Cuzco: Casa de la Gringa (Self Catering)

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Address: Corner tandapata and pasnapacana 148, san blas , Cusco , Peru

Lonely Planet review

This laid-back hostel is a spiritual, New Age retreat overrun by a garden of healing plants. In the main house, the funky rooms are wildly colorful. There's a mixed-sex dormitory for backpackers, a shared kitchen, and a TV-and-games lounge. Out back in the cottage annex are disappointingly basic digs with shared bathrooms.

Casa de la Gringa has traded its older, out-of-town property for a brand new location just steps away from the Plaza San Blas. You'll have to huff and puff to get here, but once you've arrived, the atmosphere is all about relaxing. If you're hell-bent on saving a few bucks, basic rooms with shared bathrooms are in the simple annex cottage out back. Those staying in the main building are entitled to a free continental breakfast, and everyone's welcome to hang out in the common lounge, which has a TV, stereo and billiards table. Thankfully, the owner has invested in reliable hot water heaters. There's a shared guest kitchen, too. The on-site travel agency can help arrange tours and airport pick-ups.