Top Hostels in Quito, Ecuador – 2023 Backpacker Guide

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The capital of Ecuador sits worlds above (literally) when it comes to the backpacking scene. Full of intrepid travellers itching to explore, there are heaps of amazing hostels in Quito to choose from. 

With cutesy casas for couples and pumping party pads, there is something to suit a range of backpackers here, no matter their interests. With options dotted around the funky Mariscal district and the picturesque Old Town, you are sure to find a location that acts as a convenient base. 

In this round-up of Quito hostels, we’ve shortlisted the best options and broken down our list into traveller-specific recommendations. This means that you can spend less time looking at a computer screen and more time sipping on canelazos! 


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Where to Stay in Quito, Ecuador – Top Hostels

The most up-to-date list on the internet! 😉 Much has changed on the backpacking scene since the pandemic. Many legendary hostels in Quito were forced to close and loads of websites are yet to get the memo! To give you the most current info out there, we’ve put this list together using recommendations from our Facebook community who are on the road in Ecuador right now!

This article contains affiliate links. Booking/buying through links you find on this site is a great way of supporting the work we do at no extra cost to you.

Best Hostels in Quito – Quick Answers!


11 Best Hostels in Quito – Round-Up

1. Community Hostel

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $

Compare prices of Community Hostel💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

The clue is the name community. This is a hostel where you arrive as a stranger and leave a friend! Community has long been a favourite on the Ecuador backpacking circuit and has truly made its mark on the travel scene.

Its Quito offering was the first of its branches, located in the Centro Histórico (a.k.a. Old Town). It has everything that you could need from a stay, with a communal kitchen, good WiFi and daily activities including salsa lessons!

In keeping with the theme of belonging, communal dinners are also served on a nightly basis and allow travellers to meet others on the Gringo Trail. It is a great choice for solo backpackers who can hang out on the rooftop terrace, practice their language skills and get stuck into trivia evenings. 

All the rooms at Community Hostel Quito are dorms. There are no private options. Therefore, couples looking for a bit of *alone time* may want to head elsewhere – for the sake of their fellow backpackers if for no other reason! 


2. Selina Quito

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$$

Compare prices of Selina Quito💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

Established in Ecuador’s capital city back in 2018, Selina Quito is one of the very best examples of everything the Selina chain strives to be. With chic decor and a range of rooms, this flashpacker offering is a great place to kick back in the Mariscal Sucre area. 

As with all Selinas, this isn’t the cheapest Quito hostel on our list. In fact, if you are looking at one of their premium rooms, the prices rise significantly. However, it is always worth remembering that you get a lot for your money here. Yoga lessons are offered throughout the week and there is an on-site movie room as well as a bar and restaurant. 

While some guests report patchy WiFi reception in their rooms, the communal spaces and dedicated cowork areas are perfect for clocking up the hours at your virtual desk. Be aware that the coworking space comes with an additional charge. 


3. Hostel Revolution Quito

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $

Compare prices of Hostel Revolution Quito💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the Historical Centre, the small but cosy Hostel Revolution is a favourite among backpackers. Dorms are mixed with a maximum of six beds in a room. There are also a couple of private doubles. 

Best known for its high levels of cleanliness and proximity to the city’s sights, this is a great place for those looking to relax just a stone’s throw from the main attractions. While the surrounding area can be a little sketchy at night, it is fine during the day, making it easy to explore on foot. 

Hostel Revolution is a good place to meet other backpackers and there are happy hour drinks deals available between 17:30 and 19:30. The rooftop terrace provides a great place to chill with a Pilsner in hand. It’s also the perfect spot to take in breathtaking views over the city, particularly at night. 


4. Quito Terrace Hostel 

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$

Compare prices of Quito Terrace Hostel💰: Booking.com | Agoda

Quito Terrace Hostel may well be your new favourite place to stay in Quito!  An oasis of calm situated in the middle of the city, it is easy to forget that you’re in a buzzing capital when you’re whiling the hours away on their rooftop. 

The hostel, which offers both dorms and privates, is known for its incredible facilities. As well as a beautiful rooftop terrace, there is also a spacious communal kitchen and on-site coffee shop. Towels are provided for all backpackers – a nice bonus for those travelling with a microfibre washcloth

The internet is reliable and quick here and there is a lot of space, making it ideal for those working remotely. To make the most of the peaceful setting, set up in the outside area and enjoy your coffee breaks with a view of the visiting hummingbirds. 


5. Minka Hostel

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$

Compare prices of Minka Hostel💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

For your one-stop shop in Quito, don’t miss the much-loved Minka Hostel. Offering not only accommodation but also airport pick-up, tour desk, laundry service and Spanish lessons, all of your travel needs will be met here. 

The host Danilo is a popular and welcoming guy whose knowledge about Ecuador is sure to reveal hidden gems, helping you to get the most out of your trip. A varied local breakfast is included in the price, making this a great option for those on a budget. 

