Cusco's Hidden Gem: Eco-Luxury at Pension Alemana!
Cusco's Hidden Oasis? My (Unfiltered) Take on Pension Alemana: Eco-Luxury… or Just Luxury?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to dissect my stay at Cusco's Pension Alemana like a particularly delicious Peruvian ceviche. This place promises "eco-luxury," and let's be real, I'm always skeptical. But I'm also a sucker for a good spa, so armed with a healthy dose of cynicism and a suitcase full of alpaca sweaters, I ventured forth.
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Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Pension Alemana in Cusco! Find out if this eco-luxury hotel lives up to the hype. Accessibility, spa experiences, food, and everything in between dissected. Get insider tips and decide if it's the right fit for YOU.
First Impressions & Accessibility (A Bit of a Rollercoaster):
Okay, so landing in Cusco is already a sensory overload. The altitude hits you like a brick, the air is thin, and the ancient stones practically hum with history. Finding the hotel was… well, let's just say my taxi driver's GPS seemed to have a vendetta against me. But eventually, finally, we pulled up.
Accessibility: The website claims accessibility. I will say this - navigating the main areas, like the lobby and restaurant, seemed doable for someone with mobility issues. There's an elevator (a blessing!), and the staff were generally helpful. HOWEVER, the true test, the rooms, are a different story. It's something to check on, as I've not personally tested it.
Rooms - My Sanctuary (and Minor Gripes Within):
My room? Gorgeous. Seriously. I felt like I’d wandered into a magazine photoshoot. (Available in all rooms): Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) The bed? Cloud-like. The views? Jaw-dropping, with those Andes peaks beckoning. The decor was a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The free Wi-Fi? ( Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! ) A lifesaver for a chronic social media scroller like myself. But… and there's always a "but"… I could do without the hard-to-find light switches. I stumbled around in the dark more than once, looking for the darn things. Seriously, hotel designers, what's with the obsession with minimalist lighting? And while the bathroom was sleek, the shower pressure felt a little… apologetic. Like it knew it wasn't really up to the task of washing away all that mountain dust. But those minor niggles aside, it was a beautiful space.
Spa Time: My Heaven (and, Okay, a Tiny Bit of Hell):
Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
Okay, the spa. This is where Pension Alemana REALLY shines. I mean, I'm a spa snob. I go in expecting a good time, and I go looking closely, for the flaws. The outdoor pool with the mountainous backdrop? Spectacular. Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool The sauna and steam room? Perfect for melting away those altitude-induced headaches. The massage? Sigh. I opted for the "Andean Fusion" – a massage incorporating local herbs and techniques. It was divine. I swear, I floated out of there.
BUT (again with the buts!)… the changing rooms were a little… cramped. And at one point, I accidentally wandered into what I thought was a quiet relaxation room and realized it was actually where they were doing a group training session. Talk about awkward! It wasn't all bad, though, and honestly, as long as I have the option to relax, I'm pretty happy.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Hiccup):
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Breakfast was a highlight. The buffet ( Breakfast [buffet] ) was a feast, with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to made-to-order omelets and a selection of Peruvian delicacies. The Western breakfast was a solid choice for comfort; however, I was particularly interested in the Asian breakfast option as I wanted to see what the hotel can bring to the table! The international cuisine in the restaurant had a great variety, and I particularly loved the desserts. The poolside bar was convenient, but the coffee shop was more my speed.
Lunch and dinner were a mixed bag. The a la carte menu offered some incredible dishes and the international cuisine restaurant had a great variety! At one point I ordered a steak that was somehow simultaneously tough and overcooked – a culinary feat, really. But the vegetarian options were plentiful ( Vegetarian restaurant), and the atmosphere was always charming. I loved the option for room service at any time. (Room service [24-hour])
Cleanliness & Safety (In the Era of Germs!):
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
In the wake of… you know… everything… I am always hyper-vigilant about cleanliness. Pension Alemana gets high marks here. The staff were wearing masks (hallelujah!), hand sanitizer was plentiful, and I saw them cleaning surfaces constantly. My room was spotless, and I felt genuinely safe. They had a doctor/nurse on call (Doctor/nurse on call) and a first-aid kit ( First aid kit), a nice touch.
