Where To Stay In Cusco, Peru: 7 Best Hostels For Backpackers - Updated 2024

where to stay in cusco
Brittany
Brittany 
Updated
| 5 min read

Lima may be the capital, but Cusco is the bread and butter of Peru, boasting an unapologetic display of revelry for the nation’s rich history of pre-Colombian civilizations. Exploring the ancient ruins and relics of this quintessentially Peruvian city by day will require an excellent place to lay your head at night. Luckily, whether traveling solo, vacationing with a significant other, or staying with friends, there are no shortage of available hostels in the area to meet your needs. The following are among the best hostels in Cusco, Peru, for wide-eyed and budget-conscious backpackers.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.

1. Inka Wild Hostel

The best thing about staying at the Inka Wild Hostel in Cusco is being able to enjoy its unique services and amenities. Composed of over 45 rooms, this large, upbeat backpacker’s hostel offers a daily continental breakfast, 24-hour security personnel, laundry services, and an on-site beauty salon. From cocktails and beer pong tournaments at the bar, to foosball and billiards in the Game Room, there is no shortage of things to do at Inka Wild. It boasts a bustling social scene separate from that of the city’s typical nighttime destinations. Adventurous guests can even delight in a game of chance at the hostel casino.

The Inka Wild Resto Bar is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers a delicious vegetarian selection. It is an ideal choice for tired or lazy backpackers not wanting to venture far for an affordable meal. Also, despite its reputation as a somewhat popular party hostel, Inka Wild still remains one of the highest-rated accommodations in the area for the tight of budget, with some dorm rooms as low as 7 or 8 USD per night. It is a great hostel for planning day trips and longer excursions around the area, conveniently located less than two blocks from the pick up point for shared colectivo buses headed to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

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2. Puriwasi Hostel (from USD 7)

If there’s one thing this hostel does well it’s striking the right balance between excitement and leisure. Operating an in-house tour desk, Puriwasi organizes destination trips to the Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon, and Machu Picchu, as well as the occasional adventure sport tour, which includes such activities as mountain biking and river rafting.

Although small, Puriwasi’s bar gives guests a chance to enjoy some good vibes, friendly faces, and potent pisco sours before facing off with other redoubtable opponents at the Foosball table. During periods of downtime in warm weather, guests can catch some sun while sprawling out across the outdoor lounge chairs, ottomans, and brightly colored hammocks that are casually festooned throughout the courtyard. Meanwhile, bean bag chairs and unlimited Netflix go a long way in making the Puriwasi Media Room one of the most chilled out post-trekking lounge spots in the hostel.

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3. Dragonfly Hostel (from USD 10)

Bright, spacious, and welcoming, the Dragonfly Hostel is a top pick for solo travelers in Cusco. They offer a free continental breakfast each morning, with fresh bread, jam, and endless coca leaf tea. For a slight fee you can also upgrade to yummy crepes and eggs. During the day, burgers, sandwiches, and paninis are offered at affordable prices for a no-fuss lunch or dinner option everyone can enjoy. If you’re feeling inspired you can bring your own culinary creations to life in the hostel’s fully-equipped guest kitchen.

Not too loud or too crowded, the bar is decidedly contrary to the typical party hostel scene, but is a great place to have a drink and wind down, or simply recover from the altitude sickness of the city. Well-insulated rooms face an outdoor courtyard and are equipped with thick, woolly mattress covers to protect against the bitter Cusco wind. Small dorm sizes of six encourage guests to venture out of their shells by striking up random conversations with friendly strangers from all over the world.

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Dragonfly Hostels Cusco

Address: Calle Siete Cuartones 245
350 meters (0.3 ft) from Cuzco Main Square

4. Hostel Kokopelli (from USD 10)

Kokopelli is widely known as one of the greatest party hostels in Peru, with satellite locations in Lima and Paracas. The Taverna Bar features themed daily drink specials with a million and one ways to consume the local liquor. Hostel-goers can also expect a DJ or live music several nights a week.

Even after being a tourist all day there’s still plenty to marvel at in this popular backpacker’s hostel. While colorful wall art decorates the hallways, common areas are spacious and furnished with smart colonial-style pieces. If you never want the sightseeing to end, ask about obtaining a private room with a stunning patio view of the mountains. Dorm rooms include bunk beds with privacy curtains and lockers large enough to fit your entire backpack.

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Kokopelli Hostel Cusco

Address: Calle San Andres 260
344 meters (0.3 ft) from Cuzco Main Square

5. The Luxe Cusco Hostel (from USD 10)

As its name suggests, The Luxe Cusco Hostel provides guests with a deluxe accommodation experience that is perfect for weary backpackers in need of some rest and rejuvenation. Built in a colonial mansion, stone walls and a tasteful decor give this hostel a warm, cozy feel that is reminiscent of a bed and breakfast.

Although private double rooms are a bit on the pricier side compared to some other hostels, staying in a mixed dorm room could cost as little as 14 USD per person per night. Other perks of this premium accommodation include a restaurant and bar, room service, laundry service, and an on-site gift shop.

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6. Loki Cusco (from USD 8)

Loki Cusco is a hostel that provides hotel-quality services, including a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle service to and fro the Velasco Astete International Airport, which is a mere 4 kilometers (2.48 miles) away. It is also close to many local attractions, such as the Cusco Main Square, La Merced Church, and the central market in downtown Cusco, hence Loki Cusco is a good base to embark on your tour around the city.

Aside from its quality service and prime location, the hostel also offers comfortable rooms with bunk beds and shared or private bathrooms. Guests will also have access to three patios, a garden with hammocks, a games room, and a shared lounge where parties are hosted regularly. If you are looking for never-ending fun in Cusco, this is it!

With free Wi-Fi, an in-house tour agency, and a free luggage storage facility on site, this is a value-for-money stay that you cannot miss out on!

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Loki Cusco

Wifi Available

Address: Cuesta Santa Ana #601
639 meters (0.4 ft) from Cuzco Main Square

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

7. Milhouse Hostel Cusco (from USD 16)

Milhouse Hostel Cusco is a charming colonial-style building located just 200 meters (0.124 miles) away from the Main Square. It is also well placed for public transport as the Cusco Station is only 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) away, while the Velasco Astete Airport is 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) away.

Aside from featuring well-furnished rooms fitted with private bathrooms and bunk beds, the property has 2 spacious courtyards, a games room, an inner patio, and a bar, where guests can hang out and make friends with the other people staying in the hostel. Guests also have access to a mud oven and a BBQ area which they can use to prepare their own meals, but with the sumptuous continental breakfast served daily, it will be unlikely that these will come into good use. Since guests will be spending a lot of time in the common areas of the hostel, the hosts have also kindly provided Wi-Fi access in these areas.

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Pariwana Hostel Cusco

Wifi Available

Address: Quera 270
364 meters (0.3 ft) from Cuzco Main Square

Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Business centre

Unique hostel picks for uniquely different backpackers

Who says all backpacker’s hostels are the same? If anything, Cusco’s most popular hostels are a testament to the much-loved diversity and spontaneity that they can provide. From the simple, economical bunk to a more deluxe stay, tailor-made backpacking accommodations offer everything you need to rest easy during your next Peruvian getaway.

Also compare these private accommodations in Cusco from HomeAway & Airbnb

Homeaway: Entire home / private room for backpackers (instant booking)


Airbnb: Entire home / private room for backpackers (instant booking)


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Brittany, a travel enthusiast passionate about foreign languages, explores the world fueled by insatiable curiosity. She is also a freelance writer, an avid language learner, an occasional TV...Read more

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