Essential Secret Garden Cotopaxi Tips for First Time Visitors (2026 Guide and Safety Tips)
If you are planning a trip to the high altitude mountain region of Ecuador, these Secret Garden Cotopaxi tips will help you make the most of your visit. Staying at the famous Secret Garden Cotopaxi offers a stunning mix of volcanic views, free guided walking trails and roaming llamas, with incredible views of the snow capped volcano around every corner. Whether you are hiking through the high altitude trails, relaxing in the hot tub or exploring hidden waterfalls, a little preparation goes a long way. This Secret Garden Cotopaxi review shares practical advice and insider tips from my experience so you can enjoy everything this insane mountain hostel has to offer and plan your stay with absolute confidence.
Cotopaxi
Essential Secret Garden Cotopaxi Tips for First Time Visitors (2026 Guide and Safety Tips)
8 Essential Secret Garden Cotopaxi Tips: My Honest Accommodation and Hiking Review
1. Booking in Advance is Essential
You must make sure to book your stay far in advance. I went during the low season and tried to book 5 days in advance (and for a backpacker this feels like a lifetime lol). I barely managed to secure the last 2 dorm beds available. If you want to stay in a private room I recommend booking at least 1 month in advance (maybe even longer in high season). Their famous hobbit homes are the most popular accommodation option and they sell out so far in advance that I could not get booked into one and this was my preference.
2. How to Get to Secret Garden Cotopaxi hostel and Onward Travel Costs
The absolute best way to get there is to book your stay directly through the main Secret Garden hostel desk in Quito. When you book a multi day package it automatically includes your direct transfers to the mountain hostel. Be aware your journey after Cotopaxi is not included in the price, you can go to Banos, to the town at the start of the famous Quilotoa Loop if you are up for more hiking or back to Quito but it all costs extra.
3. Free Hikes Included in your Stay!
When you book a package you get 2 free hikes included in the price of your stay. On the first afternoon I did the walk through the forest to a hidden waterfall. The trek is relatively easy but you must note that you will have to do some basic rock climbing with a rope to get through the final canyon section. I would recommend doing this day 1 as it really helps you adjust to hiking at altitude.
The hostel staff will make everyone change into a pair of matching tall rubber wellies before leaving. Yes I look like a horse rider but defo borrow them to save your own expensive hiking shoes from getting completely soaked in the mud and river crossings.
There is a second hike included but I did not do this because I decided to do Cotopaxi base camp on day 2 and on day 3 I was exhausted and just wanted to spend time in the hostel. It is stunning and such a perfect place to relax that if you do 3 hikes you do not get any time to enjoy it.
4. Is Paying for the Base Camp Hike Worth It?
The big question is whether you should pay extra to do the official high altitude volcano trek. I say YES but you must not attempt to do this on your first day. I did this trek on my second day once I had a chance to adjust to the altitude.
The hike was incredibly hard because it was the first time I had ever hiked at altitude but walking at a slow pace allowed me to reach the glacier at 5000 metres. If you struggle there is a warm hut called the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4860 metres where you can sit and wait while the others carry on (and do not worry, you won’t be the only one to stop here). It is tough but it got me prepared for all the high altitude mountain treks I faced later in Peru.
The only downside is the weather is very unpredictable. You have to sign up the day before and if the trek gets cancelled due to dangerous weather conditions then you still have to pay a 50% fee which I do think is unreasonable.
5. The Food and Snack Truth
On the shuttle drive out from Quito the staff will take you to a shop on route to grab any extra snacks you want. I personally do not think buying extra food is needed at all. You get 3 main family style meals every single day that are absolutely massive and delicious. There is also unlimited tea, hot chocolate and coffee available at all times. They serve up a fresh afternoon snack every day, keep fresh fruit out for you to grab and they even provide marshmallows every evening to burn over the open fire pit. You will definitely not go hungry.
The overall atmosphere at the lodge is pure magic. You wear cosy traditional ponchos provided by the hostel while hanging out around the fire and sharing stories with other travellers. The resident llamas roam freely around the grass lawns and you can take your banana peels to feed them by hand at any time (just do not try to break the pieces smaller or they will spit straight in your face, I learned the hard way lol).
After a long day of hiking you can jump into the hot tub which has insane panoramic views looking at all the mountains and volcanoes surrounding the hostel. Even the shared toilets and showers are designed with massive glass windows so you are always looking straight at Cotopaxi Volcano while getting ready.
Pro Tip: Use the hot tub while others are on hikes otherwise it gets busy when everyone is back
7. What to Pack
Below is everything you need to bring, if you are just doing a day trip, you can skip the clothing and hiking items. If you are returning to Quito you can leave your big bag at the Secret Garden Hostel and just bring a day pack for your time at Cotopaxi:
Hiking Layers
- Hiking shoes
- Quick dry clothes for trekking
- Thick socks
- Hiking trousers
- Thermal leggings
- Long sleeve top
- Jacket
- Warm coat
- Hat
- Gloves
- Personal first aid kit
- Scarf
- Coca leaves
Everything Else
- Flip flops or sandals so you are not stuck in your heavy hiking shoes when chilling
- Swimwear for the hot tub
- Raincoat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight for walking between rooms at night
- Portable power bank
- Cash because you get charged a fee to pay by card
- Passport
- Yellow fever vaccination proof
- Toiletries
- Daily clothing like underwear
8. The Cotopaxi Day Trip from Quito Alternative
If you are incredibly short on time on your Ecuador trip it is technically possible to skip the overnight hostel stay and book a single Cotopaxi day trip from Quito. Many tour companies in the Quito (including Secret Garden) offer these packages which usually include your shared transport, a local guide and (sometimes) a quick walk up to the refuge building.
However I highly advise against doing this if you can avoid it. These single day packages are very expensive and involve a long and exhausting day of driving back and forth. You will also completely miss out on the backpacking vibe, the free waterfall walk and the overall experience of waking up and seeing Cotopaxi that makes this destination so special. Staying overnight is much better value for your money.
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