Papallacta Hot Springs Day Trip: Andes Hike & Pools

Soak in medicinal thermal waters after a refreshing Andes mountain hike

A private day trip from Quito to Papallacta Hot Springs combines a morning drive up the Eastern Cordillera to 4,000 meters, a short forest hike, and afternoon time in the thermal pools and spa facilities. The route crosses high-altitude paramo with views of Antisana volcano when weather clears. Entrance fees and lunch are available to purchase separately. An English-speaking driver and guide are included for groups of up to three travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Papallacta Hot Springs and Spa

• Depart Quito in the morning
• Drive up Eastern Cordillera to 4000 m
• Enjoy views of Antisana volcano
• Arrive at Termas de Papallacta Resort
• Optional short hike on mountain trail
• Relax in thermal hot springs
• Optional health and beauty spa treatments
• Return drive to Quito in afternoon

The experience

You leave Quito in the morning and drive east toward the Andes, climbing the Eastern Cordillera until the road reaches its highest point at 4,000 meters. The ascent can be foggy, but on clear days the views open across the paramo to Antisana volcano and the surrounding peaks. From there the route descends into the mountain forests of the eastern slopes, where Termas de Papallacta sits between steep forested ridges: one of the region's largest thermal resorts.

Once you arrive, a short hike takes you through a trail in the surrounding forest before you move to the thermal pools. The water here has been certified for medicinal properties. The spa and hydrotherapy area offers different experiences: natural thermal pools, directed water streams, water massage, and hydro massage with air bubbles. Spa treatments are optional and available for an additional cost. You spend the afternoon at your own pace in and around the water before the drive back to Quito in late afternoon.

Your guide speaks English and travels with you throughout the day. A bottle of water is included. The resort is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller, or sit on an adult's lap. Specialized infant seats are available if needed. The full day runs eight to nine hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Quito.
• English-speaking driver and guide for groups up to three travelers.
• a bottle of water.
• access to the thermal pools and spa facilities at Termas de Papallacta (entrance fee paid separately).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecuador Local Guide

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you're arriving in Quito without a rental car or staying in the city center. The private pickup and return means you don't arrange transport, and the fixed itinerary holds the full Andes crossing and thermal soak inside a single day without building it yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What's the drive like from Quito to Papallacta?

The drive climbs the Eastern Cordillera to 4,000 meters, where fog is common but clear days reveal views of Antisana volcano and the paramo landscape. The ascent takes several hours, then the route descends into the mountain forests where the thermal resort is located.

What can I do at the thermal pools besides swimming?

Termas de Papallacta offers natural thermal pools, directed water streams, water massage, and hydro massage with air bubbles. Optional spa and beauty treatments are available for an additional cost.

Do I need to pay for entrance to the resort?

Entrance fees are not included in the tour price and cost 25 USD per person. You can pay them directly at the resort or arrange payment in advance.

Is lunch included in the day trip?

Lunch is not included but is available to purchase at the resort for an additional cost.