The Best Hostels for Backpackers in Quito

Tip-top Selina Quito offers a luxurious range of rooms, from high-end suites to hip 14-person dorms, all oozing style. Digital nomads can take a morning yoga class in the wellness centre before slipping into the co-working space. On the food side, there’s a small restaurant, communal kitchen and bar, plus an in-house barber in case your backpacker hair is starting to resemble dreads. Pets are also welcome here.

Set within a heritage building, Vibes is just two blocks away from Plaza Foch’s nightlife and a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. Dorms are small – there are no more than four beds per room, allowing for a good night’s sleep. A real highlight here are the spa facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna and massage room. As for eats, Vibes houses a restaurant, bar and café – try the home-made pizza.

Masaya is situated just a block from Plaza Santo Domingo. The stylish decor and well-appointed rooms ensure a hotel-standard stay. Bunk-bed dorms accommodate up to eight, while the spacious doubles include king-size beds and private bathrooms. Take a yoga class in the leafy garden before exploring the Old Town. Come evening, enjoy movie night over a mojito, or pop down to nearby Sereno Moreno for the best craft beer in town.

This lovely country house is tucked away in Quito’s green outskirts, making for a relaxing stay if you’re after peace and quiet. Rooms come as singles, doubles and triples with neutral decor and simple furnishings. Recharge in the lush garden and swimming pool before hitting the town; other shared spaces include the ample kitchen and quincho barbecue room. Ask the host to arrange airport drop-off for a reasonable price.

Luxury hostel Rebel is based out of a renovated colonial house, decorated with hand-painted murals. It’s a stone’s throw from La Ronda’s lively nightlife and opposite the entrance to Panecillo hill. Pod-style dorms with orthopedic mattresses await, with a maximum of six to a room. Granite work surfaces make the kitchen a joy to cook in. Take note: there’s an all-day happy hour.

You can’t miss the sunshine-yellow exterior of Posada del Maple, located on a tranquil, leafy street, just a short walk from Plaza Foch. There are no dorms here – rooms range from singles to quads, ideal for solo travelers or groups of friends. Ask for a room on the top floor with city views. Enjoy the American-style breakfast with eggs just how you like them, served on the patio.

Community Hostel is perfectly placed in the middle of Quito’s historic Old Town, just five blocks from Plaza Grande. Choose between a six- or 10-bed shared dorm or private rooms. Living quarters are simple but spic and span; shared spaces include a kitchen, dining room, lounge and roof terrace. Community also manages an action-packed nightly agenda from burger nights to pub quizzes.

Found in the San Juan neighborhood, Minka is just a short walk from the Basilica del Voto Nacional, an iconic church on the edge of historic Quito. Inside, the hostel boasts multiple shared spaces, such as a communal kitchen and games room with a pool table. Spanish lesson packs are available for those booking into dorms. Private doubles are also available. Book onto one of the popular daily tours to the Cotopaxi National Park and Toachi Cauldron.

Tucked away in the residential neighborhood of Itchimbia, Secret Garden is a solid hostel choice. Dorms with bunk beds and rooms for two or three are cozy, while showers are high pressure, positively a luxury in Quito. The fantastic decked rooftop terrace has a bar offering views across Quito and the Virgen del Panecillo. Travelers can take a free walking tour with the hostel to explore the key city sights.

Friends Hostel is a charming, historic colonial building with a great location in Quito’s attractive San Marcos neighborhood. Private rooms include well-maintained singles, decorated with locally made furniture, while dorms with bunk beds are on the cozy side. Upgrade to a deluxe room for a balcony with Old Town views. The abundant Ecuadorian-style breakfast is served on the rooftop; take advantage of free walking tours and evening activities.