Hotel in Baños, Ecuador
Hostal Macondo Baños
Cozy hostel in Baños adventure town offers dorms and private rooms, shared kitchen, hammock lounge, and helpful staff who arrange tours. Perfect base for canyoning, rafting, and waterfall visits. Social backpacker atmosphere.
Hostal Macondo Baños sits on 12 de Noviembre at the corner of Martinez in Baños de Agua Santa, a small Andean town in Ecuador's Tungurahua Province that has earned a reputation as the adventure sports capital of the central sierra. The hostel's central location places guests within easy reach of the town's main square, the thermal baths fed by Tungurahua volcano's geothermal waters, and the departure points for the outdoor activity operators that line the main streets. Baños itself is perched at approximately 1,820 metres on the slopes of Tungurahua, one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes, and the dramatic valley setting — surrounded by steep forested flanks — contributes significantly to its appeal for travellers passing through the Ecuadorian highlands or travelling the main route between Quito and Cuenca.
The hostel offers both dormitory beds and private rooms at rates competitive for the budget accommodation market in Baños, ranging from approximately USD 10 for dorm bunks to USD 34 for private rooms during high season. A fully equipped shared kitchen allows self-catering, a significant advantage for extended stays or budget-conscious travellers. The common room and hammock area provide relaxed communal spaces well suited to the property's social backpacker atmosphere, and free Wi-Fi extends throughout the property. Luggage storage is available for day-trip departures.
Staff at Hostal Macondo are a practical resource for activity planning in Baños. The town's adventure sports offer an extensive menu: whitewater rafting on the Pastaza River, canyoning in surrounding canyons, bungee jumping from valley bridges, zip-lining across the gorge, and cycling or scootering the Ruta de las Cascadas (Route of the Waterfalls) to the spectacular Pailón del Diablo waterfall. The famous Casa del Árbol swing, suspended over the Tungurahua volcanic crater rim at around 4,000 metres, is a full-day excursion arranged by local operators and a singular highland experience. Staff can connect guests with reputable local operators and help confirm safety standards and group departure times.
The hostel's position makes it a natural staging point for travellers journeying between Quito (approximately three hours north by bus) and Cuenca (approximately five hours south), or for those travelling onward to the Amazon lowlands via Puyo. Day trips to Parque Nacional Sangay and to the highland markets of Riobamba are also feasible from this base. The thermal public pools of Baños, fed by volcanic spring water, are a short walk from the hostel and provide an atmospheric evening activity after a day of outdoor exertion. Accommodation at Hostal Macondo fills quickly during weekends and Ecuadorian national holidays when Baños receives high volumes of domestic visitors, and advance booking is advisable during these periods.
Amenities
- shared kitchen
- hammock area
- tour booking
- free WiFi
- luggage storage
- common room
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +593 3-274-0987
Location
12 de Noviembre y Martinez, Baños, Ecuador
-1.3953, -78.4243 — View on map
Highlights
- Central Baños location on 12 de Noviembre, walking distance to thermal baths, tour operators, and the main square
- Social atmosphere with dormitory beds and private rooms from USD 10, shared kitchen, and hammock lounge
- Staff connecting guests with rafting, canyoning, zip-lining, and the Ruta de las Cascadas waterfall excursions
- Practical staging point between Quito and Cuenca on Ecuador's main highland travel corridor
- Budget-friendly rates with luggage storage for day-trip departures from Tungurahua volcano's slopes
Tips
- Book beds at least a week ahead for weekend stays and Ecuadorian national holidays when Baños fills with domestic visitors
- The thermal public baths are best visited early morning or late evening to avoid midday crowds; bring a personal towel
- Rent a bicycle from operators near the bus terminal to ride the Ruta de las Cascadas downhill toward Puyo — more enjoyable than walking
- Rafting on the Pastaza River runs year-round; water levels are highest from November to January, producing faster rapids suited to more experienced rafters
- Reserve a day for the Casa del Árbol swing excursion, which requires clear skies for views into the Tungurahua crater — cloudy days block the view entirely
FAQ
Is Hostal Macondo Baños suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. The hostel's dormitory format and communal common areas make it well suited to solo travellers. Staff can match guests with group departures for activities, reducing the per-person cost of tours that require minimum group sizes.
How do guests reach Baños from Quito or Cuenca?
Buses to Baños depart from Quito's Quitumbe terminal approximately every hour and take around three hours. From Cuenca, the journey takes approximately five hours with a connection through Ambato. The inter-provincial bus station in Baños is a short walk from the hostel.
Are adventure activities in Baños safe for first-time participants?
Reputable operators in Baños are licensed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism and provide safety equipment and briefings. Visitors should confirm operator licensing and use provided safety gear for all activities. The hostel staff can recommend well-regarded local operators with established safety records.
Does the hostel provide towels and bed linen?
Dormitory beds include mattresses and pillows; towel rental or purchase is typically available on-site. Guests in private rooms generally receive bed linen. Confirm towel inclusions when booking as policies vary by room type and season.
Accessibility
Hostal Macondo Baños is a multi-storey budget property. The hostel does not advertise wheelchair accessibility, and dormitory bunk beds are not suitable for guests with significant mobility restrictions. Travellers with accessibility requirements should contact the hostel directly to discuss available options.
When to visit
Baños is a year-round destination for adventure sports. The drier months from June through September offer the most reliable conditions for outdoor activities. Weekend and holiday periods bring the highest domestic visitor numbers, making weekday visits preferable for a quieter experience.