Xplora Hostel Cusco

I’m Japanese and ended up staying here for about ten days. I’d planned just three, then extended my stay to seven because I was so comfortable. The view from the hostel is beautiful. I’m not sure I have the spelling right, but Pracsy and Karen were polite and very kind. They cleaned the hostel carefully every day. I asked them lots of things, including where to eat and where to find ATMs without fees, and they always replied quickly and courteously.

I’ve never felt so unwelcome. It felt like the staff saw us as intruders in their home, and they were often in the living room shown in the photos, watching their own shows. There are lots of strict rules and fines. For instance, even if you wash your dishes, they may charge you if you don’t dry them properly. They also tried to charge us for breakfast when it was meant to be included. The place was clean, but cold throughout since every door opens to the outside. The neighborhood didn’t feel nice or safe to me. I’d stay somewhere else.

The only real drawback for me was the location, a bit beyond the historic center, though Plaza de Armas is still only about a 20-minute walk away. Otherwise, Xplora Hostel was a great stay. It’s clean and quiet at night, with a friendly atmosphere where it’s easy to chat and make friends without the party-hostel noise. Praxy, the owner, was cheerful, kind, and ready to help, and can also arrange tours. Laundry costs 4 soles per kg, and they can handle delicate clothes with extra care. Rooms and bathrooms are cleaned daily. The wifi was strong enough for laptop work, and there are areas to relax, watch television with Netflix, eat, or work. The kitchen is free to use, and there’s fridge space for your food. There’s even a small gym, though I only noticed it in my last few days. I’d be surprised to find this quality for these prices in Cusco.

Some rooms don’t get direct sunlight, and finding the way here can be tricky at first. Still, I really enjoyed my stay at Explorer Hostel in Cusco. The common area has a large TV, and the price is very reasonable for what you get. The owner is genuinely generous and kind, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It’s exceptionally clean, among the cleanest hostels I’ve seen in the city, with regular cleaning that you can really notice. The spacious kitchen is well equipped and has a big fridge, so you don’t have to cram food onto packed shelves. You can actually cook here, which is great for a longer stay or a tight budget.