4 places in Cusco, Peru to meet peeps
When I arrived in Cusco, a town in Peru, I was by myself. But when I left, I had friends from all over the world.
I’m grateful to have met as many amazing people as I did, thanks to some key places I managed to stumble on. Whether you’re traveling Peru solo or with friends, here are some popular joints to stop off and meet peeps on your trip.
1. Plaza de Armas
Plaza del Armas is a town square in the middle of Cusco. Here, you’ll find a beautiful, large courtyard with benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. It was here that I met many friends who were traveling too. Surrounding the courtyard are a number of shops and restaurants. Personally, my favorite spot was a little cafe called “Cappuccino Café“, right in the middle of the square. Walk through the west doorways that lead through to a smaller courtyard and you’ll find a stone staircase, that leads to this cute little café. Here they offer free WiFi, perfect for you to catch up on social media, skype with the fam, share photos, or meet other travelers doing the same thing.
The view at this cafe is perfect and overlooks the plaza. (Also perfect for people watching!) I took this photo myself last year when in Peru. One word: NOSTALGIA!
2. LOKI hostel
I was introduced to LOKI, an Australian owned hostel during my first week in Cusco. It’s a hidden, adorable hostel sitting at the top of Arcopata Street. Here they offer not only a place to stay for extremely affordable prices (anywhere from 8-40 euro’s/dollar’s, depending on what room you choose), but they also offer a travel desk where you can book different travel adventures and tours. Best of all, they have a bar that is hands down the best place to party in Cusco! I distinctly remember coming to a quick realisation after visiting this hostel; “Australians sure know how to party!”
This hostel was ALWAYS bumping, whether it was a Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday. It was here, sitting at the bar, drinking Cusquena beer, that I met some of my best friends.
Hot tip: if you’re lucky enough to be at this hostel during Australia day, you should be aware that you can get a room for FREE if you show your Australian passport. (I tried to fake being Australian, didn’t work). However, I was lucky enough to party with Australians on their national holiday, and I can honestly say I have never had a better independence day! (Sorry USA, Fourth of July just doesn’t cut it anymore).
3. Mama Africa
After LOKI, Mama Africa is where I spent most of my Cusco nights. Mama Africa is a bar on the north corner in Plaza Del Armas. Here you can dance with Aussies, Americans, and other travelers looking to have a good time. Be careful of getting too drunk and accidentally taking someone’s coat from the coat storage instead of your own. (Guilty, as charged).
Tips for the ladies: You can get free drinks here! If you stand outside, the bouncers will ask you to come in. If you request a free drink in order to come in, they’ll give you a voucher (sometimes two!). My girls and I loved coming to Mama Africa and getting free drinks (who doesn’t?!).
Another useful tip: Be sure to hit up the food carts that come out after midnight. My personal favorite is the falafel cart on the east corner next to Mama Africa. No joke, their falafels are amazing! Some nights I was exhausted by 11 and wanted to walk back to the hostel, but I was determined to stay out until midnight JUST to get a falafel. Yes, they’re that good.
4. Paddy’s Irish Pub
This is a super fun joint, also in Plaza de Armas. It’s on the southeast corner, on the second floor. You won’t miss it, because you’ll hear lots of noise, laughter, and probably see stumbling drunks nearby. This pub is quite small, which forces you to interact with others. Here you can get all the whiskey your heart desires. If you are in Peru alone, the pub is the spot to meet other friends for adventuring.
Hot Tip: If you tell a joke to the bartender, he’ll give you a free drink. ( It worked for me!). Also, a cute little Peruvian woman sells tamales right underneath this pub all day and all night. The tamales are delicious, and only cost one sole! (Equivalent to $.50 cents).
So there you have it. If you’re lonely and looking for a pal in Peru, these places will help you find all the friends you’ll need.
There are no comments
Add yours