I had a few places mapped out before going to Peru, but otherwise played it entirely by ear. The only place booked in advance was my first few nights in Cusco, just to be on the safe side. I ended up staying mostly in hostels because they were the drop off points for the Peru Hop buses and passengers got added discounts.
Most of these places were no more than $30 USD, so I was able to stick to a budget. I booked almost all of these hostels by emailing in advance or just showing up since it was the low season. The only place where I couldn’t easily find a room was Huacachina.
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Ecopackers, Cusco
I chose this place because of its environmentally responsible practices and central location. I was able to check almost right away, which I liked, and arranged for pickup from the Cusco airport for a small fee. The rooms had comfy beds, although the dorms were a bit crowded.
They don’t have real locks, just double doors, so the noise of guests coming and going can be loud. There were hallway bathrooms, which is usually a con, but I was glad to have when I needed to check out early for Machu Picchu or when I wanted to shower off the jet lag.
Ecopackers has a bar and lounge area as well as a tour desk. Breakfast was included, which usually included fruit and bread. The only thing that surprised me was that there was no way to refill water bottles with clean drinking water. On trips to Central America, there were always places to fill up, but here I had to boil water and then fill up my bottles, letting them cool over time.
They also have a location in Aguas Calientes. My 10 bed dorm cost $12.50 USD per night, but there are cheaper and more expensive rooms.
Kokopelli, Cusco
Since I was in Cusco for many days adjusting to the altitude and staying pre and post Machu Picchu, I used the second half of my stay to test out Kokopelli, a chain within Peru that provides discounts for multiple stays. Their hostels have a party vibe with colorful murals over the walls and people sleeping all over the place in common areas.
But it also has a good location, near the main square, and a good bar and restaurant where I was able to grab a late night meal after returning from my hike. Their breakfasts were hearty and included eggs and fruit, plus you could refill your water bottle as much as you wanted for 5 soles.
The hostel also had a booking desk and events throughout the week. I found the WiFi to be spotty in my room, but strong in the lobby. My room had an ensuite bathroom and curtains around bed, but I found it hard to climb to top bunks, especially with my backpack to put it in the locker.
My 8 bed female dorm was 55 soles, or around $17 USD per night. There were also private rooms, private pods, and standard dorms.
Campsite at Machu Picchu
My two day Inca Trail trip meant I spent one night camping outside of Machu Picchu, a 30 minute walk from Aguas Calientes. By the time we arrived, it was dusk, so thankfully the porters had already set up our tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags.
The campground is frequently used by Alpaca Expeditions, so we had access to a bathhouse and a restaurant where we were served tea and snacks, dinner, and breakfast. In the morning, we packed up our bags and left them with the porters as we walked to town to catch the bus to the Inca site. I slept surprisingly well that night, partially due to exhaustion and partially due to the Ambien I took.
Pacha Suites, Puno
After another night back at Kokopelli and an all day bus to Puno, I “splurged” on a private room that actually cost less than dorms I stayed in other towns. I was happy to have a bed to myself, ensuite bathroom with towels, good WiFi, and a TV. They also helped with bookings for tours nearby to Lake Titicaca and beyond.
While I didn’t get to experience breakfast because of the early hours I left at during my stay, it was included with stays and I took tea and coffee to go. Pacha Suites is also within walking distance of plenty of shops and restaurants as well as the mall. Peru Hop picked up here as well and offered a discount. My room was 40 soles ($12 USD), normally 50-60 soles ($18 USD).
Le Foyer, Arequipa
After almost missing Arequipa entirely, I was glad I got to see the city and stay at Le Foyer, one of my favorite hostels from my trip. I arrived early in the morning and couldn’t check in yet, but was able to get my free breakfast while I waited.
The rooftop breakfast included scrambled eggs, juice, coffee, fruit, and cereal. The location itself is a bit odd, located on the top level, and you have to get buzzed in by the person at the desk for security reasons. I stayed in a nice private room with free WiFi, a television, and an ensuite bathroom.
Their bar also has discounted happy hour for guests. My twin bed room cost around $30 USD per night, which was definitely worth it. There were also bunk and shared rooms.
Nazca Travel One Hostel, Nazca
Accommodation options are sparse in Nazca because so many people stop just for the day, but I had time, so I decided to stay one night. I chose Nazca Travel One because they offered a discount for Peru Hop passengers. It was a bit of a walk from the central plaza and its restaurants, but they offered shuttle pickup from the bus stop and to and from the airport.
They have some sort of association with one of the scenic flight airlines. Rooms come with private bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi, and daily breakfast, which is served on the rooftop. I believe I paid for a single room, but was given a double for the same price, which is usually 48 soles ($14) and 35 for Peru Hop ($10). None of the rooms were more than $20.
Wild Olive Guest House, Huacachina
After not having any luck booking at Desert Nights or a few of the other hostels in Huacachina, I ended up at Wild Olive by default, but I’m glad I did. Not only did I make a group of travel friends here, but it ended up being quieter than other options.
They have a great Italian restaurant and one of the best breakfasts of my entire trip, which is included. There’s a common area with Netflix and a guest kitchen, a rarity in Peru, as well as access to Desert Nights pool. I didn’t love the hallway bathrooms, which were far from my room, and the spotty WiFi. I didn’t find lockers, either, and our room was pretty hot. My 8 bed coed dorm costs 40 soles ($12) for most guests, but 30 ($9) for Peru Hop.
Kokopelli, Paracas
Similar to the Cusco location, Kokopelli Paracas is covered in artwork and has a laid-back party vibe that is set around a swimming pool and lively bar that sometimes has food. They can store your luggage and help you book tours. It’s located near plenty of restaurants and bars as well as the bus drop off.
Breakfast is included, as is WiFi. I stayed in a 6 bed coed dorm which resembled a converted closet, complete with sliding door. The beds had curtains and the bathroom was down the hall costing me $10 for the night, with a standard cost of $11.50. The air conditioning didn’t work well and there was hardly any floor space to keep bags, so this was not my favorite, but the hostel had great amenities. There are also private rooms and dorms with 4-14 beds.
Pool Paradise, Lima
I knew I wanted to stay in the Miraflores neighborhood of Lima because of its central location with restaurants and ease of getting to the airport via shuttle. I arrived at the Hostelling International-affiliated Pool Paradise around midnight on Peru Hop and went straight to sleep in my dorm with curtains.
In the morning, I had my free breakfast by the pool before checking out and storing my bags to go wander around for the day. There was also a bar, where I killed some time, games, and a computer area. They also had a tour desk, which I didn’t need, and the pool, which was too cold to use.
My eight bed coed pod dorm room with an ensuite bathroom was $13 USD, but there were also private rooms and cheaper dorms.
From the photos. Not so luxurious, but comfortable.
Looks like a budget accommodation.
The swimming pool looks inviting, I hope the water is clean and not just chlorine.
I like your blog design, very simple. Hope to be back. :)