Humbling beginnings—that’s how I would describe our journey through Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador. I’m always amazed when something I least expect completely shifts my perspective. These two places are perfect examples of that—a life lesson I hope to carry with me: stay humble, expect nothing, and let the world surprise you.
Cotopaxi National Park
We had no idea we were heading straight into the middle of Ecuador’s rainy season—but we quickly found out. After three days of non-stop rain in Quito, we started to worry. For those who don’t know (like us at the time), the rainy season lasts from October to May. But despite the occasional wet socks and a few unexpected sprints through the streets, the weather couldn’t take away from the breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
Our adventure began in a truly special place—The Secret Garden, nestled near Cotopaxi National Park. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat to soak in the views or an adrenaline-filled adventure with hikes and exploration, this place has something for everyone. The atmosphere they’ve created is simply wonderful—welcoming solo travelers, couples, and even large groups. Somehow, they’ve mastered the art of bringing people together, fostering a sense of community that makes you feel at home, no matter where you’re from.
For the first time on our journey, we met fellow travelers who shared our mindset—people taking a break from the daily grind to explore the world, seeking adventure and meaningful connections.
The landscapes here felt like a gift from nature. But thanks to the rainy season, we learned a valuable lesson—the weather in Cotopaxi can change in an instant. On our second day, we had only a small window—about an hour and a half—to capture as many photos and videos as possible before the mountains disappeared under a thick blanket of fog and rain.
But you know what? The cloudy, moody days weren’t all bad. After a while, you learn to embrace it. You stop waiting for the perfect moment and start enjoying the moment you’re in. Fallon did just that, swinging high above the mist, embracing the magic of the Andes. When the rain set in, we found comfort in the cozy warmth of a fireplace, a cup of hot cocoa, and the company of new friends. Whether it was reading a book, watching the storm roll in, or simply enjoying the presence of the resident animals, there was always something to love about being there.
Below are three videos summarizing our experience at The Secret Garden and the Cotopaxi National Park. Take a look—you’ll get a better idea of what to expect if you ever decide to visit. And let me just say, 100% recommended.
The Quilotoa Loop
This hike gave me two gifts:
1. A newfound passion for challenging myself physically in a way that I truly enjoy.
2. The privilege of witnessing some of the most spectacular valleys, lakes, craters, and mountains I have ever seen with my own eyes.
I was in complete awe of the landscape. Miles and miles of vibrant, almost unreal shades of green stretched before me, brighter and more intense than anything I had imagined. At first, I laughed at the idea of this three-day hike being difficult. I thought, “This is something anyone can do.” But I was quickly proven wrong.
To anyone who thinks this trek is a casual walk in the park, let me stop you right there—this is no easy feat. It’s challenging. It will test you. But it’s absolutely doable—as long as you have the right mindset, determination, and willingness to push through. I’m not an experienced hiker, and honestly, I still don’t know if I can call myself one. But what I do know is that after completing this trek, I have more confidence in myself than ever before. Because this was, without a doubt, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
I wouldn’t have made it without Fallon. She taught me how to control my breathing, how to manage the thoughts of giving up, and how to push forward even when my body was screaming at me to stop.
And then there were the instant rewards—those breathtaking views that made every challenging step worth it. Every few hours, we were greeted with landscapes that felt like something out of a dream—views that you can only experience by hiking the entire loop.
The thought that kept me going during those three long days was simple: “It’s going to be incredible when we reach the end.” That thought became my fuel. It kept me moving when my legs were tired, when the altitude made it hard to breathe, when the weight of my pack felt heavier with every step. And then, on the third day, after four or five grueling hours of hiking, something changed. The air became crisp and chilly. The fog swirled in front of us, teasing glimpses of something just beyond our sight.
And then—we saw it. Through the mist, a vast mirror of shimmering turquoise stretched across the horizon—Quilotoa Lake. In that moment, I felt it. I made it.
That simple phrase—“I did it”—wrapped around me like a warm blanket, filling me with a deep sense of accomplishment. It was a moment of pure satisfaction, a reward not just for my body but for my mind and spirit. I had pushed through. I had done something I once doubted I could. It’s in moments like this that you understand why people call sight a gift. Because if you’re lucky enough to witness something like this with your own eyes, you are truly gifted. And after working so hard to get there, the view felt even more special.
Below, you’ll find the video we created with love and dedication for the Quilotoa Loop. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it. We also have another video about Baños, Ecuador, which we visited right after completing the Quilotoa Loop—be sure to check it out!
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