When you’re traveling in Ecuador, chances are good that you’ll pass through Quito at least once. This is Ecuador’s capital and largest city — it’s a hub for transportation, culture, history, and entertainment. Quito is also the home of the country’s biggest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre.
Tucked high in the Andes mountains, Quito is packed with beautiful views and popular tourist attractions. Around town, you can explore the spectacular Basilica del Voto Nacional ride paddle boats in the Parque La Carolina, and ride the TeleferiQo up above the city. If you’re feeling tired from the altitude, hang out in the Plaza de San Francisco for some killer people-watching. And of course, no visit to Quito is complete without a trip to the Equator at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo.
If you’re backpacking or simply traveling on a budget, you’re in luck. Quito is packed with fantastic hostels, each offering low prices and comfortable accommodations.
Whether you want to chill out before a flight or drop your stuff and head out into the city, there’s a hostel to fit your style. The trick? Finding a property that’s friendly, in a safe location, and staffed with friendly, helpful people to make your travels easier. That’s where we come in — these seven hostels are the best in Quito.
Set in the historical center of Quito, Minka Hostel is a fantastic choice for travelers who like to stay close to all the action. La Basílica del Voto Nacional is just minutes away, and so are numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and markets. However, don’t expect it to be a busy party hostel – it’s a rather peaceful, family-owned accommodation.
The staff is actually one of the main reasons Minka made it to the top of our list. They are welcoming, very attentive, and super helpful. They will assist you with anything from booking a taxi to the airport to finding all gems of Quito without any problem.
You can stay in either a private room or shared dorms, both of which are very affordable. There is also a bar and a mini restaurant where you can fuel up for the day. Breakfasts are included and a vegan option is available, too.
Two words best describe the Viajero hostel in Quito: big and beautiful. You won’t feel crowded here — every space, from the dorm rooms to the bathrooms, is spacious and well-designed. The dorm beds are designed like pods to boost privacy, and the enormous rooms offer plenty of space for everyone.
Plus, since each bed has multiple shelves and light, it’s easy to stay organized. The same goes for affordable private rooms, which give you a ton of space to spread out. After a day of exploring, Viajero is a comfortable place to chill out.
After the busy streets of Quito, the natural light and wooden decor in Viajero is a breath of fresh air. Grab a cocktail in the bar, play a game of pool, or lay in the sunshine in the huge backyard. With a huge variety of seating options, you’ll find space to get some work done, read a book, or meet other travelers. There’s even a BBQ if you get the urge to cook.
We can’t say enough great things about this hostel, which is a must for digital nomads. Best of all, the entire place is spotless.
Check out some useful/MUST HAVE gadgets for backpackers:
Stay above the chaos of Quito at The Secret Garden Quito. With the panoramic views from the terrace, you’ll never want to leave. Seriously — order a beer at the bar and hang out with a book or your laptop. There’s no kitchen, but meals are super cheap so you won’t even notice. The party vibes are excellent, and the strictly enforced quiet hours mean that you can always get to sleep.
When it’s time for bed, the spacious, bright dorm rooms are the perfect place to rest. Each bed comes with a locker for safety. Or, book an affordable private room if you need a little bit of space. With the common spaces and the hopping happy hour, it’s a breeze to meet people either way. Showers are simple, but there’s plenty of hot water.
Our favorite thing about The Secret Garden Quito? The hostel has relationships with safe taxi drivers, so it’s easy to get around town without haggling or getting ripped off. You can even book an airport transfer in advance.
If there’s a more beautiful hostel than Selina Quito, we have yet to see it! This spot is gorgeous — the colorful wall murals and geometric lounge beds will take your Instagram photos to the next level. Even better, every space is as functional as it is lovely.
This is our favorite hostel for digital nomads in Quito. Hang out with a book in the lounge areas, or work on your laptop in the large common areas. With couches, big tables, and lots of different coworking spaces, you’ll never feel crowded. The Wi-Fi is fast, and you’ll feel right at home with all of the other travelers getting things done between sightseeing outings.
Selina Quito has a huge range of rooms, from 10-bed dorms to deluxe private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Beds are super comfortable, and every space is clean and fresh. This hostel tends to attract a professional crowd, so it’s a great spot for privacy and peace.
