If you’re planning a trip to South America, you’ll definitely want to drop in the vibrant city of Guayaquil! It is the largest and one of the oldest cities in Ecuador, established in 1538. Even though the city has undergone modernisation, you can still find plenty of ancient buildings dipped in historical allure. Before we dive into the best hostels in Guayaquil, here’s some more info about Guayaquil.
Guayaquil has experienced a significant surge in the rise of tourism, mainly because it’s the only gateway to the beautiful Galapagos Islands. However, many travellers have witnessed the beauty of the Ecuadorian metropolis and opted for a much longer stay! We’re so ecstatic about your next trip to this magnificent city, so we wanted to offer our top recommendations for the best hostels in Guayaquil!
Looking for more travel destinations in Ecuador? Here you’ll find the best hostels in Ecuador.
Our favorite hostels in Guayaquil are:
- Pepe’s House - best for solo travelers
- Hostel Nucapacha - best for backpackers
- Villa Maria Guesthouse - best for female solo travelers
- Extra: Casa Michael - best for budget travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Pepe’s House
2. Hostel Nucapacha
3. Villa Maria Guesthouse
Guayaquil is bursting with culture, fantastic architecture and food that will simply blow your mind away, making it one of the most vibrant cities in Ecuador and even South America! At first sight, you’re immediately going to notice the many colourful buildings nestled atop a hill. That is the lively neighbourhood of Las Peñas, where all the best restaurants, bars and cafes are located.
Additionally, some of the bright-coloured buildings are art galleries and museums where you can taste Guayaquil’s culture. Even if you’re not a big patron of the arts, the interiors of these establishments are simply impressive and are absolutely worth visiting! Furthermore, you can also find the Diego Noboa y Areta stairway, which includes 444 steps in total that lead up to the top of the hill.
At the top, you can visit the stunning Chapel of Santa Ana, built in 1548, as well as an iconic lighthouse where you can get a brilliant panoramic view of the entire city!
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
Speaking of places that you absolutely have to visit while visiting Guayaquil, the Malecon 2000 is a favourite amongst previous travellers! The 2.4 km (1.5 mi) long boardwalk overlooks the Guayas river and features an abundance of shops, public squares, entertainment centres and vivid lush gardens. Throughout history, Malecon 2000 was the most popular meeting point in all of Guayaquil for locals, however, it was the epicentre for crime and prostitution.
Don’t worry, though – those days are long gone in the past, and the beautiful boardwalk has been restored to its former glory. In the middle of it, you’ll be met by the remarkable monument La Rotondo which honours Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin – two of the greatest fighters for South America’s independence. Finally, you must check out La Perla (The Pearl), the largest Ferris wheel on the continent! It soars 57 meters (187 feet) above the city, so you can only imagine how magnificent the vista will be from the top!
There’s so much more that makes Guayaquil the fantastic city that it is – it’s pretty easy to get lost in its beauty! Additionally, the influx of travellers has greatly contributed to the establishment of excellent accommodation. We have carefully sorted and reviewed a lot of them and picked out the best hostels in Guayaquil for your convenience!
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Guayaquil
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Guayaquil cost $10 – $15 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 Guayaquil: The most popular way to get around Guayaquil, Ecuador is by bus. Taxis are also plentiful and affordable, although it is always advisable to agree on a price in advance. If you prefer something a bit more comfortable, there are also car rental and private chauffeur services available. Finally, for those looking for a more adventurous way to explore the area, there are bicycles and motorcycles available for rent.
Best time to travel Guayaquil: The best time to travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador is during the months of October through April when the weather is the most pleasant and the rainfall is minimal. It is also a great time to experience the vibrant culture and the many festivals that take place during this time. However, be aware that the high season in Guayaquil is during the months of December and January, so prices can be higher and good hostels may be harder to find.
Safety in Guayaquil: Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, has a reputation for crime and violence. However, the city has seen an improvement in safety in recent years, and many tourists visit the city without incident. To stay safe in Guayaquil, tourists should take precautionary measures, such as avoiding isolated areas, using caution when exchanging money, and avoiding walking alone at night.
It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and not to flaunt valuable items such as jewellery or expensive electronics. Tourists should also be aware of the local laws and customs and should use reputable transportation services to get around the city.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Guayaquil are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Guayaquil.
- Pepe’s House – best for solo travelers
- Hostel Nucapacha – best for backpackers
- Villa Maria Guesthouse – best for female solo travelers
- Extra: Casa Michael - best for budget travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Guayaquil. 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. Pepe’s House
2. Hostel Nucapacha
3. Villa Maria Guesthouse
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Pepe’s House |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Villa Maria Guesthouse |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | Casa Michael |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Villa Maria Guesthouse |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Casa Michael |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Pepe’s House |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Hostel Nucapacha |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Pepe’s House |
1. Pepe’s House
Pepe’s House is one of the finest hostels in Guayaquil, where minimalist simplicity and industrialism take over! The hostel features an excellent location right in front of the Malecon 2000, steps away from all the city’s famous landmarks. Moreover, the accommodation is considered to be a micro-hotel, so you can take great pleasure in its hospitality.
Pepe’s House has 7 rooms, fitting up to 3 people in total. It’s an excellent option for couples who travel to Guayaquil as it has room options that feature queen-sized beds. The rest of them have double beds, and all include private bathrooms, so you don’t have to share with other people.
