Pariwana Hostel Cusco

I am completely disappointed with this hostel in Cusco for many reasons. Which is too bad, because I stayed at the Pariwana in Lima and quite enjoyed it. In Cusco there are so many issues: 1. The rooms are always left unlocked and sometimes the doors don’t even shut properly. My friend didn’t even get a key! 2. There is ZERO security in the building - anyone walks in without looking at bracelets. Today a whole family took up half of the common space, breastfed their son and the children were screaming and knocking over our things on the shared table. They even pushed my friend off the couch. I’ve seen many sketchy people come in and out with no regard for the safety of the guests. 3. Speaking of guests, the hostel website says adults only. There have been very young children (ages 2-16) in the hostel the whole time I’ve been here. 4. There are supposed to be 2 bathrooms in a dorm of 10 people, 1 of which has been locked for the entirety of my stay. The other has been taken by someone throwing up most of today. 5. The “free wifi” is basically non-existent. I’ve been using my phone as a hotspot to be able to connect or download anything. Inside the rooms the wifi and LTE doesn’t work at all. There are no windows in the room, basically a cement box, so no wonder. 6. The SMELL is atrocious in every part. Diesel fumes from the street are constant through the main area, the actual dorms have mold and a dingy smell constantly. Honestly, I have no idea how this place gets good reviews.

THE WATER DOESN’T WORK! They shut off the water every day from 4pm - 11pm due to a failure in planning for sufficient water reserves. Meaning NO FLUSHING TOILETS, NO SHOWERS, NO RUNNING TAP WATER! They also locked the doors to the communal bathrooms at this time. This meant the smell in the rooms were awful and the drains stank so bad we couldn’t get to sleep. Don’t get me wrong the staff were great and very helpful but the lack of water reserves is poor planning and a health hazard and makes the stay very uncomfortable especially if you have an early tour and cannot shower afterwards or before you go to bed if you want to go to sleep pre 11:30pm.

Pariwana is beautiful, tons of open space and areas to relax. I very much appreciated the all-day restaurant/bar. The activities every evening were so fun and gave me a great opportunity to meet friends and get to know staff & volunteers. They are so helpful and kind. Reagan selflessly helped me when I was struggling with altitude sickness & real friendship. Osfer was so kind, he lent a sympathetic ear when I was struggling and always showed genuine kindness. And I built a true friendship with Julia and Luana, both of whom were such wonderful and active staff as well. I stayed in an all-female dorm which felt so safe and comfortable. I was here for two weeks and had such a wonderful experience. Because it’s such a fantastic place, located perfectly in Cusco, I am planning to come back and potentially be a volunteer.