The quaint mountainous city of Cusco (or ‘Cuzco’ as it is sometimes spelt), oozes colonial charm and historical wonder – backpackers just can’t help but fall in love with it. The jumping-off point for trips to Machu Picchu, it is a must on any traveller’s itinerary. And, if you’re looking for the best hostels in Cusco to make your trip one to remember, you’ve come to the right place!
The following hostels in Cusco, Peru are famous for their friendliness, comfortable dorms, buzzing atmosphere and budget-friendly prices. Hostels in Cusco cater to travellers of all stripes, with cool and chic offerings for shoestring backpackers, digital nomads, party animals and more.
If you’re heading to Cusco and want to bed down in amazing digs, you won’t go wrong with this definitive list of the best hostels in Cusco! Drumroll, please…
Related: (opens in new tab)
- Cusco Backpacking Guide
- Peru Travel Guide for Backpackers
- Amazing Backpacker Hostels in South America
Contents
Hostels in Cusco – Top Choices!
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Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru – Quick Answers!
- Best Hostel for Solo Female Travellers – Saqray Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Cusco – Loki Hostel
- Best Hostel in Cusco for Solo Travellers – Gaia House Hostel
- Best Hostel in Cusco for Couples – Dragonfly Hostels
- Best Hostel in Cusco for Digital Nomads – Selina Plaza de Armas
- Best Cheap Hostel in Cusco – Pariwana Hostel
- Best Hostel in Cusco for Families – Tucan Hostel
13 Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru
1. Blacky Hostel and Apartments
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $
Compare prices of Blacky Hostel and Apartments 💰: Booking.com | Agoda
Boasting a central location and a super friendly atmosphere, Blacky Hostel and Apartments is run by an extremely helpful family, who really make guests feel at home. They have their own tour desk and you can get some great deals on trekking and other trips if you book through them.
The dorm rooms offer a high level of privacy through their chic chipboard design and there is also a clean shared kitchen which you can use to prepare your own meals. Free tea and coffee are provided.
One thing we love about this hostel is that they work with the local dog shelter, and the hostel itself is named after their pet pooch, Blacky! This is a place where many friendships and memories have been made!
2. Viajero-Kokopelli Hostel
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Viajero-Kokopelli Hostel 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
A two-minute walk from Cusco’s main plaza will take you to this beautiful 200-year-old house cum hostel (see the header photo of this article). Sprinkled liberally with funky social spaces (patio, garden, lobby), this hostel is often named as one of the best hostels in Cusco.
With an onsite restaurant and bar, a strong pisco sour or delicious lomo saltado is never far away! The dorms are equipped with hotel-quality mattresses, privacy curtains, en-suite bathrooms and big lockers that can accommodate your backpack. The complimentary buffet breakfast is excellent and you can even get breakfast to take away if you’re off out early!
3. Saqray Hostel
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Saqray Hostel 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the historic centre of Cusco lies the cosy Saqray Hostel. Offering good value-for-money private rooms and both mixed and female-only dorm rooms, this hipster hostel is a great place to meet fellow travellers.
Known for its spacious rooms and high standard of cleanliness, Saqray Hostel is a premier budget offering within the city centre. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel more like a friend than a guest.
If you’re hiking to Machu Picchu and need somewhere to store your luggage, you can do this at the hostel with no problem. The WiFi is also very reliable, making it ideal for uploading your millions of travel photos to Instagram!
4. Pariwana Hostel
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare prices of Pariwana Hostel 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Hostel hoppers looking to party and socialise Peruvian style should make a beeline to Pariwana! The big open terrace is funky and inviting. Add to that an array of helpful staff and a tonne of themed events including karaoke nights and beer pong and the hostel is pulsing with good energy.
The dorms are basic yet comfortable and the bathrooms are kept very clean. At less than $10USD for a dorm bed, it is also a great budget-friendly option! Once here, make sure to inquire about their daily activities like free walking tours, salsa lessons and so on. The communal areas are a great place to meet your fellow backpackers and if you have some virtual hours to put in, there is also a coworking space.
5. Loki Hostel Cusco
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $
Compare prices of Loki Hostel Cusco 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
With amazing views during the days and great parties to light up your nights, Loki is anything but low-key! If you are a solo traveller looking to let loose, this is a great place for meeting free spirits from all over the world.
Loki sits at the top of a big hill which can be a b*tch to climb – however, the happy hour deals make the shortness of breath worth it! Nightly events mean that the hostel is always buzzing and the staff go out of their way to make sure that everyone feels included.
The dorm rooms are great, the bathrooms are cleaned at regular intervals and social spaces are abundant throughout the property. The rooms can get a bit chilly at night but if you ask, Loki can provide blankets to keep you warm.
6. Wild Rover Hostel Cusco
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Wild Rover 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Calling all the party animals! Along with Loki, this is one of THE best party hostels in Cusco. The on-site Irish bar terrace overlooks the city and hosts many a banging night out. The drinks can be pricey so make sure you make the most of the happy hour deals on offer.
If you’re worried about getting a good night’s sleep in this party hostel, let us ease your mind… The dorm beds are located around the other side of the building from the bar and are also equipped with soundproofing.
Dorm rooms feature bunk beds with privacy curtains, reading lights and electrical outlets, so you can keep your phone charged. Private rooms are available for fun-loving couples, however, they’re not the cheapest doubles available in the city.
