Margarita B&B

We paid 80 soles for a double room, which felt like good value. Breakfast isn’t included in the usual way, with a set period when guests can come down, but if you arrive between 8 and 9 they offer a simple complimentary breakfast, which I appreciated. It’s in an excellent spot and is an affordable option for staying in Cusco.

Don Víctor helped us find some fantastic tours at great prices, and the service and attention were excellent. The hotel itself is simple and clean, with hot water, right across from the Sacred Garden of Qoricancha.

The location is excellent, two blocks from Cusco’s main square and directly across from Qorikancha. It’s in a shared building on the second floor, with quite reasonable rates starting at 30 soles or $10 for a double bed, and private or shared bathrooms depending on the room. There’s a small, outdated TV, and the outlet is far from the bed. One thing to keep in mind: arrive on your own and sign the contract in person. I followed my airport taxi driver’s advice to the hostel, and on my first visit they charged me extra for the same service they provided the second time.

The location is a real plus, close to everything: a currency exchange, market, delicatessen, restaurants, and travel agencies. The room for two was always clean, with a somewhat soft mattress that was still sleepable. It faced the street, but traffic noise didn’t bother me because I came back so tired from tours that I slept like a rock. There was no place to hang clothes in that room, though I saw hooks or hanging space in other rooms. The bathroom was basic, with hot and cold water. The price and location were excellent, and the staff were very courteous and always ready to explain places, food, and tours. Breakfast started at 7:15, while local tours leave at 6:00, so guests can’t always eat at the hostal. It was very simple: strong, nearly cold coffee with hot water left on the table to add, plus one bread roll and one slice of ham per person. No eggs, milk, or juice. On the last day breakfast was more generous, with three rolls, three ham slices, and local coffee without milk. If you like Brazilian coffee, bring ground coffee and a filter; you could also bring powdered milk or buy boxed juice and ask reception to keep it in the fridge. I booked by email without a deposit and paid on arrival. I first went out to exchange money on the same street. On December 5, 2018, R$1.00 was worth 0.84 soles. I’d bring no more than 25 soles into Peru and exchange the rest there, since exchange shops in Brazil devalue the real too much. For airport transport, I paid 30 soles for a minibus for 11 people. A couple or solo traveler should expect to pay 20-25 soles for a taxi to this hostal. There are plenty of transport services in the airport parking area, so compare options. For tours, I wouldn’t book through agencies in Brazil because they charge much more; there are streets in Cuzco with more than 15 tour shops. Pay 50% before getting into the vehicle and get a receipt listing the price and itinerary. Pay the remaining 50% only after the itinerary is complete. Local guides may try to charge more at the end, as if the agreed price had been misunderstood. Brazilian guests could bring three packs of coffee from Brazil as a gift for the hostal attendants, who deserve one and could get to know the taste of quality coffee.