We suggest departing Quito at 10am, pass through Machachi at about 11am, and reach the hostel about midday, in time for lunch and the afternoon waterfall walk. Alternatively we can arrange a private transport any time for $50 per vehicle from Quito to SG Cotopaxi, or $20 per vehicle for the 1 hour journey from Machachi (on the Panamericana) to SG Cotopaxi.

There are buses running from Machachi that can drop you at the end of our driveway but these are infrequent, not very reliable, and you would then need to walk 3km down our driveway from the main road. The much, much, much easier option…

We suggest departing Quito at 10am, pass through Machachi at about 11am, and reach the hostel about midday, in time for lunch and the afternoon waterfall walk. Alternatively we can arrange a private transport any time for $50 per vehicle from Quito to SG Cotopaxi, or $20 per vehicle for the 1 hour journey from Machachi (on the Panamericana) to SG Cotopaxi.

Other places:

Airport $60

Otavalo $100

Mindo $100

Papallacta $80

Mitad del Mundo $70

Latacunga $50

Sigchos $70

Quilotoa $100

Baños $100

Driving…

From Machachi:

Take the road to Pedregal and follow all the signs that say “Santa Ana” until you reach the Y, at the Y turn left and you will see the Secret Garden signs on your left side (don’t turn just yet-still 200 meters to go). The first entrance is another hacienda, drive a little further and you will see the entrance to our path, it is a green door 🙂
The last leg of the trip to the hostel is a little rocky, so drive carefully/slowly. When it rains, be extra careful. If you prefer, the other option is that you could leave the car in Machachi where our driver lives and from there he can bring you for $ 20 ( up to 4 pax) or $5 per person (6 or more)

From Sangolquí:

This road is usually good in dry season but it is a bit more adventurous than coming through Machachi, if you like 4×4 this is your way especially in the rainy season.

You take the road to Selvalegre, San Fernando, Vallecito you reach the Potable Water control and take to Loreto del Pedregal from here you follow the signs that say Chilcabamba and once you get there you continue for about 2 km until your right side see the sign of our way

Shuttle From Quito…

This shuttle departs The Secret Garden Quito at 10am every day. the address is Antepara E4-60 y Los Rios, San Blas, Quito (tel +593991980027).
Please try to be there by about 9.45, and don’t hesitate to phone if you have any problems. If you arrive early you are welcome to head up to our rooftop terrace to enjoy spectacular views of Quito Old Town, a free cup of tea (or cheap, but good coffee) and use our free high speed wi-fi. We also serve some great breakfast options at very reasonable prices.

Do you need a reservation at The Secret Garden Quito? Book on-line with no deposit at rooms and prices.

Shuttle From Machachi…

The shuttle passes thru Machachi at approx 11am. In Machachi – one of our drivers will meet you at “The Horse Statue” (Estatua del Caballo). This is a statue of a horse and rider in a small plaza with a fountain/water feature, next to a bus stop.

Click on THIS LINK to see Estatua del caballo on google maps.

Coming up from Baños or Latacunga or anywhere South, you must catch a bus going to Quito but tell them you will be getting off at Machachi. Do not catch a bus going to central Machachi as this will not go past the horse statue. As you approach Machachi the bus will stop at a toll booth. Approx 3 – 4 minutes later you will see a Red/Orange “X-Primax” Petrol Station/Gasolinera on your right hand side and a big pedestrian footbridge going over the highway. There are traffic lights just past the footbridge. Get off at these traffic lights and you will see the Horse Statue on your right.

Getting To Your Next Destination…

All our day trips return by around 1.30pm, so you can do any activity on your last day. Lunch on your last day is always included in the price. Guests often prefer to do the Pasochoa trek on their last day, but regardless of what you are doing, you are welcome to take a shower, enjoy lunch etc, before heading off. Most guests leave at around 2.30pm – this enables you to reach Quito, Baños or even Quilotoa by around dinner time that evening.

When you leave the hostel, you have several options private shuttle to Machachi (approx. 1 hr). In Machachi, the driver will help you catch the correct bus to your next destination – eg Quito or Latacunga – $1/1hr, Baños – approx. $3-$4 – 2 /½ hrs.

The drivers also offer a one way shuttle to Quito ($10pp) , Latacunga ($10pp)or Baños ($20pp) leaving at 3pm.

Daily Service- no minimum numbers.

A shuttle to Machachi costs $15 (total, not per person) and we can arrange this anytime 24/7. Most guests leave at around 2.30pm.

We have shuttles that seat up to 10 guests, so it is often quite cheap to share a shuttle all the way, door-to-door, to your next destination.

At snack time, 5pm each evening, the manager will organise/co-ordinate transport for people who are leaving the next day. Guests decide amongst themselves if they want to share shuttles just to Machachi or all the way to their next destination. These fares are paid direct to the drivers.