Cusco's Hidden Gem: Casa Campesina Hotel - Unforgettable Peru Stay
Cusco's Hidden Gem: Casa Campesina Hotel - My Unforgettable Peruvian Ramble (A Review)
Okay, so you're thinking Cusco, eh? Machu Picchu dreams, the Sacred Valley calling? Let me tell you, navigating Cusco's the real adventure. And finding a decent hotel? Forget about it. Until I stumbled upon Casa Campesina Hotel, which… well, it's not perfect, but it's pretty damn close. And that’s saying something in a city where "rustic charm" often translates to "cold water and questionable plumbing."
First, the Good Stuff (and There's a Lot of It!)
Alright, let's get this straight: Casa Campesina is NOT your cookie-cutter hotel chain. This isn't some sterile, corporate experience. It's got soul. It's got character. And, thankfully, it has Wi-Fi that actually WORKS - FREE Wi-Fi in all the rooms! Seriously, a lifesaver when you're trying to upload Instagram stories of your llama selfies (don't judge).
Accessibility & Safety: They Actually Give a Damn!
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see some ramps and an elevator (thank GOD!). So, props to them for at least trying to be accessible. This is HUGE, because Cusco's cobblestone streets are brutal. More importantly, the cleanliness and safety protocols are seriously impressive. This isn't just lip service; they're actually taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, staff trained to the max - I actually felt safe during the pandemic. And they've got hand sanitizer everywhere. Big thumbs up for sanity in the madness. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available which is a great option.
My Soul-Saving Spa Experience (Or, My Failed Attempt at Zen)
Okay, buckle up, because this is where shit gets real. They have a Spa. And I, bless my weary soul, decided I needed a spa day. I opted for the "Deluxe Relaxation Package," which included a body scrub, a body wrap, and a massage.
(Disclaimer: I'm not the most graceful person. I have a tendency to spill things. I also have a tendency to fall asleep whenever I'm supposed to be relaxing. Put these two things together, and it could go south.
First, the scrub. I was scrubbed… vigorously. It felt… good. Then, the wrap. I was swaddled like a burrito. The lights dimmed. The music started. And… I fell asleep. I woke up to, let's just say, an unfortunate stain situation on the sheet (mortified). The masseuse, bless her heart, didn't bat an eyelid. She just re-swaddled me and started the massage.
Honestly? The massage was amazing. I could feel months of travel stress melt away. They have a sauna, spa/sauna, and steamroom too, so I should have taken advantage of that too. I’m not sure, because I passed out during the massage, how well the other treatments are, but the massage was amazing. Worth it, even if I had to hide the evidence of my burrito-like slumber in the laundry. It was a truly unforgettable experience, in all its messy, imperfect glory. Pool with view is also a nice touch, although I didn’t have time to put my toes in!
Food, Glorious Food & Quirky Bits
The breakfast buffet was solid. Not Michelin-star worthy, but with Western breakfast AND Asian breakfast options, enough to satisfy even the most fickle traveler. Plus, the coffee/tea was plentiful and the juice was fresh. I heard rumours of the Asian cuisine in restaurant but I am unsure if it's any good.
They also have a restaurant (restaurants) with a la carte options and a snack bar. I didn't explore all of it (my "relaxation" left me drained!), but the vibe was always pleasant.
A Few Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- The "soundproofing" wasn't always perfect. I'm pretty sure I heard a donkey braying at 3 AM one night (Cusco life, I guess).
- The TV had a limited channel selection. But hey, that's what the free Wi-Fi is for, right? Netflix and chill, even in the high Andes.
- My first room opened to an exterior corridor. I can not verify the security protocols, but I always like opening to an exterior corridor.
- Room decorations felt a little randomly placed. But the alarm clock got me up!
- Essential condiments are, well, essential! Glad it was there.
The "Must-Haves" (Stuff That Makes Life Easier in Cusco)
- 24-hour front desk and security: Crucial. Cusco can feel… lively, at all hours. The reassurance that there's someone around 24/7 is invaluable.
- Elevator: Save those knees!
- Laundry/dry cleaning service: Essential – trust me, you'll accumulate a mountain of dirty clothes.
- Currency exchange and cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours, getting tips, and generally figuring stuff out.
- Luggage storage: If you're heading to Machu Picchu, you'll need it.
- Safe deposit boxes: Never hurts.
- Free Car Park: Save a little money in these harsh times.
