Amazing history, underrated food, great architecture and enviable weather – Quito is both high in the mountains and high on backpacker’s wish lists. It’s a great city, and by South American standards it’s considered very affordable.

But with dozens of hostels in the city, picking where to stay can be tough, which is why we wrote this list of the 20 best hostels in Quito, Ecuador.

Organized to help you find the hostel that best suits your style of travel, this guide to the best hostels in Quito will help you book your accommodation quickly so you can focus on exploring this vastly underrated city.

These are the 20 best hostels in Quito…

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Quito

Best Hostels in Quito
With the help of our guide tot he 20 best hostels in Quito you’ll be able to travel Ecuador on a budget like a boss!

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The 21 Best Hostels in Quito

Backpacking Ecuador is awesome if you can find the perfect accommodation that fits your travel needs. Knowing where to stay in Quito will make a significant change in your hostel decision – it’ll be load easier and you can be sure not to end up miles away from the hotspots you wanted to explore. So plan ahead before you start your travels!

Selina Quito – Overall Best Hostel in Quito

Selina is my favorite hostel in Quito

¡Buenas! Art here! I stayed at Selina, Quito twice already in 2019. TWICE! They were even cool enough to let me leave my bag there so I could travel lighter for a few weeks. I made use of their coworking space, community kitchen, comfy library space, yoga deck, bar, and restaurant. They even have a cinema room!

Calling Selina a hostel wouldn’t be exactly right. It has cheap dorms, of course, but it has elements that we would call ‘community’ more than ‘accommodation’. Their frequent tours and events are an excellent way to get to know Ecuador and some fellow travelers at the same time. The night I left for my red-eye flight we had a salsa party with a good mix of guests and Quiteñxs, and the best deal on alcohol I’d ever seen in Latin America (so I wasn’t exactly sober when I got on my flight).

Vibes Hostel – Second Best Hostel in Quito

Vibes Hostel best hostels in Quito
Vibes Hostel in Quito is our top pick for best hostel in Quito, Ecuador

The next best hostel in Quito that we couldn’t help but mention is Vibes Hostel, they have a little bit of everything and are rocking the Quito backpackers hostel scene! The Vibes Hostel bar and cafe is what makes it among the best hostels in Quito – not only do they have a cracking stock of booze but a pool table and table football for their guests too. The dorms at Vibes hostel are clean and spacious and most importantly the beds are comfy. Whether you’re a solo traveler or wandering Ecuador with your crew you’ll feel at home at Vibes.

Community Hostel

Community Hostel best hostels in Quito
Well priced and plenty of activities, Community Hostel is one of the best hostels in Quito

Community Hostel is another great hostel in Quito, as they have cheap dorm rooms and the most friendly of welcomes for all. Community Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Quito by all who stay and it’s not hard to see why. Community Hostel is just that, a community. Guests are invited to join in with their salsa nights, movie nights and pub crawls. If you are looking for a sociable and laid back youth hostel in Quito be sure to book a best at Community Hostel.

The Secret Garden – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Quito

The Secret Garden best hostels in Quito
A great pick for solo travelers, The Secret Garden is one of the top hostels in Quito, Ecuador

The Secret Garden is the best hostel for solo travellers in Quito. The Secret Garden is one of the most loved Quito backpackers hostels and you’re gonna love it too. For solo travellers keen to meet new people and find new friends to explore with, The Secret Garden is the place to head. Not much secret about it anymore though! If you’re looking for the gang head up to the rooftop terrace and take in the amazing views of Quito over a beer or two with your hostel mates.

Downtown Guayunga – Best Party Hostel in Quito

Downtown Guayunga best hostels in Quito
Downtown Guayunga knows how to have a good time, making it one of the best party hostels in Quito

The best party hostel in Quito has to be Downtown Guayunga, they’ve got this whole ‘party’ thing on lockdown! Not only do they have their own backpackers bar and epic rooftop terrace but lay on a big yellow bus to truck you and your crew from the hostel bar to Mariscal, Quito’s party capital. Downtown is the coolest hostel in Quito for anyone who wants to party and explore to the max. If you’re fancying a quieter night in you’ll feel right at home in the rooftop chill-out zone. Grab a few beers and get swapping stories as you and your crew watch the sunset over Quito.

