★★★★★
"Best hostel in Cusco by far. The bar has incredible views and we met our entire Machu Picchu group here. Staff sorted our train tickets and gave us insider tips nobody else knew."
Award-Winning · Centro9.5/104.9/5 Google🏆 2026 Hoscars Winner🏆 2025 Best New Hostel in South America
The Best Hostel in Cusco
Steps from Plaza de Armas · Dorms from $11 · bar · Free Breakfast · Machu Picchu Tours
★★★★★4.9/5 · 2600+ reviews
Award-Winning Hostel in Cusco — Your Base for Peru
Black Llama Hostel is one of Cusco's top-rated and most-awarded hostels, located just two minutes on foot from the Plaza de Armas — the beating heart of the ancient Inca capital. Whether you're arriving in Peru for the first time or you're a seasoned backpacker, this is the hostel in Cusco that people come back to.
We offer dormitories and private rooms at the best prices in Cusco, built for travellers who want comfort without compromise. Our mixed dorms start from just $11/night and include a personal locker, reading light, charging points, and access to our specialty coffee shop and famous bar with views that stretch across the city to the mountains beyond.
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? You're in the right place. Our front desk team books train tickets, bus tickets, and guided tours to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and every other highlight in the Cusco region — often at better prices than you'll find elsewhere. We live here. We know every insider route, every local restaurant, and the best time to visit each site without the crowds.
The social life at Black Llama Hostel is what travellers remember most. Our bar is the unofficial meeting point for backpackers in Cusco — the place where your Machu Picchu group assembles, where solo travellers find their people, and where Pisco Sours flow as the Andean sunset turns the city gold. We run weekly events, pub crawls, cooking classes, and city tours from the hostel.
Free breakfast is included with every stay — a proper Peruvian spread every morning to fuel your adventures. Fast WiFi throughout the property means digital nomads and long-term travellers are more than welcome. And our specialty coffee shop serves single-origin Peruvian beans roasted right here in Cusco — the best cup you'll have before heading to the Sacred Valley.
Quick Facts
Location2 min from Plaza de Armas
Dorms from$11/night
Private rooms from$45/night
BreakfastFree, daily
Check-in2:00 PM
Check-out11:00 AM
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Machu Picchu ticketsBook at reception
Book NowWhy Black Llama Cusco?
Altitude-Ready
Coca tea bar, oxygen at reception, heated rooms. We've got altitude covered so you can enjoy the Andes.
9.5 on Hostelworld
546 verified reviews. 2026 Hoscars Winner. Rated the top hostel in Cusco.
Adventure Hub
Sacred Valley trips, cooking classes, mountain hikes — all run by local guides who grew up here.
What's Included
- Garden, bar & restaurant — one of the only hostels in Cusco with green area
- Coffee shop & co-working space
- Steps from Plaza de Armas & San Pedro Market
- Free WiFi
- Breakfast Included
- Free City Tour
- Coffee Shop & Co-Working
- Garden
- Bar & Restaurant
Hostel Amenities
Everything included with every stay at Black Llama Cusco.
Free WiFi
Breakfast Included
Free City Tour
Coffee Shop & Co-Working
Garden
Bar & Restaurant
Free Security Lockers
Free Luggage Storage
24/7 Reception
Laundry
Tour Desk
Oxygen Available
Hot Showers
Adaptors
See the Hostel
The courtyard, the garden, the coffee tastings and the rooms — the spaces you will actually stay in.
Rooms & Dormitories in Cusco
From social mixed dorms to private en-suite rooms — all with free breakfast and bar access.
Dorms from $11 · Privates from $60
Private Rooms
Your own space. Hostel community, hotel comfort.
Deluxe Double Bed Private Ensuite
2
Deluxe private ensuite featuring a luxurious queen bed. The room includes modern amenities such as a personal bathroom, high-quality linens, ample storage space, and beautiful colonial details.
Queen bedEnsuite bathHeaterTowels
Deluxe Private Ensuite – Garden View
2
Deluxe private ensuite featuring a luxurious queen bed and single bed. The room includes modern amenities such as a personal bathroom, high-quality linens, ample storage space, a desk, and reading lights. Ideal for guests seeking comfort and privacy.
Queen bedSingle bedEnsuite bathGarden viewDeskReading lightHeaterTowels
Superior Double Bed Private Ensuite
2
Superior private ensuite featuring a luxurious queen bed. The room includes modern amenities such as a personal bathroom, high-quality linens, ample storage space, and premium colonial furnishings.
Queen bedEnsuite bathHeaterTowelsPremium furnishings
Dorms
Social rooms. Built for meeting people, designed for sleeping well.