If you’re traveling alone in Quito, the Community Hostel is the perfect place. Why? It’s right there in the name — the community. This hostel goes out of its way to create a full schedule of events where travelers can make friends and explore the city together. Whether you want to do a pub crawl around Quito or relax in front of a movie, there’s an option for everyone.
Of course, comfort is important, too. Community Hostel offers cozy beds and individual lockers to keep your stuff safe (bring your own lock). Towels are included, and the huge showers are exactly what you need to relax. Need a place to work on your laptop? Pop down to the common area, where huge tables provide space for everyone. With huge windows, it always feels light and cheerful. After a busy day, head up to the roof to relax with gorgeous views of the city.
When it comes to location, it’s hard to beat this hostel. It’s right in the middle of Quito — all of the big tourist attractions are just a few minutes away on foot.
Quito can be busy and overwhelming — which is why it’s so nice to come back to Hostel Revolution at the end of a day. Small and relaxed, this hostel is the perfect place to chill out and get ready for a day of exploring. Hang out in the TV lounge, get a cocktail in the bar, or get some work done on the rooftop terrace. There’s also a kitchen, which is ideal for people who like to prepare their own food.
Hostel Revolution sits about 20 minutes from Quito’s busiest areas, which means that it’s super quiet at night. You’ll need to take a taxi to the clubs, but you’ll get a solid night’s sleep.
We love the comfortable beds, which come with fluffy comforters to keep you comfortable. Dorm rooms make it easy to save money and make new friends, and private rooms are great for couples.
Looking to cut costs? This hostel includes a free breakfast and a free city tour. The showers are hot and steamy, which is a must during cool Andes nights.
Created by travelers, Vibes Hostel knows exactly what you need when you’re backpacking through Quito. The swimming pool is ideal for hot Ecuador days, and the sauna helps relax your muscles after a day of hiking around the city. Plus, with a bar and a full schedule of activities, there’s always a way to meet other travelers.
If you like the cost of dorm rooms but you want more privacy, look no further — each dorm bed in this hostel comes with curtains that you can slide closed to block the view. That way, you can create a dark, cozy environment that’s perfect for sleeping. Each one has a little storage shelf with a light and a power outlet, so you can always keep your phone charged.
One of the best things about Vibes Hostel is the location. Plaza Foch is just two blocks away, and the city’s major historic sites are 20 minutes away on foot. A bus stops at the end of the street, too.
El Hostelito
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Highlights of the Hostel
Netflix
FREE walking tours at 5:30 pm
Outdoor dining area
Free breakfast
Private pod beds
Hostel activities
Airport transfers
El Hostelito is designed for modern backpackers. The spacious pod beds feature full-width curtains to give you plenty of privacy — many of them even open up to windows, giving you plenty of natural light. Each pod has its own light and power outlet, along with ultra-clean linens and a large locker for your suitcase. Traveling as a couple? You can even get a two-person pod.
In the common areas, you’ll find plenty of travelers hanging out, chatting, or grabbing a drink. We love the sunny outdoor space, which is perfect for resting or napping in the sunshine. A shaded outdoor seating area is ideal for working on your computer or enjoying the included breakfast. Or, get away from it all in the TV room, which has Netflix and DVDs.
El Hostelito is set outside of the historic center of Quito close new trendy areas La Floresta/Guapulo. The city’s cable car is close by, and the clubs in La Mariscal are just 15 minutes away on foot. There’s also a handy store underneath the hostel where you can get snacks and drinks; a large grocery store is just a few minutes away.
To sum up
When you book a bed or a room in these great Quito hostels, you’re set to explore the city. There’s plenty to do — start your trip in the Centro Historico, which is home to the city’s most interesting sites. Wander through the many churches, and be sure to climb the stairs in the Basilica del Voto Nacional’s clock tower. Need some help? Many hostels offer walking tours, so you can learn as you sightsee.
If you’re looking for a night out in Quito, head straight for La Mariscal. This modern spot is popular with travelers; bring new friends from your hostel for safety. Ladies’ nights are particularly popular, and women can drink for free at many bars. Not a woman? Don’t worry — drinks in Quito are inexpensive, and it’s easy to find cheap specials.
If your Instagram needs a boost, head up to Parque Itchimbia. Here, you can pose in front of the giant orange “Quito” letters as the city spreads below you in the background. Stick around to grab a snack from the food trucks or listen to live music. No matter what you do in Quito, this gorgeous city is sure to win you over.