Services & Conveniences (The "Extras" That Make a Difference):
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
They really did think of everything! The concierge was super helpful with booking tours and restaurants, the daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the Wi-Fi was strong and reliable. I didn't personally utilize many of the services, but it was nice to know they were there. The convenience store was a great spot to grab some snacks.
The Verdict: Eco-Luxury… with a Few Hiccups.
So, Pension Alemana… eco-luxury? Well, it certainly leans that way. They prioritize sustainable practices and have several eco-friendly initiatives. Still, a bit of "luxury" seemed to be the main focus. It's a beautiful, well-appointed hotel with a killer spa, attentive service, and generally, a fantastic experience. It wasn't perfect, but what is? I had a truly memorable stay, and I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to face whatever adventure Cusco threw my way next.
**Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But with a few caveats
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your sanitized, Pinterest-perfect travel brochure. This is MY Cusco trip, warts and all, and it's gonna be a rollercoaster. We're talking Eco-Hotel Pension Alemana as our base, so consider this a love letter to that place, mostly because their balcony view… oh, you'll see.
Cusco Chaos: A Semi-Organized Adventure (Eco-Hotel Edition)
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (and a near-death experience with the Coca Tea).
- Morning (ish, let's be real, probably noon.): Arrived at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport. Jesus, that air is THIN. Honestly felt like a goldfish gasping for air after getting stuck in a tiny bag. Luckily the transfer from the airport to Eco-Hotel Pension Alemana was a breeze. The hotel is…a vibe. Not a sterile, corporate vibe, but like, your cool aunt's house with the best view in the city kind of vibe. Settled into my room. The balcony…OMG. Seriously. Cusco sprawled out beneath me, terracotta roofs, Andes Mountains peeking in the background. Instant swoon.
- Afternoon: The real altitude adjustment. I was warned about the coca tea to help with the altitude, so I brewed a cup from the stuff they had at the hotel. Let's just say I felt like I was going to faint for the next 2 hours even after drinking a whole cup. I'm talking dizzy, lightheaded, heart racing. I'm pretty sure I saw the hotel cat giving me judgy looks. The hotel staff are awesome though, came to check on me with water because they thought I was going to pass out.
- Evening: Wandered (very slowly) around the Plaza de Armas. Majestic. Overwhelming. The cobblestones, the cathedral, the sheer history emanating from every stone. Ate a questionable (but delicious) empanada from a street vendor. My stomach might regret it later, but damn, those flavors! Back to the hotel, collapsed into bed, dreaming of oxygen.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Shuffle (and a slight existential crisis in Moray)
- Morning: Okay, no coca tea this morning. Breakfast at the hotel, and you'd think it was simple enough, scrambled eggs and toast. But the view from the breakfast room… chefs kiss. Felt like I was eating my scrambled eggs on top of the world.
- Mid-Morning: Tour of the Sacred Valley. Let's be real, these tours are a whirlwind. Pisac market first. The sheer volume of textiles, silver trinkets, and llama figurines was a little overwhelming. Bargaining is an Olympic sport, I quickly learned. Landed myself a gorgeous (and probably overpriced) alpaca scarf. Worth it.
- Afternoon: Moray and Maras Salt Mines. Moray… whoa. Those concentric circular terraces… mind blown. It's like alien crop circles, but in a beautiful way. But then you start thinking, "Why? What was the purpose of this?" And suddenly, I was having an existential crisis pondering the agricultural genius of the Incas. Back to reality with the salt mines. The colors! The textures! And the overwhelming urge to lick the salt. Resist, Jessica, resist.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in town. Had some alpaca, because, well, when in Rome (or Cusco). It was surprisingly delicious. Came back to the hotel and chilled.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Mayhem (and a near-miss with the train)
- Early Morning: THE DAY! Machu Picchu, baby! Booked a tour, a super early (like, 4 AM wake-up call) train ride to Aguas Calientes. The train was nice, but the anticipation was killing me. The views were insane.
