The WalkOn Inn in Nazca gives guests much more than just a comfy bed when visiting this fascinating part of Peru.
A solar-heated pool and excellent lounge mean guests have plenty of areas in which to relax or chat as they plan their days’ activities and travel plans. Practical-thinking with backpackers in mind is evident throughout the hostel’s set-up; be it a welcome drink when you’re just off the bus or Skype on the free-to-use internet. Well-organised, helpful and informative staff ensure you make the most of both the facilities, town and surroundings. They are confident enough in their hostel to offer a ‘free taxi guarantee’; find something wrong or to your dislike and they will get you to any other hotel in Nazca at no charge.
Along with its newer sister hostel in Cusco, the WalkOn Inn is well-justified in its popularity with independently-minded travellers making their way through Southern Peru.
Dormitory beds at the WalkOn Inn cost S/ 15 per person per night and a stay in ensuite single, double, triple or twin bedrooms is S/ 25 per night per person. Nice touches such as a drink on arrival, fresh towels and soap on beds are included to welcome you into the hostel. The price also includes free WiFi or the unlimited use of a good PC with Skype. Guests can also help themselves to coca tea all day long.
Breakfast is a little extra at S/ 6, but this price provides a large buffet of eggs cooked to your choice, fruit, cereal, yogurt, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee and fresh juice.
If you are on an early Nazca Lines flight you can have something small before the flight and tuck-in properly when you get back as it is served until 12pm.
Soft and alcoholic drinks are also available all day long from the lounge, and guests can use crockery and cutlery to eat snacks and take-away food. A very pleasant and reasonably–priced restaurant is attached to the hostel.
Other than the pool, the hostel enjoys a covered patio between rooms, a roof terrace and a very well-equipped lounge. In this room there is cable television with a DVD player and a large collection of films, a stereo system, extensive local and national travel information and a superb collection of guidebooks for the Americas and beyond.
Board games, a book exchange and comfy sofas help make it the hostel’s focal point for socializing. Laundry can be done at S/ 5 per kilo and there is a secure luggage storage facility.
Not only does the hostel book onward bus tickets without charging commission but they can also organise a great number of tours. They have a reputable company for flights over the lines and local trips for sand boarding, to ancient archaeological sights at nearby pyramids, aqueducts, cemeteries complete with mummies and yet more still-unexplained remains.
Nazca
Ica
www.walkoninn.com
Otherwise a taxi will only cost a few Soles or walk towards the centre along Calle Lima, turn left onto Bolognesi and continue to the square. Turn left here onto Arica, walk 3 blocks further and turn right onto José María Mejiá.
