Set in a dramatic mountainside landscape, Cusco is the old capital of the Inca Empire. It’s awash with Incan ruins and a whole host of Spanish colonial buildings, making it a wonderland of heritage and culture.
It’s also the starting point for the trail to Machu Picchu – one of the wonders of the world!
But what are the hostels like here? Are they any good?
Thankfully, yes! Hostels have come a long way. And to make life easier for you we’ve scoured the internet for the best hostels in Cusco, and categorised them so you can find the one for you.
So let’s see what cool hostels there are for you in the old Inca capital!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Cusco
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Cusco – Gaia House
#2 Best Party Hostel in Cusco – Pariwana Hostel Cusco
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cusco – The Point Cusco
#4 Best Hostel in Centro Historico – The Luxe Cusco Hostel
#5 Best Hostel near San Pedro Market – Magic Packer Hostel
#6 Best Hostel near Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport – Inkas Garden Hostel
#7 Best High-end Hostel in Cusco – Wild Rover Backpacker Hostel
#8 Best Budget Hostel in Cusco – Puriwasi
#9 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cusco – Kokopelli in Cusco
#1 – Gaia House
Best Overall Hostel in Cusco
Gaia House is the best overall hostel in Cusco
Gaia House is the best overall hostel in Cusco
Gaia House is the best overall hostel in Cusco- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle nueva alta 424, Cusco
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Gaia House…
Though it doesn’t sound very exciting, we love the showers at this place! They’re hot and powerful, which after some months on the road without something like this can really feel like heaven. Aside from that the staff are amazing, the location is central, the place is clean and comfy. What more can you ask for?
Gaia House is perfect for…
If you were looking for the best overall hostel in Cusco, don’t worry: you’ve found it! This place is great for anybody, really, but backpackers on a first visit to Cusco or even South America will like staying somewhere safe and with a friendly atmosphere – and with home comforts, like a good shower!
Not finding the right hostel? Cusco has a selection of party hostels too!
#2 – Pariwana Hostel Cusco
Best Party Hostel in Cusco
Pariwana Hostel Cusco is the best party hostel in Cusco
Pariwana Hostel Cusco is the best party hostel in Cusco
Pariwana Hostel Cusco is the best party hostel in Cusco- Cost – $$
- Location – Meson de la estrella 136
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Pariwana Hostel Cusco…
We like how centrally located this Cusco backpackers hostel is – it’s right on the edge of the beautiful Centro Historico. We call it the best party hostel in Cusco not for that reason, however, but for its social spaces, like the bar for example: it’s unapologetically loud and the drinks are cheap!
Pariwana Hostel Cusco is perfect for…
Looking to have a fun time and let your hair down? This is a highly recommended hostel in Cusco for just that reason! It’s won awards, in fact. The patio area is a great place to chill and meet fellow guests in the daytime after all the drinking and dancing the night before.
#3 – The Point Cusco
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cusco
The Point Cusco is the best hostel for solo travellers in Cusco
The Point Cusco is the best hostel for solo travellers in Cusco
The Point Cusco is the best hostel for solo travellers in Cusco- Cost – $
- Location – Meson de La Estrella 172
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Point Cusco…
We like the comfy beds at The Point, but we also like the spacious dorms, the common areas which are great for socialising, the nightly events, parties, proximity to the lively Plaza de Armas. In general, it’s great! It’s also the best hostel for solo travellers in Cusco, since it’s easy to meet other guests.
The Point Cusco is perfect for…
Solo travellers, of course! Not only are the common areas good places to meet fellow travellers, but the hostel tours are a great opportunity to get to know people. The onsite bar also helps! And when it comes to hitting up Cusco’s nightlife with your new pals, it’s easy to take a quick stroll to nearby bars and restaurants.
#4 – The Luxe Cusco Hostel
Best Hostel in Centro Historico
Why we like The Luxe Cusco Hostel…
The setting of this recommended hostel in Cusco is something that we absolutely adore. It’s an old colonial house and that means it comes complete with charming period features like old stone walls and timber ceilings. But it’s not just a cool hostel in Cusco – the staff are also amazingly friendly and helpful, which we love.
The Luxe Cusco Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking to stay somewhere that reflects cultural heritage of Cusco, then a beautiful old building like the one that The Luxe is set in would be good for you. This reflection definitely makes this the best hostel in Centro Historico. Couples and flashpackers will quite like the luxury feel of this top hostel in Cusco, which comes at an affordable price!
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#5 – Magicpacker Hostel
Best Hostel near San Pedro Market
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle Hospital 772
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Magicpacker Hostel …
It’s another budget hostel in Cusco set in an old Spanish colonial building and we love it. We also like the size of Magicpacker Hostel, it never feels cramped or ‘cosy’, but open and quite buzzy as a result. We like the happy hour, of course, and the addition of a pingpong table is always a plus.
