Ecopackers Cusco is part of the Ecopackers Hostels group, a small local company founded in 2010 that operates another hostel near Machu Picchu. As its name suggests, the hostel follows sustainable and eco-friendly practices, like providing a recycling option for guests and collecting organic waste for composting. The hostel itself is housed in a 16th century Spanish colonial house and is colorfully decorated -- expect to see splashes of canary yellow, orange, and bright blue. Much of the original architecture is on display throughout the hotel, from the stone archways connecting rooms and hallways, to the dark wood beamed ceilings in the TV lounge and bar. There are touches of Cusco’s Inca heritage as well, such as the Inca masks in the dining room and various Inca relics scattered throughout. it all adds up to a charming, communal character, with a social scene that revolves around the colonial-style courtyard, ringed by flowering plants and trees plus sun loungers and hammocks. Music is played here throughout much of the day and it serves as a gathering spot for travelers. Those who need sleep need not be too concerned, as the music stops at night and the hostel is known for being less of a party house than some of its neighboring competitors.

Ecopackers is located on a historic cobblestone street lined with white colonial stone houses dating to the 16th century. These buildings now house various tour agencies, hotels, and clothing shops, and the street ends with a historical 17th century stone church. The hostel is situated just two blocks (a three-minute walk) from Plaza de Armas, with its picturesque colonial facades and numerous restaurants, museums and churches, including the 16th-century Cusco Cathedral. The Inka Museum is a six-minute walk, while the UNESCO-designated Sacsahuayman, a pre-Inca citadel dating back to 1100, is just a six-minute taxi ride away. Wanchaq Station is a 16-minute taxi ride and Poroy Station -- the departure point for Machu Picchu -- is 22 minutes way by taxi. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hostel.

Ecopackers has a variety of different room types, ranging from large dorms housing up to 18 beds to private double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and an all-female eight-bed dorm. Most rooms are spacious and have simple wooden furniture and hardwood floors. There are occasional colonial-era touches, such as traditional-style wall lanterns and old portraits. Bathrooms score high marks from previous guests for their cleanliness and en-suite bathrooms have gray imitation marble tiling and white ceramic sinks. However, towels cost extra to rent.

All rooms come with custom-made orthopedic mattresses, which guests find to be surprisingly comfortable for a backpacking establishment. In-room lockers have an additional perk: built-in power sockets, so phones can be charged safely without risk of being stolen. There is free Wi-Fi, but reception may be spotty in some rooms. Flat-screen TVs, with access to cable channels, are only found in private rooms and suites. Keep in mind that while it's relatively quiet here, noise does travel in the hostel, though it's not a party spot like other neighbors. 

Ecopackers' best feature is its wealth of social spaces for relaxing and meeting like-minded travelers. There’s a beautiful colonial-style open-air courtyard where regular barbecue events are held, with sun loungers and hammocks as well as a ping pong table. The TV lounge is decorated with interesting Inca relics and has a cosy fireplace for cold nights. The bar is colorful, yet traditional, with stone walls and wooden ceiling beams, and also serves full meals. There is free continental breakfast for guests, with offerings that are fairly standard, according to previous guests. Other useful features include a communal kitchen and tour agency, though the kitchen is a bit compact. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel, and several guest computers are free to use.