Our host Maria was extremely kind and welcoming, she told us to treat our stay as if we were in our own home and made us feel like family. There was a nice little rooftop terrace with amazing views where you could relax in a hammock with a beer which you can buy in Marias shop downstairs which was exactly what we needed after a long hike. Both breakfast and dinner were delicious and generous, it was a lovely stay and we will definitely be back if we do this anazing hike again. Gracias Maria! ❤️ Norita y Archie

The name might be a little misleading, you are the personal guest of a local family, which will give you a warm welcome and let you have more comfort than they afford themselves. At the family table next to a warm stove I got a wonderful dinner and breakfast with mostly homegrown vegetables from their own fields. Rooms are simple, but clean, have a comfortable matress, very warm sheets and there's a hot shower. It is an honor to be a guest here!

“Staying with family”

Staying at this hostal was one of the most heartwarming and memorable experiences of our trip. The family who owns it are truly some of the most friendly and hospitable people we’ve ever met. From the moment we arrived, we felt more like cherished guests than just travelers passing through. Maria, the host, cooked us an incredible chicken soup using chickens from their own farm — it was not only delicious but made with so much care. She also invited us to try marocho con leche, a traditional Ecuadorian treat we had never tasted before, and it was absolutely delicious! What made this stay truly special were the hours we spent just talking with them — learning about their lives, their culture, and about Ecuador. It felt like being welcomed into someone’s home, not just a place to sleep. Another amazing touch was that we could choose the time for breakfast, which meant we were perfectly set up for the next day, ready to leave exactly when we needed to. That kind of flexibility and thoughtfulness made all the difference. For anyone far from home and missing the warmth of family, this is the place to come. They treat you like one of their own. On top of all that, the hostal itself was very clean, cozy, and the perfect spot to rest and recharge for the next day’s hike. We can’t recommend this place enough — it’s more than just accommodation, it’s an experience of true Ecuadorian hospitality.

The hosts Walter and Maria may be the nicest people in Ecuador. They are so lovely, hardworking, friendly, and helpful. The location is great, just off the trail to Quilotoa so you only need to start walking down hill in the morning. The hostel is very quiet. The food is good with nice big portion sizes. Definitely a good place to stay on the hike!

Host is amazing! Super friendly and does everything to help you! Much appreciated. Dinner and breakfast are super. So, would recommend this place if you decide to stay in this town.

An excellent place to stay in Chugchilán, run by a lovely local family who will ensure you have the best experience. The accommodation offers great value for the money.

I stayed here for one night whilst on the Quilotoa Loop, and had a brilliant time. The family are lovely, really kind, and the food and drink was excellent too.

“Almost like a home stay.”

If you are looking for more than a comfy bed and a hot shower, this is the place for you. Maria and her family made us feel very much at home. They even dried our shoes and cloth. Her cooking was delicious. Almost like a home stay.

“Exceptional”

I do like absolutely everything about this hostal it is 10/10 without any doubts.i couldnt imagine better welcoming and staying.Walter Maria and the whole family are just exceptional they will accomodate you to a very high standarde and make you feel like a family member.beds pillows are super comfy and douve and 2 blankets keeps you warm on a chilly nights.breakfast and dinner included in price which make the value even better and local food is just delicious.will definitely come back.mucias gracias walter y Maria hasta luego🤗🤗🤗

The family running this was so nice and the meals they made were delicious.

“Wonderful persons in a great hostel”

- The location - The chilling terasse -The kindness of the host, they are very wonderful

Clean,good value for money And Maria and Walter been the sweetest host ever. If you are on the Kilotoa hike don't forget to ask for the delicious sandwiches

“The lovely family welcomed us in as one of their own, the best people we’ve come across. They served us breakfast and di”

Based in a beautiful location, surrounded by gorgeous views.

“I highly recommend Backpacker’s. It is an excellent value & you wont find kinder hosts in Ecuador ❤”

Maria & her husband Walter are very kind, generous people. Maria prepared my breakfast & dinner each day & ensured that everything was to my liking. They also run a tienda if you are short of needed supplies or medicines. My single room was large & well equipped. The WiFi never dropped & was very strong. Backpacker’s is very close to a trail to quilotoa. Alternatively, a bus departs at 9 am & stops directly in front of backpacker’s. I highly recommend Backpacker’s hostel. It’s an excellent value with love and care mixed in.

Maria and her family are such kind and warmhearted people and made sure us guests were comfortable and had everything we needed. Felt like staying with family, so lovely. Definitely recommend. Thank you for everything!

María and her family welcomed me very nicely to their hostal. It really felt like home. They served very good and a lot food, I could take my rest and could relax very well. The rooms are cozy. The family even has a little shop, where I could buy snacks for the day. I highly recommend staying with María and her family in their hostel.

It is a new, small family owned hostel, so don't expect a big common chill area like in the more known hostels, but very friendly owners, a lot of good food (the most food I had on the whole trek!), hot shower. It was a wholesome experience.

“Very friendly owner”

Very friendly and helpful owner You can decide when to take breakfast for an early hiking start

This is one of the best hostels i ve stayed. Is like being home because everything is just perfect and the owners are very warm and helpful and make you feel a member of the family Is in perfect position for hiking the Quilotoa loop and the dinner and breakfast are very good. Wonderful family and very comfortable place! Don't miss it!

“Amazing stay in ecuador!”

If we could, we would give even more points! It was sooo nice with maria & walter! They are super amazing. Its kind of a homestay with privacy. They do amazing cooking, they take care about you, they give you everything what you need! We would come again everytime. We really appreciated the stay! Thank you so much maria & walter!