What You Need to Know Before Booking Hostels in Peru
Hostels allow travelers to save money on what is often their largest expense after flight tickets: lodging. There are some universals that you can expect in hostels around the globe: plenty of opportunities for socializing and the sorts of amenities that long-term or budget travelers need, such as communal kitchens. There are idiosyncrasies, however, that vary by regions. Here, we’ve compiled a list on what you can expect in hostels in Peru:
Showers
You may be surprised to learn that almost all Peruvian 
hostels have showers fitted with electric heads. This is especially true in cities where the central area is composed mainly of colonial buildings, and you’ll see it throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Don’t be frightened by that wire overhead, as the electrically-heated water is fine, but don’t touch the wire either. Also, if the water doesn’t heat up, you may not be using it properly. Staff might not mention that you need to flip a switch on the wall, or keep the water low until it heats up, because they don’t realize that many people don’t have prior experience with such a system. Hot water doesn’t run out on an electronic system as it does with gas, so ask for help and don’t suffer a cold shower unnecessarily!
Rooms
Hostels almost always offer both private rooms and shared dormitories, and these can have private or shared bathrooms. Dorm rooms can range from 4-person to 20-person; they have bunk beds and security lockers large enough for a backpack, yet lack the extra amenities that private rooms have, like televisions. In the larger dorms, you have to be willing to put up with noise. It’s a choice every traveler has to make for themselves: do you value your privacy and a good night’s sleep, or are snorers a low price to pay for saving some dollars?
Unlike some European hostels, linens and pillows are included services regardless of the room type. However, you generally can’t expect towels in the shared 
dormitories…they might be available upon supplying a towel deposit, or simply for rent or sale.Aside from a small towel, bring: a padlock for securing your valuables, flip flops for the shower, and your personal toiletries.
When it comes to conscientious roommates, it’s a matter of luck, so in exchange for saving money by only renting a bed, you accept the risk of interrupted sleep. You won’t be handed a key to the room, but security is handled in the reception area, with dorm guests generally wearing bracelets to identify their selves.
Prices
The most expensive city in Peru is not the capital, as you might suspect, but Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), as all goods must arrive by train and are thus marked up. In cities like Cusco, all prices depend on the hostel’s proximity to the main square, due to the rents.
Expect a lot of variation in prices and amenities, even with a hostel chain such as Pirwa. For US$25, you can rent a double room with private bath in Pirwa Puno, with heater, closet, TV/cable, and a view. The same goes for Arequipa, where if you’re lucky you can get one of the rooms with a small fridge. However, in Lima simpler rooms cost around ten dollars more. It all depends on the range of local prices for food, gas, electricity, etc.
Discounts
ISIC cards are generally accepted for
discounts, although the many offshoots that have been cropping off aren’t. Don’t expect to access student discounts or other promotions if you book through a booking website like hostelbookers or hostelworld- the discount you could have had becomes their commission. Guests who book directly with the hostel, whether online or in person, have the flexibility to negotiate. Our best tip: Use the booking sites to gather options, read reviews, and to compare hostels by price and other options, but reserve directly with the hostel for the best prices and the ability to access promotional offers.
Discounts are difficult to obtain during the highest peak time in each city, for example, during New Year’s Eve in Cusco, the Virgen of Candelaria Festival in Puno, and the Founding Anniversary of Arequipa. These are the times when even the lowliest hostels are forced to turn would-be-guests away. November through March is the rainy season in Peru, and thus is also the low season, when prices hit the floor.