Ruta Alterna Hostel

The hot water in the shower wasn't working for a day or so when I first got there, but was quickly fixed. Truly no complaints!

The host Carlos is a great and friendly person. Very helpful. none

The beds were comfy, the kitchen was good and breakfasts too. Mostly the staff were amazing, really friendly and helpful, taught me about the culture and even gave me hot chocolate and chicha! plus the dogs were adorable the shower was freezing, and it’s about a 20 minute walk from the centre - but i loved the walk through the street market anyway so it wasn’t bad! i was also the only one in the dorm for 2 out of 3 nights so it wasn’t social, but i did stay in low season

Lovely small hostel with kitchen facilities (four hob stove, fridge/freezer, pots and pans etc) in a quiet area with plenty of communal space. Very secure lockable gated entrance. Kept very clean throughout, and we were asked regularly if we needed our room cleaned, or if we needed fresh towels or bedding changed. The property was 15 minutes walk from the main plaza, 10 minutes walk from the supermarket. Carlos, the wonderful owner, was exceedingly attentive and also offered cheap tours for all the local sites and more. He helped us to plan our continued journey, including contacting and recommending hostels for us. Excellent wifi/internet/network throughout the hostel. The breakfast was excellent and varied from day to day. Very quiet neighbourhood, apart from the usual dogs barking. Comfortable room temperature but additional blankets if required. A genuine effort to separate and recycle rubbish. Netflix already signed in if you need or want it. Bedroom had plenty of storage, hooks, bin, bedside tables, and lamps. The two lovely dogs greeted us whenever they were around. However, they were kept in the parents' property next door if people were not comfortable with dogs. The shower was best used from the afternoon because the water pressure in the morning would result in a colder shower.

The owner Carlos. What a great man he is, he indulged me with the culture and shared with me inside information about the people and the way of life in Cajamarca. I would stay there again anytime just to sit and have a chat with him Nothing

Nice kitchen to use Nice bunk bed Place to store bicycle At the top of a hill in the town

Carlos was so helpful and friendly, he showed us which combis to get and where to get them to go to the places we wanted too (much cheaper than taxis) and the breakfast was lovely. No hot water in the shower in our private room.

It's a cosy, small hostel situated in a quiet area. It's still within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas. The breakfast was nice. Carlos, the host, is always there for you if you have a question and takes great care of his guests. He'd always come around for a chat in the evening and to see if you needed anything.

Excellent accommodation about 1km north of the Plaza de Armas. Our room was spacious, the bed comfortable, and even came with a TV with Netflix! The kitchen had everything you need if you want to cook a meal, the bathroom was pretty good, the showers had hot water. The free breakfast was very nice, and we enjoyed it both days. A nice little outside area was available to relax too. Overall, a really good accommodation in Cajamarca and would undoubtedly recommend!

Overall, a really great spot, and well run as well. Highly recommend. Nothing....all good.

Exceptional

The owner, Carlos, was extremely friendly, and exceptionally helpful. He made our stay in Cajamarca so easy and pleasurable

Ruta Alterna is such a gem, a true home away from home. We especially loved: the great vibe, the most comfortable beds in Peru (as other reviews have rightly attested), the great kitchen, cozy indoor and outdoor common areas, super clean bathrooms, hot water, delicious breakfast, perfect location - the list goes on. Carlos is the man and his care shows in every part of the hostel. We came for 2 nights and ended up staying for 4, would have stayed longer in a heartbeat. Love this place and already missing Carlos and the dogs!

The service, the attention to detail, the cooked breakfast. Was a bit skeptical about the location, but it turned out to be safe, quiet, both close to the fruit market and to a shopping mall, and yet still walking distance from the plaza de armas.

Exceptional

Small & cozy hostel, wasn’t busy when I went but the owner was super helpful and made sure we had a great time. Thanks for a great couple of days!

Exceptional

Amazing host. Very helpful with everything. Had lots of tips for what to do around Cajamarca and good practical information for how to get there. Can’t recommend staying here enough.

Exceptional

This is a true backpacker's hostel. Carlos is a great host. The facilities are great with easy access to the kitchen. Places like this are becoming less common as time goes on. A true gem of a hostel. Muchas Gracias a Carlos!