THE FREE SPIRIT HOSTEL ECUADOR
Surf, sun & sMILEs
in puerto Engabao
Beachfront Surf & Yoga Hostel | Breakfast & Dinner Included
Escape the crowds. Surf empty waves. Eat healthy food. The most authentic experience on the on the Ecuadorian coast.
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Free Breaky & Dinner
Surf Everyday
Community Vibes
Yoga With a View
Hidden & Real - Community, Surf, Yoga and Relax at the beach!
Our hidden paradise is located in the south of Ecuador, 2h from Guayaquil International Airport and a 3-hour escape from the bustle of Montañita, in a small fishing village called Puerto Engabao. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, surfers, and adventure seekers to connect, relax, and experience the best of the Ecuadorian coast. We offer a beachfront paradise with surf, yoga, and a welcoming community in Puerto Engabao..
The Hostel
Large common spaces, private backyard & much more
Pool & Chilling spots
Enjoy our backyard pool, game areas and the best place to watch the sunset
Beach Front Surf & Yoga
Waves for any level, surf rental & lessons, Yoga deck and Yoga classes
OUR PACKAGES
*flexible duration, or stay-only also available
Starting at
330$ / 6 nights
Experience a 6-night surf getaway with lessons, yoga, unlimited boards, and nourishing vegetarian meals.
Starting at
40$ / night
Ride as much as you want with unlimited board rentals, and enjoy free breakfast and dinner each day for an easy, surf-focused escape.
Starting at
35$ / night
Find your flow with daily yoga class, plus free breakfast and dinner — a balanced and rejuvenating retreat from start to finish.
Starting at
30$ / night
Keep it simple with daily breakfast and dinner included — everything you need for a comfortable, stress-free getaway.
To choose a package, select the package option under your room on the booking page.
A ROOM FOR EVERYONE
Dorms to a full range of private rooms for all budget. Plus anywhere you book includes free breakfast & dinner. Even if you sleep on the beach!
Family/Friends Private Room
2 People
3 People
4 People
Deluxe Fan Private Room
2 People
3 People
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Your Home by The Ocean
At Free Spirit Hostel, it’s all about good vibes, community, and a true connection to nature. We’re more than just a place to sleep — we’re a home for surfers, yogis, solo travelers, couples and anyone who’s chasing freedom and adventure.
Our spacious common area is the heart of the hostel — a place to relax, recharge, or dive into the good vibes. Whether you’re in the mood to swing in a hammock with a book, challenge a new friend to pool or ping pong, or just hang out with fellow travelers, there’s always something going on.
Relax by the pool or dive into the ocean just steps from your room. Grab a drink at our beautiful bar and enjoy front-row seats to some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see.
Need to get some work done? We’ve got you covered with our dedicated free co-working space. Designed specifically for digital nomads and remote workers, our space offers high-speed, reliable WiFi and plenty of power outlets. It’s the ultimate work-surf balance—where your "office" is just steps away from the waves.
Feel the Free Spirit on Ecuador’s Coast – without giving up comfort.
- private rooms up to 4 people (with fan, 1x room with aircondition)
- dorms (with fan and max. 4 people)
- Individually designed rooms with private or shared bathrooms
- All beds come with a mosquito net for a peaceful night’s sleep
Whether you choose a shared dorm or a private room, each space is designed with love — simple, comfortable, and perfect for recharging after a day of surf, yoga, and sunshine.
Surf’s always up — Just steps from your bed
With a point break and beach break right out front, you’re never more than a few steps from the next wave. Whether you’re a total beginner or already chasing green waves, our spot is made for all levels.
Grab a board anytime and paddle out — no crowds, no stress. Just you and the ocean. With over 15 surf spots nearby and great swells, we’re blessed to live next to some of Ecuador’s best waves.
Boards are available at the hostel and if you’re just getting started, we offer surf lessons with experienced local instructors who’ll have you popping up in no time.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer, we also offer surf trips with experienced guides who know the best local breaks.
Daily Yoga on our oceanfront deck
Breathe in the ocean air and flow with the rhythm of the waves. Our beautiful, open-air yoga deck sits just steps from the beach, offering front-row views of the Pacific.
With the sound of the sea as your soundtrack and the ocean breeze on your skin, it’s the perfect space to move, stretch, and reconnect.
We offer daily yoga classes for all levels, led by passionate teachers in a laid-back and supportive atmosphere.
Prefer your own practice? No problem — yoga mats and props are available for you to use anytime.This is your space to slow down, tune in, and feel good.
Food made with Love – Fresh, healthy & delicious
At Free Spirit Hostel, we believe in food that fuels the soul. Every evening we serve a freshly made, healthy vegetarian dinner, crafted with local ingredients and good vibes. Whether you’ve just come back from a surf session or a yoga flow, our dinners are the perfect way to gather, connect, and enjoy.
