Located two hours south of Quito in the Cotopaxi Province, Cotopaxi - an active volcano -,  stands as Ecuador's second-highest peak at 5897 meters. A hotspot for hikers and climbers, the Secret Garden Cotopaxi offers a unique experience.

With its scenic location in front of Cotopaxi and eight other volcanoes, this hostel provides a tranquil escape without wifi or reception, making it an ideal spot to unwind, socialize, and forge connections. Complete your day of exploration with a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi fed by a natural spring. Personally, this hostel ranks among my most memorable travel experiences. Don't forget to pack for varying weather conditions, especially the frequent rain in the Andes Mountains. An added bonus: the hostel offers rain boots for everyone!

If you book the two nights/three days formula in Secret Garden Quito, it includes;

• Bus from Quito to Secret Garden Cotopaxi

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner 

• A bed in a dorm, pay extra for a private room

• Two guided hikes

The hostel offers a lot of activities, all between 35 and 50 USD, with the Cotopaxi Summit being an exception.

• Horseback riding

• Pasochoa Summit Trek, 5 hours to 4220 meters

• Cotopaxi National Park Tour, touch the Glacier of the volcano and bike back down

• Forest And Waterfall Trek

• Rumiñahui Trek, 6 hours to 4623 meters

• Cotopaxi Summit

During the afternoon, guests often engage in board games, cozy reading by the fire, or lively conversations with fellow guests. Dinner unfolds as a communal experience, served at a central table illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight.

From here, it is a 1,5 hour drive to Quilotoa and a 3 hour drive to Baños.