Where to stay & accommodation types in Ecuador

You can get good value for money across the accommodation spectrum in Ecuador. At the high end, you'll find beautiful haciendas, rich in history, that haven’t lost their old-world charm — along with big-name international luxury hotels. In the mid-range, there are solid options that rival what you’d get in North America or Europe, but at a much lower price. And if you’re on a tight budget, almost every town has a basic hotel or guesthouse offering clean double rooms, often with a private bathroom, for $5–15 per person.

You could stay in a colonial guesthouse in Cuenca, a surf shack in Montañita, or a jungle lodge where toucans wake you up in the morning. Quito’s boutique hotels blend historic architecture with sleek, modern touches. In Baños and Otavalo, hostels come with hammocks, mountain views, and maybe a yoga class or two.

Rates go up during local holidays — especially around New Year and Easter — and in peak vacation months like July and August. If you're wondering about the best time to visit Ecuador, the rainy season (October to May in the highlands, January to April on the coast) brings fewer crowds and lower prices. Showing up and booking in person, especially at smaller guesthouses, can sometimes get you a better rate than online.

Here’s how Ecuador’s accommodation scene stacks up — and where to find the best places to stay.

Where to stay in Ecuador: From budget to luxury

If you’re traveling on a budget, hostels and basic hotels are easy to find. Most towns have at least a few options with simple double rooms, sometimes with private bathrooms, starting around $7–$15 per person. Dorm beds in backpacker hostels can cost even less — and they’re often the most sociable places to stay.

Mid-range hotels in Ecuador deliver comfort without killing your budget. For $25–$60 per night, you’ll get a clean, modern room, usually with Wi-Fi, hot water, and breakfast (though “breakfast” can sometimes mean a bread roll and instant coffee). If you’re still planning a trip to Ecuador, this price range works well for those wanting a bit more privacy without losing touch with the local vibe.

Luxury in Ecuador isn’t just about five-star hotels. Think 17th-century haciendas in the Andes, Amazon eco-lodges reached only by canoe, and boutique stays in colonial mansions. Prices start around $80 per night — and it’s easy to get way more for your money here than in most parts of the world. If you’re building your Ecuador itinerary, consider including at least one splurge night — the setting might be just as memorable as the destination.

Best accommodation types in Ecuador

Ecuador offers everything from rainforest lodges and cloud forest retreats to beach hostels and city apartments. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of accommodation, and what to expect from each.

Hostels and budget hotels

From $7 per person

Backpacker-friendly and found all over the country, especially in towns like Baños, Montañita, and Vilcabamba. Dorm rooms are the cheapest, while private rooms are still affordable. Expect patchy Wi-Fi, basic amenities, and occasional rooftop bars with volcano views. 

Many budget hotels are simple concrete buildings with tile floors, thin mattresses, and cold showers. Some surprise you with leafy courtyards or great coffee — others, not so much.

Mid-range hotels

From $25 per night

These are your sweet-spot options. Rooms come with private bathrooms, reliable hot water, and often breakfast included. Many are small family-run places, especially in towns like Cuenca and Otavalo, while cities like Quito and Guayaquil also offer international chains at decent rates. If you're traveling in Ecuador with kids, these mid-range hotels often strike the right balance between comfort, convenience, and value.

Some have character — a restored colonial building or courtyard garden — while others feel a bit generic but clean and reliable.

Boutique hotels and haciendas

From $80 per night

You’ll find some real gems in this range. Restored colonial mansions in Quito, historic haciendas with views of Cotopaxi, or small jungle lodges with all meals and guided walks included. These places usually offer standout service and local character — not just a nice bed.

If you're heading to the Galápagos, this is the bracket where the accommodation starts to feel special (and the prices start to rise fast).

Beach hostels and surf lodges

From $10 per night

On the coast, especially around Montañita, Ayampe, and Canoa, you’ll find everything from hammock-filled party hostels to laid-back bamboo cabanas steps from the sand. Many places offer surfboard rentals, yoga classes, and communal kitchens.

Expect rustic comfort — mosquito nets, fans instead of AC, and sand in your sheets — but you’re here for the beach, not the thread count.

Homestays

From $10 per night

Common in rural villages, especially around the Andes and Amazon. You’ll stay with a local family, eat home-cooked food, and learn about daily life. Rooms are basic but welcoming, and these stays often support community tourism projects.

Eco-lodges and jungle stays

From $80 per night (all-inclusive)

In the Amazon and cloud forest, eco-lodges are often only reachable by boat or 4WD. Rates usually include meals, guided hikes, and wildlife-spotting tours. Lodges around Mindo, Tena, and the Cuyabeno Reserve are popular, offering a real back-to-nature experience — with varying levels of comfort.

Some places are rustic with composting toilets and open-air showers. Others have high-thread-count sheets and wine lists. Pick your style (and budget).

Where to stay in Ecuador: Best areas by region

Ecuador’s regions are wildly different — and so are the places you’ll sleep. From colonial cities in the Andes to surf towns on the Pacific, choosing the right base can make a huge difference. Want to be deep in nature or right in the middle of the action? Close to bus terminals or tucked away in a hammock-filled lodge? Wherever you land, it helps to know the best places to visit in Ecuador — and what kind of stay you can expect in each.

