The Best Hostels In Cusco For Traveling Canadians

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Cusco in Peru, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Beautiful and well-preserved, Cusco has a rich history and is surrounded by ruins. At 3,400 metres above sea level, travellers to Cusco should be warned about altitude sickness that normally sneaks up on you. From Cusco, many tourists head to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas or other various Inca sites in the region.

For the budget-oriented traveller, or if you’re simply a solo traveller looking to stay in a safe, sociable and relaxed environment when you’re traveling, Cusco hostels are a great option. In addition to shared rooms or dormitories, almost all hostels now offer private rooms. Remember to get your visa affairs in order before going.

Live In Colonial Houses

The unique experience for travellers to Cusco is the chance to experience living in colonial houses or “casonas” in Spanish built nearly 500 years ago. All located close to the main square in Cusco, these restored colonial houses are spacious, with open courtyards and patios.

One of the most popular and best hostels in Cusco is the Ecopackers Hostel. Located centrally on a street called Santa Teresa, the services provided at Ecopackers include:

• free Wifi accessible in all rooms within the house which include dormitories and private rooms
• lockers & security boxes
• open courtyard
• cafeteria 
• cinema room
• rooms from CAD $9 per night

Proven comfort, security and economical prices has seen Ecopackers win various awards of excellence from websites like Trip Advisor and Hostel Bookers.

Another hostel within a 16th century colonial house is the Pariwana Hostel Cusco. Just two blocks from Plaza de Armas which is the main plaza, this hostel even has its own internal plaza with archways surrounding it. Amongst the services offer at Pariwana:

• free Wifi
• breakfast from 7am-1pm and daily Peruvian food and free house-brew coffees
• free linen
• lockers & storage facilities
• laundry service (for a fee)
• common areas with pool table, ping pong table and foosball table.
• rooms from CAD $9.50 per night

Recommended by Lonely Planet and top rated by customers of Hostel Bookers, Samay Wasi Youth Hostel is in San Blas, a 10-minute walking distance from the main plaza. Boasting a great view of the city, the hostel offers personalized services like:

• free internet
• free breakfast
• free linen
• storage facilities & security lockers
• free airport/bus station pick-up
• cable television
• common room
• rooms from CAD $10.50

The best hostels in Cusco are a combination of being charming, affordable and in a great location on top of being cosy, friendly and safe, making them an excellent base for travellers wanting to walk the streets and tour the attractions.