Ecuador Joins Family of Hostels

It will be easier for budget travelers to find economical accommodations in Ecuador this year, and in Italy three new youth hostels will be opening their doors.

Fifteen Ecuadorean youth hostels have joined the Hostelling International network, which is affiliated with hostelling associations in 65 countries including American Youth Hostels Inc.

Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries. From the capital, Quito, using public transportation, you can reach most parts of the country in less than a day.

The average cost of a hostel room, including breakfast, is $6. (Remember, at international youth hostels, travelers may find themselves sharing rooms.)

Four of the Ecuadorean hostels are in Quito. The 35-bed Mitad el Mundo hostel is at 385 y Reina Victoria, near Amasonas Avenue. Beds cost $7. The 120-bed Manabi hostel is at Armero 710 y Santa Rosa, which is at Puerto Rico Beach near Puerto Lopez. Beds cost $20. The 30-bed Napo hostel is at Avenida Amazons 1022 y Pinto. Beds are $8-$14. The 16-bed Pasochoa hostel is at Pasochoa National Park, Amaguana. Beds cost $2.

American Youth Hostels is selling its two-volume “1995 Guide to Budget Accommodations” for $15.94 each with tax and postage. The first volume covers Europe and the Mediterranean; the second covers Africa, America, Asia and Oceania. Each lists all hostel locations, facilities and prices. Contact American Youth Hostels, Los Angeles Council, 1434 2nd St. Santa Monica, CA 90401; telephone (310) 393-3413.

Information for travelers in Ecuador is the 474-page, third edition of “Ecuador--A Travel Survival Kit” by Rob Rachowiecki ($16.95, Lonely Planet).

The Italian Hostelling Assn. (A.I.G.) is adding one hostel in the north and two in the south.

The Youth Hostel of Agropoli, La Lanterna (in the district of Salerno), is near an area famous for its Greek ruins. The new 56-bed hostel will be open now until Nov. 30. Guests will have use of a restaurant, common rooms, library and solarium. Bus and rail services are nearby.

In the district of Vicenza, Venetian region, the new Hostel of Bassano del Grappa is near a site known for World War I battles; a military shrine stands there now. The 70-bed Jacopo da Ponte hostel will be open from June 15 to Sept. 15. Food services, bicycle rental, laundry, TV and parking are available. The bus is nearby, the rail station is a mile away.

The new 38-bed Isola Verde hostel is located on the shore of Lake Bomba between the sea and mountains, in the district of Chieti, Abruzzi region. It features a swimming pool, parking, TV, cafeteria, laundry and water sports.

For information, contact Italian Youth Hostels Assn. A.I.G., Via Cavour 44, 00184 Rome, Italy; tel. 011-39-6-4871152.