.

Here is my list of the best hostels in Cusco to help you plan your trip and save money. If you don’t want to read a longer list, here are the best in each category:

Want specifics? Here’s my detailed analysis of the best hostels in Cusco and why I love them:

Price legend (per night):

• $: Under 40 PEN
• $$: 40-60 transactions
• $$$: 60 PEN and above

1. Viagello Kokopelli

This is my favorite hotel in town. It’s a huge, fun, artsy hotel with cool murals on the walls. It’s a lively place with lots of events, so if you want to meet other travelers, stay here. The hotel has a bar with daily happy hour, tons of activities (live music, DJs, cooking classes), and a pool table, foosball table, and beer pong table in the common areas. It’s also close to the main square, so you can walk to many of the city’s attractions.

I really like the dorm beds here, they are pod style and super comfortable with individual reading lights and sockets. The shower always had hot water and great pressure. There are also female-only dormitories. There’s also a co-working space if you need to get some work done and free tea throughout the day (including coca tea, which helps with acclimating to the altitude).

Viagello Kokopelli knows it all at a glance:

• $$
• Social hotel hosting many events
• Pod bed with individual reading light and sockets
• Plenty of common areas (including garden hammock area)

Beds start from 54 PEN, private rooms start from 270 PEN.

Book here!

2. Wild Wanderer Lodge

Wild Rover is a fun party hotel. There’s always something going on here, from bar parties to cultural experiences like cooking classes and salsa lessons. There are also several common areas, including co-working spaces. The panoramic view from the bar is unbeatable (though keep in mind that at this altitude, the walk uphill from the city center can be a bit strenuous).

Most dorm rooms here feature pod-style beds with privacy curtains, sockets, reading lights and large lockers for your gear. The dorms are in a separate area from the bar, which means if you don’t want to join the festivities or want to go to bed early, you can still get a good night’s sleep. For travelers who want to enjoy the city’s nightlife, this is definitely the best choice.

Wild Rover at a glance:

• $
• Host many organized events to create a party atmosphere
• Dormitory beds are equipped with reading lights, sockets and lockers (some with privacy curtains)
• Plenty of common areas make meeting people a breeze

Beds start from 40 PEN and private rooms start from 185 PEN.

Book here!

3. Tourist Inn Recoleta

This cozy inn offers quieter accommodations than the two mentioned above, making it a good choice if you’re up early in the morning for a hike or just want a more laid-back stay. The atmosphere in this family-run hotel is very welcoming. Plus, unlike most hostels in Cusco, Recoleta Hostel offers free breakfast and has a guest kitchen so you can cook. It is also one of the most affordable hotels in the city.

The dorm beds here are a bit basic (no privacy curtains), but they are made of wood so don’t squeak and shake like metal beds (a big plus in my book). Hostels also have private rooms, some of which only have a single bed, making them a great option for solo travelers looking for a quiet stay and more privacy.

Hospedaje Turístico Recoleta Overview:

• $
• Small hotel, quiet and warm atmosphere
• free breakfast
• Fully equipped guest kitchen

Beds start from 38 PEN, private rooms start from 91 PEN.

Book here!

4. Casa Tunki Hotel

Casa Tunki is the most luxurious hostel in Cusco and feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel. It is housed in a colonial-era building that has been restored with a mix of modern and historical styles. I found the interior atrium (where you’ll find the cool fusion restaurant/bar) to be particularly stunning.

Each room has a different name in Quechua, the indigenous language of the area. Both private rooms and dormitories feature comfortable capsule beds with individual reading lights, curtains, and sockets; insulating noise-reducing materials; and blackout curtains. This is one of the best hostels in Cusco for a good night’s sleep. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a quiet place to recharge before or after a hike.

Casatunki at a glance:

• $$$
• Upscale boutique hotel
• Capsule dormitory beds come with individual reading lights, curtains and sockets
• Centrally located in the historic center of the city

Beds start from 113 PEN, private rooms start from 264 PEN.

Book here!

5. Cusco Parivana Hostel

Pariwana is a small Peruvian-owned hotel chain named after the Andean flamingo (the idea is that the bird is found throughout South America like backpackers). Its Cusco location is an institution, the staff is great and go out of their way to host fun social events.

In the dorms, you’ll find individual reading lights and outlets next to each bed (although there are no privacy curtains), as well as lockers with outlets so you can safely charge your electronic devices while you’re out exploring. The showers have hot water (although sometimes it takes a little time to warm up), and free tea (including coca tea) is available 24/7.

Overview of Cusco Parivana Hotel:

• $$
• Centrally located in the historic center
• Many events are organized so it’s easy to meet new people
• Lockers have outlets so you can charge your belongings while they’re locked

Beds start from 56 PEN, private rooms start from 220 PEN.

Book here!

6. Cusco Selina de Armas Square/Selina Saphi

Selina is a favorite among digital nomads. They have not one but two great locations in Cusco. Selina Armas Plaza Located in the historic center, just a few blocks from Plaza Mayor; Selina Safi It’s on the mountain.

While their features vary by location, both have all the amenities a Selina hotel has to offer, and they tend to feel more like boutique hotels than classic backpacker hostels. Both are decorated with carefully curated local artwork and offer co-working spaces with unlimited tea and coffee, fully equipped kitchens and bar/restaurants hosting weekly events.

The dorm beds at both hotels are comfortable, come with personal reading lights and lockers (the Plaza de Armas location also has privacy curtains), and private rooms are also available. If you are a digital nomad or a remote worker, stay here.

Selina Cusco at a Glance:

• $$
• Fully equipped guest kitchen
• Common areas include co-working space, fitness center and bar/restaurant
• Bunks come with personal reading lights and lockers

Beds start from 55 PEN, private rooms start from 200 PEN.

Book here!

***

As a jumping off point for hiking through the jungle, exploring nearby ruins, and of course heading to Machu Picchu, Cusco is a must-see for anyone traveling through here Peru. Since it’s 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level, you’ll want to spend a few days here to acclimate to the altitude before hiking (plus, there’s plenty to do and see in the city). Choose a hostel from the list above and have a great stay in the city!