After spending a month and a half backpacking hostels as a female solo budget traveler, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite hostels in places you should definitely visit in Ecuador. Although it’s a pretty small country, there is a ton to see and very backpacker friendly. The bus system is great and makes it very easy to get around. The places I visited were Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños, Montañita, Guayaquil, and an 8 day Galapagos cruise. I spent a total of 43 days in Ecuador. The other hostels I listed were all recommended by other backpackers and I wanted to visit these places, but I didn’t have the time.
These are all very budget friendly options from $5-$15. The only reason I’m not sharing the exact prices is because they change all the time depending on when you book and
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Quito
The Secret Garden Quito
This hostel has a beautiful rooftop view, activities every day, yoga, and more. It was so easy to make friends at this hostel and I would highly recommend doing the bike and food tour. On the weekends, they have a party bus (chiva) with all you can drink alcohol for $10. I stayed 5 nights here since it’s super chill and it’s perfect for digital nomads. You can also book a tour to Cotopaxi and Quilatoa at the hostel. They also have a location in Cotopaxi that is worth visiting! 
Baños
Great Hostels
Great Hostels in Baños is super affordable and has a great breakfast included. The owner, Sebastian, will help you set up any excursions you want to do like rafting, repelling, a waterfall tour, etc. It was also so easy to make friends at this hostel.
Erupcion Hostel
I didn’t stay at Erupcion but it is right in the center of town and has a rooftop bar with a great view. I had lunch there and the menu del dia was very delicious at around $3 for 3 courses. (Always ask for the menu del dia in Ecuador!)
Montañita
Kamala Hostel
Kamala is one of my favorite hostels I’ve stayed at. They are right on the beach and have a pool, volleyball net, and a fire pit so it’s perfect for a beach town. The chef here is amazing and the breakfasts are so good and they have “family dinners” that you can sign up for every night for $5. They also have happy hours and everyone goes out together at night. Montañita is also known for being a party, beach town so it gets pretty rowdy but it’s very chill during the day so you get the best of both worlds.
Mindo
La Casa de Cecelia
Mindo is famous for the cloud forest and this hostel was highly recommended to be. It’s beautiful and super relaxing. I would recommend staying 1-2 nights there.
Guayaquil
Hostel Nucapacha
I volunteered at this hostel for a week and a half and it’s very clean with a pool and good breakfast. There isn’t a ton to do in Guayaquil but this hostel is in a good area and most people stop in Guayaquil before visiting the Galapagos Islands. 
Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are known to be very expensive and you need to pay a $25 fee at the airport in the mainland, and a $100 fee for foreigners when you land. However, I think the Galapagos Islands are completely worth it and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit. 
Galapagos Dream
This hostel is located in Puerto Ayora and has great reviews and I had a few backpacker friends stay there.
Lonesome George Ecolodge
This hostel is also located in Puerto Ayora and will help you find last minute tour deals.
Ecuador is one of my new favorite countries after backpacking around! If you end up staying at one of these hostels, I’d love to hear about it!