The Little Extras (That Make You Smile)
- They offer breakfast in room. Because sometimes, you just want to laze in bed longer.
- Bottle of water in the room (always welcome!).
- Complimentary tea – a nice touch for those altitude-induced headaches.
- Air conditioning in public areas.
- Laptop workspace.
- The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.
The Not-So-Essential But Still Nice-to-Haves
- Babysitting service and family friendly
- Business services
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Meeting event hosting
- Room decorations
- Smoking area.
- Wake up service
- Extra long bed
- Available in all rooms
- Desk
- Bathrobes
- Complimentary tea
The Verdict: Casa Campesina – Book It!
Look, Casa Campesina isn't a five-star, flawless experience. But it's got character, it's safe, it's clean, and it's genuinely nice. The staff are lovely, the spa is (mostly) amazing, and the location is great for exploring Cusco. The Wi-Fi works. What more could you want?
Here's My Honest Recommendation…
If you're looking for a comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced hotel in Cusco that actually cares about its guests, Casa Campesina Hotel is a great choice. The quirks add to the charm, and the things that are really important – cleanliness, safety, and friendly service – are all top-notch.
But seriously, book that damn spa treatment. Even if you fall asleep and end up looking like a crime scene. You'll thank me later.
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Cusco's Hidden Gem: Casa Campesina Hotel - Your Unforgettable Peruvian Getaway
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my utterly unplanned and probably ill-fated adventure at Hotel Casa Campesina Cusco, Peru. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds; you're getting the unvarnished, slightly frazzled truth. This is more like a diary entry than a travel itinerary, and let me tell you, I'm running on about three hours of sleep and a desperate craving for coca tea.
Arrival & Day 1: Altitude Woes and Questionable Coffee (Oh, and Cusco!)
- 7:00 AM (approx.): Landed in Cusco. Glorious, right? Wrong. My lungs felt like they were trying to breathe through a cotton ball. The altitude hit me hard. I swear, I saw a tiny old lady sprint past me while I was gasping for air. Humbling, let me tell you.
- 7:30 AM: Transportation Taxi to Hotel Casa Campesina. The driver was a speed demon and the roads looked rather dubious. I clung onto the seat, mostly hoping for survival, but also admiring the blurry, colorful street art.
- 8:00 AM: Arrived and checked in. Honestly, the hotel is charming. Wobbly old staircases, a courtyard overflowing with flowers, and the air smells… clean. A pleasant enough aroma. This place has character - that's my polite way of saying "it might be a little rough around the edges."
- 8:15 AM: Breakfast. The hotel's "Continental Breakfast" was…an experience. Toast that was so hard I could have used it as a weapon, and coffee that, I think, was meant to be coffee. It tasted of vaguely burnt dirt. I choked it down, mostly because I desperately needed the caffeine boost.
- 9:00 AM: Wandered around the Plaza de Armas. Oh, the beauty! The sheer, vibrant energy of the place. The architecture is breathtaking. It was all so overwhelming/breathtaking/confusing. The people! The vibrant colours! All the smells! I kind of missed the concrete jungle for a moment as i was getting lost in the sheer volume of things.
- 10:00 AM: Altitude Crisis. Tried to walk a block. Couldn't. Felt like I was going to pass out. Sat on a bench and watched a street dog give me the side-eye.
- 11:00 AM: Tried to get food. Found a sweet little restaurant hidden down a narrow alley. Ordered soup, and it was amazing. The broth was savory, the meat tender, and it was the best thing i have ever eaten at that moment.
- 12:00 PM: Hotel. Naptime. I slept for like 2 hours. Woke up disoriented, feeling like I'd been hit by a bus.
- 3:00 PM: Wandered again. This time, with a bottle of water and a prayer. Admired the intricate stone walls, the colorful textiles, and the general chaos. I saw a llama! Or maybe it was an alpaca? I couldn’t tell. Still can't tell the difference.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Contemplated just staying in bed and ordering room service (which, let's be honest, is probably just toast and dirt coffee).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a surprisingly good restaurant around the corner from the hotel. Pisco sours, alpaca (yes, I ate an alpaca, and I'm not sorry!), and a general sense of "I survived."
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Praying for a less dramatic Day 2.
Day 2: The Sacred Valley and (Hopefully) Less Gasping
- 7:00 AM: (Attempting to wake up early. I'm doomed) Coffee situation: Better than yesterday, still not great. Ate the rock-hard toast.
