Hotel in Quito 170150, Ecuador
Secret Garden Quito
Popular backpacker hostel with incredible rooftop views of Quito and surrounding volcanoes. Offers dorms, private rooms, communal dinners, bar, and helpful travel advice. Social vibe with clean facilities and security.
Secret Garden Hostel stands on Calle Antepara in Quito's historic center, near the junction with Los Ríos, in a part of the old city slightly south of the main colonial plazas. This elevated position, combined with the hostel's multi-storey structure, affords what is widely regarded as one of the finest rooftop views in Ecuador: a sweeping panorama encompassing the Centro Histórico's domed churches and terracotta rooftops, the forested slopes of Pichincha volcano rising directly to the west, and on clear days the snow-capped cone of Cotopaxi 50 kilometers to the south. The view is among the most celebrated at any budget property in Quito and draws as many visitors from other accommodations as it does resident guests.
The building is a refurbished colonial house with successive upper levels added to maximize the rooftop height. Accommodation divides between mixed dormitory rooms of varying sizes and private rooms; en-suite options are available in several private categories. Common spaces across multiple floors include a sitting area with book exchange, a bar, and the rooftop terrace, which serves as the focal point for communal activity from midday through the evening.
The shared evening meal is among Secret Garden's most distinctive offerings — a set-price communal dinner prepared fresh nightly that draws together the resident mix of backpackers, long-term overland travelers, cyclists, and independent adventurers. The dinner functions as an informal information exchange on routes, safety, and logistics across South America. The bar serves Ecuadorian beer, locally produced aguardiente spirits, and cocktails.
Staff provide informal travel advice and can connect guests with trusted local guides for hikes on nearby Pichincha, multi-day treks on Cotopaxi, and longer climbs on Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest summit. A second Secret Garden property operates in the Cotopaxi region, allowing guests to combine the Quito stay with a more remote highland base for volcano access. The historic center location means major sights including La Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco church, and the covered Mercado Central are within short walking distance.
The hostel's long-established reputation within the international backpacking community reflects consistent management standards, a genuine social atmosphere, and one of the most dramatic urban viewpoints in South America at a budget price point.
Amenities
- rooftop terrace
- bar
- shared kitchen
- free WiFi
- luggage storage
- book exchange
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +593 2-295-6704
Location
Antepara E4-60 y Los Ríos, Quito 170150, Ecuador
-0.2172, -78.5100 — View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Quito's colonial old city toward Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes — one of the finest hostel vantage points in South America
- Nightly communal set-price dinner fostering a genuine traveler community and information-sharing atmosphere
- Colonial-center location within walking distance of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza San Francisco, and the Mercado Central
- Well-connected to local mountain guides for Pichincha day hikes, Cotopaxi treks, and multi-day Andean routes
- Sister property in the Cotopaxi region enabling combined Quito-and-volcano itineraries
Tips
- Arrive early to claim a rooftop spot for sunset — views of Pichincha in the late afternoon light are exceptional
- Join the communal dinner even for a one-night stay; it is one of the most effective ways to meet fellow travelers passing through Quito
- The hostel sits in a hilly part of the historic center; wear comfortable walking shoes as surrounding streets involve uphill sections
- Book directly through the hostel's own website for the best rates and to confirm communal dinner availability
FAQ
What kind of views does the rooftop at Secret Garden Quito offer?
The rooftop terrace overlooks Quito's UNESCO-listed colonial center with its churches and tile rooftops. Pichincha volcano rises prominently to the west, and Cotopaxi is visible to the south on clear days. It is widely considered one of the most celebrated urban vantage points in Ecuador.
Does Secret Garden Quito serve food?
The hostel offers a set-price communal dinner served most evenings, which is a social highlight for many guests. A bar serves drinks throughout the day and evening. Breakfast options are also available for an additional charge.
Is there a Secret Garden hostel outside of Quito?
Yes, Secret Garden operates a second property in the Cotopaxi region, providing a high-altitude highland base for visitors exploring Cotopaxi National Park. Many guests combine a Quito stay with a few nights at the Cotopaxi property as part of a broader Ecuadorian highlands itinerary.
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a multi-level colonial building and the rooftop terrace requires climbing several flights of stairs. The surrounding streets of the historic center are cobblestoned and often steeply inclined, making access very difficult for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations.
When to visit
The hostel is most lively from June through August when the backpacker circuit peaks and evening communal dinners fill quickly. Clear days for volcano views are more frequent during the dry season from June to September. Avoid booking only one night; two nights allows time to settle in and take the walking tour.