Minka Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Quito (2)

Minka Hostel best hostels in Quito
Great vibes and good times – Minka Hostel is a great party hostel in Quito

Minka Hostel is a great youth hostel in Ecuador if you like to party but equally like a decent nights sleep. Although the hardcore party animals may find Minka a little tame, their party vibe is still on point. Their happy hour goes on all night after all! Minka is a highly recommended hostel in Quito for the staff are superb, the dorms clean and tidy and the common areas comfy and laid back. Minka Hostel has its own pool table for guests to use and plenty of cocktail deals too.

Hostel Revolution – Best Cheap Hostel in Quito

Hostel Revolution best hostels in Quito
Hostel Revolution is a recommended budget/cheap hostel in Quito, Ecuador

The best cheap hostel in Quito is Hostel Revolution. Tucked away in the historical centre of Quito Hostel Revolution is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re keen on exploring everything Quito has to offer but want to cut down on public transport and taxi costs. Hostel Revolution is simple but ample, they even offer guests free tea and coffee on top of access to the fully equipped kitchen. As a great budget hostel in Quito, Revolution has everything you could need.

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Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

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Masaya Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Quito

Masaya Hostel best hostels in Quito
Masaya Hostel is a great option for traveling couples in Quito

Without a doubt, the best hostel for couples in Quito is Masaya Hostel. Beyond romantic, totally charming and perfectly hospitable you’ll fall in love all over again at Masaya Hostel. In all fairness, Masaya Hostel is more of a boutique hotel than a Quito backpackers hostel, both in terms of vibe and decor but thankfully not in price. The colonial style building is a real gem, as are the gardens too. Have a date night at the romantic Masaya Restaurant, you won’t regret it.

Colonial House

Colonial House best hostels in Quito
Colonial House has affordable privates, great for all travelers (especially couples!)

The best budget hostel for couples in Quito is Colonial House. This charming hostel is run by a team of well-travelled volunteers who are always on hand to help couples like you make the most of their time in Ecuador. You and your lover shouldn’t miss the Colonial House daily walking tour, it’s free after all! Although not included in the room rate the Colonial House breakfast is not to be missed, the best $3,50 you’ll spend all trip!

Hump Day Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Quito (2)

Hump Day Hostel best hostels in Quito
Great for socializing, Hump Day Hostel in Quito is one of the best hostels in Ecuador for solo travelers

Hump Day Hostel is a top hostel in Quito for solo travellers. Hump Day is an open and welcoming hostel with spacious and modern dorms that feature elements of more traditional Ecuadorian home design. The Hump Day bar is the best place to get meeting and mingling. They have some great drinks deals on every night so if you’re travelling solo and need a little liquid confidence to get chatting you’ve come to the right place!

Mogens Pod

Mogens Pod best hostels in Quito
Quirky and well located, Mogens is another top hostel in Quito

A little bit quirky, a little bit random but easily the best budget hostel in Quito is Mogens Pod. The staff are incredibly accommodating and will make sure you never go hungry! Although there is no guest kitchen you certainly don’t miss out as the Mogens Pod team have created a great little cafe on site to keep you fed and fueled up. You’ll find Mogens Pod in the Mariscal neighbourhood, home to Quito’s nightlife scene. Mogens Pod is the coolest hostel in Quito if you’re looking for a good nights sleep and a chance to party, all at a budget-friendly price.

El Hostelito – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Quito

El Hostelito best hostels in Quito
All travelers will enjoy El Hostelito, but it could also do well for Digital Nomads looking to get some work done

El Hostelito is the best hostel for digital nomads in Quito. With plenty of common areas and their own cafe, El Hostelito is perfect for travellers who work on the road. The reasonably priced dorm rates mean staying here for a week or two won’t break the bank. El Hostelito is a top hostel in Quito as it’s really homely and warm. The free breakfast is not to be missed and the perfect way to get those creative juices flowing for a day working on the laptop. To mix up your day be sure to head out with the crew for the free food and graffiti tour. All work and no play is never good.

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More of the Best Hostels in Quito

Casa Carpedm

Casa Carpedm best hostels in Quito

Casa Carpedm is a lovely Quito backpackers hostel on the steps Plaz San Blas. This classic backpackers hostel has been a keystone hostel in Quito for over 10 years and the team certainly know their way around town. Casa Carpedm is a great youth hostel in Quito if you’re travelling as a couple or a duo, as they have more private rooms than they do dorms. This doesn’t take away from the hostel’s social vibe though. The rooms are light and spacious, many have their own ensuite.

Blue House

Blue House best hostels in Quito

Blue House is a cheap and cheerful budget hostel in Quito. If you’re looking to stick to a shoestring budget and make the most of your time in Quito Blue House is the place to stay. If you’ve finished exploring Quito and just fancy a place to hang out Blue House is ideal. Their lounge area is comfy and cosy and there are always plenty of traveller folk around to chat with. There is a TV in the common room with a PlayStation if you want a touch or home life while in Ecuador.