- Morning: Arrived in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Followed the throngs of tourists up the bus. The climb up was exhausting, but as we got closer my heart was absolutely pounding. Then… there it was. The lost city. Seriously, I started crying. Yep, full-on ugly cry. It's breathtaking. Mystical, magical, awe-inspiring. Walked around, I felt like it was too good to be true. Kept thinking something bad was going to happen, maybe the grounds would fall out from under us.
- Afternoon: Machu Picchu, continued. The guide droned on, but honestly, I was too busy staring at the ruins. The sheer ingenuity of the Inca architecture… the way they built it into the mountain… It's mind-boggling. Tried to pretend I knew what was going on. Had a moment when I thought I was going to be eaten. One of the llamas looked at me, stared for a little bit, and I swear he started to walk toward me, I quickly walked away.
- Evening: The train ride back. It turns out I almost missed the train. The bus was late! Almost missed the train! Got to the station with 3 minutes to spare, panting and sweating. The train was great, and I sat next to a very chatty woman who told me everything about her cat's health problems. Back to the hotel, where a long hot shower was in order.
Day 4: Cusco Exploration (and a very strong Pisco Sour)
- Morning: Sleeping in! Hurrah! Slept until 9:00 am! After a long morning with great breakfast and even better views, I wandered the streets of Cusco, no strict agenda. Found a little artisan shop selling hand-painted ceramics. Bought a mug, because you always need a mug.
- Afternoon: Took a cooking class. Learned to make ceviche and causa. Chef was eccentric but charming, and the food was surprisingly delicious, considering my lack of culinary skills.
- Evening: Drinks! The iconic Pisco Sour. Delicious. Too delicious. I could feel the buzz. Found myself chatting animatedly with a group of backpackers, regaling them with stories of my near-death experience with the coca tea. I didn't know what I was saying, but they were nodding and laughing! Back at the hotel with (possibly) a slight Pisco Sour hangover, but still feeling a glow from the incredible experiences of this trip.
Day 5: Departure (with a promise to return)
- Morning: Last breakfast at the hotel. That balcony view is still my favorite thing of the entire trip. Seriously, I could sit there all day. The hotel cat (I've named him Misha) decided to join me for breakfast, rubbing against my legs. Sigh.
- Afternoon: Headed to the airport. Said goodbye to the amazing staff and the place that felt like home. Cusco, you magnificent, chaotic, breathtaking city, I'll be back.
Random Observations & Imperfections:
- Altitude: Still a struggle. Never quite got used to breathing.
- Food: The food is AMAZING. Just be prepared for potential stomach upsets.
- The Locals: Friendly, welcoming, and resilient. They've seen a lot of tourists.
- The Hotel: Could not recommend Eco-Hotel Pension Alemana more. Clean, comfy, cozy, great location, and that view. I'm seriously considering moving in.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of altitude sickness, moments of confusion, moments of sheer exhaustion. But it was REAL. It was messy. It was beautiful. And it’s a journey I’ll never forget. Now to start planning my return trip…
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Pension Alemana: The Cusco Secret (Don't Tell Everyone!) - FAQs... Kinda.
Okay, spill the tea: What *exactly* is this "Eco-Luxury" thing about Pension Alemana? Sounds... pretentious.
Alright, alright, hold your horses. I walked in with the same skeptical eyebrow raise. 'Eco-Luxury?' Give me a break. But guess what? They *actually* pull it off. Think… reclaimed wood, super comfy organic cotton sheets (seriously, I wanted to steal them), and solar panels. It's not some crunchy granola commune vibe, thankfully. It's genuinely comfortable and feels *good*. Like, you're doing a tiny bit of good for the planet just by sleeping. Small things, like them only using refills of shampoo and conditioner instead of little plastic bottles, made a difference. I felt somewhat good about myself. Bonus, you actually *see* the sun! I swear, other hotels just give you a dusty closet with a window.
Is it actually *in* Cusco? I'm not about to trudge for an hour on cobblestones after altitude sickness.
