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When you think of holiday destinations in South America, Ecuador may not be the first one you think of, but I’m here to tell you it should be – especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly escape.
Honestly, it may very well be the most underrated gem in South America. This little slice of paradise has it all – Amazon jungle, Andean peaks, Pacific beaches, and the oh-so-famous Galápagos Islands. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Baños or bargaining for alpaca sweaters in Otavalo, Ecuador keeps the vibes high and the costs low.
But what about the hostels? Well, not only are there plenty of different hostels to choose from, they’re actually pretty epic places to stay. These aren’t your grandma’s musty B&Bs (no offence, Gran). Think rooftop hammocks with volcano views and homely dorms.
The hostel scene here is as colourful as the street art in Quito and as lively as the salsa bars in Cuenca. It’s social, laid-back, and full of that “just go with it” energy. And, if all you want is quiet time, that’s absolutely on the cards too.
Basically, if you’re the kind of traveller who prefers shared beers over room service, Ecuador’s hostels are your home away from home.
Photo: @willhatton__
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Ecuador
- Best Overall Hostel in Ecuador – Hostal Rutamar
- Best Budget Hostel in Ecuador – La Perla Hostel and Cabins
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Ecuador – Hostal Cloud Forest
- Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Ecuador – Hostal L’Auberge Inn
The 4 Best Hostels In Ecuador
As I said, there’s actually a pretty impressive amount of choice when it comes to hostels in Ecuador – whether you’re looking for a peaceful, cost-effective escape from reality or a budget-friendly spot to party and make friends, I guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for when you’re backpacking around Ecuador.
1. Hostal Rutamar | Best Overall Hostel in Ecuador
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $25
- Address: Calle San Andrés, 132251 Canoa, Ecuador
Walking into Hostal Rutamar is a gorgeous, budget-friendly escape that is both comfortable and totally unpretentious. It’s got that warm, familiar energy that instantly makes you feel like you’re supposed to be here. It’s an ideal place to perch up while backpacking in South America.
Hostal Rutamar is perfectly perched just a few minutes’ stroll from Montañita’s centre – close enough for spontaneous dance floor decisions, but far enough for peaceful sleeps that don’t involve hearing someone argue about pizza at 3 a.m. Honestly, it’s the best of both worlds.
This is why you’ll love this hostel
- Cultural immersion
- Eco-friendly living
- Digital nomad friendly
As for amenities, Rutamar’s got both the essentials and the extras. We’re talking fans in every room (because yes, it gets super sweaty in the summertime), comfy beds, Wi-Fi that actually works (a miracle, tbh), and a shared kitchen that’s clean, spacious, and ready for whatever weird concoction you dream up for dinner.
There are hammocks for lazing, a garden to chill in, and cute common spaces. Look, don’t expect five-star fluff – this place is proudly unpolished in all the right ways. It’s got a backpacker’s soul with just enough creature comforts to keep you from going feral. It’s clean, comfortable, and convenient. So, if you’re after authentic Ecuadorian charm mixed with hostel-home realness, Rutamar delivers the goods.
2. La Perla Hostel and Cabins | Best Budget Hostel in Ecuador
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: Ciudadela 12 de octubre Las Tunas, 130307, 130307 Las Tunas, Ecuador
La Perla Hostel is a laid-back, creative space where the pace is slow and everything is calm. The shared areas are full of personality – that is, colourful painted walls, comfy, and little details that make it clear this place was put together with care, not just oodles of personality-less money.
La Perla Hostel’s location is nice and quiet, but it’s still just close enough to the action to allow you to reach the essentials, but far enough to dodge the chaos. It’s in a calm neighbourhood that feels safe and settled, with local shops and food spots right nearby.
This is why you’ll love this hostel
- It’s chilled but not boring
- Just right for solo travellers
- Quiet location (but still conveniently located)
For the sake of convenience, getting around is simple – buses and taxis are a breeze, and you can walk to some of the city’s gems without needing a map. The hostel itself is super clean and organised.
There’s a shared kitchen stocked with what you need (they even have good knives), and common areas that feel lived-in and loved. The hot showers work like a charm, the Wi-Fi holds strong even when everyone’s streaming, and the rooms are cute, comfy, and exactly what you want after a day of exploring.
Possibly most importantly, in my opinion, breakfast is on offer, and it’s not just dry toast – it’s actually fresh and tasty. So, whether you’re in for a night or a week, everything works the way it should, and that quiet reliability makes your stay smooth from start to finish.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey3. Hostal Cloud Forest | Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Ecuador
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: Via Sigchos Quilotoa, 050452 Chugchilán, Ecuador
Tucked away in the lush green mountains of Mindo, this hostel is all earthy charm and calm energy. It boasts wood-panelled walls, wraparound balconies, and hummingbirds flying by like something out of a nature documentary (cue, David Attenborough).
The vibe is warm and genuine, and honestly, it’s effortlessly cool. You’ll meet other travellers here who are more about early morning birdwatching than blackout beer pong, but it’s still super social – at the end of the day, everyone gets on.
