Secret Garden Hostel Cotopaxi Review

The Secret Garden Hostel Cotopaxi is the sister counterpart to the same one in Quito and is just as good. Only 2 hours from Quito, the Cotopaxi guesthouse is set on a large property and has stunning views of the Cotopaxi Volcano.

The Dining Room at Secret Garden

Much like the hostel in Quito, this one offers so much for its guests. The best part is, you can do as little or as much as you like. The property really lends itself to a relaxing few days as well as exploring the surrounding mountainside and volcanoes.

Accommodation at Secret Garden Cotopaxi

Another great aspect about Secret Garden Cotopaxi is how many people you are able to meet. During our week long stay we met with honeymooners, travellers attempting to summit the Cotopaxi volcano and others who just wanted a little break and R & R from their long term travels. It seems that Secret Garden Cotopaxi appeals to all sorts of people because of the wide variety of things on offer as well as varying accommodation options, suiting all travel styles and budgets.

Dorm Rooms at Cotopaxi

Because it is on a large area of land, the owners have had the ability to have a variety of different accommodation options. Outline below are the room types:

Dorm Room

The eight person dorm room, is large and comfortable with a fire for those cold nights. Each bed also comes with blankets, pillows, towels and a luggage storage box.

Tents

Far from any rough camping these tents have a matress bed inside along with linen, blankets and towels. Apparently, they also boast the best view of the Cotopaxi Volcano!

Honeymoon Cabanas

These 2 story cabanas are luxury yet still on a budget. The bottom floor of the suites have a private bathroom with a sunken bath, fireplace, chairs and dresser. Upstairs is a comfortable double bed with 2 bedside tables.

The Honeymoon Rooms

All accommodation options are comfortable, clean and candlelit (you receive your own candles and wine bottles to light your room) what could be more relaxing than that? Shared and private bathrooms are also extremely clean and the water is always piping hot!

Bathrooms at Cotopaxi

Regardless of what room you choose, you will be spending much of your time down at the lounge and dining area. Again, this room is candlelit at night and has a warm and inviting feel to it. The fireplace is lit each night and surrounded by comfortable couches where you can have a snooze or read a book. The large wooden dining table sits all guests who are staying on the property and a great place to chat over a glass of wine.

The common area at Cotopaxi

The price of Secret Garden Cotopaxi  includes accommodation, all meals (including snacks at sunset), coffee, tea, water, bikes and maps. It really is a place you can come and do what you like, but not have to worry about a thing. Extras like wine, beer and chocolate can also be purchased.

Whenever meals are always included in the rate of stay I always tend to get to get a little wary. I remember once in a hostel in Miami where all food was included and it was revolting. Tastless and unhealthy food is most certainly not on the menu at Cotopaxi! The food was delicious. Each day we would start the morning off with varied hot breakfast (eggs, pancakes, etc) along with toast, fruits and jams. Lunch would often be a tasty soup and dinner was always fresh with a yummy dessert to top it all off! Many of the guests would be licking their plates by the end of the meal.

Dining room at Cotopaxi

If it wasn’t already enough that they offer all meals and fireplaces, there is also a jacuzzi free for guests to use. This is perfect at the end of a day of mountain biking down the volcano, hiking or (if you’re like me) just because you want to relax!

The other great factor about Secret Garden Cotopaxi is that unlike most other places who offer all inclusive rates, there is no minimum number of nights stay. That means, even if you are on a tight travel scheudle you can still get to experience some relaxed country living for just one night. However, if you have the time I would recommend 3 or 4 nights. That way you can spend a couple of days going hiking, mountain biking down Cotopaxi and then the other 2 days you can laze around in a hammock or by the fire or out feeding the llamas!

Cotopaxi Volcano

Are there any areas Secret Garden Cotopaxi could improve on? Well, not really. It’s not the type of place that needs WiFi (you go there to escape it!), it doesn’t matter that there is no electricity as it adds to the charm of the place the staff are pretty friendly and laid back. What more could you ask for?!

While we did recieve complimentary accommodation all thoughts and opinions are our own. For the most up to date information and prices visit the Secret Garden Cotopaxi Website.