Papallacta Hot Springs day trip from Quito: hike and soak

Drive to high altitude, hike the Andes, soak in certified thermal water

A private day trip from Quito to Papallacta Hot Springs combines a morning drive through the Eastern Cordillera to the resort, a short hike through mountain forest, and afternoon time in the thermal pools and spa area. The driver-guide speaks English or Spanish; hotel pickup is included. Entrance fees and lunch are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Papallacta Hot Springs and Spa

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

The Experience

The morning starts with pickup from your Quito hotel and a drive up the Eastern Cordillera. The road climbs to 4,000 meters at the highest point, where on clear days you can see the Antisana volcano and the surrounding paramo landscape spread out below. The fog rolls in often up here, but when it clears the view frames the whole approach to Papallacta. Once you reach the resort, nestled in the mountain forest of the Eastern Andes slopes, you choose what comes next: a short hike on a marked trail through the forest, or straight to the thermal pools.

The hot springs themselves sit in a dedicated spa and hydrotherapy area with multiple pools and water features. The thermal water is certified for medicinal properties. You can move between different sensations — still pools for soaking, streams of moving water, hydro massage jets, and air-bubble massage options. Optional beauty and health treatments are available at the spa if you want them. The afternoon is yours to split between the pools and any additional time on the grounds.

By late afternoon the drive back to Quito begins. The whole day runs six to seven hours from pickup to drop-off. Your driver-guide handles the route and can answer questions about the landscape and the resort, and the private format means the itinerary bends to what you want — more time hiking, more time soaking, or a mix of both.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Quito hotel.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• driver-guide in English or Spanish.
• access to the Papallacta Hot Springs resort and thermal pools.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecu-Trans, Tourist Transportation

Is this one for you?The day involves a high-altitude drive and optional hiking, so it suits travelers comfortable with mountain roads and some walking. The private format means you set the balance between activity and relaxation — more time on the trail or more time soaking, depending on what you want that day.

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Top questions

What's the hike like at Papallacta?

The hike is a short trail through the mountain forest near the resort. The source describes it as a "nice trail" suitable for all fitness levels, and it is optional — you can skip it and go straight to the pools instead.

Will I see the volcano on the drive up?

The Antisana volcano is visible from the highest point of the drive at 4,000 meters, but only when the weather is clear. Fog is common at that elevation, so the view is not guaranteed on every day.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation, bottled water, hotel pickup, and a driver-guide in English or Spanish are included. Entrance fees to the resort, lunch, and spa treatments are separate.

How long is the whole day?

The tour runs six to seven hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including the drive, the hike or pool time, and the return to Quito.

Can I bring young children?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The pools and hike are suitable for families with small children, though the high altitude and mountain drive should be considered.