Hotel
Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
An all-suite Belmond hotel in a former palace and convent on Plazoleta Nazarenas, with oxygen-enriched suites, a heated outdoor pool and Pía León's Mauka.
Pariwana Hostel Cusco
A large, sociable hostel in a 16th-century colonial manor around a courtyard, about two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, with dorms, private rooms and a bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Hostel
- Area
- Historic Centre, Cusco, Peru
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- pariwana-hostel.com
Good to know
- Dorms and private rooms
- Women-only dorms
- Bar and restaurant
- Daily activities
Why we recommend it
Pariwana Cusco is one of the few good youth hostels in Cusco, according to Frommer's, set in a 16th-century colonial manor house built around a courtyard, about two blocks from the Plaza de Armas on Avenida Mesón de la Estrella, so the main square and its churches are within a few minutes' walk. It is part of a Peruvian hostel chain that operates more than 300 beds in the country, and in 2016 Hostelworld recognised the Cusco hostel among the 20 best large hostels in the world, a category for hostels with more than 150 beds.
The hostel sleeps around 220 people, in a mix of standard dormitories of different sizes, women-only dorms and double rooms, some with private bathrooms. That range makes it suitable for solo travellers on a tight budget as well as couples who want a private room but still enjoy a social atmosphere.
The social side is the main draw. Pariwana has a full bar and restaurant on site, Ping-Pong and pool tables, and nightly group activities and excursions, so it is easy to meet other travellers and find companions for day trips. Breakfast has been served until 13:00, which suits late risers. Despite its size, the colonial courtyard setting is handsome, and guides note that it is far from a no-frills operation.
It suits students, volunteers and young backpackers above all, and anyone travelling alone who wants company. If you are looking for quiet nights, choose a private room or consider a smaller guesthouse, as the bar and activities keep the place lively.
From the hostel you can walk to the Plaza de Armas, with the Cathedral and the Compañía church, in a few minutes. The hostel's excursions programme is a useful starting point for planning trips out of the city. Traveller reviews over the years have also mentioned a games area with bean bags in the courtyard, lockers with built-in power sockets, a tours desk, a guest kitchen, a film room, luggage storage for anyone heading off on the Inca Trail or to Machu Picchu, tea available all day and no curfew; check the current facilities when you book.
Pariwana Hostel Cusco FAQs
Where is Pariwana Hostel Cusco?
At Av. Mesón de la Estrella 136, about two blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
What kind of rooms are there?
Dormitories of several sizes, women-only dorms and double rooms, some with private bathrooms.
How big is the hostel?
It can accommodate around 220 guests.
Is there a bar?
Yes, there is a full bar and restaurant on site.
Are there activities?
Yes, nightly group activities and excursions, plus Ping-Pong and pool tables.
Who does it suit?
Students, volunteers and young backpackers looking for a social atmosphere.
What is the building like?
A 16th-century colonial manor house built around a courtyard.
Has it won awards?
In 2016 Hostelworld named it among the 20 best large hostels in the world.