For many exploring Ecuador, a visit to Cotopaxi National Park is a centerpiece of their backpacker itineraries. And for good reason. The Cotopaxi National Park sprawls across 33,393 hectares of sparsely populated open space, promising awe and adventure everywhere you turn. Here, a rolling paramo landscape, intricate flora and fauna, and majestic snow-capped peaks create a panorama that will leave you spellbound.

At the heart of the national park stands Volcan Cotopaxi, the second-highest summit in Ecuador and one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Soaring to a dizzying 5,897 meters, the volcano's nearly perfect symmetrical cone represents a daunting challenge for climbers and a breathtaking spectacle for those who prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground. Whether you're scaling its icy heights or beholding its grandeur from afar, the majesty of the Cotopaxi volcano will stay with you for life.

Nestled within the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes," Cotopaxi National Park forms a dramatic part of this volcanic chain stretching through Ecuador's Andean Highlands. Alongside Cotopaxi, the avenue is dotted with soaring peaks telling a tale of the Earth's fierce, molten heart. It's a lush, awe-inspiring setting to find yourself in.

Beyond the volcanoes, the national park envelops you in a pristine, untouched world. Whether you explore the expanse of the park from its towering heights or closer to Earth, surrounded by vegetation, picturesque lakes, and forests, keep an eye out for roaming herds of wild horses, Andean foxes, condors, endangered spectacled bears, and more than a hundred species of birds. At every step, the park offers a window into a thriving ecosystem.

While many explore the national park via a day trip from the capital, Quito, the best way to immerse yourself in this amazing part of the world is to stay a few days. And undoubtedly, the best place to stay for a few days is the Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel. More than just a place to rest your happy head, the Secret Garden is a welcoming, tranquil Eden. Here, you'll find enchanting gardens, delightful local cuisine, and comfortable rooms - all amidst the almighty backdrop of the nearby Cotopaxi Volcano.

The Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel also serves as a launchpad for many activities in the National Park, to the ascent of Cotopaxi itself. There's an adventure to cater to every palette. Alternatively, just sit back, relax, and soak it up - you'll be hard-pressed to find a better place to do so. The staff's local expertise and the hostel's association with experienced guides make it an ideal spot for novice and experienced explorers.

If you're ready to dive headfirst into the Cotopaxi National Park, getting to The Secret Garden is pretty easy, especially if you arrive from the capital, Quito. You can catch a shuttle bus from Quito at 10 AM daily from the hostel's sister establishment, The Secret Garden Quito - coincidently one of the capital's most loved hostels. If you're heading from the Secret Garden Cotopaxi from the south, say Baños, catch a coach heading for Quito, and ask to be dropped off at Machachi. Once in Machachi, head to Estatua del Caballo and wait for the shuttle from Quito, which passes through at around 11 AM.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the best possible adventure in Cotopaxi National Park.

National Park Tour

One of the most popular activities arranged by The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, and priced at a fair $38, this national park tour is perfect for those keen to do some hiking but not quite brave enough to reach the summit of Volcan Cotopaxi.

The day-long adventure departs from the hostel at 8:15 AM, taking you to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance alongside a local guide and the permits to enter the protected area.

The tour kicks off in earnest with a short walk through the national park before a shorter drive up to the Cotopaxi Volcano parking area, found 4,600 meters above sea level.

From the parking area, you'll begin a 250-meter ascent to a mountainside refuge, taking around 45 minutes. The altitude here is no joke, and your guide will regularly stop to let you catch your breath as you make your way up to the refuge.

Getting to the refuge is a relief; a shield from the elements where snacks and a revitalizing hot chocolate await you. Groups typically stay at the refuge for around half an hour. During that time, ask for a passport stamp, costing $1. While a little odd, the passport stamp available from the Cotopaxi refuge commemorates that, due to the volcano's proximity to the equator, you are further from the Earth's core and closer to space than anywhere else in the world. So odd but definitely pretty cool.

If weather conditions aren't abysmal, you'll eventually leave the cozy refuge and press on to the Cotopaxi Volcano glacier, 5,000 meters above sea level, taking about 40 minutes to reach.

