Hatun Wasi Hostel
Huaraz, Peru

Hatun Wasi Hostel has a homely atmosphere created by a family working together to give guests the best possible welcome to Huaraz. Liz heads up reception with her experience in tourism and spoken English whilst Maria runs the mini-market downstairs. With its comfortable rooms, piping hot showers and friendly and accommodating staff, it makes an ideal base for exploring the nearby mountain ranges. Arrangements such as a free bus pick up and luggage storage clearly have lovers of the outdoors in mind. Fresh towels on your bed, cable TV and a wide breakfast menu cooked to order help prepare for or recover from a trek. The dramatic views of the surrounding Cordillera Blanca are a sight to behold from the roof terrace; perfect for a morning coffee or evening drink as you watch the sun go down.

Hatun Wasi hostel has 20 rooms that are all ensuite with piping hot water and the majority with local TV included in the price; look out for cable in all rooms soon. Single rooms cost US$14 per person per night, twin roms cost US$9.50, doubles are US$10, triples are US$9 per person and 4 and 5 bed dorms cost US$7 per person per night. An incredibly varied breakfast is included in the price of your room; you can choose from the Continental Breakfast, American Breakfast of scrambled eggs and ham, the Hatun Wasi which includes a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, the Vegetarian Breakfast including fruit salad and granola and the English Breakfast of eggs, bacon and sausages. All breakfasts come with bread, jam, fresh orange juice and tea or coffee. 30 minutes of free internet is also included as is unlimited Wi-Fi. There are various common areas in which to relax aside from the breakfast room. There is a large TV lounge with cable TV, DVD collection, stereo, book exchange and comfortable sofas. The top floor houses a roof terrace with hammocks and tables and chairs, a kitchen free for guest use, ample dining space and more comfortable sofas. You will also find a smaller but pleasant inner terrace on the 3rd floor. The hostel can provide a laundry service at the price of S/4 per kilo. They also have the excellent local knowledge that you would expect from a family-run business; if you need trekking advice or to arrange tours this can all be done through the English-speaking reception. Advise the hostel before your arrival and they can arrange a free bus pick-up service. There is a safe available for your valuables and you can leave your luggage in the hostel whilst away in the mountains. The family also run a reasonable-priced mini-market downstairs which is well-stocked for all your needs.