Huanchaco Hostal

I don't think you can really call this place a hostal which is conveniently situated in The Plaza de Armas. It is more like a budget motel but with better ammenaties. Lucia is the main boss. You can negotiate your price. I stayed for 6 nights in a room with a really good quality mattress, a shower with truly hot water with excellent pressure, a rare find in Peru, and paid what I though what a very fair price, about $13 a night. The longer you stay, the lower the price. If you share a bathroom, the price is even lower. I noticed that there seem to be apartments there; some local folks stay long term. Lucia encourged that we negotiate a price as she encouraged me to stay as long as possible. Seldom did I see anyone ues the pool. But, it's there. The cafeteria is part of the hostal but does not open until about 8:30 or 9:00 am. Maybe it opens earlier as the tourist season approaches. High tourist season begins in December and goes through the ealry March. I found the most affordable meals here in her cafe. Lucia was super helpful in hailing cabs, at times running down to the pier to get one for me if her usual cabby was not available. Also, she recommends tours and the prices she quoted were also the cheapest of any in town. I stayed on two different occasions. The first time I stayed on the second floor. The second time I stayed on the first floor near the pool. Honestly, it was the most quiet on the first floor. There was less street noise. I found the 2nd floor room also to be subject to the sounds of the kitchen noises. If I ever go back to Huanchaco, I would definitely stay at this place again but most certainly on the first floor near the pool. What I liked the least is that the cafe opened in the morning too late. But, if you need a cheap breakfast, go to the cafeteria next to The Comiseria (The Police Station.) Another aspect that I liked was that her cafe serves huge cups of coffee, another rarity in Peru. I highly recommend this place as the next best thing to a backpacker's hostel.