The Cotopaxi Volcano glacier is one of the world's highest glaciers and rapidly fading due to climate change. The glacier itself is amazing, and the views from 5,000 meters are jaw-dropping; the fact that it won't be there forever makes the experience that little more special.

After stopping at the glacier, you'll return to the parking area. The 400-hundred-meter descent to the parking area will feel much quicker than the way up – though part of that feeling is certainly descending from the oxygen-starved 5,000-meter altitude. Once back at the car park, you'll drive back toward the Secret Garden, stopping at around 4,000 meters for a final – optional – segment of this tour; mountain biking.

Though the initial mountain bike trail is steep, it does level out, and this is not an activity that requires you to be an expert. Most of the route is coasting and enjoyable for cyclists of all levels. The cycling lasts for 20 giddy minutes before you get back into the 4x4 and finally head back to the Secret Garden. This is an optional activity, and if you want to take the opportunity, it'll cost you $5 – well worth it, in our opinion.

After leaving the Secret Garden at 8:15 AM, you'll get back to the Secret Garden at around 2 PM. To make a point on the altitude, the starting point at 4,600 meters is extreme, let alone the 5,000 meters you'll reach if you wind up trekking to the glacier. Ideally, you'll have spent a couple of days acclimatizing in Quito (2,850 meters) before spending a further day acclimatizing at the Secret Garden before taking on this trek – not doing so will only make you ill.

Hike Around Laguna Limpiopungo

Although a visit to Laguna Limpiopungo is not a tour offered by the Secret Garden Cotopaxi, it's a relatively easy destination to reach.

Nestled amidst the Avenue of Volcanoes, at the foot of Volcan Cotopaxi, a hike around the perimeter of Laguna Limpiopuno offers an insight into the wildlife and fauna found in Cotopaxi National Park. Circling the lake, you'll encounter finches, hummingbirds, wrens, waterfowl, shorebirds, and even herds of wild horses roaming the surrounding paramo.

The laguna is to be found a stone's throw from the national park entrance, making it fairly easy to get dropped off during one of the hostel's national park tours as it makes its way to the parking at Volcan Cotopaxi. From there, all you have to do is enjoy the lake and wait for the Jeep back to the hostel in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can explore the lake as part of the Secret Garden's Volcan Rumiñahui tour, which passes the lake en route to the volcano's summit.

The trail around Laguna Limpiopungo is fairly flat, and it should take an hour and a half to circle its perimeter. Along the trail, you'll find a few gazebos that serve as the perfect spots to sit back, take in the view, and enjoy a snack — be sure to stock up on some of the free banana bread available from the hostel!

Exploring the laguna and its towering surroundings is a great experience and a little more laidback than some of the tours offered by the Secret Garden, making it perfect for those who dread the idea of summiting volcanos and climbing to incredible heights. Climb to the Summit of Volcan Pasochoa

Paramillo Santa Rosa is a stratovolcano representing the most westerly volcano in the national park. Up until the '70s, the volcano possessed a permanent snowcap. However, due to the effects of global warming, its ice cap has disappeared, and powdered snow only appears at the summit seasonally.

Climb to the Summit of Volcan Pasochoa

This tour offered by The Secret Garden sees you summit the extinct Pasochoa Volcano at 4,220 meters. The trek is regarded as one of Ecuador's best, presenting a challenging hike for the experienced while still being accessible to newbies.

The hike begins from The Secret Garden at 3,500 meters, getting underway at 8 AM and taking between 5 and 6 hours to complete. The route is about 14 kilometers, following a long winding route through a stunning landscape.

Your route begins through the 'Enchanted Forest' behind the hostel. The clue is in the name here, and walking through the forest feels like stepping into a fairytale.

After exiting the Enchanted Forest, you'll enter the 'Paper Forest,' named for the paper-esque bark that lines the trees. Finally, the trek culminates at the rim of Pasochoa's ancient crater.

