It is no secret that South America is one vivid, vivacious party of lush rainforests, diverse cultures, and remarkable Earth-made creations that are unparalleled anywhere on the planet. With so many Latin American destinations to choose from, Ecuador is unquestionably one of the most underrated destinations south of the equator.
Baños de Agua Santa, the second largest city in the Tungurahua province and a backpacker favorite, is a must-see on your Ecuador itinerary. Baños, which sits beneath an active volcano, is famous for its thermal pools, spectacular waterfalls, and numerous outdoor activities to breathe in the beauty of South America’s northern nation.
Our favorite hostels in Baños are:
- Hostal Princesa Maria - best for Female Solo Travelers
- Great Hostels - best for Backpackers
- Papachos Hostel - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Hostal Princesa Maria
2. Great Hostels
3. Papachos Hostel
Situated between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest, Baños is no doubt Ecuador’s choice town for adventure and nature. With thousands of tourists flocking to the city each year, Baños is in no shortage of budget-friendly accommodations. With, numerous hostels to choose from, here are Hostelgeek’s recommendations for the three best hostels in Baños.
Read: full guide to the absolute best hostels in Ecuador – which is your favourite hostel in Ecuador?
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Baños
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Baños cost 6€ – 26€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 13€ up to 45€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
More Special Topics about Baños:
Baños is in Central Ecuador and is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the country. Baños, as the name implies, is ideal for those who enjoy being in, around, or on top of the water. White river rafting, canoeing, kayaking the Quilotoa volcano, and hiking the beautiful waterfalls Cascada del Virgin, Pailón del Diablo, and those on the Ruta del Cascada (waterfall route) are just a few of the activities to be done in Banos. The town has made it simple for visitors to book whatever activities they desire for affordable prices.
While the town is pleasant for a few days, you could easily spend more than a week exploring the surrounding areas. And, thanks to Ecuador’s low prices, even the most frugal traveler can splurge. For a luxurious view of Baños, visit Luna Volcán Adventure Spa and indulge in the rooftop pools and jacuzzis.
Ziplining, bungee jumping, paragliding, rock climbing, and hiking the active Tungurahua volcano are also popular Baños attractions. Outside of town, you can bathe in some of Baños’ best hot springs, which are said to have soothing and spiritual properties. The Casa del Arbol, a massive swing that stretches across a valley outside of town and is nicknamed “The End of the World,” is another spectacular way to see the region’s verdant forests with a very high, bird’s eye view.
Baños’ city center is bustling with artisan markets, cute cafes, and a plethora of eateries if you want to relax in town after all of your excursions. Ecuador’s cuisine will also be a highlight of your trip. For a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast, try the Bolon de Verde, a large ball of dough made of green plantains and stuffed with meat and cheese. If you’re a night owl, start your day with an almuerzo, a cheap and hearty Ecuadorian lunch of meat, soup, and a drink—you’ll be full for the rest of the day. Melococha, Ecuador’s famous sugarcane candy, can be found on the streets for those with a sweet tooth.
Baños thrives on tourism, so international visitors are not uncommon, as is the nightlife that fuels the city after days of exploring the region. For tourists who prefer to stick to the center’s ample supply of pubs, Leprechaun Bar is an obvious choice for most gringos.
Baños can be a cloudy abyss most of the time. Temperatures are mild and consistent throughout the year, and rain, grey skies, and chilly evenings are to be expected. The months of October through March have the least amount of rain, with peak season running from December to February and being the busiest for tourists.
Ecuador’s beauty as the gateway to the Amazon will astound you. It’s easy to be a tourist here, and it’s no surprise that it’s earned a reputation for adventure travel, competing with Costa Rica, and other similar, but more expensive, destinations. Banos is one of Ecuador’s top cities for satisfying your thirst for adventure as well as your need for solitude and relaxation while getting the most bang for your buck, with budget-friendly excursions, low prices, and a varying range of activities.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Baños are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Baños.
- Hostal Princesa Maria – best for Female Solo Travelers
- Great Hostels – best for Backpackers
- Papachos Hostel – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Baños. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Hostal Princesa Maria
2. Great Hostels
3. Papachos Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Papachos Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Hostal Princesa Maria |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Great Hostels |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Papachos Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Hostal Princesa Maria |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Great Hostels |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Papachos Hostel |
1. Hostal Princesa Maria
Hostal Princesa Maria is ten minutes from Banos’ party district in a quiet neighborhood, promising a tidy and relaxing place to catch up on sleep. This cozy, family-run hostel genuinely cares about its guests, assisting with tour bookings and recommending various activities in the area. The welcoming hostel staff will ensure that your days in Baños are filled not only with the best activities to do during the day, but also with a clean and safe hostel to return to at night.
Princesa Maria Hostel has a 4-bed female-only dormitory as well as a standard 5-bed mixed dormitory. Private rooms accommodate two to four people and all have private toilets. Because of its emphasis on hostel responsibility and safety, this hostel is a great option for female solo travelers, as well as anyone looking to detox from Banos’ party atmosphere.
Though not a completely quiet hostel, the hostel has a comfortable common room, a kitchen, and an exotic flower-filled garden that naturally encourages guests to interact with one another. The hostel is open 24-7, so you’re able to come and go as you please. Guests staying at Hostal Princesa Maria will have the best of both worlds, as they will be close to the center but not directly in the path of noise and traffic. Princessa Maria has the warmth and comfort you need to recharge while in Banos.
Location: Hostal Princesa Maria is located in Baños and within 7.8 km of Tarabita Cable Car.
The best choice in Baños for
- Female Solo Traveler
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Great Hostels
Great Hostels , one of the most social hostels in Baños, is an excellent choice for backpackers and solo travelers looking to explore Baños during the day and party at night. The hostel, ten minutes east of Palomino Flores (Central Park), has an on-site restaurant and bar as well as booking services to make your stay in Banos enjoyable and hassle-free.
Unlike your typical hostel dorm, each room is decorated with a stunning mural, making this hostel one of the most memorable in Baños. The hostel’s rooms can accommodate a wide range of travelers. The hostel has two 4-bed rooms and four 5-bed rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, as well as an 8-person mixed dorm and a 5-person female dorm. There is a large kitchen available for guests who wish to prepare their own meals. Furthermore, the hostel provides guests with a breathtaking view of Baños’ most prized possession, the waterfall, and its surrounding mountains.
With tons of social activities like Movie Night and free cocktail hours, there will be no shortage of entertainment in Baños while staying at this hostel. The outside garden features hammocks and a bonfire, and the game and bar area is where everyone gathers at night to pre-game before hitting one of Baños’ many pubs. It’s no surprise that guests who book for a few days end up extending their stay—it’s the best place to stay in Baños for a lively visit.
Location: Great Hostels is 0.3 miles away from the center of Banos. The thermal baths are 300 m away and the bus and train station are 900 m away.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Papachos Hostel
Papachos Hostel is in a convenient location in the center. This inviting, colorfully decorated hostel, also located away from Baños’ main party area, will provide visitors with a breath of fresh air with its quirky design and soothing atmosphere. This three-story hostel has everything you need to keep yourself entertained, including a tennis table, a flat-screen television, and a library. Papachos Hostel often hosts social events such as barbecues and movie nights depending on the crowd, so you’ll never run out of things to do while visiting. The rooftop is a popular hangout for guests who want to enjoy a beautiful view of the city. For hikers, the Tungurahua starting trail is nearby as well.
There are two private rooms: a double bed for couples and two twin beds for friends. The mixed dormitories accommodate four to six people. Because the hostel has quiet hours and most guests tend to stick to themselves, the homey atmosphere is ideal for couples looking to vibe with a mature crowd. The amenities and communal spaces, such as the breakfast and restaurant areas, are excellent for meeting other hostelers without the loud, party atmosphere that is typical of most hostels. However, during peak season, the hostel attracts more guests, so expect a busier atmosphere. The hostel staff will do everything possible to suggest the best of Baños to their guests. Papachos hostel is an excellent option for a relaxing stay in Baños.
Location: Papachos Hostel is 0.6 miles away from the center of Baños. It is 7.9 km from Tarabita Cable Car.
This is one of the best hostels in Baños for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Baños for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Baños for solo-travelers?
The best hostel in Baños for solo-travelers is Papachos Hostel . You can read more about it here.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention soon here, if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Baños?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Baños.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Baños
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
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How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Baños best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Baños?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Baños put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Baños hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Baños we absolutely enjoyed:
- Eco zoológico San Martín
- La Casa del Arbol
- Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa
- Cascada El Pailon
- Termas de la Virgen
- Cascada de la Virgen
- Juan Montalvo Park
- Palomino Flores (Central Park)
- Mirador Bellavista
- “Las Manos de Dios” Baños de Agua Santa
- The Flight of the Condor
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Baños?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Baños?
Banos does not have an airport (the nearest is Mariscal Sucre International Airport), as most visitors arrive by bus from Quito, which is four hours away and costs only four dollars one way.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- Best Hostels in Quito
- Best Hostels in Cuenca
- best hostels in Montañita
- best hostel in Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Best Hostels in Medellin, Colombia
- Best Hostels in Salento, Colombia
- Best Hostels in Guatapé, Colombia
- Best Hostels in Lima, Peru
- Best Hostels in Arequipa, Peru
- 3 best hostels in Huaraz, Peru
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Baños guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