Deluxe Pod in 4 Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite
4
Our most intimate dorm. Private pods with ensuite bathroom. Newly built and equipped with charging stations, reading lights, and personal lockers.
Private podEnsuite bathCharging stationReading lightLocker
Deluxe Pod in 6 Bed Female Dorm Ensuite
6Female Only
Dormitory featuring private pods with a private bathroom and air extractor. Newly built and equipped with charging stations, reading lights, and personal lockers.
Private podEnsuite bathAir extractorCharging stationReading lightLocker
Deluxe Pod in 8 Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite
8
Dormitory featuring private pods with a private bathroom and air extractor. Newly built and equipped with charging stations, reading lights, and personal lockers.
Private podEnsuite bathAir extractorCharging stationReading lightLocker
Deluxe 8 Bed Female Dorm Ensuite
8Female Only
Female-only dormitory with ensuite bathroom. Newly built, equipped with charging stations, reading lights, personal lockers, plus a hair dryer and iron in the women-only room.
Ensuite bathCharging stationReading lightLockerHair dryerIron
Deluxe Pod in 10 Bed Mixed Dorm
10
Dormitory with private pods and shared bathroom. Newly built, equipped with charging stations, reading lights, and personal lockers.
Private podCharging stationReading lightLocker
Deluxe Pod in 12 Bed Mixed Dorm
12
Dormitory with private pods and shared bathroom. Newly built, equipped with charging stations, reading lights, and personal lockers.
Private podCharging stationReading lightLocker
Deluxe Pod in 12 Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite
12
Dormitory with private pods and ensuite bathroom. Newly built, equipped with charging stations, reading lights, and personal lockers.
Private podEnsuite bathCharging stationReading lightLocker
What Guests Say
4.9/5 average across 2600+ reviews.
★★★★★
"Award-winning and deservedly so. Free breakfast, social atmosphere, steps from Plaza de Armas — nothing else comes close at this price in Cusco. Already booked my return."
★★★★★
"I was solo travelling and felt completely at home from day one. The pub crawl on night two meant I had friends for the rest of the week. The specialty coffee is unreal too."
★★★★★
"Stayed here before and after Machu Picchu — they held our luggage, gave us an early check-in, and the team genuinely knows Cusco inside out. Best hostel experience of my whole South America trip."
Location in Cusco
Black Llama Cusco is located in the historic centre of Cusco, just two minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas — the city's main square, surrounded by the Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. You are within walking distance of San Blas (the artisan quarter), Sacsayhuamán (the Inca hilltop fortress), and the city's best restaurants and markets.
Cusco's UNESCO World Heritage historic centre is your neighbourhood. The bus station for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu connections is 10 minutes by taxi. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is 20 minutes by taxi.
Walking distances from the hostel
Plaza de Armas2 min walk
San Blas neighbourhood5 min walk
Qorikancha (Sun Temple)8 min walk
Mercado San Pedro10 min walk
Sacsayhuamán ruins20 min walk
Bus to Sacred Valley10 min taxi
Airport20 min taxi
Things to Do
Cusco Chocolate Experience
Learn where chocolate really comes from. Taste the best Chuncho beans — the rare native cacao of Cusco — and discover how raw cacao becomes artisan chocolate. Make your own cocoa tea, put on a cocoa face mask, and take home a handmade chocolate bar. Short, informative, and deliciously hands-on.
Daily · By booking · $25 USD
Pisco Sour Class
Learn to shake Peru's national cocktail like a pro. Includes tasting of three pisco varieties.
Daily · By booking · S/ 35
Coca Tea Ceremony
Traditional Andean coca tea ceremony with a local host. Connect with ancient wisdom and the spirit of the Andes.
Daily · By booking · Free
Pucara Torito Painting
Paint your own traditional Pucara bull — a symbol of protection and prosperity in the Andes. Take home your creation.
Daily · 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM · S/ 45
Flash Tattoo Session
Walk-in flash tattoo session with a local artist. Pick from dozens of Andean-inspired designs or bring your own.
Thu · 18:00 · S/ 50
Meet & Drink
Every night we prepare a Té Piteado — a traditional Cusco drink made with local herbs and pisco. Grab a cup, sit in the courtyard, and meet the new guests who just arrived. The easiest icebreaker in the Andes.
Daily · 20:00 · Free
Free Walking Tour
Explore Cusco's Inca foundations, colonial churches, and hidden plazas.
Daily · 10:00 · Free
Salsa Class
No experience needed — our instructor will have you dancing in no time. A fun way to kick off the week.
Mon · 20:00 · Free
Bachata Class
Learn the basics of bachata with fellow travelers. Sensual rhythms, easy steps, and great vibes before the weekend party.