Reaching the top of the volcano typically takes around 3-3.5 hours. Most of the ascent is pretty mild – bar a few steep sections, notably during the final half an hour of the hike, which is especially challenging. Climbing back to the hostel is much easier, typically taking two-and-a-half hours.

It must be said the guides for the trek – while typically volunteers and backpackers – are fantastic, ensuring you get plenty of breaks whenever the going gets a little tough. The hostel's resident Beagles, which accompany you on the hike, are also a great companion.

The hike costs $25 – up to $28 for smaller groups – and includes the park entrance fee and snacks for the hike. It's a price well worth paying for a stunning hike that takes you through some otherworldy, picture-perfect landscapes.

Explore the Enchanted Forest and Waterfall

This is the first tour available to most staying at The Secret Garden, a short two-hour hike through the lush winding forest trails behind the hostel that culminates with two beautiful waterfalls.

The tour kicks off at lunch, where you'll be provided with some good boots to navigate the muddy, sometimes slippery, terrain. The route is relatively easy, though there are some narrow squeezes and mossy river banks for you to traverse.

The mossy river banks are something you'll cross several times before following the river to the two waterfalls, marking the hike's conclusion. The second waterfall is much larger than the first and makes for a great swimming spot, even with the icy temperatures.

The hike is simple, and as it'll be one of the first you do at The Secret Garden, it's a great chance to get to know the area and some of the guides and make friends with your fellow travelers.

Summit Volcan Rumiñahui

With a summit at 4,631 meters, a climb to the top of the now extinct Rumiñahui volcano — named after a fabled Incan general who resisted the Spanish — offers some of the best views in Cotopaxi National Park, looking out onto the peaks of El Corazón, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and more.

Tours depart from The Secret Garden Cotopaxi at 7:15 AM, returning by around 2 PM. After leaving the hostel, you'll be dropped off near the shores of Lake Limpiopungo. From there, the hike begins in earnest, taking you through sweeping paramos with steep ascents and vast flatter spaces.

Leaving Lake Limpiopungo, you'll start by passing tall, scratchy grass fields before climbing several gradients, accompanied by lush green landscapes interrupted by towering mountains. As you creep closer to the volcano, your surroundings transition from tall grasses into shrubs filled with eye-popping flowers.

As you reach the slope of Rumiñahui, the route becomes much more challenging; the ascent steepens, and the ground gives way to thick, soft sand to slow your progress. After making it past this area, you'll move to clambering up loose volcanic rocks, making your climb that little bit more technical.

The going to get to the top is tough, but being surrounded by clouds with occasional breaks revealing the national park below makes it a special experience all the same. Reaching the summit of Rumiñahui volcano is a great achievement, revealing a patchwork quilt of greens, golds, and browns interspersed with glistening lagoons that make up the national park below.

Climbing back down toward Lake Limpiopungo is a hell of a lot easier. The loose volcanic rocks are still a little tricky, but the soft sand that causes such a slowdown on the way up now becomes your friend, effectively letting you 'ski' a good portion of the way back down.

Getting to the top of Rumiñahui generally takes around four hours, while the return route is usually half that time. After you return to the shores of Lake Limpiopungo and the Jeep that transported you from the Secret Garden, it will be time to head back.

Climb Cotopaxi Volcano

Translating to 'Neck of the Moon,' Volcan Cotopaxi – as well as being the highlight of any trip to Cotopaxi National Park – is the highest active volcano in the world and the second highest in Ecuador at 5,897 meters.

Despite not being the highest peak in Ecuador, it is certainly the most famous and the most visited.

From the start of the trail, where you can appreciate the volcano's near symmetrical cone shape, to the summit, where you can look out on the world below, climbing Volcan Cotopaxi is an accessible, though challenging activity for hikers of all levels.

Typically, tours to Cotopaxi clock out at around 5,000 meters, with stoops at the refuge and the glacier. A stop at the refuge is particularly notable for the chance to get a stamp in your passport that commemorates your closeness to space, with Cotopaxi being the furthest point from the Earth's core ion solid ground, owing to the volcano's proximity to the equator.