- 8:00 AM: Group Tour To Sacred Valley. This could be interesting. Or a disaster. I'm betting on disaster. I'm trying to pack for every weather condition imaginable. Sunscreen, rain gear, a sweater…
- 8:30 AM: Minibus. It's cramped. People are already talking. The guide seems nice, but I'm not sure I understood the whole "Sacred Valley" thing. Will probably be surrounded by tourists.
- 9:30 AM: To Pisac. Oh my god, it's beautiful!. Terraces carved into the mountainside. The marketplace is a riot of color. I bought a hat. I'm now officially one of those tourists. But it's practical, and it looks decent.
- 11:00 AM: To Ollantaytambo. This is where things got real. The scale of the place! Massive, ancient stone structures that make you feel insignificant. And the views! I'm starting to feel less like I'm going to die of altitude sickness.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Had the best Lomo Saltado ever. Seriously, the meat was so tender, and the sauce was perfect. I could eat that every day for the rest of my life. I am so happy right now.
- 3:00 PM: Return to the hotel. I'm exhausted, but in the best possible way.
- 5:00 PM: Trying to rest. I'm worried I'll be exhausted when I see Machu Picchu. I really want to get everything right and it's scary, to be honest.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Trying new foods. Feeling great.
- 7:00 PM: More sleep. Tomorrow is coming.
Day 3: Machu Picchu… and The Anxiety (The Big One)
- 4:00 AM: Woke up. Way too early. And I was anxious. The anticipation for Machu Picchu, the altitude, the crowds, everything was a lot.
- 5:00 AM: To the train station. The logistics were complicated. It involved a taxi, a train and a bus. I was really hoping to get this one right. Trying not to panic.
- 6:00 AM: Train to Aguas Calientes. The journey itself was lovely. The scenery was breathtaking. I started to breathe better.
- 8:00 AM: Bus to Machu Picchu. The air was cool and damp. Every time I looked, I had to remind myself it was real.
- 9:00 AM: Machu Picchu. I honestly can't even. It's overwhelming. It's incredible. I'm speechless. The structures, the mountains, the mist… it's everything I ever dreamed of and more. I am glad and thankful. I will remember it forever.
- 12:00 PM: Lost myself in exploring. Every corner holds a new wonder.
- 2:00 PM: Leaving Machu Picchu.
- 3:00 PM: The exhaustion hits me like a ton of bricks. My whole body hurts. But I am too happy to care.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the train and bus. The entire day has created a bond to all the other tourists.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Cusco Again… and Headed Home
- 8:00 AM: Slept in. Bliss. Altitude starting to feel a little less hostile. Still have a dull headache though.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Finally feeling good. The coffee is still questionable.
- 10:00 AM: Spent a lot of time buying postcards and gifts for everyone.
- 12:00 PM: Packing.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Taxi to airport.
- 3:00 PM: Flight home.
Reflections:
Cusco has been a whirlwind. It's beautiful, challenging, frustrating, and amazing all rolled into one. The altitude almost killed me, the food was hit-or-miss, and I'm pretty sure I broke a sweat just walking to the corner store. But seeing Machu Picchu? That was a life-changer. It was worth every gasp for air, every mediocre cup of coffee, and every anxiety attack. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I pack differently? Probably not. Because, honestly, half the fun is in the chaos.
Rating: Hotel Casa Campesina: 4/5 stars. Charming, slightly eccentric, and the staff are wonderful. Maybe bring your own coffee.
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Casa Campesina Hotel: Cusco's Hidden Gem? Let's Dive In (Because I Need a Drink After Writing This)
Okay, so, is Casa Campesina *really* a "hidden gem" or just another place with a questionable internet connection?
Alright, deep breath. "Hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti these days. And, let's be honest, Cusco is PACKED with hotels. Casa Campesina? Well... it's got that rustic charm, the kind where you half expect a llama to wander through the lobby (which, spoiler alert, it *almost* did one morning). I'd lean more towards "charming little secret that will either enchant you or... well, maybe not." My experience? Definitely leaning towards the enchantment side, but I'm a sucker for a good story. And this place has *stories*. Like the one about the cat... oh, we'll get to the cat. And the WiFi? Prepare for a digital detox, folks. It's there, theoretically. But don't build your travel plans around streaming Netflix. Trust me.
What's the vibe like? Is it romantic, family-friendly, or a solo-traveler haven? Spill the beans.
