Gardenias de Gocta

The owner was incredibly friendly and knew the area well, and the fresh food from the cafe was even better. Prices were affordable, the internet was pretty good for this area, and we slept wonderfully in the bed. There’s also a very sweet dog and some kittens. The waterfall walk took us about five hours, though we’re slow hikers, and it cost S/10 per person. A few things to know: guests can’t use the kitchen, there’s no hot shower water, and no mosquito net is provided. We brought our own, but didn’t notice many mosquitoes.

It’s a small hostel with a restaurant where you can sleep and get all your meals. The couple who own it are kind and try to help, though they don’t speak English. The rooms felt more like a one-star hotel. Shared toilets and showers weren’t very clean or convenient, and the price seemed a little high for what you get.

After trekking 17 km, that lunch felt like a lifesaver: arroz a la cubana and chicken soup.

Pretty ordinary, just the kind of place you’d expect from a normal hostel.