While The Secret Garden does run tours to a height of 5,000 meters, it is also possible to book a tour to the summit vias the hostel. If you do want to head to the summit, the importance of spending several days acclimatizing to the altitude at The Secret Garden cannot be stressed enough.

These tours aren't conducted by The Secret Garden per se. Instead, the hostel liaises with an agency in nearby Machachi that supplies certified, experienced local guides – a legal requirement for the trek to the summit. The tour is priced between $310 and $410, depending on how many are in your troupe and how many guides accompany you.

The cost of the tour includes all specialist equipment needed for the ascent, transport, meals, snacks, and all permits required to enter the national park. Climbing the volcano in groups of three or more is recommended, as it means you'll depart with more than one guide, acting as an insurance policy should one of your group need to turn back.

The only real reason someone in your group would need to stop and head back down is due to the effects of altitude sickness. You can take steps to minimize the risk of feeling the effects of altitude sickness when climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi. A good level of fitness is a good start. But, aside from that, it's recommended that you spend several days acclimatizing at the hostel, which is based at 3,500 meters. You'll also be encouraged to participate in the many activities offered by the Secret Garden, especially treks to Rumiñahui and Pasochoa, which take you to high altitudes.

Regarding specialist equipment, the latter part of the trek to the summit of Cotopaxi demands you use crampons, ropes, ice picks, and more – all of which will be supplied by your tour guide. Be sure to wrap up in warm clothing and plenty of layers. Before departing The Secret Garden, your guide will assess your personal equipment and make a call on how much of theirs you'll require.

Speaking of departing the hostel, on the day of your tour to the summit, you'll spend the morning lounging around and chilling out. Your guide for the excursion will arrive around midday to check your equipment. Equipment checked, it's time for lunch, after which you'll be whisked away toward the volcano.

The first part of the trek is identical to the Secret Garden's Cotopaxi National Park tour, taking you up to the refuge at 4,800 meters. After reaching the refuge, your guide will take you through using some of the specialist equipment required for the latter part of the ascent. Once your guide feels you're adequately prepared, it's time for dinner and then a very early night.

You'll wake up to begin the next leg of the ascent at 11PM, with the ascent to the summit taking around six hours, ensuring you reach the summit in time to watch the sun creep above the horizon at first light, illuminating one of the best views you're ever likely to see.

After spending a couple of mesmerizing hours at the top of Volcan Cotopaxi, it'll be time to make your way back down to the refuge. Getting back to the refuge is much quicker, usually taking around two hours, and promises much better views than the way up now that you have some daylight.

Once you reach the refuge, you'll have some breakfast, pack up, and make your way back to The Secret Garden. After such a strenuous trek, and because your body clock is likely frazzled, we recommend staying one more night at The Secret Garden so you can recuperate before setting off for your next adventure.

Ride through the National Park on Horseback

Horseback Riding with The Secret Garden Cotopaxi is an adventure that takes you through the high Andean plains, surrounded by picturesque countryside views, gorges, canyons, and volcanos.

This tour starts with a short 15-minute drive at 8:30 in the morning. After the short drive, you'll get acquainted with the horses and spend the next 3-4 hours roaming the countryside.

Along the way, you'll cross the Rio Plata, come face to face with the foot of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano, and encounter wild herds of horses as they roam the paramo.

If you consider yourself something of a novice to this activity, and the idea of it scares you slightly, fear not. Experienced local guides will help you choose the most appropriate horse for your adventure. They will ease you through the activity every trot of the way. With that said, if you feel confident on horseback, there's nothing to stop you and your steed from breaking into an exhilarating gallop.

Along the way, you can stop for tea and snacks while you soak up the surrounding landscape. After completing the tour, you'll be whisked back to the hostel in time for lunch at about 1:30 PM. The horseback riding tour is priced between $35 and $40, depending on the size of your tour group.

The Secret Garden Cotopaxi

Stepping into The Secret Garden Cotopaxi feels like stepping out into a fairytale. Nestled opposite the Cotopaxi Volcano, with staggering views from every turn, the hostel locale is awe-inspiring.

