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
- Overall Best Hostel in Quito – Selina Quito
- Second Best Hostel in Quito – Vibes Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Quito – The Secret Garden
- Best Cheap Hostel in Quito – Hostel Revolution
- Best Hostel for Couples in Quito – Masaya Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Quito – Downtown Guayunga
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
¡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
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 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 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
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 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
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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View on Osprey View on REIMasaya Hostel – Best Hostel for 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
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 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!
Hump Day Hostel is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Mogens Pod
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.
Mogens Pod is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
El Hostelito – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Quito
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.
El Hostelito is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Quito
Casa Carpedm
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 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
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 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 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!
Colour House Petite is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Quito Family & Youth Hostel
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.
Quito Family & Youth Hostel is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Casa Urbana
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.
Casa Urbana is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
El Patio
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 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.
Dawn’s Lodge is one of our favourites in Quito but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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.
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 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.
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!
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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!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Ecuador for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Quito before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
