The Cheapest Hotels to Book in Ecuador

Set in the thick Amazonian rainforest overlooking the banks of the Napo River, the Selina Amazon Tena is a charming bamboo lodge that won’t put a big dent in your wallet. Choose between shared or private rooms; expect balconies with river views in the higher-end accommodations. You can splash about in the swimming pool, and there’s a wellness center for yoga classes and massage treatments, all surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

If you find yourself in the southern Ecuadorian city of Loja – a must-visit for music fans – you’ll find your dollar goes a long way at the Hotel Libertador. Firstly, it’s bang in the center of town, with everything within easy walking distance, so there’s no need for taxis. When you’re done exploring, take a dip in the heated indoor pool – there’s also a hot tub and sauna to ease any aching muscles, which isn’t something you’ll get at all cheap hotels in Ecuador.

A stay in Manta means you’ll want to be within a short stroll of the beaches and Hostal Antares puts you within walking distance of Playa Murciélago. Fancy a swim without the sand? There’s an open-air swimming pool here, too, and a hot tub with a waterfall. Rooms are clean and modern, with family suites sleeping up to four people; many boast balconies featuring top vistas of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Formerly the Hotel Sebastian, this place has been given new life with colorful murals, funky furniture and a clientele of mostly younger travelers. There are plenty of fun places to hang out, too, with a library, cinema and cafe bar. Plump for a bunk in a mixed dorm to really save on green, though private rooms are also available. Selina Quito is in the Mariscal Sucre neighborhood, known for its happening nightlife, so it’s a great spot if you’re up for hitting a bar or two.

Located at the top of Playa Montañita, the Hostal Rosa Mistica certainly scores top marks for its fabulous setting. This jungle-lodge-style hostel attracts a friendly mix of surfers and backpackers, thanks to the renowned waves and natural beauty of the area. There’s a healing room offering massages, while a beachfront bar restaurant serves up cold beer and fresh local seafood – be sure to stick around for some spectacular sunsets.

If your idea of relaxation is swinging in a hammock to the sound of nearby waves and little else, book yourself a space at La Góndola. This collection of shared cabins and private bungalows is as chilled out as you can get, just steps from Montañita Beach as well as local bars and eateries. There’s a shared kitchen to help you save even more money, which you could always spend on those surf lessons you’ve been meaning to take.

With its eye-catching blue facade set on a sloping cobblestone lane in old town Quito, this is one of the more immediately charming cheap hotels in Ecuador. It offers both youth hostel-style shared dorms, with sleeping pods or bunk beds, as well as private rooms with their own or shared bathrooms. A mix of backpackers and young travelers gives the place a friendly and sociable vibe – especially in the backyard, where many mingle over a drink or a game of pool.