The hostel comprises a complex of various accommodations centered around the main house – a rustic and cozy bud-brick house with a thatched roof. The main house is the social hub of the hostel, with an open-plan kitchen and dining area for meal times, comfy sofas next to a fireplace, and a hammock-equipped conservatory looking out onto Cotopaxi volcano.

Elsewhere in the main house, you'll find bean bags to hunker down in a quiet corner, a tea and coffee station complemented by a side of fresh banana bread where guests can help themselves throughout the day, and five resident dogs pitter-pattering around.

Stepping outside, you'll come face to face with llamas, cows, and horses roaming the garden. You'll also find a giant hammock popular during golden hour and a range of fruits and veggies being grown for the hostel to use at mealtimes. From the garden, you can also follow paths down to the hostel's panoramic indoor jacuzzi and – more amusingly – its high-platform panoramic toilets, both of which look out onto Cotopaxi volcano.

One thing you won't find at The Secret Garden is an internet connection, with the hostel presenting the perfect opportunity for a digital detox and a chance to focus on making friends with your fellow guests and staff at the hostel. This theme of community is central to everything the hostel does, from eating meals together to doing tours together.

Rooms at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi can be booked at a daily rate. However, there is another – and much cheaper way – to stay at the hostel. The Secret Garden offers special all-inclusive experience packages that offer guests three days and two nights at the hostel alongside a bunch of the available tours for one lump sum.

The price of the offer changes depending on which room option you'd like, but the tours available as part of the package remain the same. The tours included in the offer include the six-hour trek to the summit of Pasochoa Volcano and a guided hike through the Ecological reserve located behind the hostel.

The packages include all national park entrance fees, meals, snacks, and drinks. In addition, guests are entitled to a 'spare' day to sign up for the national Park tour – taking you a good distance up Cotopaxi Volcano – or ride through the national park on horseback, both for a small additional fee. There is also the option to replace one of the included tours with the hostel's waterfall trek. Should you wish to stay longer than the duration of the special offer – and who could blame you if you did, it is possible to extend your stay at a discounted rate.

As one final side note to staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi — it's all too easy to fall in love with the place. If it does happen to you, you aren't the first and won't be the last. If you struggle to contemplate leaving this digitally detoxed oasis, the three-day package deal will never feel like enough. Luckily, providing you can commit at least a month of your time, the hostel does take on volunteers, paying for your services with food and accommodation. As a volunteer, your responsibilities range from guest services to leading hiking groups. It's an excellent opportunity to extend your magical experience while contributing to the warm atmosphere that makes this hostel so unique.

Opting for the hostel's all-inclusive packages is a no-brainer. Choosing which room to book is not so easy. So, let's run through your options…

Mixed-Dorm

The Secret Garden Cotopaxi's mixed dorms can accommodate between eight and ten guests in a spacious room with comfy beds and bedside lamps. The dorms are divided into a two-story building that was once the hostel's main house. Dorm rooms all have access to a shared bathroom. Each dorm room also has its own log fire to keep guests suitably toasty. Dorms are priced at $55 per night or $110 for three days and two nights via the hostel's package deal. 

The Hill House: 

With panoramic national park views, The Hill House boasts an open-plan master bedroom leading into a lounge area. There are also separate rooms with bunk beds for four additional people. The Hill House features a private bathroom, bathtub, fireplace, and dedicated tea and coffee facilities. For two people, The Hill House is $160 per night or $320 via the package deal; there is also the option to book an extra night for $55. These prices reflect two people staying in The Hill House. If booking for one, the price is 75% of the aftermentioned figures. 

Private Cabanas

These cabins are spread over two levels and boast a private bathroom, a fireplace, and a spacious double bed. An additional sofa bed can be added to the cabana for a fee. The cabanas cost $135 per night or $270 for the three-day/two-night package deal. Again, this price is based on two people sharing the cabana. If booking a cabana for one, the price is 75% of the above figures. 

