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Discover Papallacta Hot Springs in the middle of Nature
Nestled high in the Ecuadorian Andes, Papallacta Hot Springs Ecuador is one of the best hot springs near Quito — a destination where nature, relaxation, and a touch of magic come together. Surrounded by misty mountains and paramo landscapes, this thermal paradise is the perfect escape for travelers looking to unwind from the city and enjoy soothing volcanic waters with natural healing properties.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Quito or a peaceful overnight stay, Papallacta offers a refreshing experience that restores both body and mind.
Where is Papallacta located?📍
The Papallacta hot springs are located in the middle of the majestic mountains of the Andes mountain range; they have a temperature of 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). These hot springs contain minerals that come from natural underground springs and are known for their therapeutic and healing properties.
To have a complete experience in this place, you can enjoy different services in this spa, hiking along the trail, and a great view around these hot springs, along with its mountains and animals that surround Papallacta.
Papallacta Ecuador promises an unforgettable experience of well-being and renewal. Immerse yourself in the comforting warmth of the hot springs and let your stress melt away as you enter this unique place in Ecuador. You can also combine this adventure into an all-inclusive tour to Cotopaxi and Papallacta.
What can find in the Papallacta hot springs? ♨️
Spa
At the Termas Papallacta Spa you can have a moment of relationship and well-being, in a natural environment. Its facilities offer high-quality treatments and the benefits of its thermal waters. You will be able to enjoy thermal pools and their hydromassages that will make your experience even more relaxing, and you will also receive special massages with professional techniques.
You will also find a medical office at your disposal if you want to find out something specific or consult free advice. Each of the pools offers different types of massages due to the regulation of the water jets and their air bubbles.
The price of the service ranges from $12 USD to $50 USD.
Opening hours: 09:00 a.m.- 21:00 p.m.
Thermal Baths
Visiting the Papallacta Spa means you can enjoy a natural and pleasant environment. This place has more than 10 thermal pools of different sizes, temperatures and depth, designed to offer you a unique experience in each of them, including cold water springs if you want a more refreshing experience.
In these pools you can relax your muscles in their warm waters or rehabilitate in the cold waters of these pools. But on weekends the pools are usually very visited, during the week they are more reserved to obtain a more private experience.
Price
- Adult $10.50
- Children (3 to 11 years) $5.25 and Seniors $4.50
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 06:00 a.m – 21:00 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 08:30am – 21:00am
Biodiversity Observation
In Papallacta Ecuador you can explore the biodiversity of this place. From the pools you can see hummingbirds, such as the sword-billed hummingbird, this bird is usually widely observed in these surroundings, while you As you walk along the path along the river you can see colorful tanagers, the cock of the rock and Andean quetzals.
If you want to know more about the birds that inhabit this area you can go to the Cayambe Coca National Park, in this place you can observe species of birds such as the Andean toucan, several species of snipe such as the strong wind snipe, Andean eagle, trogons, troglodytes and many others.
Species that inhabit the place. During your road trip you will be able to observe white-tailed deer, even spectacled bears, in your surroundings. You should be careful if you see one pass by on the road and pay attention to the signs for the care of wild animals.
Accommodation at the Papallacta Hot Springs 🏨
The Papallacta Hot Springs Ecuador complex offers you adequate accommodation to rest comfortably, along with an environment with natural views. This hotel has 35 wooden rooms, each of the rooms has a private bathroom, and floor heating so that you get better comfort, it also has standard rooms and cabins for visitors who wish to go in large groups.
For better comfort at the Termas Papallacta hotel, there are 3 rooms with jacuzzi if you wish. All rooms are located around exclusive thermal pools for those staying in this magnificent place, providing an experience of relaxation and rest amid the beauty of the Andean landscape. And not only this, it also has cribs for families who have babies, at no additional cost.
Things to do in Papallacta 🏞️
Papallacta lagoon
Visiting the Papallacta Lagoon can be one of the most beautiful experiences during your trip to Papallacta Hot Springs Ecuador, it is located in the province of Napo, in the cozy town of Papallacta, area of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve.
This lagoon was formed by the melting of the Andean peaks, volcanoes such as Cayambe, Sarahurco and Antisana, and by its volcanic activity, leaving a lagoon. The water from this lake is used as a source of drinking water for the city of Quito in the North.
This lake has numerous local legends, the inhabitants of the area will be able to tell you the fantastic stories that surround this lagoon. Papallacta Lake is a good place to observe the panoramic view of this wonderful place, due to its viewpoint where you can enjoy the flora and fauna along with its natural beauty.
Hiking
If you are looking for a safe and pleasant hike, we recommend that you visit one of the following trails:
- “La Isla” trail
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: low
This trail is recommended for being a relaxed walk without much difficulty. Through this path you can go along a path marked through a forest of vegetation where you will reach a small island in the lagoon, if you wish you can enter these waters and be able to swim.
The guides can provide you with additional information about the flora and fauna throughout your journey. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy a natural experience without major physical challenges. It offers a relaxing experience with pleasant views of the natural environment, ideal for a short and pleasant walk.
- River trail
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: low
During this walk you will be able to explore the natural habitat of the region, from observing birds, plants and other forms of wildlife. The path can vary its vegetation during the walk, from irregular paths to small, weak rivers.
The River Trail is ideal for those who want a longer walk alongside the depth of biodiversity. On that walk you will not miss the wonderful views of the vegetation and its magnificent surroundings, which provides you with a unique and pleasant experience during this walk.
These two wonderful trails near the Papallacta Lagoon offer you a unique experience — making the trip to Papallacta Hot Springs from Quito absolutely worthwhile adapted to a better condition for each person’s physical condition, allowing you to explore and enjoy the impressive natural beauty of the region.
Sport fishing
The Papallacta Lagoon is recognized for its beauty and sport fishing for trout. A place where you can do this recreational activity is the “Casa Damian Sport Fishing” located near the Hot Springs. A place that offers all types of fishing depending on how good you are at fishing you will be able to determine the level at which you will fish.
This site has easy access from the road and it is not necessary that you can fish to carry out these recreational activities, since the establishment’s guides teach you how to do it.
They will provide you with baits such as homemade dough and worms to attract trout. These trout have an approximate size of 25 cm. And not only does it allow you to enjoy the pleasure of trout fishing in a peaceful environment, but you also support local businesses in this area and enjoy a relaxing activity during your stay in the region.
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a,m – 17:00 p.m.
- Price: $6
Taste the local gastronomy
The main dish offered in local restaurants near these hot springs near Quito is trout in various presentations. In addition, they offer food from the Ecuadorian highlands such as beans, corn, chicken broth, etc.
How to get to Papallacta from Quito? 🚌
Getting to Papallacta Hot Springs from Quito is straightforward and takes approximately 1 hour by car via the E35 highway toward Baeza. The journey itself is scenic, climbing through cloud forests and high páramo as you cross the eastern Andes at over 4,000 meters before descending to Papallacta at 3,300 meters.
By Bus
To get to Papallacta, you must go to the Quitumbe Terrestrial Terminal in Quito, once here you must go to the bus stop and take a bus from the Baeza or Tena cooperative, which will take you to Papallacta.
Tickets generally range between $3 to $5 USD per person. You will be able to enjoy the scenery during your 2-hour drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By taxi
- From Quito, you have to take the General Rumiñahui Highway, heading east along Avenida Simón Bolívar.
- You must continue along the E35 highway and reach the detour towards Papallacta, where it is signposted.
- This cost depends on the type of vehicle used and the rates. The trip usually lasts approximately 1 hour.
By Private Transport
- If you want more comfort and security, you can choose to hire a private transportation service.
- On this private trip you will have wonderful views that will leave you impressed, along with a series of information that your driver can tell you along the way, if it is the case of transportation through a travel agency.
- Here at “Real Dreams Tour” we can customize your experience for a perfect and comfortable price for your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions ⁉️
What does the word Papallacta mean?
There are several theories where the word Papallacta comes from, one of the most accepted comes from the combination of two Quechua words, “Papa” and “llacta”. The word “Papa” in Quechua means potato or also known as potato, a tuber that is cultivated in the mountain region. On the other hand, “llacta” is a Quechua word that is used to refer to land or a town. These words together mean “potato land” or “potato town.” Referring to the fact that in Papallacta there is an abundance of potatoes.
What benefits do the Papallacta Hot Springs have?
The benefits of hot springs are found in the minerals, which makes the waters offer therapeutic benefits that provide physical relief. In addition to this it helps eliminate toxins and reduces stress and fatigue from the body, giving a deep experience of free and stress relaxation. In addition to this, the waters offer benefits for mental health, especially for those who suffer from high blood pressure. If you immerse yourself in the hot springs you can increase body temperature, dilate the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and provides oxygen. to the muscles. This not only relieves muscle tension and joint pain, but also gives you a calming sensation, which can improve your emotional state.
How much does the entrance to Papallacta cost?
The journey to Papallacta may vary depending on the age of the visitors. Children from 3 to 11 years old and older adults must pay the cost of $5.25, while adults must pay $10.50 for entry. This place is ideal to spend a relaxing moment in the hot springs and enjoy a series of activities on offer. It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance, due to the high seasons from June to September, when there are a greater number of visitors.
How do I get to Papallacta Hot Springs from Quito?
Papallacta Hot Springs is located about 67 km east of Quito, approximately 1 hour by car via the E35 highway toward Baeza. You can drive, take a private transfer, or catch a public bus from the Quitumbe terminal heading toward Tena or Baeza and ask the driver to drop you at Papallacta.
Is Papallacta worth visiting as a day trip from Quito?
Absolutely. Papallacta is one of the most popular day trips from Quito thanks to the short 1-hour drive. You can enjoy thermal pools, spa treatments, hiking, and local cuisine all in one day. However, staying overnight lets you experience the pools at night and explore the Papallacta Lagoon at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Papallacta Hot Springs?
You can visit Papallacta year-round since the thermal pools maintain their temperature regardless of weather. Weekdays are best for fewer crowds. The dry season (June to September) offers clearer skies, but the misty rainy season has its own charm with lush green paramo landscapes.
Can you stay overnight at Papallacta Hot Springs?
Yes. Termas de Papallacta offers comfortable cabins and hotel rooms with private thermal pools. Staying overnight gives you access to the pools in the evening and early morning when they are quieter. The resort also has a restaurant serving local Ecuadorian cuisine.
What activities can you do in Papallacta besides hot springs?
Beyond the thermal pools and spa, Papallacta offers hiking trails through cloud forest and paramo, sport fishing for trout at the Papallacta Lagoon, birdwatching with over 160 species, and sampling local gastronomy including fresh trout dishes and traditional Ecuadorian food.
