Icthus Paracas Backpacker House - Hostel

The price was low, so you get what you pay for. My bathroom smelled bad and there was no water one morning, plus the shower never had hot water. The mattress protector felt oddly plasticky. It was okay for a couple of nights, but I wouldn’t stay longer. Kids yelling around in the evening didn’t help. The location was decent, though Paracas is so small that nowhere is very far.

My room was clean, and the included Wi-Fi was the biggest plus. For 60 Soles, I had a single room with its own bathroom and a balcony with a partial beach view. You can also see the dune buggies outside, which you can rent to ride over a human-made BMX track. They start up around 8am, so late risers might not enjoy the noise. I’m an early riser and found it a useful alarm. Laundry costs an extra 11 soles. A nice hostel/hotel overall.

The staff are very friendly, and the location is excellent. My private room was spacious and comfortable, with a nice bathroom. The facilities were clean, and there’s a pleasant terrace and open-air area. If you ask, you may be allowed to use the staff kitchen.

It feels a little more like a hotel than a hostel, but that worked fine for me. The staff, especially the owner, were friendly and very helpful, and the rooms were clean. There’s a nice outdoor spot to relax, though the kitchen is old but usable. Everything you need is around the corner, and the beach is just a two-minute walk away.