Hobbit Homes

The accommodation of choice for couples staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi. These picturesque homes hail straight from middle-Earth and are built into the mountainside, offering warmth and the best views of Cotopaxi right from your bed. The homes are comfortable but basic, with shared bathrooms found nearby. A night in the hobbit home for two will set you back by $130, or $260 for the hostel's two-night all-inclusive package. For one person, the price is 75% of those referenced above. 

Bird Houses

Tucked away in a more secluded part of the property, the Bird Houses offer guests more privacy than other options at the hostel. The Bird Houses feature carpeted floors, insulation, and electrical sockets. Booking the room for two will cost $125, while the hostel's package deal is $250. As with other options, booking this option as a solo traveler will cost 75% of the price for two. 

Pitching your own tent

For the more adventurous amongst you, it is possible to pitch up in your tent at The Secret Garden without losing access to all the great amenities available by booking other sleeping arrangements at the property, including access to three meals a day, the bathrooms, the jacuzzi, and so on. What's more, by pitching your tent outside, you'll arguably have the best morning view of anyone staying at the hostel. Pitching up with your tent will cost $45 per night, or $85 if booking the package deal; it's by far the cheapest way to stay at this little slice of paradise. 

Dining at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi is far from the typical hostel experience. Here, you'll find no scrimping on portions or quality. Prepared with freshly grown ingredients from their own gardens, the meals at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi are as delicious as they are plentiful. Hearty soups featuring organic fruits and vegetables, fresh bread baked on-site, and healthy eggs sourced from local farms are just some of the delights you can expect.

Mealtime is a distinctly communal affair, served on large tables that invite guests to mingle and chat. A cozy chimney warms the dining area, creating an inviting atmosphere where guests linger before and after meals, engaged in conversations, or lost in a good book. Staff are always willing to cater to individual dietary requirements. And did we mention the endless supply of banana bread, corn nuts, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water?

Tea and coffee are served starting at 7 AM, breakfast at 8 AM, lunch at 2 PM, and dinner at 7 PM. In addition to these delicious meals, a daily snack time is held at 5 PM, ensuring that no one ever goes hungry. For those interested in a drink, beer and wine are available for $4 per glass. You can keep a running tab and settle your bill at the end of your stay.

The weather in Cotopaxi National Park is famously unpredictable, so much so that whatever time of year you visit the national park, it's not uncommon to experience four seasons' worth of weather in a single day. With that said, there are some broad differences between the seasons.

June to August is considered Winter during the national park, characterized by pleasant temperatures, a sharp wind, and plenty of dry days. Temperatures during the winter months range from 4-19ºC (39-66ºF); coupled with an average precipitation of 77mm and an average of 14 rainy days per month, this is one of the best times of year to explore the national park. The Winter months also coincide with the off-season for tourism, meaning that when the sun is shining – which it frequently does, you may have the park mostly to yourself. The winter months are also considered the best months for hiking in Cotopaxi National Park.

In the Spring months, September-November, temperatures stay the same at 4-19ºC (39-66ºF). However, the weather becomes much more unpredictable later in the season — though September is second only to August for the least rainfall year-round. The increasing unpredictability of the weather and precipitation rapidly increasing as the season wares on means that the Spring months also see few tourists.

Between December and February, the summer months are characterized by cool, comfortable weather, with highs of up to 20ºC (68ºF). However, the summer months are also pretty soggy, with an average of 19 monthly rainy days. Despite an uptick in rainfall, the Summer months see an uptick in tourism as the national park approaches its peak tourist months in the fall.

The Fall months are Cotopaxi's busiest in terms of the number of tourists, yet it also sees the worst weather of the year. The fall months see an average of 23 rainy days per month, while monthly precipitation ranges from 142-172mm. Though temperatures are consistent with the rest of the year, the wet weather makes hikes all the harder, the hard-earned views from those hikes often disappointing; all the while, accommodation is generally more expensive.

We'd recommend planning your excursion to Cotopaxi National Park for August-September as Winter blooms into Spring. These months have the least rainfall and the least rainy days, with great weather for hiking. It also means that your visit will fall into the off-season when the park is noticeably quieter.

Our Map of Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador