While I don’t think I am alone in this, I know that expectations can play a major role in one’s life. I am sure you can remember a time in your life, when you tried something because everyone said it was great, only to find yourself disappointed. I bring this up only because after hearing everyone we encountered on our trip rave about Secret Garden, Cotopaxi, I found myself bracing for disappointment. There is no place on earth that can be this universally liked. Boy was I WRONG! I am not quite sure how the owners, Tarquin and Katherine do it, but they managed to make the Secret Garden experience more than we could have ever dreamed. While the uniquely cozy abodes and the numerous adventures offered are sure to impress anyone, it is the sense of community that truly makes this place stand out. The only complaint we have, is the difficulty in fitting all the wonderful things we want to say about Secret Garden into this post!
Getting There
It’s a piece of cake! There’s a free shuttle (with 2 night package) everyday from the Secret Garden Quito leaving at 10am. You can also catch the shuttle at 11am in Machachi if coming from the south. The shuttle ride itself is unassuming, until you come up around the hill just before the Secret Garden gate, and see, IT. Cotopaxi, coming in at 19,347ft, It’s number 36 on the world’s highest volcanoes and is sure to make some jaws drop. After craning your neck backwards long enough, you realize you are driving towards Secret Garden and its own mesmerizing beauty. Nestled in a valley, surrounded by beautiful green pastures, you’ll see plenty of nature’s own lawnmowers (cows, sheep, horses, and llamas), all busy at work. While there are many wonderful pictures of Secret Garden’s landscape, I can assure you that non do this magical oasis justice. Upon arrival, you are sure to be intoxicated by the enchanting vibe that runs throughout the entire property…and maybe your complimentary welcome mug of mulled wine too=: )
The Property
I think the simplest way to describe lodge itself is an upscale ski resort, without the snow, but with a bonus…dogs to snuggle by the fireside. Luna, Milo, Yoda, Daisy, and Mash are the furry friends that are always there to give a good dose of love and affection! You’ll often find them in the main lodge/communal area that has a great living room with large fire place to keep everyone cozy and warm.
There’s also two wings set up specifically for dining. This comes in handy as meals are included in the rate and served family style 3 times a day. You can definitely tell the Secret Garden chef’s put their love into the food with how utterly delicious it is!
Outside the front door, you will find a tranquil trampoline style hammock with the ultimate view of Cotopaxi Volcano. Here you will find many people reading and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. If it is a bit cold you can retreat into the “sunroom”, or front area of the lodge which has individual hammocks to cozy up in.
Up the hill you will find an 8-10 person jacuzzi, in a greenhouse, with not only views of Cotopaxi, but also millions of glimmering stars at night. As for the lodgings, they come in all shapes and sizes. There are 2 large dorms, 3 beyond cute hobbit houses, a tent option for those who want to be a bit closer to nature, a small tiny house option perfect for couples, multiple cabanas, and an overlooking Hill house which can accommodate up to 6 people. For those that take comfort in knowing that their accommodations are earth friendly, Secret Garden not only composts its organic waste, but also human waste, amongst other initiatives. Even the banana peels (from the free and always available Bananas and cake) are saved for the guests to feed as treats to the resident llama’s! We could go on and on about the infinite allure of the Secret Garden property, but we don’t want to beat a dead horse. Our photos combined with all the others across the web will surely illustrate the beauty better than our limited English lexicon…
Activities
Free Guided Hikes
The one aspect that you won’t see pictures of everywhere is the activities provided by The Secret Garden. There are five different adventures you can partake in. These range from leisurely and free to intense and expensive. The first which you are whisked away to upon arrival is a free, and short 2 hour waterfall hike. This hike takes you through the riverbed (knee high boots are provided gratis), and up to a beautiful double tiered waterfall. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the plunge off the ledge of the lower water fall (about 15 feet) into the freezing water below. This will definitely get your blood flowing! The next adventure is also included free in a two-night package and goes to the summit of Pasochoa Volcano. Neither of us attempted this hike but only heard raving reviews from those who did. The volcano is extinct so you certainly don’t have to worry about eruptions. It also provides a great view of Quito in the distance!
