A Pleasant and Affordable Stay at the Hostal Puma Orco in Pisac, Cusco, Peru

We arrived in Pisac on Thursday night, tired from our drive from Lima to Cusco, and headed straight to the Hostal Puma Orco. We have known the owner, Nico, for years, and were pleased to find that his wife, Turi, and daughter, Yumi, were both at the hostal when we arrived. Nico is Peruvian and Turi is from Norway and they live between the two countries. Nico is a world traveler, and regaled us with stories of his travels in Mongolia and across Africa.

Our friend, Alex, was also staying at the Hostal Puma Orco, as well as other fellow travelers from Argentina, Chile, and Peru. We spent the first evening playing music, having drinks and catching up with them.

We have stayed in the Hostal Puma Orco the last two times we have been to Pisac. It is not the fanciest hotel in Pisac, but I really enjoy the tranquility and familiar, artsy atmosphere. Last time we stayed here, one of the residents was an amazing painter, and I still have a painting we bought from him. This time, there is also an eclectic group of people staying here, many of whom are musicians.

The Hostal Puma Orco is one of the more economical options in Pisac, but, surprisingly, does not cut corners on comfort. The hostal has real mattresses and pillows, and down comforters. These were all a welcome change after paying more at hotels with heavy wool blankets and hard pillows. A single room at Puma Orco costs 30 soles, a double 50, and a room with a private bath is 65 soles. And, for those with tents, you can camp for 15 soles a person. Nico is often willing to give discounts, however, for longer stays, especially for musicians, as he loves to hear the music, and to play music with fellow travelers.

Clean and simple rooms

Relaxing in the garden with a view of the Andes

One of my favorite things about the hostal is the small garden where you can sit and look up at the imposing Andes Mountains. It is great when hotels have green spaces for the kids to run around. As I write this, my three daughters are playing in the garden, which they have all to themselves. The garden is small, but the view makes it seem much more spacious. Next to the garden is a parking lot, and we were glad to have a safe place to keep our rental car.

I also like the fact that the owners of Puma Orco let you use the kitchen, which is especially good for preparing a quick breakfast for the kids. They also have reasonably priced and tasty meals and snacks.

The hostal is located just an 8-minute walk from the main plaza at Pitusiray No 1 Urb. Francizca Moya de Garcia. You can reach Nico directly at pumaorco@hotmail.com or by calling +(51) 84 203267.

The hotel has Internet access via their computer. You can hook your own computer up to their network if you want to access it that way. I soon realized, however, that my MacBook Air doesn’t have a space to plug such a cable. Nico said he is planning to get an antenna so that the wireless connection is more reliable.

If you are ever in Pisac, I highly recommend you check out the Hostal Puma Orco. If you don’t mind a short walk from the plaza to the hotel, you will see quite a bit more of the town as you walk through the neighborhood to get there, and save money as well.

Pisac is less than an hour away from Cusco by bus, taxi, or car, so many visitors come in for the day to see the ruins, shop at the famous market, and have a meal. However, if you have a bit of extra time during your trip to Peru and enjoy a more relaxed, rural atmosphere, consider staying in Pisac.