Best known as a surfers’ paradise, Montañita is a definite highlight on the pacific coast of Ecuador. This small beach town has a laid-back vibe, wild nightlife, and stunning sunsets. Whether you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or seeking the ultimate surf adventure Montañita is a great place to be. Check out the best hostels in Montañita.
When it comes to the best hostels in Montañita you really are spoiled for choice. Offering a unique, fun and affordable way to experience this incredible town there are some great options to choose from. Read on and you’re guaranteed to find a fantastic hostel that fits both your budget and travel style.
Looking for more travel destinations in Ecuador? Here you’ll find the best hostels in Ecuador.
Our favorite hostels in Montanita are:
- Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel - best for solo travelers
- Casa del Sol - best for couples
- My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel - best for backpackers
- Extra: El Cielo - best for social butterflies
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel
2. Casa del Sol
3. My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel
There’s always something going on here in Montañita whether it’s a beach party, live music, or a cultural festival, this place has the most vibrant atmosphere. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with a long stretch of beach, rolling hills, and lush jungle you can spend your days surfing, sunbathing or exploring the local trails and waterfalls.
Be sure to make the most of the local food. From street vendors to classy restaurants, there’s something for everyone at great prices. You can enjoy a wide range of different cuisines and locations all while taking in a beautiful sunset and stunning views of the ocean.
Good To Know: We have more detailed guides to the best hostels in Quito and the best hostels in Cuenca.
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
So here is a heads up on all of the finest hangouts in town. Whatever your style, our comprehensive info on the best hostels in Montañita is sure to give you a head start on planning the getaway of a lifetime.
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Montanita
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Montanita cost $7 – $18 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $55 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). 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.
Getting around Montanita: The best way to get around Montañita is to walk, or rent a bike or scooter. Taxi service is also available and is a very affordable way to get around the town. The town is small enough that you can explore it on foot and bike, but if you want to go further, then renting a car or taking a tour is your best option.
Best time to travel Montanita: The best time to travel to Montañita, Ecuador, is from late December through March. The days are sunny and warm, making it perfect for exploring the beaches, snorkeling, and enjoying the nightlife. So if you’re looking for sunny days and beach hangouts, December through March is the best time to travel to Montañita.
Safety in Montanita: Montañita Ecuador is generally considered a safe destination for tourists as long as basic safety precautions are followed. The town is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. Although petty crime such as pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, violent crime is rare. Tourists should take common sense measures, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash and leaving valuables unattended. It is also advisable to avoid walking alone at night and to use official taxis.
🎁 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 Montanita are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Montanita.
- Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel – best for solo travelers
- Casa del Sol – best for couples
- My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel – best for backpackers
- Extra: El Cielo - best for social butterflies
These are our favorite hostels in Montanita. 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. Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel
2. Casa del Sol
3. My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Casa del Sol |
| 👫 For Socializing: | El Cielo |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Casa del Sol |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Casa del Sol |
1. Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel
Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel in Montañita is the perfect place for surfers and beach lovers.
One of the highlights of Esperanto Surf Hostel is the welcoming, friendly atmosphere. The staff are passionate about surfing and are always happy to help you find the best waves or recommend the best spots to visit in Montañita. The hostel is a great place to meet other travellers and make new friends in this community of like-minded people.
There is a range of accommodation options to suit everyone. You can choose a private room for $40 or a bed in a dorm room for $13. All of the rooms are clean, and comfortable, and come with access to the hostel’s shared kitchen. Get a group together and share a classic hostel-style family dinner to fuel you for the next day’s adventures.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The Esperanto Surf Hostel is a mellow place to be. Relax in the hammocks at the viewpoint upstairs for a great sunset and epic ocean views. If you feel like expanding your mind take an on-site Spanish lesson from one of the great tutors. For surfers, there’s a secure storage area for your board so you don’t have to worry about lugging it around.
Well-established as one of the best hostels in Montañita, Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a fun, laid-back, and affordable surf adventure. With its great beachfront location, friendly staff, and fantastic facilities, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience.