- Incredible views of the rainforest
- Great for solo travellers
- Perfect place to relax
The town centre is just a few minutes’ walk away, so you’re close to cafes, chocolate tours, butterfly gardens, and trailheads galore.
The rooms are rustic but clean and comfy, with wood finishes and mountain views that make waking up way more bearable. The Wi-Fi’s solid, and there are private balconies that are absolutely perfect for soaking up the scenery and just having a little break from the hustle and bustle of reality.
The communal areas are spacious, with big wooden tables and chill corners. Bonus points for the in-house restaurant, because the thing is, as much as you’re travelling, sometimes you just don’t want to leave your little bubble.
4. Hostal L’Auberge Inn | Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Ecuador
- Private Room: From $15
- Address: Av. Gran Colombia N15-200 y Yaguachi, EC170150 Quito, Ecuador
Hostal Auberge is a space that feels warm, worn-in, and welcoming – it’s not flashy or fussy, it’s really just authentically comforting. The walls are painted in bold colours that are quirky and fun, and the communal spaces are just great for hanging out. They boast an incredibly peaceful, grounding energy that makes you wanna hang out barefoot with a book. It’s my favourite hostel in Quito.
Hostal Auberge Inn sits in a sweet spot between Quito’s historic centre and the modern parts of town – basically, that means that you can bounce between colonial churches and craft beer bars without breaking a sweat (or the bank).
- It’s full of local charm
- Ideal for both introverts and extroverts alike
- It’s pretty much affordable luxury
You can walk to plenty of attractions and bars, pubs, and cafes, and if you need to travel further, there are plenty of public transport options to choose from. It’s also in a very safe area in Ecuador, so you don’t ned to look over your shoulder whenever you’re out and about.
The hostel itself has all the little comforts covered, a shared kitchen that doesn’t suck, free luggage storage, and a leafy courtyard that doubles as a zen den. The Wi-Fi is decent, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are simple but clean – translated, no sketchy surprises or nasty bedding (ew, I know, but it happens). Plus, breakfast is available on-site – because finding food pre-coffee is a no from me.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels In Ecuador
If we haven’t yet given you the exact kind of hostel you’re looking for, don’t panic – you definitely don’t need to settle. The good news is that we have a few more options up our sleeve.
Hostal Riviera Sucre
- Private Room: From $33
- Address: Calle Garcia Moreno 380 y Roca , 100450 Otavalo, Ecuador
Hostal Riviera Sucre is what happens when time slows down in the best way possible. This place has soul – but not the shiny, Instagram-filtered, manufactured kind. It’s got an antique flair that somehow feels totally charming instead of stuffy. Think vintage chairs, real-deal wooden wardrobes, and little nooks that are practically inviting you to sit down and chill out.
The energy here is calm and grounded, like your grandma’s house if she had great taste and ran a hostel. The hosts are absolute gems. They’re warm, helpful, and genuinely want you to enjoy your stay. It’s not trying to be the coolest hostel on the block. It’s just real, warm, and wildly relaxing – overall, it’s really just sincere.
Perfect for travellers who want to slow down, sleep well, and soak up Otavalo with all the chill possible. So, if you’re burnt out from loud dorms and want a place with actual charm, this is the place for you.
La Casa Verde Eco Guest House
- Private Room: From $21
- Address: El Camino Real a 2 km del centro, 180250 Baños, Ecuador
La Casa Verde is more than just a place to crash – it’s a little slice of feel-good paradise in the middle of Baños. You’ll get to enjoy leafy surroundings, the sound of the river humming in the background, and enough fresh air to reset your soul – I mean, I’m sure we’ve all actually had this dream at some point.
It’s the kind of guest house where you instantly drop your shoulders, forget what day it is, and start eating quinoa voluntarily (nothing wrong with that). Everything here has been built with care. The owners live the eco-life, and it shows. Recycled materials, biodegradable products, and solar panels.
The rooms are bright and airy with big windows, even bigger beds, and those little thoughtful touches that take place from good to great (like soft blankets and proper pillows). Common areas are filled with books, plants, and chill energy.
Plus, the breakfasts are absolutely delicious – homemade, hearty, and the perfect fuel for ziplining, hiking, or even just lying in a hammock all day, if that’s what you’re into. It’s kinda like the hostel version of staying in an eco-lodge in Educador!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Ecuador
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Ecuador.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About the Best Hostels in Ecuador
If you still have some doubts (or just questions), I’ve put together an FAQ section for this exact reason.
What To Pack For Ecuador
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Final Thoughts On the Best Hostels in Ecuador
And there you have it – a whirlwind tour of the best hotels in Ecuador that’ll make you want to pack your bags, book that flight, and maybe never come back (sorry, not sorry).
From jungle-chic eco-lodges to Andes-hugging haciendas and swanky seaside escapes, Ecuador isn’t just serving scenery – it’s dishing out full-blown vibes. So, whether you’re chasing adventure, luxury, or just really good Wi-Fi with a view, these stays are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for culture.
Treat yourself to that cloud forest spa day or sip cocktails with a volcano in the background. Life’s too short for boring hotel rooms and weak continental breakfasts.
Photo: Chris Lininger
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Ecuador for a wealth of info!
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
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