Take a dip in this city full of colonial charm and stay at one of Cuenca's best hostels while exploring. Cuenca's Old Town (dating back to the 16th century) is an impressive feat of domes and high steeples.
You will notice a culture that is very focused on religion. Traditions and customs have held like glue for centuries in Cuenca.
We've put together a guide featuring the best hostels in Cuenca so you can quickly pick a place to stay. Take a look below to find a hostel that suits your needs.
Quick Recommendations
- Quiet Night - Pepe's House
- Social Atmosphere - El Cafecito Cuenca
- Partying - Alternative Hostels
- City Entertainment - Posada del Rio in Cuenca
- Cheap Stay - Mallki Hostel
What to Look For
At an elevation of over 8,500 feet in the Andes mountains, you will fall in love with its mountainside charm. Even the climate is to die for.
But that is not all Cuenca is known for. Its architecture and the kind-hearted people of Cuenca make it one of Ecuador's most popular cities for tourists and expats alike.
You only need to know what areas to stay in to capture everything. Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding where to stay.
Best Neighborhoods
First, it must be noted that Cuenca has an overall safer feel than the bigger, busier cities in Ecuador, such as Quito and Guayaquil. There are no neighborhoods around the central part of the city that you must avoid for safety.
That said, petty theft still occurs, so take care of your belongings when on the streets.
If you are a first-time visitor, stay in El Centro. It is where the historic Old Town-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-is, and where much of the action in Cuenca generally takes place.
There are plenty of hostel options around here, and food and shopping are easy to find because it is a highly visited place.
Barrio Santa Anita is another nearby neighborhood with all the amenities a traveler needs. However, it is a bit further from some of the main attractions.
These are the two neighborhoods where backpackers stay, with a large majority focused on El Centro. Both are safe neighborhoods, and most things are within walking distance.
Cost of Hostels
The costs of travel in most of Ecuador are pretty consistent. With a few exceptions, you pretty much get what you pay for, and Cuenca is no different.
Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $ 12 per night for a bed in a hostel. However, some hostels are better than others, so read on to see which ones you will not regret staying in!
See also: Cost of Travel in Ecuador
Best Hostels in Cuenca
It is time to get down to business. Below, we have highlighted some of the best hostels in Cuenca based on what you may be looking for.
Best Hostel for a Quiet Night - Pepe's House
From $10 for a dorm (6 beds) - Pepe's House is the perfect place for a quiet night of rest. It is within walking distance of some of Cuenca's most popular attractions, such as Calderón Park. It is also not far from many shops, restaurants, historic churches, and markets.
The hostel has a bar and cafe serving a delicious breakfast (not included), and the area is excellent for socializing. Please note that the bar closes at 9 PM, enabling guests to get a full night's sleep. It is also a great place to stay the night before a flight, as it is only seven minutes from the airport. Check availability: Hostelworld
Best Hostel for Social Atmosphere - El Cafecito Cuenca
From $10 for a dorm (6 beds) - El Cafecito Cuenca is a wonderful place to link up with fellow backpackers for day adventures and nighttime shenanigans. Its rooftop bar with lovely city views and mountainous vistas brings ambiance on par with Cuenca itself.
Join the nightly family dinner-a 5-course vegetarian meal prepared with produce straight from the fresh market across the street daily. It is delicious, and the conversations after eating, the "sobremesas," are worth staying for.
Tony, the owner, knows so much about the city and can give you the best recommendations for Cuenca and the rest of your trip around South America. Check availability: Hostelworld
Best Hostel for Party-Goers - AlterNative Hostels
From $8 for a dorm (5 beds) - Located in Cuenca's city center, steps away from Museo Pumapungo, AlterNative Hostel is a great place to stay in the city.
Its location at the corner of Calle Larga and Avenida Huayna Capac puts it at the heart of the party in Cuenca. Avenida Huayna Capac is the city's central spot for bars and nightclubs.
Though the hostel does not serve food, there is a delicious cafeteria next door and a fresh market a few blocks away. You can also cook your own food in the well-equipped hostel kitchen. If you don't mind a bit of noise, this is the perfect place to stay and experience Cuenca's nightlife! Check availability: Hostelworld
See also: Ecuador Nightlife - Bars, Clubs, and Dating Tips
Best Hostel for City Entertainment - Posada del Rio in Cuenca
From $8 for a dorm (5 beds) - Posada del Rio in Cuenca is the perfect place to see everything quickly. This is, perhaps, the best-situated hostel in all of Cuenca. You can walk almost anywhere in the city in a secure neighborhood where other people will be on the streets with you.
Not only that, but Posada del Rio offers a great backyard with BBQ equipment available and a well-suited kitchen for those who like to cook while backpacking. The inside is old (but clean). Therefore, the floorboards creak, which can be bothersome at night if you are a light sleeper. Check availability: Hostelworld
Best Cheap Hostel - Mallki Hostel
From $6 for a dorm (8 beds) - One can't go wrong with Mallki Hostel for a budget hostel. Only a few blocks from Cuenca's historical center, riverfront, and nightlife, it is in the perfect location to suit time-limited travelers.
The hostel is pet-friendly, which will appeal to animal lovers. Other guests will love the free daily activities, which include family dinners and bicycle tours.
Mallki has a great garden with a BBQ area and a balcony bar. It is one of our favorite places to stay in Cuenca. With complimentary breakfast included, there is no room for complaining, although we wish the electrical outlets were near the beds. Check availability: Hostelworld
Conclusion
Cuenca is a charming city just thirty minutes from Guayaquil and an hour from Quito by plane. It's easy to add to your backpacking itinerary and witness the colonial town many people regard as their favorite in Ecuador.
If anything, you can walk around its cobblestone streets, underneath its centuries-old architecture, sharing sidewalks with nuns and catholic school children dressed up in uniform, enjoying the spring climate.