Popular backpacker hostel near Plaza de Armas offers dorms and private rooms, excellent social atmosphere, and helpful staff. The property features bar, communal kitchen, daily activities, and good breakfast included. Great for meeting fellow travelers and arranging tours at budget prices.
Pariwana Hostel Cusco occupies a colonial-style building on Mesón de la Estrella, close to Plaza de Armas, in the heart of Cusco's old town. The hostel is set around an open courtyard typical of the city's historic architecture, repurposed as a social hub for travelers rather than a quiet retreat. Accommodation ranges from mixed and female-only dorms to private rooms, all sharing communal hot showers and lockers for luggage. The on-site bar and communal kitchen anchor a busy daily schedule of organized activities, pub crawls, and group dinners, and a hearty breakfast is included with every stay. There is no spa, pool, or fitness facility, as the property is geared toward budget backpackers rather than resort comforts. The tour desk and front-of-house staff are particularly useful for booking Inca Trail treks, Sacred Valley day trips, and onward bus or train travel, and the social atmosphere makes it a strong choice for solo travelers looking to meet others. The bar regularly hosts theme nights, live music, and pub-crawl departures, while the communal kitchen gives longer-staying guests the option to self-cater between organized activities. Dorm beds come with individual lockers and privacy curtains, and private rooms offer en-suite bathrooms for travelers wanting more separation from the social areas. The location inside a converted colonial building gives the hostel a distinct historic character that is uncommon among Cusco's budget accommodation.
Amenities
- dorms and private rooms
- bar
- communal kitchen
- breakfast included
- tour desk
- luggage storage
Location
Mesón de la Estrella 136, Cusco 08000
-13.5192, -71.9786 View on map
Highlights
- Lively on-site bar and communal kitchen popular with backpackers
- Mix of dorms and private rooms around a colonial courtyard
- Daily included breakfast and organized group activities
- Tour desk for booking Inca Trail treks and Sacred Valley trips
Tips for visiting
- Pack earplugs if booking a dorm, as the bar runs late most nights
- Book private rooms well ahead during high season as they sell out fastest
- Use the tour desk early to secure Inca Trail permits, which book up months out