Practically everyone who goes to Peru would pass by Cuzco. The top tourist attraction in the country is Machu Picchu, and you need to pass by Cuzco to get there. Going to Cuzco was a no brainer. i just had to figure out if it would be better to take a bus or just take a plane to save time. Normally I would just take a bus. I like looking at the scenery even if the bus ride could take a whole day. Also, buses could stop at areas not frequently visited by tourists. I’ve seen lots of beautiful places that are off the beaten path this way. But once I saw the bus fares of the luxury bus lines— I’d rather not take an ordinary bus for 24 hours, that would be torture… the fares were almost as expensive as the budget flights. Initially i was tempted to take a bus so i can stop by Ica, then I realized I’m not really interested in seeing Huacachina. I’ve already done sand boarding in Morocco, and the place doesn’t really look that beautiful in pictures. I’ve read about altitude sickness in Cuzco, so i figured it would be better to take a bus so that I’d have time to adjust to the increasing altitude, but I’ve spoken with several travelers who took a bus and they said it won’t help you much since you don’t really ascend gradually if the travel time only takes one day. And the bus rides made a lot of people dizzy since the drivers drive so fast along winding roads. I figured if I took a plane, I could just relax for a couple of days in Cuzco before doing some treks in case I do get altitude sickness. So it was decided. I would just fly to Cuzco. It would save me a lot of time since flights only last for a little more than an hour.

Once i got off the plane it immediately hit me. Man, altitude sickness is real LOL. I found it hard to breathe at first just by walking at a normal pace. I wondered what would happen if i tried to run. My lungs gradually adjusted to the altitude though, and I wasn’t breathing as hard once I got out of the airport. Some travelers swear by Coca tea– which is offered for free at most hostels. Not sure if it helped me with altitude sickness or if my lungs just adapted to the altitude on their own, but it wouldn’t hurt to try it.

As expected, cabs were charging exorbitant fares. Most were charging 5 times the usual fare— they were charging at least 50 soles. The hostel told me that I should only pay 10. After ignoring the first couple of them and as i headed toward the exit, someone agreed to take me for only 15 soles. I guess that was a fair price. after about 20 minutes I arrived at Loki Hostel, definitely one of my favorites hostels in the world.

First of all, it’s a party hostel. They don’t keep it a secret. So expect loud music blaring until the wee hours of the morning. I don’t get how some people give the hostel negative reviews because of this. it’s not like they were duped into thinking that it’s gonna be a quiet place. If you’re looking for fun this is the place to stay. There’s a reason why it’s always included in those top party hostels in the world lists. Every night was epic. Gained a lot of friends too. And you’d have a good night’s sleep after all that partying because the beds are surprisingly very very comfy. it’s also a beautiful place with rustic charm— it’s a renovated 16th century building after all. Sorry if I sound like I’m friends with the owners, i just had so much fun i ended up loving the place too much haha. It’s not ideal if you have an early morning trek and you’re a light sleeper— room mates would be barging in all night (I stayed in a dorm room. I’m not sure how quiet or noisy it is in the private rooms). if you need to wake up early then stay elsewhere. but if you want to have fun, stay at Loki Hostel for at least one night while you’re in Cuzco.

Blatant endorsement over. lol.

Most travelers I’ve met don’t really explore the city, which is a shame because it is beautiful. it has a colonial charm that isn’t present in Lima. most people just stop by for a day or two before they head to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or other nearby areas. Some stay longer if they get altitude sickness lol. I’d recommend spending at least two days in the city, exploring its nooks and crannies. As you go farther from the center, you’d feel as if you’re going back in time. Prices of food and other basic commodities are understandably quite expensive– the city is full of tourists after all. But there are cheap places to eat and buy stuff, you just have to exert a little effort to find them. It’s also easy to make friends if you’re traveling on your own. The best chance to meet other solo travelers would be in this city since it’s the perfect jump off point to several areas– main reason why so many backpackers converge there. If you get to meet people, there’s a good chance you’ll see them back in Cuzco after a few days. I think I spent more than the recommended number of days in the city, but I don’t regret it one bit. The entire place has such a chill vibe, I wouldn’t mind staying there for weeks.