Horseback Riding Through Cotopaxi National Park
if you haven’t figured it out yet, Katie is a lover of horses. It came to no surprise when she opted in for the horse ride through Cotopaxi National Park. Passing through the stunning landscapes of the park is worth the trip alone, but the cherry on top are the number of wild horses in the area to ride along with. Katie’s highlight was definitely the last leg of the excursion as you are able to gallop along the flat plain at your own pace! This excursion runs from $35-40USD.
Climbing Cotopaxi
While Katie was out having a blast with the horses, I chose the hike up to the glacier of Cotopaxi. Having never been on a volcano nor seen a glacier, I was quite excited. With the recent activity of Cotopaxi, the glacier part was not much more than an inch or two of snow, but the view of the crater from halfway up the mountain, and across the valley, more than made up for the lack of ice. This hike is slightly above moderate as the path from the car park to the refugio is quite steep with sandy terrain. The altitude is also something to be prepared for. I would highly recommend spending time at a higher elevation before attempting this hike. The hike itself is about $30-40USD again depending on the number of hikers. On the way back down you have the opportunity to rent mountain bikes for $5-10USD depending on the distance you would like to ride. I opted for the $5USD option which allows you to ride through the valley, and was happy with that choice. While it sounds and looks like a lot more fun to ride halfway down the mountain, the path is grooved dirt, and means you are constantly shaking. Another couple tried this option and were not too pleased. Finally, if you are really into mountain climbing and a healthy budget ($300USD), Secret Garden can arrange trips to the summit of Cotopaxi. This adventure begins with a hike to the basecamp in the late afternoon, followed by dinner and a ‘nap’ from 7-11P. At 11p you wake up and prepare to climb around 12A. After 6 hours of hiking you should arrive at the summit just in time for sunrise. All gear including crampons and ice picks are provided. You truly need to acclimate to altitude as at least 3 climbers were unable to summit due to altitude sickness. That said, even those who did not reach the summit said it was definitely worth the money.
The Spirit of Secret Garden Cotopaxi
Finally, as mentioned in the opening, it is the friends and sense of comradery that sets this hostel apart from any place we have stayed before. To be honest, as soon as we boarded the 2 hour shuttle from Secret Garden, Quito, (which deserves its own write up) we found ourselves with new friends, and amongst a new community. Meeting the staff and volunteers only cemented our place amongst this new family. At Secret Garden there is no WiFi available, which forced us off our phone, and the distractions of social media. (Don’t worry, there is electricity and a charging station, so that your phone is charged for all the inevitable photos you will want to take). The meals are all communal, though with people coming and going from activities during the day, dinner is where you truly all come together. All 50 or so guests + staff eating and conversing together is quite a sight. The common area by the fire place is generally filled nightly with great conversation, and those who still have some energy left are usually found at the table playing some sort of board or card game. Cambio/Golf seems to be the card game of choice and can get quite intense! While not a party hostel by definition, beer and wine are for sale at a very reasonable price, and guests can enjoy a libation or two to unwind from the day’s activities. Those who are musically inclined can also enjoy a jam session with the guitars and instruments in the sunroom. We were fortunate enough to have clear skies the two nights we stayed, and the stars were a phenomenal sight. The delightful atmosphere of Secret Garden paired with the unparalleled amenities and activities are truly second to none. As we inferred in the beginning, it’s like going on a ski trip with your friends or family and hanging out in a cozy cabin. The only difference here is that you have just met new friends and created a new family!
Don’t want to take our word for it? Check out the glowing reviews of Secret Garden Cotopaxi across TripAdvisor and HostelWorld! To find out more information, or to book the ultimate hostel in Ecuador, click HERE