Fri · 20:00 · Free
Language Exchange
Practice Spanish, English, or any language with travelers and locals. Drinks and conversation flow freely.
Wed · 19:00 · Free
Karaoke Night
Grab the mic and sing your heart out. From classics to reggaeton — no judgment, just fun.
Wed · 21:00 · Free
Games Night
Board games, card games, and friendly competition. The perfect way to meet fellow travelers.
Tue · 20:00 · Free
Ladies Night
Special evening for the ladies with free welcome drinks, music, and good vibes at the bar.
Mon · 20:00 · Free
Beer Pong Tournament
Competitive beer pong brackets with prizes. Grab a partner and sign up at the bar.
Sat · 20:00 · Free
Latin Party
Reggaeton, salsa, cumbia, and everything in between. DJ sets, drink specials, and a packed dance floor.
Fri · 22:00 · Free
Old School Party
Throwback hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Dress up, dance hard, and relive the classics.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Carnaval Cusqueño Party
Water balloons, foam, paint, and music — celebrate Cusco's wild Carnival with traditional yunza dancing, chicha, and DJ sets all night.
Sat · 20:00 · Free
Tinder Party — Valentine's Edition
Icebreakers, speed dating rounds, and a packed dance floor. Come single, leave with stories.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Andean Textile Workshop
Learn ancestral weaving techniques from Chinchero artisans. Take home your creation.
Sun · 14:00 · $45 USD
Semana Santa Procession & Party
Watch Cusco's famous Holy Week procession from our terrace, then celebrate with live music and traditional 12-dish dinner.
Thu · 18:00 · Free
Mamacitas Party — Mother's Day Edition
Dedicated to all the mamacitas out there. Free welcome shot for the ladies, DJ, and reggaeton all night.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Inti Fest — Sun Festival Party
Our biggest party of the year. Live Andean music, DJ sets, traditional dancers, chicha morada, and a terrace celebration under the Cusco sky.
Sun · 19:00 · $15 USD
Inti Raymi Pre-Party
Traditional music, Andean dancing, and chicha morada on our terrace. Celebrate like the Incas.
Sat · 19:00 · $15 USD
Black Llama Anniversary Party
Celebrating another year of Black Llama! Free drinks, live DJ, special guest performers, and surprises all night long.
Sat · 21:00 · Free
Bad Bunny Party
All Bad Bunny, all night. Perreo, themed drinks, and the best reggaeton party in Cusco.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
La Previa del Perú — Independence Party
Celebrate Peru's Independence Day with pisco, Peruvian music, flag decorations, and national pride. ¡Viva el Perú!
Mon · 20:00 · Free
Fiestas Patrias — Peru National Day
The main event. Traditional food, fireworks viewing, DJ Smith on the decks, and the biggest party of July.
Tue · 19:00 · Free
Tropicoqueto Party
Tropical vibes in the Andes. Cumbia, tropical house, fruit cocktails, and summer energy even in winter.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Daddy Yankee Tribute Night
La Gasolina, Dura, Con Calma — every hit, all night. The ultimate reggaeton throwback party with games and drink specials.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Pachamama Day Celebration
Honor Mother Earth with an Andean ceremony, traditional offerings, live folk music, and organic cocktails made with local herbs.
Sat · 18:00 · $10 USD
Flores Amarillas Party
Yellow flowers, good energy, and a party inspired by the viral Latin tradition. Come dressed in yellow for a free drink.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Full Reggaeton Old School Party
Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, Tego Calderón — the golden era of reggaeton in one unforgettable night.
Sat · 22:00 · Free
Halloween Party
Costume contest, themed cocktails, spooky decorations, and DJ sets until late. Best costume wins a free night stay.
Sat · 21:00 · Free
Christmas Party
Panetón, hot chocolate, Secret Santa, and festive vibes. Spend Christmas Eve with your hostel family.
Thu · 20:00 · Free
New Year's Eve Party
Ring in 2027 with fireworks over Cusco, champagne toast, DJ, and the biggest party of the year. Yellow underwear optional.
Thu · 21:00 · Free
Cusco Travel Guides
Local knowledge from the Black Llama Cusco team — everything you need to plan your trip.
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Hostels in Cusco: What Travelers Ask
Quick answers to the questions every Cusco-bound traveler asks.
Ready to Book the Best Hostel in Cusco?
Book direct for the best price guaranteed. No booking fees, no middlemen — just the best rate straight from Black Llama.
Questions? Contact our team — we reply within 2 hours.
Black Llama Cusco
Meson De La Estrella 172, Cusco 08002, Peru+51 84 987 6543
cusco@blackllamahostels.com