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Papallacta

Private wellness & nature tour · Ecuadorian Andes

Experience Papallacta’s thermal waters and peaceful Andean nature.

Leave Quito behind for a full day of mountain scenery, a guided nature walk and time to relax in the thermal pools of Papallacta.

The supplied itinerary combines birdwatching and photography opportunities with lunch, private transportation and the option to add SPA or massage treatments at extra cost.

8 hoursFull-day experience
QuitoPick-up and return
DailyPrivate departures
Thermal pools and gardens at Papallacta Hot Springs surrounded by highland vegetation and mountains
Papallacta combines thermal pools, highland gardens and mountain scenery in a quiet setting outside Quito.
Nature before the pools

Walk beside rivers and highland vegetation before slowing down in the thermal waters.

The tour includes a peaceful nature walk along the Papallacta trails. The supplied material highlights birdwatching, photography and the sounds of the river as part of the experience.

Rocky Andean river flowing through green vegetation near the Papallacta nature trails
Snowcapped Andean mountain rising beyond dark forested ridges near Papallacta Ecuador
01

Nature Walk

Enjoy a guided highland trail walk with opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.

02

Thermal Pools

Set aside time to relax in Papallacta’s mineral-rich volcanic thermal waters.

03

Local Lunch

Lunch is included as part of the full-day experience at Papallacta.

04

Optional SPA

Massage, aromatherapy and SPA treatments can be requested at additional cost.

Close view of clear thermal water rippling over the tiled edge and volcanic rocks at Papallacta
Thermal relaxation

Warm water, volcanic minerals and a slower pace in the Andes.

The source describes Papallacta as one of Ecuador’s best-known thermal spa destinations, surrounded by cloud forest landscapes, rivers and volcanic scenery.

After the nature walk, the itinerary gives guests time to relax in the pools before lunch and optional SPA treatments.

Quiet time

Choose between simple pool relaxation and an optional deeper wellness experience.

The supplied tour plan includes free time after lunch. Guests can simply enjoy the surroundings or add a professional SPA massage or aromatherapy treatment for an extra charge.

Overnight accommodation is also available upon request for travelers who want to extend their stay.

Quiet blue thermal pools surrounded by rocks, trees and mist at Papallacta Hot Springs
Papallacta thermal wellness

A full day designed around nature, warm pools and time to recharge.

The experience moves at a comfortable pace from Quito to the highlands, through the nature walk, thermal pools and lunch before returning to the city.

Travelers relaxing beside a steaming thermal pool surrounded by green Andean gardens at Papallacta
The supplied itinerary places thermal pool relaxation at the center of the late-morning experience.
Thermal pools and gardens at Papallacta Hot Springs surrounded by highland vegetation and mountains
Private transportation, entrance fees and lunch are included in the tour description.
Travel tips for Papallacta

Prepare for cool, wet highland weather and warm thermal pools.

The supplied material recommends layers, sun protection and sandals for the pools, while noting the high altitude and cool ambient temperatures.

  • Source altitude: approximately 3,500m–4,000m / 11,500ft–12,000ft.
  • Source ambient temperature: around 10°C / 50°F.
  • Thermal pool temperature in the source: approximately 36°C–38°C / 96°F–100°F.
  • Bring a jacket and dress in layers because rain is possible.
  • Bring sandals if you wish to use the thermal pools.
  • Use sun block, a hat and sunglasses.
  • The source asks guests with heart-related physical conditions to let the operator know.
  • Towels are provided by Termas de Papallacta Resort according to the supplied material.
Papallacta · Ecuadorian Andes

Ready for a day of nature and thermal relaxation?

Book a private full-day tour from Quito with an English-speaking Samay Adventures guide, private transportation, lunch and entrance fees included.