The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Don Andre is a basic hostel in Aguas Calientes. As one of the cheapest accommodations in Aguas Calientes, it caters mainly to backpackers looking for a good-value place to spend the night before heading to Machu Picchu. There is no real atmosphere, since there is only one small common area, which is also the reception.
The Location
Don Andre is located on a side street in the Las Orquídeas area of Aguas Calientes. Whether arriving by train or foot, you will need to cross one of the bridges over the river Aguas Calientes. This side of the river is slightly less touristy and there are some budget restaurants and a handicrafts market nearby, as well as plenty of shops to buy supplies. The hostel is a little hard to spot, since it is set back from the street and entered via a small doorway; just look for the large green sign saying "Don Andre." Aguas Calientes is small, so everything is within walking distance, although accommodations on the other side of the river are closer to the path or bus stop to Machu Picchu. Friendly staff will give you a map explaining how to reach the main sites from the hostel.
Rooms and Bathrooms
This is a small hostel with a just a few rooms, including dorms and privates. The dorm room for four has a bunk bed and two single beds. Beds are fairly comfy with big pillows. The walls are a little mouldy and there are no windows in the room, so it feels slightly gloomy. Power sockets are a bit dodgy, and some of them are strangely located and hard to reach. The rooms all face into the reception/common area where breakfast is served from 4 a.m., so you may be woken early by the noise.
The en suite bathroom is basic but clean and well stocked with toilet paper and soap. The hot water only works at certain times. Towels are provided.
Common Spaces
The only common area is the reception, which has a few tables and chairs. A decent buffet breakfast is served here from 4 to 7 a.m. -- it's very convenient for the early morning start for Machu Picchu! Tea-making facilities are available throughout the day. Decent Wi-Fi is available in rooms and common spaces.
Summary
Don Andre is one of the cheapest options in Aguas Calientes and is a decent base for exploring Machu Picchu. Good features are the buffet breakfast served from 4 a.m., for those who want to reach Machu Picchu for sunrise, and good Wi-Fi. However the rooms are a little dark and mouldy, and the hot water supply is unreliable.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
DondeScarlet
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Dec 5, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
The property is ideally located, only few meters away from the train station. From the Train station follow the street aymuraypa tikan 113 and walk around 150 meters to reach the property.