7. Intro Hostels Cusco
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare prices of Intro Hostels 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
If you’re looking for a quiet, cosy retreat after a day spent exploring the Sacred Valley, this is the place for you. Intro Hostels is just a stone’s throw away from Cusco’s famous Plaza de Armas, and a range of rooms are available – including the best budget single room we’ve seen.
Dorm rooms are basic but comfortable and there is an on-site restaurant which sells food and cocktails. Although quieter than a lot of other Cusco hostels, there is still a sociable vibe here, it is just more low-key.
If you enjoy a party but also appreciate a good night’s sleep, the main party hostels like Wild Rover and Loki are located nearby. Did somebody say ‘best of both worlds’?
8. Selina Plaza de Armas
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $$$
Compare prices of Selina Plaza de Armas 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Housed in a charming old colonial building, this is the first of two Selina hostels in Cusco. While this place is much more expensive than some other backpacker hostels on our list, a variety of activities are available for guests to get involved with, including yoga classes, meditation sessions and live music.
This hostel has struck the right balance between wild parties and peaceful snoozing with its pumping bar and restaurant (complete with vegan options), along with restful rooms. Dorms are pretty expensive and for just a little extra, you can spend the night in one of the unique teepees. A novel accommodation choice in Cusco!
As you would expect from a Selina hostel, the WiFi is strong and reliable here. There is also a coworking space for digital nomads who need to clock up some hours at their virtual desks. Selina also has their own tour desk so you can organise your day trips right out of the hostel.
9. Supertramp Hostel
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Supertramp Hostel 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
If you dig the artsy vibe of the San Blas district of Cusco and you’re looking for a hostel close by, then this is your best bet. Located just a few steps away from the famed Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman, this hostel is set to the side of a pedestrian-only road. You have to hike up to it which can feel like a chore but don’t worry, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, especially at night.
Travellers rave about the staff who come together to create the ultimate hostel dream team. No request is too much and they will go out of their way to make your stay memorable. The communal areas are great for meeting other backpackers and the food offered in the restaurant is tasty. A free breakfast is offered inclusive of the room rate and served on the glorious terrace for sweeping morning vistas.
10. Dragonfly Hostels
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $
Compare prices of Dragonfly Hostels 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Sitting right in Cusco’s historic centre, Dragonfly Hostels is a popular offering for backpackers. There is a range of colourful rooms on offer at the hostel, from 10-bed dorms to budget private rooms, ideal for couples.
The staff at Dragonfly are very kind and happy to help with anything guests need, from booking taxis to doing laundry. Sporting a lovely outside area complete with table football, the hostel also has a fully equipped kitchen which can be used by guests.
If you really fall in love with this place, you can even pick up a bit of merch on your way out – a great way to spread the word about your new favourite hostel in Cusco!
11. Gaia House Hostel
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $
Compare prices of Gaia House Hostel 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Gaia House Hostel benefits from an excellent location in the heart of San Blas, making it an excellent base from which to explore the city. It is an ideal spot for solo travellers as the dorm beds are essentially tiny bedrooms – perfect when you’re looking for a little bit of privacy.
This chill hostel offers a relaxed atmosphere but it is still easy to meet people. Guests report sleeping very well here so it is an ideal base if you are heading out early on tours. Breakfast is included and serves up a hearty helping of eggs.
Luggage storage is provided for travellers who need it, free of charge. This makes Gaia House Hostel a great place to return to in Cusco, especially if you have a few day trips or even the epic Inca Trail lined up!
12. Terra Sagrada Cusco
- Female Only Dorms Available: No
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Terra Sagrada Cusco 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
This incredible hostel is situated in a showstopping colonial building in the centre of Cusco. It offers a few private rooms and a 6-bed dorm. The 24/7 reception is a huge plus for guests arriving on overnight buses or heading off in the early hours on tours to Rainbow Mountain.
The facilities in the hostel are great from the beautiful outdoor area to the communal living area and spacious shared kitchen. Anyone exploring Cusco and the Andean region knows the value of a hot shower and you’ll find one here!
Guests rave about the free breakfast which even includes coca tea – much appreciated if you are struggling to adjust to Cusco’s high altitude setting. The staff are warm and accommodating, helping you to really get the most out of your visit to this old Incan capital.
13. Tucan Hostel
- Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $
Compare prices of Tucan Hostel 💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
From the second you walk in, it’s easy to see that this cool hostel has a lot of character. The sprawling mural is likely to be the first thing you notice, setting the tone for a chilled and relaxing stay.
The friendly staff promise a warm welcome for travellers and can assist with enquiries and directions. The rooms are spacious and there are larger privates, making Tucan Hostel a good option for families.
There is a generous-sized kitchen which is well stocked, making it easy to cook your own meals. Play table tennis or darts with your newfound friends while you bond over ridiculous travel stories which leave your jaws on the floor. All in all, this is a great hostel in Cusco, perfect for making unforgettable memories.
The popularity of Machu Picchu has cemented Cusco as a backpacker favourite for years now. And, as the city continues to play host to ever-increasing travellers, more and more high-quality hostels have popped up.
Digital nomads will want for nothing at Selina Plaza de Armas and solo travellers will love the private feel of the dorms at Gaia House Hostel. Messy nights are aplenty in both Loki Hostel and Wild Rover and for shoestring backpackers, there is Pariwana Hostel, a cheap and very cheerful offering!
What’s your favourite hostel in Cusco? Tell us in the comments below!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