Location: This hostel is located just a stone’s throw from the beach so it’s easy to catch some waves and soak up the sun. With its laid-back, surf-inspired vibe Esperanto is the perfect place to chill out after a long day in the water.
The best choice in Montanita for
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Casa del Sol
Casa del Sol is a hostel that appeals to travellers seeking a fun and adventurous getaway within a more serene and intimate setting. It sits in a large green garden space in a peaceful residential area of the town. A great space which provides an escape from the lively town centre which is just a short walk away.
Despite being a little further away from the water, Casa del Sol is still a great option for those seeking to catch some waves. The hostel has its own surf school where lessons and equipment rental are available. If surfing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do that can be arranged from the hostel, including beach volleyball, horseback riding, and hiking.
Accommodation options include private rooms starting at around $22 and dorms from $12.50. Casa del Sol boasts a unique and stylish building design that blends traditional materials with modern touches creating a rustic yet chic aesthetic that perfectly complements the laid-back atmosphere.
The friendly and welcoming staff are always ready to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible. They are knowledgeable about Montañita and the surrounding areas, and can provide recommendations for the best surf adventure spots, dining options and activities.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
In addition to its great location, top-notch facilities, and helpful staff, Casa del Sol also offers a lively and social atmosphere but if you’re burned out after a long day there are plenty of quiet spots to chill and unwind, as well as a beautiful garden and green spaces where you can relax in peace with nature.
Casa del Sol is one of the best hostels in Montañita for those seeking a fun but peaceful and comfortable place to base themselves. With its fantastic location and facilities, hospitable staff and great atmosphere your stay is sure to be unforgettable.
Location: Casa del Sol is situated in Montañita, a mere stone’s throw from the shore. Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, in Guayaquil, is a three-hour drive from the property.
A great choice for
- couples
- female solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel
My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel is in a great location just a short walk from the beach and all the action in town. What really sets this place apart is the amazing outdoor space where you can chill in the hammocks and lounge chairs all day or party into the night. There’s a great balance of chilled daytime vibes and night time activities.
The rooms are clean and comfortable with plenty of space for all your gear. The shared bathrooms are also well-maintained and have hot water. You can snag a private room from $18 or share a dorm from $7. The kitchen and BBQ area are great for cooking up some delicious meals and there’s even a bar where you can grab a cold beer or a cocktail.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The staff at My Little House are awesome. They’re friendly, and knowledgeable and they’re always happy to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for the best surf spots, a hiking tour or just want to explore the town and party all night they’ve got you covered.
My Little House is a true backpacker hostel. There’s a great sense of community here, and it’s easy to meet other travellers and make new friends. There are also plenty of activities on offer, from surf lessons to yoga classes, so there’s always something to do.
If you’re looking for a party, a surf adventure or a big backpacker community then My Little House Surf and Backpacker Hostel is one of the best hostels in Montañita for you. With its prime location, amazing outdoor space, community, activities and friendly staff, it’s the perfect base for the full Montañita experience.
Location: My Little House Surf&backpacker Hostel is situated 5 minutes away from Montañita Beach, 1.5 km from Olon Beach and 72 km from General Ulpiano Paez Airport. It provides beachfront accommodation.
This is one of the best hostels in Montanita for
- backpackers
- budget travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. El Cielo
El Cielo is a bit further to walk from the beach and the action on the main street but there are plenty of great restaurants and shops nearby. As it’s further off the main part of town it’s one of the most serene spots you can stay and you are pretty much guaranteed a good night’s sleep at one of the best hostels in Montañita.
There is a big outdoor pool on-site which is just the perfect place to cool off after a day soaking up the sunshine or out on your surf adventures. It’s the best place to socialise as there’s plenty of space to hang out and relax around the pool in the garden. Snag a hammock and take a snooze or splash around with friends!
The staff here at El Cielo can help you with all your surf requirements. You can rent a board or set up a lesson. Everyone who works here is super friendly and welcoming, and they go out of their way to make sure you’re having a great time. They’re always happy to give recommendations for things to do in town or to help you plan your trip.
The rooms are clean and extremely comfortable with plenty of space to store your stuff. There are private rooms with double beds starting from around $30 or there are larger five-bed family rooms from $70 if you are travelling in a group.
Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s plenty to love about El Cielo. There’s free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected even when you’re relaxing by the pool and if you’re feeling social there’s always something going on at the hostel. From BBQs to movie nights there’s never a dull moment and always friendly faces around.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
All in all El Cielo Hostel is an amazing spot for backpackers in Montañita. Whether you’re looking to surf, party, or just relax by the pool, this place has got you covered. So if you’re planning a trip to Montañita be sure to check it out, you won’t be disappointed!
Location: El Cielo Montañita is situated in the Tigrillo neighborhood of Montañita, 600 meters from the beach. The city center is just a 15-minute walk away. The hostel is about a 5-minute walk from José Joaquín de Olmedo Guayaquil International Airport in Guayaquil.
This is one of the best Montanita hostel for:
- social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Montanita for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Montanita is Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel. This hostel is the perfect place for solo travelers looking to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Montañita. Located right in the center of town, this hostel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation with a variety of amenities, including a pool, free Wi-Fi, and a tour desk.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the hostel also offers yoga classes and surf lessons for guests. With its great location and friendly atmosphere, Esperanto Bed and Breakfast Surf Hostel is the perfect place for solo travelers looking to explore Montañita and make new friends.
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 here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking tips for Montanita
This town is seriously one of the coolest spots in Ecuador, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a backpacker looking for a fun and laid-back destination. Here is a bit more info on all of the main attractions of the town.
Montañita is best known for its incredible beach. The sand is soft and white, the water is warm and clear, and the waves are perfect for surfing. Whatever level you’re at, there’s a surf adventure here for you. If you’re not into surfing, the beach is still an amazing place to hang out, soak up some sun, and take in the beautiful scenery.
If you’re looking for a party, Montañita has some of the liveliest nightlife in all of Ecuador. The town is famous for its night time party scene, where there’s always something on. There are tons of bars, clubs and restaurants and the vibe is always friendly and fun. Whether you’re into dancing, drinking, or just chilling with new friends you’re guaranteed a good night.
Montañita is a town with a rich and vibrant culture. It’s known for its art, music and dance. From street performers to art exhibits, there’s no shortage of creativity and inspiration here and there’s always some kind of entertainment to be found. If you’re interested in learning more about the local culture, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie there are tons of adventure activities to choose from including surfing, zip-lining, parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Don’t forget the inland fun though as there are multitudes of hiking trails, waterfalls and rock climbing spots as well as white water rafting tours and kayaking.
Of course one of the best things about Montañita is the people. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help out. Because the town is such a popular destination for backpackers, you’ll also meet tons of other travellers from all over the world. It’s a great place to make lasting memories amongst a community of like-minded new friends.
Let’s Go!
There you have just a few of the many reasons why Montañita should be on your travel itinerary. It’s got some of the best accommodation and hospitality in Ecuador and whether you’re a surfer, a party animal, a foodie, a culture buff, an adventure-seeker or just looking to meet new people there is something here for you.
So now all that’s left to decide is which of the best hostels in Montañita will you be booking?
What about the cheapest hostels in Montanita?
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 Montanita.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Montanita
- 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.
It is completely free to join!
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 Montanita 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 Montanita?
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 Montanita put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Montanita hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
Any questions about hostels in Montanita? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Montanita?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Montanita?
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
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- 3 best hostels in Cuenca, Ecuador
- 3 Best Hostels in Baños, Ecuador
- best hostel in Guayaquil, Ecuador
- 3 best hostels in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 3 best hostels in Cusco, Peru – part of the 25 best hostels in Peru and party hostels in Cusco
- best hostels in Arequipa, Peru
- 3 best hostels in Huaraz, Peru
- coolest hostels in Bogota, Colombia
- 3 best hostels in Medellin, Colombia
- 3 best hostels in Santa Marta, Colombia
- 3 Best Hostels in San Andres, Colombia
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 Montanita 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
