Spend the night in a Hobbit Hole in Ecuador

In case you missed it, I wrote an earlier post about horseback riding through the Andes mountains of Ecuador.  What I didn't share with you was that, because of the three hour van ride from Quito, this was not exactly an easy day trip.  This required some additional lodging and boy did we pick the right place.

The Secret Garden of Cotopaxi is a hostel located deep in the Ecuadorian countryside, roughly a three- hour bumpy van ride from Quito.  You can arrange lodging and transportation from the sister hostel of the same name, located in Quito.

From here, we were able to book the horseback riding excursion that I detailed in an earlier blog post (you can find it here).

One of the biggest draws of staying at the Secret Garden, besides its utter adorableness, is its proximity and access to Cotopaxi National Park, and more specifically, Cotopaxi volcano.  If you're lucky, during your stay you will be able to witness a sighting of the volcano- which is truly a gift as it provides a stunning landscape.

When selecting your lodging, you have the choice between several options, including small dorm-style housing, bird's nest cottages, or hobbit holes.  I personally stayed in one of the hobbit holes, which was a very basic but very cozy room that featured a warm and comfy bed, some basic furniture, and a great view of the park.

Photo via Savage Media Group

Included in your stay at the Secret Garden is a free guided hike to some nearby waterfalls, which you can read about here.  You will also be provided lunch on the day of your arrival and departure, as well as all other meals during your stay.  You have access to unlimited water, coffee, and tea, as well as little snacks such as fruit or bread.

The hostel staff can help you book excursions with outside organizations, including the horseback riding tour through Cotopaxi National Park that I opted for.  You can also choose from a variety of different hikes through the park or to the volcano.  Read more about the available excursions here.

You'll definitely want to take advantage of the heated jacuzzi, where you can enjoy views of the park and a comfortable place to relax.  If you're lucky, you may even spot a llama or two.

Check out the amazing video below to get an inside look at the BEAUTIFUL grounds and surrounding park at The Secret Garden in Cotopaxi.