For breakfast, you can choose from three tasty options:
- Scrambled eggs with toast & fresh fruit
- Peanut butter toast with banana & fruit
- Smoothie bowl topped with granola, banana & chia seeds
Not just for vegetarians! Our guests love our weekly Ecuadorian Shrimp 'Tipico' nights, occasional BBQ feasts and our meat empanadas sold at our bar. You won't go hungry.
Got allergies or special requests? Just let us know — we’re happy to adapt!
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Puerto Engabao – A hidden gem on Ecuador’s Coast
Welcome to Puerto Engabao, a small and authentic fishing village where time slows down and the ocean sets the rhythm. It’s hidden, peaceful, and full of character. The perfect alternative to Montañita: all the waves, none of the noise.
You’ll find delicious local restaurants serving fresh seafood and Ecuadorian classics at friendly prices, perfect for lunch after a surf session. For those who want to hit the streets, the village also features an amazing skate park, and we offer skateboard rentals right here at the hostel! It’s a place to experience real coastal culture, away from the tourist crowds but close enough to feel connected.
And if you ever need a dose of city life, the next bigger town is just a 30-minute bus ride away — and it costs only 90 cents. There you’ll find ATMs, a big supermarket, shopping malls, cozy cafés, and everything else you might need to stock up or explore for a few hours.
Everyday brings new waves, new friends, and new memories
It's time for you to seize that day in Ecuador
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The best time to visit us on the ecuadorian coast is between October and June.
As we are located south of the equator, please keep in mind that from June until November is our 'cool season,' which is less hot than the summer months (February to May). This period brings more wind and a bit less sunshine, but still offers good surfing conditions. It is perfect for those who do not like the hot weather.
Surf-wise, we have two distinct swell seasons:
The Northern swell season: December to May. This brings cleaner waves with warmer water and more favorable wind patterns (offshore or light wind), especially in the mornings. Wave size is generally smaller, but highly rideable. This is perfect for intermediate surfers and those seeking clean, comfortable sessions.
The Southern swell season: June to November. This means bigger and more powerful waves. However, conditions are usually more windy, particularly in the afternoons (onshore wind), which can make the waves less clean. This is perfect for advanced surfers seeking size and power, or for those who prioritize early morning sessions to beat the wind.
Absolutely!
In fact, most of our guests arrive solo! Our family-style dinners, daily free activities, daily yoga classes, and group surf lessons make it effortless to meet people. You will arrive alone but leave with a new family.
Yes! We have reliable 5G high-speed Fiber WiFi suitable for video calls and remote work. Many digital nomads stay with us for weeks at a time.
We have a free, dedicated co-working space perfect for digital nomads or those working/studying remotely who need to stay productive.
We also have a backup generator to ensure uninterrupted connection and power, even in the event of local power outages.
We offer Wi-Fi (fiber optic) in all common areas of the hostel.
We do not recommend drinking tap water in Ecuador or at least in our village. However, at Free Spirit Hostel, we provide free filtered drinking water for all our guests to keep you hydrated and reduce plastic waste. Just bring your reusable bottle or buz one from our sopuvenir shop!
We only accept US Dollars (USD) as our currency.
We recommend bringing cash (USD) and small bills to avoid the 10% processing fee on cards payment.
Note: There are no ATMs in Puerto Engabao or Engabao (closest is 30 mins away in Playas), so please withdraw cash in Guayaquil or Playas before arriving!
Absolutely. Puerto Engabao is a small, tight-knit fishing village where everyone knows each other. It is much safer and quieter than big cities or busy party towns like Montañita.
Yes, we do!
We provide a fully-equipped guest kitchen.
Since it’s opening, The Free Spirit Hostel has built part of its experience on the type of food we consume, and the way we appreciate it. Although we offer fresh fish once a week, all of our dinners are vegetarian. Instead of meat, our team match different flavors, combining spices, fresh local vegetables and original ideas to excite your taste buds in a creative manner.
We focus on local ingredients and filling portions that even meat-eaters love. If you crave meat, you can always order at our bar our delicious meat empanadas (or vegetarian) or you are welcome to buy meat in town or Playas and cook it in our guest kitchen.
Dinner is served family style, meaning that guests, staff members and owners get together for dinner to sit together on one big table.
Bed sheets and pillows are provided at the hostel. Towels are available to rent for 2$, though they are provided complimentary in all private rooms.
This could happen for two reasons. Either we already have a full house for the dates you’ve chosen, or because there’s a problem with the length of your stay, it doesn’t follow the minimum night policy (depending on the season) of 3 nights or 6 nights. If you want to be sure you can still write us, sometimes we can arrange something for you.
We only accept US Dollars (USD) as our currency.
We recommend bringing cash (USD) and small bills to avoid the 10% processing fee on cards payment.
Note: There are no ATMs in Puerto Engabao or Engabao (closest is 30 mins away in Playas), so please withdraw cash in Guayaquil or Playas before arriving!