YES! Thank the Inca gods. Close to the Plaza de Armas but honestly, it feels delightfully tucked away. I'm talking a *few* minutes walk. Okay maybe 5, and I'm no marathon runner. I remember once I was absolutely knackered from the altitude and the climb up the *first* flight of stairs felt like summiting Everest. But then, the fresh air, the peace... definitely worth it. Trust me, the location is pure gold, especially after climbing Machu Picchu (and all the stairs!).
The altitude... how does it handle that? I'm terrified of being a puffy, wheezing mess!
Okay, so full disclosure: altitude sickness is a beast. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. But Pension Alemana is *attentive*. They have coca tea on tap (free, thank god!), and they're constantly checking in on you. I actually got a headache first night (probably from the pisco sours, let’s be honest). The staff was super helpful, and brought me a little oxygen thingy, and were super kind. It gave me some peace of mind. They made it a lot more bearable. But buy the oxygen yourself if you're extra worried. You can never be too prepared.
The food... is it all just quinoa and kale? Because I need a break from that.
Whew! Okay, no. Blessedly, no. Breakfast is a feast – fresh fruit (the mangoes!), eggs, bread, coffee (strong!), and sometimes even pancakes. They have a good amount of vegetarian options too! They don't skimp on quality. They were really helpful when I told them I was coeliac: they got the gluten free versions of everything for me, without me asking, and it felt like they really cared for my safety. It's not Michelin Star, but it's delicious and sets you up perfectly for a day trekking through the Andes.
The staff... are they actually friendly, or just paid to be?
Okay, real talk: the staff are bloody *lovely*. Not annoyingly chipper, just genuinely helpful and friendly. I had a complete luggage disaster (lost suitcase, never fun!) and the woman at the front desk, forget her name now, she was an angel. She, and the rest of her team, called airlines, translated stuff, and made me feel less like a complete idiot. They are like family. They truly give a damn, which is rare, even in a hotel. That makes a huge difference.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hotel? (Please say no.)
Nope. Thank God. It's chill, relaxed, and quiet. Mostly, you know, people who are there to see the amazing scenery, or hike the Inca trail, or just, like, relax. It’s perfect for couples, quiet travelers, or people who just need to de-stress after a day of being touristy. It is definitely not the kind of place to bring your speakers and blasting your tunes!
Anything *bad* to say? Because nothing's perfect.
Okay, be warned. The WiFi can be a little wonky in some rooms. Sometimes, it cuts out. But honestly, that's actually a good thing. Forced digital detox! Embrace it. And remember, you're in Peru, not Silicon Valley. Also, the stairs can be a bit of a workout, but that's Cusco for you. You'll be fitter by the end of your stay, I promise! And occasionally, the hot water in the shower took a *minute* to get going. But small potatoes. The good definitely outweighs the bad by a mile.
Okay, sold. But... is it actually *worth* the price? It seems a little on the pricier side.
Look, it's all relative, right? Compared to a hostel, yes, it's more. But compared to some of the soulless, chain hotels in Cusco, it's a steal. You're getting a far better experience. You're paying for quality, for that peace of mind, for the truly helpful staff, and for feeling like you're actually contributing to something *good*. Honestly, after being there, I’d say the price is worth it. You're not just paying for a bed; you're paying for a whole experience. It's one of the best travel investments I've ever made. And, like I said, don't tell *too* many people about it. I’d love to keep that little secret to myself!
What was your *absolute* favourite thing about Pension Alemana?
Okay, *this* is a story. I arrived, utterly wrecked from a 12-hour bus journey (never again!). My luggage, remember that lost suitcase I mentioned? Still MIA. I was grumpy, tired, and starting to feel pretty sorry for myself. I stumbled (literally) into the lobby, and the staff, already knowing me as "the lost suitcase lady," immediately offered me a cup of coca tea. Then, one of the staff, I think it was Carlos, asked if I’d like some *fresh* local fruit and some local bread. They had been to the market that morning! Then, (and this is the kicker) he offered to help me find a reputable tailor. Seriously, that’s an upgrade. It was about an hour before my altitude sickness even started! So I was able to sleep in my warm, comfy bed, and prepare myself for the next day.
