The Secret Garden is a beautiful hostel/mountain retreat set amongst the dramatic Andean landscape and boasts spectacular views of Volcan Cotopaxi itself. It's best to allow at least a couple of days to make the most of your stay and to make it a more cost-effective option.
This is a hostel with a difference. It is an architecturally designed mud brick, thatched roof house that has put a contemporary spin on the traditional style building. There's a big focus on self sufficiency and sustainability, with a lot of the vegetables used in the cooking coming from the property, household compost is used to fertilize the grass which then feeds the animals which are also used to feed the guests.
The hostel boasts open fire places, hammocks looking out onto Volcan Cotopaxi as well as a telescope for close-up viewing, and plenty of information about activities available such as mountain biking and trekking in the surroundings. The owners have certainly made a home away from home, and a place you will find hard to leave.
Guests are encouraged to recycle where possible and the hostel uses very little electricity with atmospheric candle lighting. In the evenings, enjoy retiring to your room or dorm which is already warmed by the fireplace that is lit whilst you eat dinner.
Meals are excellent quality and are served as gourmet family-style occasions. Hearty breakfasts include fruit salads with yogurt and granola, eggs and a daily special. Lunch is either a tasty soup and warm bread or a packed lunch for those who want to get out and about. Dinners are varied, filling, delicious and homemade and often include dessert or hot chocolate with marsh-mallows by the fire.
The prices, per person start at $25 for the dorm and $30 each for the 'honeymoon suites' which are 2 storey detached buildings with private bathrooms. Taxes not included.
The bathrooms have gas heated water and as such, have hot water showers 24 hours a day.
All rooms, including the dorm have their own fireplace and thick comfortable mattresses.
For those who wish to go trout fishing, the hostel can provide worms and rubber boots free of charge. There's also a book exchange and games to keep guests occupied on rainier days.
Tours can be arranged through the Secret Garden, for more information, visit their website listed below or contact them directly.
Secret Garden Cotopaxi is a remote, mountain retreat and guests should be aware that there is no internet connection.
There is the option to get a direct transfer from Quito to the Secret Garden Cotopaxi. This costs $40 from Quito or $15 from Machachi for up to six people. This can be arranged either through the Cotopaxi hostel or with Arturo, the driver directly (Tel:097 883 443).
www.secretgardencotopaxi.com
2 2956 7044
