Papallacta Hot Springs

Relax and enjoy these hot springs with magnificent views of the cloud forest and the mighty Antisana Volcano

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Easy

TRIP OVERVIEW

Termas de Papallacta is a hot springs resort located 67 km East of Quito. When we drive to the area of Papallacta we cross the Andes from West to East reaching the highest point on the road at 4.000 m / 13,120 ft. From here, there could be great views of the so far unclimbed East face of Antisana, but that will depend on the weather.

Papallacta is located on the Cinnamon Trail, the route that the Spanish conqueror Francisco de Orellana took in 1542, when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of gold and other treasures. It unexpectedly led him to discover the great Amazon River.

At an altitude of 3.220 m / 10,562 ft Papallacta has several thermal water pools and is also a gateway to the whole Ecuadorian Amazon Region.

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: None

Difficulty Levels: Easy
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Activity: Bathing / Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Cold weather clothing, swimsuit and towel

ITINERARY

DAY
01

Itinerary in Brief – One DayPapallacta Hot Springs

  • Pick up at Quito at around 8:30
  • Two hours drive to Papallacta
  • Two or three hours in the resort
  • Lunch
  • Back at Quito by 15:00

Activity: Bathing / Trekking (optional)

Transportation: 2-hour private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Lunch

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hot springs at the edge of the jungle
  • Great views of the cloud forest and Antisana volcano
  • Excellent resort facilities and accommodation
  • Just 1 1/2 hours away from Quito
  • Numerous hot spring pools of different temperatures

MAP

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COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these cultural and relax excursions after being in the tourism industry of Ecuador for many years. We don’t just offer the classic tourist attractions of Ecuador by it self; we combine them as a rest day from our hiking or climbing adventures. The Andes of Ecuador are mainly of a volcanic origin, the thermal water of Papallacta come from the deep inner volcanic activity of the Antisana volcano, the 4th highest glacier volcano of Ecuador that can be often seen from Papallacta.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Driving to Papallacta, swim, relax and do a short walk to visit the reserve

Terrain

Travel

We travel to Papallacta by jeep or a van

Weather

In general unpredictable, however with more chances of rains from June to August

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

A visit to Papallacta is recommended after any climbing or trekking trip.

Cuicocha Lagoon Trek

Explore a crater lagoon from all its spectacular angles

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.200 m / 10,496 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Pasochoa Trek

A great trek with a view of the pristine forest…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.200 m / 13,776 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Rumiñahui Trek

Explore of one of Ecuador’s most scenic national parks

Duration

1 day

Elevation

4.631 m / 15,189 ft

Difficulty

Moderate