This hostel prides itself on being a ‘smart hostel’. This means that guests arriving late can check themselves into the accommodation easily – ideal for those on long journeys which involve border crossings. Security is operated remotely, making this a safe and secure place. 


6. Casa CarpeDM

  • Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$$

Compare prices of Casa CarpeDM💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

A short walk from the Old Town and just steps from Plaza San Blas is Casa CarpeDM. This colourful colonial hostel houses a range of room types, including private doubles and female-only dorms. 

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Priding themselves on offering travellers a home away from home, the 24/7 reception team are ready to welcome backpackers no matter their arrival time. Drinking water is provided and there is a communal kitchen for rustling up dinner. 

The English-speaking staff provide travellers with plenty of advice about the best things to see and do in Quito.  Keeping safety at the forefront, they also arm backpackers with tips to avoid pickpocketing – Quito doesn’t have the best reputation for petty crime so this is very helpful! 


7. Vibes Aurik 

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: No
  • Price: $$

Compare prices of Vibes Aurik💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

The Ecuadorian/Canadian-owned Vibes Aurik offers a range of accommodations, from mixed dorms to family rooms. Boasting a fun and sociable atmosphere, the guys at Vibes still recognise that guests value a quiet night’s sleep! 

Located in the Centro Histórico, it is close to many of the major sites and there is an amazing view from the rooftop bar and restaurant. Guests get a free welcome drink and happy hour occurs daily between 5-8 pm. 

Free walking tours are run from the hostel and complimentary baggage storage is also available for those heading out on day trips. Communal dinners are a nice touch which gets everyone chatting and swapping travel itineraries. Don’t miss the pizza nights!


8. Secret Garden Quito

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: No
  • Price: $

Compare prices of Secret Garden Quito💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

Secret Garden Quito is one of the Quito hostels that gets recommended the most in our Facebook Community. It has become pretty legendary on the Ecuador backpacking circuit for its pumping atmosphere and chiva party bus tours.

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The rooftop is a great place to hang out – those looking to meet their fellow travellers over a drink (or five) will love this place. There is no communal kitchen, however, the food served on-site is generally well-rated by guests, if a tad on the pricey side. 

The tours provided by the hostel are very popular with guests, particularly the free walking tour which is a great way to get your bearings in this sprawling city. The activities, such as Spanish lessons, are also well organised and varied. 


9. Colonial House Inn

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$

Compare prices of Colonial House Inn💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

Set in a character building over 200 years old, Colonial House Inn provides guests with a cosy setting to lay their heads. There is a dorm plus a range of private rooms. Free tea, coffee, water and bananas are provided to guests around the clock. 

There is a movie area with popcorn and a chill-out space complete with pool table. The garden (which also has a gym and hammocks) is a welcome escape from the hubbub of the city and allows guests to see some of the beautiful birdlife which Ecuador is so famous for. 

The staff are the highlight of staying at this place as they make the effort to get to know the guests. This means that the service feels much more personal – you are likely to feel more like family than strangers!


10. Hostel Posada del Maple

  • Female Only Dorms Available: No
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$$

Compare prices of Hostel Posada del Maple💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

Sitting 500 metres from Plaza Foch, Hostel Posada del Maple is a great choice for those wanting to base themselves in the La Mariscal area. Despite being just a couple of blocks from the action, the hostel itself is in a quiet and peaceful area. 

The friendly hosts can help with everything to do with your trip, including getting you a local SIM to get connected! There is a communal kitchen so guests can cook their own meals, however, if this feels like too much effort, there are also plenty of restaurants close by. 

While the atmosphere is more muted than some other options on our shortlist, it is a great base for solo travellers looking for a budget-friendly private room.


11. Viajero Quito

  • Female Only Dorms Available: Yes
  • Communal Kitchen: Yes
  • Price: $$

Compare prices of Viajero Quito💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda

Formerly known as Masaya Hostel Quito and now going under the Viajero name, this hostel, located in the Historic Centre, is loved by travellers. 

YouTube video

Their most budget accommodation offering is a bed in a shared dorm which comes with a privacy curtain – great for those looking for a bit of ‘me-time’. There is also a female-only dorm for ladies travelling solo. The private doubles are great for couples who will love the spaciousness and trendy decor. 

Due to the number of couples that stay here, there is not much of a party atmosphere. If you are looking for late-night raves, head elsewhere! Despite this, Viajero still hosts a fun range of cultural activities, from salsa dancing sessions to empanada-making lessons. 


This Andean capital is no stranger to a backpacker and as a result, there are plenty of amazing hostels in Quito to choose from. From flashpacker offerings to digital nomad digs and solo backpacker faves, you’re bound to find something that suits in the Ecuadorian capital – no matter your budget! 

What is your favourite hostel in Quito? Share it with travellers in the comments below! 

Sheree Hooker Bio Pic
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World

Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.

Find her on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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