The Secret Garden Cotopaxi - Hostel

The place has a nice vibe, with friendly guests and staff, and it's an easy place to connect with good people from around the world. Staying at SG Cotopaxi was a pleasure, though it felt different from a usual hostel. It reminded me of summer camp in junior high, with bunkmates, hikes and outdoor activities, family-style meals, and card games around the fire. The accommodations are comfortable but rustic, so adventure seekers who don't expect the Ritz should be happy here. Some guides for the Cotopaxi summit and other hikes speak only basic English, but they know the routes well and can get you to the top safely if the weather is good and you're physically and mentally up for it. Pro tip: make the most of the unlimited bananas and banana bread.

I went on my own to acclimatize for climbing different volcanoes in Ecuador, which is a little unusual since most people arrive with a group or program. Secret Garden Cotopaxi makes solo trips easy. They even find other participants for excursions to bring the cost down. The trip leaders were great, especially on Sincholagua, and there's a good range of enjoyable hikes and climbs to choose from. It's one of the most affordable ways to acclimatize for Ecuador's big mountains. The staff are nice and very helpful, the food is really good, and they've got the logistics sorted, so transport is easy too. I really like this hostel and would keep coming back. I'd definitely stay again.

The Cotopaxi tour with Mónica was the highlight for me. She was lovely and looked after us at every step. The rooms and everything else were clean and comfortable, and the views were amazing. It's a bit far out, though the staff are very flexible about arranging transport for a reasonable price. There are family-style dinners, hot showers, good food, and a variety of excursions, so it feels like an all-inclusive experience.

I spent 3 nights at Secret Garden Cotopaxi, and it was a stay to remember. There are cozy places to hang out, the food is delicious, and everything from transport to the different trips is very well organized. The garden is full of lovely flowers, the llamas are adorable, and the mountain views, including Cotopaxi, are incredible.