Papallacta Hot Springs Tour: Private Guide, 8 Pools

Eight thermal pools and a cloud forest walk in one morning

This private tour takes you to Papallacta Hot Springs, a three-time World Travel Awards winner, where you'll soak in eight pools of varying temperatures surrounded by the Andes Mountains at 10,600 feet. Your guide leads you through the cloud forest reserve at nearby Guango lodge to spot birds like the Turquoise Jay and Torrent Duck among giant ferns and orchids. The tour runs seven hours with private transportation and a live guide in English or Spanish; children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit hot springs and cloud forest reserve

• Visit Papallacta hot springs
• Enjoy public baths and pools
• Optional spa massage and private pools
• Observe mountain lake
• Watch landscape and wildlife
• Visit hot springs complex

The Experience

The eight thermal pools at Papallacta sit in a volcanic area where the water temperature varies from cold to hot, so you choose how deep into the heat you want to go. The public baths let you move between them freely, or you can book the spa area for private pools with fewer people and the option to add a massage. Either way, you're soaking while the Andean forest rises around you and the Eastern mountain range opens toward the Amazon rainforest. On clear days the Antisana volcano is visible across the landscape.

After the springs, your guide takes you into the cloud forest reserve at Guango lodge. The walk follows natural mountain trails that can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain—closed-toe hiking shoes or boots and a light rain jacket are essential. This is where you watch for the Turquoise Jay, Torrent Duck, and hummingbirds, and where you see the giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums that thrive in the mist. The reserve is one of Ecuador's most important wildlife conservation areas; endangered species like the Andean Condor and Spectacled Bear use this high moorland.

Your private driver and guide handle the transportation from your location, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The tour lasts seven hours total. Bring a swimsuit and towel for the pools, and plan to wear layers—the altitude and cloud forest can be cool even when the thermal water is hot. Lunch is not included, so eat before you go or plan to stop on the way back.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your location.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• access to the eight thermal pools at Papallacta.
• entry to the cloud forest reserve at Guango lodge ($10 per person).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Llamingo Travel

Is this one for you?The cloud forest walk on natural mountain trails means you'll need closed-toe hiking shoes and a rain jacket, and the terrain can be muddy and uneven—this tour suits travelers comfortable with a moderate forest hike, not a casual stroll. The private guide and transportation mean you move at your own pace between the pools and the reserve without coordinating with a group.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

78 verified traveler reviews

5 ★75

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the eight pools at Papallacta like, and can I choose which ones to use?

The eight pools at Papallacta have different temperatures and sizes, ranging from cold to hot. You can visit the public baths and move between them freely, or book the spa area for private pools with fewer people and the option to add a massage—the choice is yours depending on how much privacy and heat you want.

What birds and plants will I see on the cloud forest walk at Guango lodge?

The cloud forest reserve at Guango lodge is home to the Turquoise Jay, Torrent Duck, and many hummingbirds. You'll also see giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums growing in the mist. The reserve is one of Ecuador's key wildlife areas where endangered species like the Andean Condor and Spectacled Bear live.

How difficult is the cloud forest walk, and what should I wear?

The cloud forest walk follows natural mountain trails that can be muddy, uneven, and slippery, especially after rain. Wear closed-toe hiking shoes or boots and bring a light rain jacket. The terrain is manageable for all fitness levels, but proper footwear is important for safety and comfort.

What's included in the tour price, and what do I need to pay separately?

The tour includes private transportation and your guide in English or Spanish. The hot springs entrance fee varies by which pools you choose (public or spa area), and Guango lodge entrance is $10 per person. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring young children on this tour?

Children from age 3 are welcome. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during transport, though the cloud forest walk on natural trails may be challenging with very young children or strollers.