Frequently asked questions
Check-in, payments, transfers, luggage, altitude and more. If you do not find your answer, write to us.
01What are the check-in and check-out times?+
Check-in is from 1:00 p.m. and check-out until 10:00 a.m. If you leave before dawn you can check out on your own: leave the keys in the coin bowl at reception and make sure the main door is closed.
02Which payment methods do you accept?+
Online by card (Izipay or BBVA), PayPal and Yape. At the hostel you can pay in cash in US dollars, euros or soles up to one day before check-out.
03Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is served every day from 7:15 to 10:00 a.m. in the breakfast area on the second floor.
04Can I leave my luggage while I do a trek?+
Yes. Luggage storage is free if you come back to stay with us, or S/ 20 per booking if you do not. Drop-off any night before 11:00 p.m.
05Do you have laundry and a shared kitchen?+
Yes. Laundry costs S/ 9 per kilo (drop-off before 10:00 a.m., ready from 8:30 p.m., no service on Sundays). The shared kitchen is on the second floor next to the breakfast area.
06Do you offer airport transfers?+
Yes. We organise private transfers 24/7, including early-morning departures: airport pick-up, hostel to airport, bus terminal and other destinations. Ask reception for rates and book in advance.
07Where can I withdraw cash near the hostel?+
We recommend the red Multired ATMs of Banco de la Nación, which usually do not charge their own fee. BCP, Interbank and Scotiabank ATMs also work but charge a fee per withdrawal.
08What if I need a doctor or medicine?+
Tell reception: we work with a partner clinic that accepts international travel insurance and we arrange the taxi. Farmacia La Paz is inside the hostel property, around the corner from the main door, and medicine delivery is available.
09Can friends visit me at the hostel?+
For everyone’s safety, people who are not registered guests are not allowed inside. Please always keep the main door closed.
10How do I deal with altitude sickness (soroche)?+
Cusco is at 3,400 m. Rest on arrival, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on day one and plan easy activities like the City Tour before big treks. Our partner clinic works with international travel insurance.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
01How hard is the Salkantay Trek?+
It is a demanding trek of about 66 km. Day 2 is the hardest: 22 km and around 10 hours crossing the 4,650 m pass. Anyone with good fitness who has spent at least 2–3 days acclimatising in Cusco can do it.
02What is the difference between the $345 and the $245 price?+
The $345 price (booked about 3 months in advance) includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket and the return train to Cusco. The $245 last-minute price does not include the Machu Picchu ticket or the return train.
03How far in advance should I book?+
At least 3 days in advance for the trek, and ideally 3 months ahead to secure Machu Picchu tickets and the return train in high season (May to September).
04Can I leave my luggage at the hostel?+
Yes. Luggage storage is free if you come back to stay at Recoleta, or S/ 20 per booking if you do not.
05When is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek?+
The dry season from April to October has the clearest views. From November to March it rains more, the trails are muddy, and the trek still runs except in February on some days.
Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu
01How far in advance do I need to book the Inca Trail?+
Around 3 months in advance (6 months for May–August). Permits are limited by the government and sell out. Send us your dates and we confirm availability before you pay.
02Is the Inca Trail open all year?+
It closes every February for maintenance. The rest of the year it operates daily, with drier weather from April to October.
03Can I hire a porter for my personal backpack?+
Yes. An extra porter costs USD 180 for the 4 days and carries up to 14 kg.