Anyone aged 14 or over is entitled to stay at the hostel as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian that is over the age of 18. This must be pre-arranged with the hostel. Anyone over the age of 18 can stay here without any restrictions.
Yes, make The Free Spirit Hostel your home for 3+ weeks!
Our long-term stays come with an amazing discount of up to 30%. Your rate is fully inclusive, covering delicious breakfast and dinner daily. Plus, you'll receive 50% off any of our packages (LTS, yoga, or surf rental), and Digital Nomads will love the reliable high-speed Wi-Fi (fiber optic). Don't miss out on this unbeatable value—contact us now to book!
We offer a Learn to surf package and it’s our biggest seller. You can take it all year long since we have the chance to have waves in front of the hostel 365 days a year. To see what’s include click the Learn to Surf tab at the top of the page.
The Intermediate Surf Package is designed for surfers who have progressed beyond the whitewater and are ready to refine their technique, step up their wave riding, and improve maneuvers on unbroken waves.
This package includes an advanced coaching session of 1,5h every two days, also an unlimited access to all available surfboards for the duration of your stay and a daily yoga class for strength and recovery.
By Taxi:
We offer a taxi service directly from the Guayaquil airport for 75$US (85$US from 10pm to 7am). To book a taxi, please message us via Facebook or email.
By Car:
It’s about a 1h30 ride from Guayaquil. Take the ‘Via a la Costa’ to Progreso, in Progreso follow the signs to Playas Villamil. Once you get to Playas take the road to Engabao, from there continue on the dirt road to Puerto Engabao and follow the “Via a la Playa” sign to find us right in front of the beach.
By Bus:
From the terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil, take a direct bus to Playas (directo), which usually leaves every 30 minutes with “Cooperativa Villamil or Cooperativa Posorja”. Watch out, the last bus leaves at 8 pm (if you miss it, you will easily find a taxi). Once you are in Playas ask for the bus to Puerto Engabao or take a taxi for around 8$US to our hostel.
From Quito to Guayaquil:
Avianca, Tame, LATAM offer almost hourly flights from Quito to Guayaquil starting from 60 $US.
You can also take the bus from Quito (Bus Terminal Quitumbe) to Guayaquil which takes about 8-10 hours and costs 12 $US.
From Baños, Cuenca, Mindo, Otavalo, Cotopaxi:
Get yourself to Guayaquil and follow the indications above from Guayaquil.
From Montañita, Olon, Ayampe, Puerto Lopez, Manta:
Take one of the direct buses from “Cooperativa Manglaralto” passing by the coast all the way from Manta to Playas, and follow the indications above to get to the hostel from Playas.
Sure, as long as you let us know by mail what time you’ll be arriving when you make your initial booking. We can then arrange your arrival with our driver if you want to use our transport services, or we will explain to you how to access to your room via email.
We are lucky to have waves 365 days a year!
December to May: Known as 'beach season'—expect sunny days, warm water (no wetsuit needed), and glassy north swells.
June to November: The 'dry season' brings consistent south swells, perfect for intermediate/advanced surfers. The water is cooler, so bring a spring suit if you get cold easily.
Yes, those services are available, but they are not included in the standard accommodation price; only breakfast and dinner are included.
We have 20 surfboards available for rental.
If you do book the Learn To Surf Package or the Intermediate Surf Package, surf rental is already included for the duration of your accommodation!
For guests who did not book the Learn To Surf Package, or the Intermediate Surf Package, we offer a special Surf Rental Package at $10 USD per day for your entire stay.
Without any package, the standard surfboard rental rate is $20 USD per day.
The price starts at 20$ a class when you take the Learn to Surf package. If you just want to do 1 or 2 classes during your stay you can take it day by day from 25$-35$ a class depending if it’s a private one or a group one.
The yoga schedule is decided in relation to the surf lessons schedule, which are themselves decided upon the wave size and tides. So the general schedules of our hostel are constantly changing with nature’s rhythm.
What is there to do in the hostel?There is plenty of stuff to do at our hostel. You can play volleyball, ping-pong, washer, pool, spikeball, foosball table, swim in the pool, beer pong, have a jam session, make a bonfire on the beach or have a movie night. Upon availability you can also get a massage or a tattoo while seeing and listening to the waves!
What is there to do in Puerto Engabao?
You will surely appreciate our little pueblo for its peace and tranquility. Unlike the busy nightlife in Montañita or the crowded landmarks of Baños, Puerto Engabao is a authentique, welcoming oasis with just a few bars and other hostels, including ours.
Surfing and Yoga are the main activities here, but they are certainly not the only things to do.
Explore: Take a leisurely walk around town, go for a run on the infinite-looking beach at low tide, and enjoy a stunning sunset.
Local connection: Meet the local people in the village and join them for a game of soccer or volleyball at the park.
Skateboarding: We are home to one of the best skateparks in Ecuador! Skateboard rentals are available for just $5 per day.