Personal Favorite: Hostal Naylamp in Huanchaco, Peru
Hostal Naylamp – Huanchaco, Peru
Right down the road from Chicama, the longest left in the world, is a small vacation town called Huanchaco. This town is truly a Peruvian hidden paradise, great for backpackers, surfers and upscale tourists alike. Still, this small coastal town has not yet been overrun and built up like some of those other tourist towns.
If traveling by taxi, the driver may try to take you to an expensive hotel, but as far as I am concerned there is only one place that I would stay in the town of Huanchaco. Where, you ask? On the north side of town lies the best hostel in Huanchaco, called Hostal Naylamp.
Naylamp, as their website says, is “an oasis of tranquility over looking the pacific ocean” and that’s exactly how I felt staying there. I was lucky enough to stay at this hostel because I was visiting a friend who was staying there while he was touring South America. It’s by far one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in.
Rooms & Rates
You can rent everything from a six person dorm room to a private suite, or even camp in their yard (bring your own tent or rent one for 3 soles more). The rates are super cheap for what you get, just like most everything else in Peru.
Camping – 10.00/s ($3.50 US)
Dormitory – 15.00/s ($5.50 US)
Single Room – 35.00/s ($12.50 US)
Double Room – 50.00/s ($18.00 US)
Prices are per person as of February 2011
Facilities & Services
At the entrance of the hostel you will find a restaurant and kitchen. I wasn’t expecting much since I know how hostel food can be sometimes. My expectations were completely surpassed. They offer everything from western food, like Lasagna, to traditional Peruvian dishes. Along with cheap beers on hand, of course. 
There is even an upstairs deck where you can eat your meal and watch an incredibly mesmerizing sunset.
After passing through the restaurant you’ll notice a small area where you can conveniently hang your surfboard and wetsuit. Beyond this area lies a little courtyard sandwiched between the hostel rooms. The courtyard contains small picnic tables, chairs and hammocks strung up along the edges. A perfect place to relax in your downtime. A couple of turtles are also found to be hanging around the the courtyard wetsuit area, so be careful not to step on them!
The hostel provides all the services you’ll need. They have free internet, laundry, book exchange and free parking, if needed. The hostel locks all side doors during the day and the front door at night so no one gets in there besides the guests who are staying at the hostel.
Surrounding Area
Hostal Naylamp is located right near the pier, in front of the reef boats, so the beach is nice and close. There are also a lot of great places nearby to eat. Next door to the hostel is Otra Cosa, one of my favorite places for breakfast. I never missed their fresh fruit yogurt and granola bowl, or their pancakes. The staff even came in early to make breakfast for us before we left on our surf trip to Chicama.
Another great restaurant is at ‘My Friend’ hostel which is a cheap place to score some grub. They offer many traditional dishes along with a glass of freshly made juice of the day with their combo meals. After your meal, don’t forget to go down the back alley streets to visit a small ice cream shack.
All in all, Hostal Naylamp is a great hostel to call home while you are visiting the small surfer town of Huanchaco. You’ll most likely meet a ton of friendly backpackers and surfers during your stay as well. Don’t forget to reserve a bed since they often get booked up!
What’s your favorite hostel?
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