The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Iguana Backpackers is located in Montañita, the most famous party spot in Ecuador. It has a fairly good reputation and many locals seem to know about it.
The Location
it is located slightly outside the main road, after the bridge, and it is only five minutes' walking to the bars and restaurants. The beach is very close, right in front of the place, only a few hundred meters away. The bus stop (which is the only way to reach Montañita) is very close, less than five minutes' walking.
Rooms and Bathrooms
It offers both private and dorm rooms. The entire structure of the hostel is old, dirty, and smelly, especially the rooms. Mattresses are old, broken, and uncomfortable. Bedsheets are very dirty and old as well, making the sleep totally unpleasant. In addition, mosquito nets are not available and mosquitos are everywhere. Lockers are available -- bring your own lock. There is air conditioning in the rooms, making it a bit better, but many rooms have mud in the ceiling. Bathrooms are around the hostel to be shared with everybody, and similar to the rooms, are old and smelly. Cleanliness is absolutely not taken seriously by the staff.
Common Spaces
There are some hammocks and chairs around the hostel, and a little bar that sometimes organizes some events. There is also an open common kitchen that guests can barely use as the cooking equipment is very old, dirty, and broken, making it hard to cook. There is a large area on the back of the hostel with chairs and tables where guests can chill and have a meal. A good point to mention for this hostel is that breakfast is included in the rate and it is usually tasty and fresh. The vibe here is sometimes a party one, and sometimes more relaxed. In general it is a hippie place, with many people smoking and playing the guitar. Sometimes during the weekends the staff organizes events such as an open bar pre-drink in order to gather guests and arrange the party. It is not too difficult to meet other travelers during these events, and many locals enter the hostel to party as well.
Summary
It is an ok place for partying and meeting other people, but it is not recommended for a nice sleep as beds and rooms are of a lower quality. Mosquitos are also highly present and the smell of the place is not great. Free breakfast is a plus.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+4
Marioilnero
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jul 31, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
• Short walk from the center of Montaita. • In the bus stop continue walking on the same main road around 200 meters you will see a small bridge, turn right after the bridge. You will see the hostel from the bridge,first hostel on the right. • Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport is 180 km away. Iguana Backpackers is 540 km from Quito.