Cotopaxi, Ecuador

We have just had an amazing 4 days staying at The Secret Garden hostel in Cotopaxi and it was very hard to leave. From the incredible view of Cotopaxi volcano, to the big open fire, the jacuzzi and the wood burners in every room, to the three hostel dogs (Mylo, Mash & Daisy), and the free banana bread...Needless to say it has been one of our favourite hostels! The hostel is surrounded by mountains and we took full advantage of the trekking opportunities! The first day we hiked to a waterfall and the second day we hiked 7 hours up Pasochoa mountain 4200m, with two of the hostel dogs Mylo and Mash to keep us company!! There were incredible views over the valley and we even saw some Condors. It was also good practice to get used to hiking at altitude.

By chance we bumped into Mandy from our San Blas boat here so we had a good catch up with her and chat with the other guests over some wine.

Today, our last day here, we hiked up to the glacier on Cotopaxi volcano at 5000m (higher than Mount Blanc, Europe's highest mountain). We weren't sure if we'd make the glacier due to the weather but the weather behaved and we made it! it was so cold and very windy but incredible!

We could probably stay here for a few months but unfortunately time to go. Next stop Banos!