Magicpacker Hostel is perfect for…
Looking for a place to chill rather than party? Then this Cusco backpcakers hostel is the one for you. Being the best hostel near San Pedro Market, it’s slightly away from the liveliness of Plaza de Armas and Centro Historico (about a ten minute walk), meaning it’s got a calmer vibe than other places.
#6 – Inkas Garden Hostel
Best Hostel near Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – Fortunato L Herrera 120 – Int. 4 – Santiago, Cusco
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Inkas Garden Hostel…
We like the feel of this top hostel in Cusco – it has nice homely atmosphere, making it a nice little local-feeling place. It’s definitely not a wild party hostel at all! This place also happens to be the best hostel near Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, which is just a 16-minute drive away.
Inkas Garden Hostel is perfect for…
Those interested in convenience and hassle-free travel will like that you can get to Cusco’s airport so easily from this hostel. Solo travellers who aren’t interested in partying will love this place; it’s got a cosy atmosphere, the staff are super nice, and the location means it’s a good base to explore Cusco.
#7 – Wild Rover Backpacker Hostel
Best High-end Hostel in Cusco
- Cost – $
- Location – Calle Cuesta Santa Ana 782.
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Wild Rover Backpacker Hostel…
This is a party hostel but it’s a huge place, almost like a complex! We like that about this top hostel in Cusco. It’s set a little away from the centre of town, but because of that it has an atmosphere all of its own, which makes it a really fun place to stay. We also like the fancy bathrooms and the chilled garden.
Wild Rover Backpacker Hostel is perfect for…
Party people! Yes, this is a one stop shop for anybody wanting to have fun. There’s a good bar with a restaurant so you never have to go anywhere! It’s the best high-end hostel in Cusco, thanks to its nicely designed rooms and lavish self-contained holiday complex feel. Not a usual hostel!
#8 – Puriwasi
Best Budget Hostel in Cusco
- Cost – $
- Location – Cuichipunku 258 – Cuzco
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Puriwasi…
We love the bright and stylish decor of this recommended hostel in Cusco. We also like the cute courtyard, complete with tables and sun loungers for chilling and meeting fellow travellers. The staff are a lot of fun, too, which helps give this place a friendly atmosphere that we enjoy. Being the best budget hostel in Cusco, we also like that Puriwasi’s easy on the wallet!
Puriwasi is perfect for…
Backpackers looking for a fun time without having to go to a wild party hostel will really like this place. It’s well equipped for good times, mainly thanks to the lovely staff. That said, the WiFi here is really good, so if you’re a digital nomad and you want to chill somewhere for a bit to do some work, here’s the place.
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#9 – Kokopelli hostel Cusco
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cusco
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle San Andres 260
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Kokopelli Hostel Cusco…
This our top pick for the best hostel with a private room in Cusco – the rooms here are boutique quality, complete with artwork on the walls and stylish en suite bathrooms. On top of that we love how brilliantly social this place is, helped – as usual – by the amazing staff who work here.
Kokopelli Hostel Cusco is perfect for…
Solo travellers! Yes, and especially if you’re a solo traveller who likes to socialise, and loves having constant entertainment and things to do, then Kokopelli is the place for you. There are events galore, two bars with bar staff from all over the world, pingpong, foosball, big screen sports screenings… So much to do – and so many people to meet!
More Best Hostels in Cusco
#10 – Mamá Simona Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle Ceniza 364, Barrio de San Pedro
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Mamá Simona Hostel…
With clean, comfortable beds and its setting in a peaceful street, we like the calm and homely atmosphere of this recommended hostel in Cusco. We also like that the staff are friendly. The complimentary breakfast is also something that we can always be on board with, too!
Mamá Simona Hostel is perfect for…
Backpackers travelling with a friend or a partner would suit this place more than a solo traveller – this Cusco backpackers hostel doesn’t have that much of a hostel, so it helps to come with a friend already in tow! It’s also good for anyone on a budget, since the free breakfast helps you fill up for a day of exploration.
#11 – Cusco Packers Hostel
- Cost – $$
- Location – Prolongacion Av. Arcopata 129 (Santa Ana way)
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Cusco Packers Hostel..
We really like the friendly staff at Cusco Packers. So often it’s the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff that really makes a place, and it’s no different at this top hostel in Cusco. On top of that there’s free tea and coffee all day, which we like, and a good complimentary breakfast.
Cusco Packers is perfect for…
Those looking for a good all-round hostel experience in Cusco will like staying at this place. Though not the most social, solo travellers will enjoy this place for its laid-back vibe and multiple common areas. This is also great for digital nomads looking for a little nook to do some laptop working for a bit, too.
