Why choose a hostel in Cuzco?
Few cities carry as much history as Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The ancient sun temple of Qorikancha stands right in the city, its Inca stonework preserved beneath a colonial church. The Plaza de Armas is equally striking, ringed by centuries-old arcades and cathedral facades. Hostels in Cuzco put you within walking distance of both. Staying central matters here, especially while you acclimatize to the altitude.
Hostels suit solo travellers and small groups who want more than a room. Shared dorms cost significantly less than hotels or private rentals, freeing up budget for day trips and food. Private rooms offer the quiet of a hotel stay at a lower price point. Common areas give you a ready-made community, which hotels rarely provide and private rentals never do. Staff tend to know the region well and can point you toward reputable tour operators.
How to find the best hostel deals in Cuzco
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to find incredible room rates online? Here are some hacks to find an ideal stay and save in no time.
Book in advance
Book as early as you can to boost your chances of finding your ideal hostel at a good price. This is even more important during the busiest times of year like school holidays and major public events.
…or bag a last-minute Cuzco hostel deal.
Although prices tend to climb the closer it gets to the date of your stay, sometimes hostels drop their rates at the last minute to avoid letting rooms sit empty. It's more likely this will happen in low season.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible. Experiment with different months or seasons, or travel midweek instead of weekends to save money.
Where to base yourself in Cuzco
The Plaza de Armas area puts you close to some of the best hostels in Cuzco, with Inca ruins, colonial churches, and the main square all within walking distance. Street food stalls and affordable restaurants line the surrounding blocks, so eating well on a budget is straightforward. Most day trips to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu depart from nearby bus terminals, which makes early starts easier. San Blas sits uphill from the centre and draws travellers who want a quieter pace. The neighbourhood is known for its artisan workshops, small galleries, and narrow cobblestone streets. A handful of good bars and casual eateries keep things lively in the evening without the noise of the main square. The walk back from the centre is steep, but the tradeoff is a calmer place to sleep and a different side of the city to take in each day.
Best hostels in Cuzco
Hostels on Skyscanner include ratings from travellers based on actual guest reviews. These scores usually cover key factors like cleanliness, service, location, value for money, and facilities. It makes it easier to track down the perfect stay for your trip, whether you're travelling on a budget or want a few more creature comforts.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that ticks all the right boxes, you can't go wrong with Real House Cusco. It gets great reviews for its cleanliness, service and value.
Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco also leaves a good impression. It earns solid guest ratings for its cleanliness, location and rooms.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
Real House Cusco is big on the little things. Guests rate this accommodation option among the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find handy extras like shuttle services and a lounge.
Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco keeps things fresh and tidy too, with guests giving it excellent cleanliness ratings. Here you'll have access to tour services, parking and more.
Hostels with the best customer service
When it comes to customer service, Real House Cusco is among the top-rated hostels in Cuzco. This option comes with shuttle services and a lounge.
Travellers also often highlight the customer service at Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco in their reviews. Parking and tour services are some amenities here.
Centrally located hostels
A convenient location is a big part of the appeal at Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco. With parking, tour services and more, you'll have just what you need to settle in.
Or hit the ground running at Magar Hostel Bar. Extras like a laundry and heating bring even more value to this well-located base.
Hostels near the best attractions in Cuzco
Where to stay near Qorikancha
Qorikancha was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the sun god. Its walls were famously lined with gold. Spanish coloniser later built the Church of Santo Domingo on top of its foundations. Today it functions as a museum, and travellers staying at hostels near Qorikancha can explore what remains of both structures on the same site.
Consider SK Hostal if you want a base near Qorikancha. This hostel in Cuzco comes with thoughtful touches like a lounge, an airport shuttle and more.
Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco is another strong contender for a stay close to this attraction. Amenities like tour services and Wi-Fi are the start of the things you'll find here.
Hostels close to Centro Historico de Cusco
Wandering through Cusco's historic centre feels like stepping between two worlds at once. Ancient Inca stonework lines the foundations of colonial buildings, and the plazas fill with street food, markets, and live music most days of the week. You'll find churches, artisan stalls, and centuries-old architecture at every turn. Hostels near Centro Historico de Cusco put you right in the middle of it all, where the energy never really lets up.
With Centro Historico de Cusco on the agenda, SK Hostal makes a smart base. This hostel in Cuzco features a lounge and an airport shuttle.
Another solid option close to this attraction is Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco. This hostel comes with amenities like tour services and Wi-Fi.
Saqsaywaman hostels
The hillside streets around hostels near Saqsaywaman connect you to some of Cuzco's most character-filled corners. San Blas sits nearby, with its artisan workshops, ceramic studios, and small cafes tucked along cobblestone lanes. You'll find independent craft sellers, local bakeries, and family-run restaurants scattered through the area. It's a good part of the city to wander without a plan and discover something unexpected at every turn.
Get straight into exploring from Casa Anais y Nicolas Centro Histórico Cusco. This hostel in Cuzco comes with parking, Wi-Fi and more.
Staying near this well-known sight is just as easy at SK Hostal. There are amenities like an airport shuttle and Wi-Fi here.
