The Best Hostels for Backpackers in Lima, Peru

A fabulous setting in a restored colonial mansion in hip Barranco awaits at Hostel Kokopelli, a legit architectural gem, complete with original features, such as ceramic floor tiles and lofty ceilings. Breakfast is included here, plus there’s also a great restaurant; even live music on some nights. The hostel is located a stone’s throw from Barranco’s bustling nightlife scene.

Located in the central district of Miraflores and a short walk from Costa Verde beach, this eco-hostel is well located for browsing the area and getting close to the coast. Shared spaces include a games room, kitchen and common room; buffet breakfast is on the house as are tea and coffee all day long.

With a strategic away-from-the-crowds location in Callao district, Tierras Viajeras aims to show you the real Lima. Sure, it’s only a short 10-minute taxi ride from the international airport, but it’ll take you longer to reach the trendy neighborhoods of Barranco and Mirafores – but that’s kind of the point. Indeed, art is the focus at this cultural hostel, with installations on the walls, tours that take in street-art murals, museums and more, and live music on site, too.

A friendly space located just inside the Miraflores limits, this is a hostel with a conscience, given that 15 per cent of your booking goes towards supporting Prime Spot’s local social work. Airy rooms are decorated with vibrant furnishings; the games room and outdoor patio are shared; and breakfast is included, echoing the hostel’s altruistic attitude of giving back. After all, in Lima you can’t go hungry.

This colorful hostel located in trendy Miraflores makes for a great stay for those looking to tap into Lima’s party scene. Located just a 10-minute walk from Parque Kennedy, rooms range between 12-person dorms to private doubles and women-only rooms. The sociable centrepiece is the pool-topped courtyard and garden, surrounded by fun mural-painted walls and stocked with games, such as ping pong and beer pong.

Located just across the road from Parque Central in Miraflores, Pariwanai Hostel has private double rooms and dorms that can sleep six. With a communal kitchen, barbecue area and industrial-style terrace complete with a bar, there are plenty of ways to meet other backpackers. If you fancy picking up some ingredients to try your hand at cooking something local back at the hostel, one of Lima’s best markets, Mercado de Surquillo, is close by.

Luxe hostel brand Selina is known for its coworking spaces and cool communal areas – and this Miraflores outpost is a case in point. Tucked inside you’ll find a wide array of living quarters to suit all budgets, from 12-person dorms to family-size suites and an entire apartment that are definitely more hotel than hostel. All are vibrantly decorated, with colorful splashes in the form of rugs and pillows. Communal spaces include a restaurant, a cocktail bar, playground and, yes, that all important coworking space.

Positioned just a block from El Malecón – the Peruvian capital’s scenic clifftop road – in the trendy Miraflores neighborhood, Hostal Alpes houses an array of bright and airy private rooms and dorms for up to eight people. Check out the festoon-lit roof terrace for a drink; hang with other travelers at the bar or chill in the communal kitchen, barbecue area and common room. Guests can also take advantage of free yoga sessions on Sundays, as well as on-the-house walking tours.

Located off the beaten track in the Covida neighborhood, Mama Backpackers is a short walk from the 4,000-year-old temple of Huaca Garagay – though, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi to reach Miraflores or Barranco for other sights. Back at base, you’ll find a spacious property with private doubles and dorms and breakfast included to help keep costs down. The communal spaces are decked out in Andean textiles and the rooftop spot is a cool addition.

With a fantastic location in Miraflores close to Parque Kennedy, as well as Peru’s Pacific-facing Larcomar mall, Dragonfly hostel makes for a great stay. Lodgings include vibrantly painted private rooms and dorms for up to eight; this fun hostel also has a lovely rooftop hangout where you can chill in a hammock.

This converted colonial mansion is located near the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) – which is exactly what you’ll be doing as you stroll the streets of surrounding Barranco, Lima’s colorful, bohemian ‘hood. The Point is one for party lovers, with Barranco’s fun nightlife a stone’s throw from the hostel and an in-house bar that’s open until 1am every night. Take the opportunity to sleep in the next morning: the property is located in a beautiful, quiet part of the barrio, with the beach right down the street.

In the heart of Miraflores and a short walk from Parque Kennedy, Puriwasi Hostel is within easy reach of many attractions. Dorms are cosy, set up for between four and eight people, and there are various shared spaces including a kitchen, barbecue area, and terrace with a bar. Drop into one of Lima’s best markets, Mercado de Surquillo, and pick up fresh ingredients to cook back at Puriwasi.