#12 – Ecopackers
- Cost – $
- Location – Calle Santa Teresa, 375
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Ecopackers…
We absolutely adore the spaces on offer at Ecopackers. There’s a huge courtyard complete with sun loungers and pingpong table, which is cool. It’s an ideal spot for meeting fellow travellers. We also really like how nicely designed this place is: the decor is really quite cool. The showers are nice and hot here, too.
Ecopackers is perfect for…
Backpackers looking to chill and meet new people in stylish, spacious surroundings will like it at this top hostel in Cusco. On top of that the house itself is a relic of the Spanish colonial empire, which will impress everyone from history buff to design lover.
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#13 – Supertramp Hostel Cusco
- Cost – $$
- Location – Sapantiana 424b, San Cristobal
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Supertramp Hostel Cusco…
Easily one of the coolest hostels in Cusco, we love that this place has a great vibe to it, a cool, welcoming atmosphere that puts you at ease almost straight away. We like that Supertramp Hostel is located right near San Blas, the city’s bohemian, alternative neighbourhood. The views from this place are also amazing, by the way!
Supertramp Hostel Cusco is perfect for…
Hipsters! Yes, or anybody looking for an alternative side to the sometimes quite touristy Cusco will enjoy staying at this place. Not only will its stylish interiors and great views please design-lovers and Instagrammers, the nearby San Blas area will really provide a welcome alternative to the usual historical centre of town.
#14 – Dragonfly Hostel Cusco
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle Siete Cuartones #245, (5 min from Plaza de Armas)
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Dragonfly Hostel Cusco…
Bright, colourful, stylish and homely – yes, we’re in love with the decor of this top hostel in Cusco. We also really like the surrounding area, a part of old Cusco and a fascinating place to wander around. And the cherry on top? They brew their own beer, which is very unique for a Cusco backpackers hostel!
Dragonfly Hostel Cusco is perfect for…
Solo travellers or couples looking for somewhere cosy and comfortable to stay in Cusco should think about this place. Not only are the rooms super comfortable, but the staff are really friendly! They learn your name, chat to you, and will help you with anything regarding things to do in Cusco or even onward travel. Amazing.
#15 – Hospedaje Villa CantaGallo
Why we like Hospedaje Villa CantaGallo…
Whilst this youth hostel in Cusco won’t win any prizes for being the coolest hostel in Cusco (it’s a little basic), we definitely like it for the location. The area of San Blas is cool and alternative, and there are many bars and restaurants to try out in the vicinity. We like that it’s a no-frills experience!
Hospedaje Villa CantaGallo is perfect for…
Want to experience a little bit of authenticity? Traditional charm? Then why not stay in an area known for being that exact thing! San Blas is known today as the upcoming bohemian area, but it retains a strong authentic feel away from the main tourist sights of central Cusco. There’s a free breakfast involved as well!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Cusco?
A dormitory room can often be found for $10 or less. If you want a private room, you'll need to pay at least $20 and often closer to $30 or $40 per night.
What are Hostels in Cusco Like?
In the historic heart of Peru, most hostels make use of traditional Peruvian decorations and most are centrally located close to the old town area. You can find both party hostels and places for a nice quiet stay depending on your travel preference.
How Safe are Hostels in Cusco?
In general Cusco is fairly safe, though petty crime does occur especially in the central touristy areas. Check to see that your hostel has security features and ask if there are other precautions you should take.
How to Find Hostels in Cusco?
Look on HostelWorld to see all your options and refine your search to fit your budget and travel dates. If you're traveling around other places in Peru, you can probably get some recommendations from other travelers you meet!
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Best Overall Hostel in Cusco
Gaia House
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Best Party Hostel in Cusco
Pariwana Hostel Cusco
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cusco
The Point Cusco
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Best Hostel in Centro Historico
The Luxe Cusco Hostel
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Best Hostel near San Pedro Market
Magicpacker Hostel
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Best Hostel near Alejandro Velasco Astete
International Airport Inkas Garden Hostel
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Best High-end Hostel in Cusco
Wild Rover Backpacker Hostel
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Best Budget Hostel in Cusco
Puriwasi
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Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cusco
Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
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Conclusion to the best hostels in Cusco, Peru
There it is, the best hostels in Cusco, rounded-up in easy to search categories!
Many of the hostels are set in heritage buildings that make simply staying in them an experience of Cusco’s history and culture; without even having to step foot outside you can feel a part of it all.The staff at many of these places are very accommodating, and there are fun times to be had in many of the city’s best hostels.
But if you can’t decide on one for you, don’t worry. We recommend our top pick for the best overall hostel in Cusco, Gaia House, for just about anyone!
Also, check out our 20 amazing day trips from Cusco for some excitement while you’re in this beautiful city!
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