Hosteria Izhcayluma

I'm in love. not only is Hosteria Izhcayluma ridiculously cheap for a dorm bed ($9 USD pp), it is essentially a resort. The setting is gorgeous, set in the hills outside of Vilcabamba, but not far, and with a great view of the valley and town itself. There are flowers everywhere, hammocks to relax in, a big DVD collection, a bar with billards, foosball, ping pong, darts, a laguna pool, parking, and an open terrace restaurant. the food is cheap and really delicious! they also have free-use bikes you can take around town, self guided hiking maps, and can connect you with great excursions.

i did the full day (7 hours) horseback riding trip through vilcabamba's countryside and the Podocarpus national park. it was amazing! and only $25 USD including lunch. Izhcayluma also has a spa center, where you can sign up for some of the cheapest spa treatments I've ever heard of. I got a package of hair masque and massage, facial and reiki for $21 USD. Other travelers told me the massage they got ($18 for 75 mins) was the best one they've ever had.

the breakfast buffet that is included is outrageous. fresh fruit every day, sometimes with homemade granola and yogurt, homemade bread, your choice of eggs (any way you want) or crepes, fresh squeezed juice and real coffee.

We only stayed 3 nights...I could have stayed forever.