Hostal Taita Cristobal

This hostal is AMAZING! We cannot recommend it highly enough. It is very affordable at $15/night per person (if you book directly) which includes a delicious and filling dinner and breakfast (vegetarian options available!). There is a very nice, cozy common room with a stove for heat and couches to relax. There are incredible views from the front yard with llamas for the perfect photo op. Our room was comfortable with hot water and thick blankets. We also learned a bit about local culture listening to stories and memories from the owner, which was very special. There is also an attached store to buy snacks and drinks if you want. And the hostal offers lunches to go if you are hiking the Quilotoa trail and would like to take one on your walk. It was a pleasure to stay here.

The food was amazing, good hospitality with very good English. Good seating area with an amazing view. Lots of places to charge devices with both USB and plugs which we found very helpful as we were camping. Seemed to be very popular for groups hiking the route to Quilotoa

We loved our stay at Taita Cristobal. The room was very clean and ready for our arrival. We had hot water. The attached store had all the extra things we could ask for. Dinner and breakfast were excellent. I had accidently taken the room key from our previous hostal in the town of Chugchilan, and our hostal owner coordinated to have it returned. We would stay here again!

This hostel is used mostly by hikers doing the Quilotoa loop so typically has young backpackers. It is the best hostel we stayed at in Ecuador. The rooms are well thought out with multiple shelves and hooks to hang your wet gear. There is a common room with a wood stove and rack to dry your stuff. There is free potable water and free tea, a step above what you typically find in the area. The hostess was incredible. She came around to every table at supper with a map to show everyone where to go and what to avoid on the trail. When we were leaving, she came out with us to the road to point out where the start of the trail is. The food is excellent. There is quick hot water, a rare thing on the trail. It's a great hostel.