Papallacta Hot Springs day trip from Quito: Thermal pools and spa

Soak in thermal pools ringed by Andean peaks and montane forest

Papallacta Hot Springs day trip from Quito combines private transportation and a bilingual guide with a full day at Termas de Papallacta, a thermal resort in the Napo province at 3,300 meters elevation. You spend the day swimming in natural hot springs, using whirlpools and spa facilities, and watching the Antisana volcano and Andes range from the surrounding montane forest. The resort sits roughly an hour from Quito and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relax at Papallacta Hot Springs

• Travel from Quito to Papallacta
• Enjoy thermal waters and swimming pools
• Use spa, whirlpools, and Turkish bath
• Observe Andes mountains and Antisana volcano
• Experience sport fishing and nature

The experience

Termas de Papallacta sits high in the Andes, surrounded by montane forest where you can spot local flora and wildlife between soaks. The thermal waters feed multiple pools and whirlpools on the property, and the spa offers treatments you can add to your day. A bilingual guide travels with you from Quito and handles the driving, so you arrive rested and ready to spend the afternoon and evening (or the morning and afternoon) in the water. The resort operates day and night sessions, so you pick the timing that fits your schedule in Quito.

The elevation of 3,300 meters means the air is thin and the setting is dramatic: the Antisana volcano and the full Andes range are visible from the pools themselves. This is not a crowded tourist attraction but a working thermal resort where locals come to relax, so the pace is unhurried. Sport fishing is available if you want to try the streams on the property, though most visitors stick to the pools and spa services. The whole outing runs seven to ten hours depending on which session you choose and how long you linger in the water.

What’s included

• Your day includes private transportation from Quito to Papallacta and back.
• pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
• and a bilingual guide who travels with you the entire time. Entry to the Termas de Papallacta thermal resort, its pools, whirlpools and spa facilities are part of the booking.

Options for this experience

3 options

Shared TourUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:30Lasts 10 hours, pickup is included

Termas Papallacta Spa, daytime visitUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:30Lasts 6 hours, pickup is included

Termas Papallacta Spa, nighttime visitUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 17:00Lasts 5 hours, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 17:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (8 to 90 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

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.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Real Dreams Tour

Is this one for you?Choose the night session if you want to soak under the stars after a day exploring Quito. Pick the daytime option if you prefer to spend your afternoon and early evening in the thermal pools. Either way, the private guide and transport mean you don't drive the mountain road yourself, leaving you free to relax from the moment you leave the city.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How far is Papallacta from Quito, and how long does the drive take?

Papallacta is located in Napo province roughly an hour from Quito by car. Your guide handles all the driving as part of the private transportation included with the tour.

What thermal facilities are available at Termas de Papallacta?

The resort has natural hot springs, multiple swimming pools fed by thermal water, whirlpools, and Turkish bath facilities. Spa services are available on-site if you want treatments beyond the pools.

Can I do this tour at night instead of during the day?

Yes. You can choose a night session or a daytime session when you book. Both options include the same private transport, guide, and access to all thermal facilities at the resort.

What is the elevation at Papallacta, and what will I see there?

Termas de Papallacta sits at 3,300 meters above sea level in the Andes, surrounded by montane forest. The Antisana volcano and the mountain range are visible from the pools, and you may see local flora and wildlife in the forest around the resort.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit or active?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You spend most of the day in or near the thermal pools and spa facilities, so the pace is relaxed and you control how much or how little you do.