Secret Garden Cotopaxi: Essential Tips and Honest 2026 Review
Secret Garden Cotopaxi is a remote mountain hostel overlooking Cotopaxi National Park with volcano views, resident llamas, guided hikes and a heated jacuzzi. If you are considering booking a stay, these tips cover the Secret Garden Cotopaxi 3 day 2 night package, the different rooms, what to pack and how to get there from Quito.
We stayed in a dorm because the Hobbit Homes were already sold out and spent 2 nights at the hostel. During our stay we hiked to a waterfall with one of the hostel dogs, trekked through the snow to the Cotopaxi glacier at 5,000m and spent our final morning relaxing around the lodge.
This honest Secret Garden Cotopaxi review shares everything I learnt from our stay, including what the package actually includes, which activities cost extra and what I wish I had known before booking.
Cotopaxi
Essential Secret Garden Cotopaxi Tips!
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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). We managed to get the last 2 dorm beds but all the private rooms were already sold out.
We wanted to stay in one of the famous Hobbit Homes but could not get one because we had left it too late. If you want a private room, I recommend booking at least 1 month in advance and even earlier during high season. The Hobbit Homes are one of the most popular room options so book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
2. How to Get to Secret Garden Cotopaxi and Continue Your Journey
The easiest way to get there is to book the 3 day 2 night package through Secret Garden Quito. Our package included one way transport from Quito directly to the Cotopaxi hostel.
Your journey after Cotopaxi is not included in the package. The hostel can arrange paid transport to Banos, one of the starting points for the Quilotoa Loop or back to Quito.
We booked the paid transfer to Banos through the hostel and were dropped around a 2 minute walk from our accommodation. Ask the staff about the latest routes, departure times and prices when you arrive as these can change.
3. Know Which Hikes Are Included in Your Package
The Secret Garden Cotopaxi 3 day 2 night package includes 2 free guided hikes. The first is the welcome hike to a nearby waterfall on the afternoon you arrive. The second is the longer Pasochoa Trek which you can complete on your second or final morning.
We joined the waterfall hike on our first afternoon. Most of the walk through the forest was relatively easy but the final canyon section involved using a rope to climb across the rocks. It was a fun introduction to hiking at altitude before attempting the much harder Cotopaxi glacier trek.
Before leaving, the hostel staff gave everyone matching tall rubber wellies to wear. I looked like I was about to go horse riding but defo borrow them because the trail includes mud and river crossings that would completely soak your own shoes. One of the hostel dogs also followed our group the entire way which made the hike even better lol.
We did not complete the included Pasochoa Trek. We paid extra for the Cotopaxi base camp and glacier hike on Day 2 and by Day 3 I was exhausted. The hostel is such a nice place to relax that I was glad we left ourselves time to enjoy it rather than squeezing in 3 hikes.
4. Is the Cotopaxi Base Camp and Glacier Hike Worth It?
The big question is whether the Cotopaxi base camp and glacier hike is worth paying extra for. My answer is YES but I would not attempt it immediately after arriving at altitude. We did the hike on our second day after spending time adjusting in Quito and completing the easier waterfall hike on our first afternoon at the hostel.
This was the first time I had ever hiked at altitude and it was incredibly hard. Walking slowly and taking regular breaks helped me to reach the glacier above 5,000m. If you are struggling to continue, you can stop at the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,864 metres where you can sit inside with a warm drink while the rest of the group carries on. Do not worry, you will not be the only person who stops there as a few stopped on our tour!
The hike was hardddd but reaching the glacier was worth the pain. It also prepared me for the other high altitude mountain treks I completed later in Peru.
The main downside is the weather. We had to sign up the day before and during our visit the hostel charged 50% if the hike was cancelled because of dangerous conditions. I thought this was unreasonable but something to be aware of. Reaching the glacier is also dependent on the conditions that day so you may only be allowed to go to the base camp.
5. The Food and Snack Truth
During our shuttle journey from Quito, the staff stopped at a shop so everyone could buy extra snacks. I stocked up but honestly did not need to because there was soooo much food included at the hostel.
The package includes 3 main meals each day (apart from departure day as you are not there for dinner) and ours were massive and genuinely delicious. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate were available throughout the day and you could have as much as you wanted.
They also served a fresh afternoon snack, left fruit out for us to grab all day and even provided marshmallows to toast over the open fire every evening. Unless you have specific dietary needs or want your favourite snacks, you will definitely not go hungry.
The hostel provides cosy wool ponchos which everyone wears while sitting around the open fire and chatting with other travellers. It makes the lodge feel really social, especially when everyone returns from the hikes (the ponchos also make for great insta pics lol).
The resident llamas roam around the lawns and you can save your banana peels to feed them by hand. Just do not try to tear the peel into smaller pieces or they might spit straight in your face. I learnt that the hard way.
After a long day of hiking you can relax in the heated jacuzzi with insane views of the mountains and volcanoes surrounding the hostel. Even the shared toilets and showers have huge glass windows looking towards Cotopaxi Volcano.
Pro Tip: Use the hot tub while others are on hikes otherwise it gets busy when everyone is back
7. What to Pack
You do not need to bring your full backpack if you are returning to Quito after your stay. Ask Secret Garden Quito if you can leave your larger bag in their luggage storage and take a smaller bag to Cotopaxi.
The weather changes quickly at altitude so bring layers even if Quito feels warm. If you are only visiting on a day trip, pack the hiking essentials but skip the overnight clothing and toiletries.
Hiking Essentials
- 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
- Reusable water bottle
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
- Toiletries
- Daily clothing like underwear
The hostel provides wool ponchos and rubber wellies, so you do not need to pack either of these. During our stay there was also a fee for paying by card, which is why I recommend bringing enough cash for any extras.
8. Is a Cotopaxi Day Trip from Quito Worth It?
If you are short on time and cannot stay overnight, this Cotopaxi day trip from Quito is a good alternative. It includes return transport from Quito, a local guide and a guided hike inside Cotopaxi National Park. Check the exact itinerary before booking because the route and how far you can hike will depend on the conditions that day.
We did not take a day tour because we chose the 3 day 2 night Secret Garden package instead. Although a day trip allows you to see Cotopaxi National Park, you will miss the waterfall hike, evenings around the fire, the social atmosphere and waking up with views of the volcano.
I would choose the overnight package if you have the time because you have more time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the hostel. However, the GetYourGuide tour is a good alternative if you only have one spare day in Quito.
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We did the entire trip on a budget by island hopping the 3 main islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal on our own! I have written a dedicated post breaking down our exact budget itinerary, how to book the shared speedboat public ferries, the tours worth spending your money on and how to see the best wildlife for free without a guide.
Where to next?
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