The hostel also features a self-check-in option typically done before you arrive. Pepe’s Hosue is also a great option for all digital nomads out there since the WiFi here is pretty fast and ultra-reliable!
Location: The accommodation is located in Guayaquil, just a few steps away from Malecon 2000 and 1.3 km from the city centre. José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport is 3 km from the property.
The best choice in Guayaquil for
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Hostel Nucapacha
Hostel Nucapacha caters mostly to backpackers, making it an old-school entry in our list of the best hostels in Guayaquil. The customer service here is fantastic, and you’ll also be in the company of a quite unusual yet adorable part of the staff – the owner’s dog, Nacho! The remote area where it’s located is pretty serene and quiet, however, there are a few good bars and restaurants in its vicinity.
Although the rooms at the Nucapacha Hostel are quite basic, they provide excellent comfort and cleanliness. You should be aware that there is no hot water in the showers or air-conditioning, but each room is equipped with a fan. Additionally, you can beat the heat in the pool which is where most other travellers hang out, and there’s even a bar for your convenience. Finally, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can always take pick up some seasonal fruit that’s grown in the hostel’s garden!
Location: Nucapacha Hostel is situated near several attractions, with Plaza del Sol being 4.7 km away and Las Iguanas Park 4.9 km away. Those wishing to fly in can do so at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, which is 3 km away. Other nearby sites include Saint Francis Church (4.5 km), Malecon 2000 (5.1 km), and Ramón Unamuno Stadium (4.4 km).
A great choice for
- backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Villa Maria Guesthouse
Villa Maria Guesthouse is a cosy accommodation that offers a pretty laid-back stay. It mostly resembles a homestay since the guesthouse is conjoined with the owners’ house. As a result, you’ll be receiving the utmost hospitality, as Maria and her daughter will help out with any need that you may have.
Keep in mind that Villa Maria is close to the airport; however, it’s pretty far from the city centre. There is a bus station nearby, and the trip to the centre takes about 45 minutes. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Ecuadorian style, and they’re really clean – although not the most spacious.
The area is perfectly safe, making this accommodation the perfect stat for female solo travellers. There is no hot water in the accommodation, but Guayaquil is pretty hot in general, so you won’t need it. Lastly, Villa Maria is not the most social space, so you should choose this accommodation if you want a relaxing and quiet stay.
Location: The property is located approximately 8 km from Saint Francis Church, 8.5 km from Malecon 2000, and 3.4 km from Plaza del Sol.
This is one of the best hostels in Guayaquil for
- female solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Casa Michael
Casa Michael is a similar accommodation to Villa Maria, although it’s much closer to the city centre, just a 5-minute bus ride away from the city centre. It is located in the attractive Alborada neighbourhood, which is also pretty safe. There are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets in the area for your convenience.
Casa Michael features colourful furnishings, and the rooms are well-equipped as well. However, the 8-bed dormitories might be a little stuffy since the space is not suited for that many people. The accommodation is pretty social, with a lot of guests coming and going, but the noise may be an issue for some people.
There are also plenty of hammocks scattered around the entire space, and there’s even a ping-pong table to keep you entertained for hours! Additionally, make sure to ask the owners for an organised tour of the Galapagos Islands since they have the best deals in the area!
Location: The guest house Casa Michael is located 3 km from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. It is 7.5 km from Santa Ana Hill Lighthouse and 7.6 km from Santa Ana Park. Additionally, it is 8 km from Saint Francis Church, 8.5 km from Malecon 2000, and 3.5 km from Plaza del Sol.
This is one of the best Guayaquil hostel for:
- budget travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Guayaquil for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Guayaquil is Pepe’s House.
It is located in the heart of the city, close to the airport and the main attractions. The hostel offers private rooms and dorms, as well as a communal kitchen, living area and a large outdoor terrace.
The staff is friendly and always willing to help. The hostel also provides free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment options nearby. All in all, Pepe’s House is the perfect place for solo travelers in Guayaquil who are looking for a safe and comfortable place to stay.
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 Guayaquil
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle of your daily life, Guayaquil is the place to be! Here are some backpacking tips that will be incredibly handy when visiting this fantastic location!
- One of the biggest concerns you may have for your trip to Guayaquil is your safety. Rest assured that the city is completely safe. However, make sure to keep all of your personal belongings close to you. Additionally, when you get into a cab, look for licence plates flagged in orange or ask your hostel to call a reliable taxi service.
- The pirate cruise trip is one of the experiences in Guayaquil you don’t want to miss out on! You’ll have the opportunity to sail along an ancient pirate ship, and you’ll get to see all of the special monuments of the city. For the best experience, make sure to book your tour during sunset, as you’ll enjoy the breathtaking city landscapes in a majestic setting!
- Seminario Park is sure to impress all animal lovers! As you stroll along the park’s lush greenery, you’ll stumble upon some quite unusual creatures – iguanas! Certain vendors sell salads made specifically for exotic animals, and there’s even a pond full of turtles! Don’t be surprised when you see certain iguanas reaching a meter in length!
What about the cheapest hostels in Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Guayaquil
- 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?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
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.
I 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.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Guayaquil 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.
My Best Hostels in Guayaquil for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
We’re listing all the three best Guayaquil hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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