Cusco Packers Hostels

The view was the only good thing. The room wasn't clean, there was no pillowcase, and the base blanket was dirty.

The location is about a 10-minute walk downhill into town, and we'd suggest taking an Uber back up. Remember that showers and toilets have restrictions at night. The staff only speak Spanish, but they were keen to help, and when I woke with a stiff neck, a doctor came within 15 minutes. They also changed my mattress and pillow, even though it wasn't their fault. We spent a few days at Cuscopackers Hostel around NY and had a really good experience. We got a quick response after booking, and our room was clean and spacious, which was a nice surprise for a hostel. The colorful lobby had cozy spots to sit, great Cusco views, table football and billiards, plus a bar serving Pisco sour. Free tea and cocoa were there all the time. Each bed came with shampoo and soap. You can buy water there since tap water isn't drinkable, and laundry is available too. Remember to drink tea regularly and try chewing coca leaves! :)

They took payment for our room, then cancelled the booking after we arrived. I still haven't received a refund of the booking fee.

You can get free tea and use the billiard table, and the place itself isn't bad. It's a bit away from the city center, which does give you a decent view. The trouble was the reception service and how unclear the information was. The card terminal was out of order when we arrived. The receptionist said it was being fixed and told us to come back the next day to pay. When we returned, cards still weren't accepted, and we were told to pay cash instead. We hadn't expected that, so we asked if we could pay in four days, after returning from our Machu Picchu trek for another night there. He refused, even though the problem was his fault. We had to walk 20 minutes each way to the nearest ATM. Then, when we paid in the local currency, he added a 10-11% exchange fee, saying it was because I paid in Peruvian Pesos. An exchange fee for paying in the domestic currency? Interesting. If good service and clear pricing matter to you, there are plenty of other good options in Cusco. If you just want a cheap bed and free coca tea, you could stay here, but add 10+% to the listed price.