Mercaderes Backpackers has an unbeatable location, just a minute’s walk from the Plaza de Armas. It is a sociable hostel with a lively rooftop bar and decent value drinks deals.
The Location
It’s hard to beat the location of Mercaderes Backpackers. Mercaderes Street is a busy shopping street that is pedestrianised and leads directly onto Plaza de Armas -- it's so close that you can see the cathedral’s towers from the rooftop bar. The historical sites are all within close walking distance, as are numerous shops, restaurants, ATMs, and travel agents.
The bus station is a ten- to thirty-minute drive away, depending on traffic; you can also catch a taxi. Mercaderes Street is pedestrianised so you will need to get dropped at the nearest road (San Juan de Dios) and walk one minute to reach the hostel. The entrance is a little hard to spot, as it is just a small door sandwiched between two shops.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Mercaderes Backpackers offers dorms of varying sizes and private rooms. Dorms have bunk beds, each equipped with a charging socket. Bottom bunks have privacy curtains. Sheets are clean and warm blankets are provided. The rooms feel bright and cheerful, with lots of artwork painted on the walls. Small lockers are available for valuables (bring your own padlock).
A number of shared bathrooms are spread throughout the hostel. They are kept clean and well stocked with toilet paper and soap. Although the hostel claims to have installed a new and improved hot water system, we found the hot water supply to be unreliable during our stay.
Common Spaces
Socialising is centred around the awesome rooftop terrace, with views of the cathedral and volcanoes. There is a communal kitchen which serves a free breakfast of bread/eggs/pancakes. There is also a rooftop bar with happy hour deals and good-value food. There is a fun, social vibe and lots of opportunities to meet other travellers playing beer pong, pool, or table football. Those who want to relax can enjoy the rooftop views from a hammock. Good Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel.
Summary
It’s hard to beat the location of Mercaderes Backpackers, just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas. You can enjoy city and volcano views whilst enjoying your free breakfast on the rooftop terrace, which becomes sociable later on when the bar opens. Mercaderes Backpackers strikes a good balance between being fun and social, without the craziness of a party hostel.
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How is Mb Hostel rated?
Mb Hostel Reviews
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DondeScarlet
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Nov 30, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• If you get to the bus station it is best to take a taxi from the bus station to the property is 15 minutes and it costs S/10.00 soles. to reach only ask for Plaza DE Armas and then go to the principal an popular street calle Mercaderes 135-A ,Very easy
• If you get to the airport is just taking a taxi and the same as above, but the trajectory is 25 minutes and taxi cost is s/40.00 soles.
Map
Address: Calle Mercaderes 135-A, Cercado, Arequipa, Peru
Distance to city center: 0.05 km
Mb Hostel is listed on the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Not listed at Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClubWebsite
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Phone Number:
+51 54 215764
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Facilities and Amenities
Digital Nomads
Party Hostel
Solo Traveller
Youth Hostel
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
City Tours
Lockers in Lobby
Luggage Storage
Towels
24 Hour Security
BBQ Grill
Bar
Board Games
Cable TV
Currency Exchange
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Laundry
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Movie Library/Rental
Pool Table
Walking Tours
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
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