Quito

Ecuador’s capital is sprawling, so picking the right area is key. Whether you're here for museums, nightlife, or mountain views, these are your best bets.

La Mariscal is backpacker central, packed with hostels, cafés, bars, and tour agencies. It’s noisy and a bit rough around the edges, especially at night — but if you're looking for nightlife and budget options, this is the place.

Centro Histórico offers more charm and less chaos. You’ll stay among cobbled streets, colonial churches, and rooftop terraces with volcano views. It’s not the most modern area, but for atmosphere and walkability, it’s hard to beat.

La Floresta is the artsy middle ground. Think boutique hotels, hip coffee shops, murals, and weekend markets. It’s calmer than La Mariscal, safer at night, and still close to everything.

Cuenca

A favorite for culture lovers and digital nomads, Cuenca is walkable, relaxed, and beautiful. The best area to stay in Cuenca is right in the historic center — a grid of elegant colonial buildings, leafy plazas, and local bakeries.

Most accommodations are small guesthouses or mid-range hotels in restored mansions. You won’t need a car — everything’s within strolling distance. If you want a quieter stay, look just across the river in El Barranco, where you’ll find artsy spots and stunning views.

The Amazon (Tena, Cuyabeno, Yasuni)

You don’t come to the Amazon for luxury — though you can find it. Most travelers stay in eco-lodges outside of towns like Tena or Laguna Grande in Cuyabeno Reserve. Accommodations are usually all-inclusive and only accessible by boat, with meals, guided hikes, and wildlife spotting included.

Tena itself is a convenient (if unremarkable) base, with cheap hostels and jungle day tours. If you want full immersion — monkeys, frogs, and no phone signal — stay in a lodge deeper in the forest.

Baños

This small town at the edge of the Andes is known for hot springs, adventure sports, and epic scenery. Luckily, most accommodations are within walking distance of the center.

Hostels and mid-range hotels cluster around the central plaza, close to restaurants and tour agencies. If you want peace and views, look for hillside lodges just outside town — some even have thermal pools with a front-row seat to Tungurahua volcano.

Otavalo

Otavalo is best known for its indigenous market and mountain setting. Most people stay in town, close to Plaza de los Ponchos. You'll find budget hotels, guesthouses, and a few stylish boutique options with traditional touches.

For more nature and fewer crowds, look just outside town at places like Hacienda Cusin or Luna Runtun, where you get quiet, comfort, and Andean landscapes on your doorstep.

The Coast (Montañita, Canoa, Ayampe)

Ecuador’s coast has surf, sun, and a wide range of vibes — choose wisely.

Montañita is Ecuador’s beach party capital. Hostels are cheap and packed with travelers; there’s music until dawn, and the town never really sleeps. If that’s your scene, dive in.

Ayampe, just 20 minutes away, is its chilled-out cousin. Fewer crowds, yoga studios, and quiet bungalows with ocean views. Ideal if you want to surf in the morning and hammock in the afternoon.

Canoa offers a middle ground: long beach, good surf, and a laid-back feel without Montañita’s chaos. Guesthouses are affordable, and the pace is slow.

Galápagos Islands

Accommodation on the Galápagos varies hugely depending on the island. Most travelers base themselves on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela.

Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) has the best range — from hostels to upscale eco-hotels. It’s also the most developed, with plenty of food, tour options, and nightlife.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal) is smaller and quieter, with sea lions on the sidewalks and good mid-range stays near the waterfront.

Puerto Villamil (Isabela) is the most remote — expect sandy streets, a few beach bars, and a more rustic, relaxed feel. It’s all about sunsets, snorkeling, and slowing down.

Booking tips and smart travel advice

Scoring the right place to stay in Ecuador isn’t just about finding the cheapest room — it’s about booking smart. Seasonal demand, location, and how you book can all affect your experience (and your wallet). Here's what to know before locking in your accommodation.

• Book early during high season (June-August and December-January). Popular spots like the Galápagos, Baños, and Otavalo fill up fast, especially around local holidays like Semana Santa and New Year. Prices rise, and last-minute options can be slim — especially if you’re picky.
• Look for deals in shoulder season. May and September-November are great times to travel — fewer crowds, lower prices, and decent weather, especially in the Andes and Amazon. Some lodges and hotels throw in perks like free breakfast or upgrades.
• Be wary of taxi drivers recommending hotels. In places like Quito or Guayaquil, drivers sometimes steer you to hotels offering them a commission — not always the best choice. Do your own research and check reviews.
• For budget places, booking in person can save you money. Many small guesthouses don’t advertise online, or they charge more on booking platforms. Show up, ask around, and you might get a better room for less.
• Online booking works better for mid-range and high-end stays. Compare prices on multiple platforms, and check if booking direct with the hotel gives you extras like late checkout or airport transfers.
• Location matters more than you think. A cheap hostel on the edge of town might mean spending more on taxis or wasting time getting around. In places like Cuenca or Quito, staying central is worth the extra dollars.