Vibe: Think "laid-back, friendly, and a little bit...adventurous." It’s not the Ritz, okay? It’s got that feeling of a family home, where you might find yourself chatting with the owner about his llama farm (hypothetically, of course... or maybe not?). Romantic? Potentially. Especially if you and your significant other are the type who enjoy stumbling through cobblestone streets after a few too many Pisco Sours. Family-friendly? Sure. They seem pretty used to kids running around – and trust me, the whole of Cusco is a giant playground. Solo traveler haven? Excellent! You’ll meet people, guaranteed. Cusco is built for meeting people, and the Casa Campesina fosters that kind of atmosphere. Just be prepared to share stories (and maybe your last beer).
The location – central? Far out in the boonies? Walking distance to the Plaza de Armas?
Location, location, location! It's... pretty good. Not *right* in the thick of it, which is a blessing in disguise, because the Plaza de Armas can be a sensory overload (in the best, most dazzling way). You're definitely within walking distance, but it's not a five-minute stroll. Think more like a scenic ten-to-fifteen-minute amble (or a slightly breathless sprint, depending on the altitude and how many empanadas you've eaten). You’ll walk through interesting streets, and you’ll get a real feel for the city. The best part? You’re far enough away from the noise... and the pushy tour guides. A huge win in my book.
Let's talk food. Breakfast? Dinner? Any recommendations (or warnings)?
Breakfast IS included, and it's... adequate. Think fresh fruit (yes!), bread rolls (maybe a bit stale, let's be honest), eggs (cooked to order, mostly), and coffee (strong enough to wake the dead, which you might need after a night of altitude sickness). Dinner? They don't have a full-blown restaurant, but they might offer something small. I'd be inclined to venture out! Cusco is a food paradise. Try the *cuy* (guinea pig) if you’re feeling adventurous (I chickened out, personally). There are countless amazing restaurants nearby. My advice? Explore! The city is bursting with deliciousness. Don't be afraid to wander down a side street and try something new. And be prepared to use Google Translate. I ate a stew with a name I couldn't pronounce, and it was possibly the best meal of my life.
Okay, the rooms. Tell me about the rooms! Clean? Cozy? Any weird noises? Spiders? (Asking for a friend…)
The rooms... they’re simple, but comfortable. Clean? Mostly. Cozy? Definitely. The decor is rustic, with colorful textiles and local art. Don't expect pristine hotel-chain luxury; this is a place with character. And yes, there might be the *occasional* creepy-crawly. It's Cusco, not a vacuum-sealed spaceship. Keep your shoes off the floor, shake out your clothes, and you'll be fine. We had a gorgeous view from our room, of the red-tiled roofs. The noises? Well, you’re in a city, so expect some street noise. And the building *does* have its own personality, you know? Creaks, groans… part of the charm, I suppose. Though, one night I swear I heard someone playing the panpipes at 3 AM... I'm choosing to believe it was a dream.
Service - friendly? Helpful? Or do you feel like you're bothering them?
The service is *lovely*, mostly. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, genuinely wanting you to enjoy your stay. They’ll help you with anything you need – booking tours, arranging taxis, offering advice. It's the kind of place where they'll remember your name and offer you a cup of coca tea without you even having to ask (essential for altitude sickness, by the way). Though, there was this one time… I needed to print something (remember, the WiFi situation). It took a while. And they were busy. But persistence paid off. They're doing their best, and their best is pretty darn good. Just be patient, embrace the relaxed pace, and you'll be fine (and if you're not fine, ask for more coca tea!).
Okay, the Cat. Tell me about the darn cat!
Alright, buckle up. The cat. This deserves its own category. The cat is named... okay, I don’t know the cat’s name. Let's call him "Fuzzy." Fuzzy is the hotel's resident feline overlord. He roams the halls, judges your choice of footwear, and generally acts like he owns the place (because, let's be honest, he probably does). He might wind around your legs while you're trying to eat breakfast. He might try to sneak into your room. He *will* stare at you with what can only be described as profound existential boredom. He is the embodiment of Cusco itself – a little aloof, a little charming, and completely unforgettable. I'm a dog person, and even I fell in love. Fuzzy and I had a moment. Actually, several moments. I may have smuggled him a piece of my empanada. Don't tell anyone. If you're allergic, well, you might be in for a rough time. If you like cats... you're in heaven.