Friends Hostel

Friends Hostel best hostels in Quito

If you’re all about the activities then Friends Hostel is the best hostel in Quito for you. With movie nights on Sunday, burrito making classes on Mondays and a beer challenge on Wednesdays you better clear your schedule! Friends Hostel has a good number of dorm rooms and seldom book out, that said, if you’re set on staying here you should book your bed ASAP. Stop by their tours and travel desk to get great discounts on Ecuadorian adventures.

Posa del Maple

Posa del Maple best hostels in Quito

Posa del Maple is another Quito backpackers hostel that has more of a boutique hotel vibe. Offering mostly private rooms Posa del Maple is a highly recommended hostel in Quito, for good reason. The level of service is incredibly high and included in your room rate is a hearty, tasty breakfast. Posa del Maple is a top hostel in Quito for couples who want to escape the dorms for a couple nights and treat themselves to a spot of privacy and a touch of luxury.

Colour House Petite

Colour House Petite best hostels in Quito

Colour House Petite is a humble and simple youth hostel in Quito perfect for travelers (and digital nomads!) who like a low key affair. Their nice cafe is the ideal spot to work in and there are copious amounts of coffee on offer too. The Colour House staff are incredibly welcoming and will make sure you have everything you need. If you wanna see the city, join the Colour House Petite free walking tour of Quito city!

Quito Family & Youth Hostel

Quito Family & Youth Hostel best hostels in Quito

It’ll come as no surprise to hear that Quito Family & Youth Hostel is a leading youth hostel in Quito. Offering everything you could need from comfy beds to clean bathrooms and a free airport transfer too. Quito Family is a laid back and welcoming hostel, certainly not a party hostel. The staff are super welcoming and can help arrange all sorts of tourist activities for you during your stay.

Casa Urbana

Casa Urbana best hostels in Quito

Casa Urbana is the newest arrival to the Quito backpackers hostel scene and is set to become very popular indeed. Although not a party hostel Casa Urbana has everything you could ask for, a cool rooftop terrace, a guest kitchen and a late check out so you can enjoy every last moment in Quito. New it may be but Casa Urbana has hit the ground running and will be a close contender for best hostel in Quito in the not so distant future.

El Patio

El Patio best hostels in Quito

El Patio his a highly recommended hostel in Quito and deservingly so. Travellers are hard pressed to find a bad word to say about this glorious little hostel. Whether you’re a solo nomad, a digital nomad or a nomadic couple, El Patio welcomes you with open arms and you’ll instantly feel at ease. It should be mentioned that El Patio has awesome AF showers; hot and powerful. A rare treat in hostels around the world! El Patio has their own cafe and bar, you’ll never want to leave.

Dawn’s Lodge

Dawn's Lodge best hostels in Quito

Dawn’s Lodge is a highly recommended hostel in Quito that, to be fair, is more of a guesthouse or hotel than it is a classic hostel. Dawn’s Lodge only offers private rooms, in fairness, this makes it a better fit for couples or travelling pairs. There are twin rooms and doubles available at Dawn’s Lodge and all the beds are super comfy. Luis and his family are wonderful hosts and will make you feel right at home.

What to Pack for your Quito Hostel

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.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Why you should travel to Quito

Quito is a truly great time, and many travelers end up falling in love and staying longer than they planned. We know that with the help of this guide, you’ll know where the best hostels in Quito are, and be able to book the one that based suits your travel-needs.

And remember, in case you are having a hard time choosing, go with our pick for best hostel in Quito – Vibes Hostel.

Vibes Hostel best hostels in Quito

FAQ about Hostels in Quito

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Quito.

How much does a hostel cost in Quito?

The average price of hostels in Quito can range from $9 – $13+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.

What are the best hostels in Quito for couples?

Check out these highly-rated couple hostels in Quito:
Masaya Hostel
Colonial House
Casa Carpedm
Posa del Maple
El Patio

What is the best hostel in Quito near the airport?

The Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport is quite far from the city center, so it is usually better to find the best place that offers airport transfers. Once you’re in the city, we highly recommend El Patio, a highly-rated hostel in Dubrovnik.

Travel Safety Tips for Quito

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.

More Epic Hostels in Ecuador and South America

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Quito.

Planning an epic trip all across Ecuador or even South America itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Quito has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Looking for more info on travelling to Quito and Ecuador?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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