Papallacta Hot Springs: Thermal Pools & Rainforest Drive

Rainwater heated by magma inside a volcanic caldera becomes the water you soak in.

A private tour from Quito to Termas de Papallacta combines a scenic drive through the Sierra and into the Amazon foothills with time in thermal pools fed by rainwater that has filtered through volcanic rock and acquired heat and minerals from the earth below. Your guide drives and accompanies you into the springs. The round trip takes five to eight hours depending on how long you stay in the water. Entry to the pools costs extra and is paid on-site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing visit to Papallacta hot springs

• Travel from Quito to Papallacta
• Pass through Tumbaco's valley and Ruta Viva highway
• Observe Napo province and Amazon rainforest start
• Pass through Papallacta town and see Papallacta Lagoon
• Enjoy Papallacta hot springs and spa facilities
• Return to Quito with driver and guide

The experience

You leave Quito heading northeast toward the rainforest, climbing through the Andes on the Ruta Viva highway. The route passes a dormant volcano that divides Quito's valleys, then drops into Napo province, where the landscape shifts from highland to jungle. On clear days you can see Papallacta Lagoon, the reservoir that supplies water to the city. The town of Papallacta itself sits at the climate boundary between the Sierra and Amazon: a trading hub where the guide can point out how the vegetation and air change as you descend.

After roughly ninety minutes of driving, you arrive at Termas de Papallacta. The springs are fed by rainwater that has soaked into the Chacana volcanic caldera, where it picks up heat from magma deep below and dissolves minerals that the operator says help with muscle recovery, blood pressure and skin. You enter the pools yourself and soak for as long as you want. The guide can join you in the water and talk, or stay nearby. The facilities are developed (changing rooms, lockers and food options are on-site), so you're not roughing it. The operator recommends booking entry in advance on the Termas de Papallacta website to skip lines.

The return to Quito follows the same road downhill, with the guide handling the drive so you can rest. You'll have local chocolate, bottled water and WiFi in the car on both legs. Children from age twelve are welcome, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a comfortable car with your driver-guide.
• WiFi on board.
• local chocolate and bottled water.
• parking fees.
• a guide fluent in English or Spanish who can accompany you into the springs and share knowledge of the route and the Papallacta area.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to13h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Daniel Mucarsel

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you travel alone or with your own group and set your own pace in the pools: ideal if you want to soak without a schedule or if you prefer not to share the experience with strangers. The drive itself is part of the relaxation: your guide handles the road while you watch the landscape shift from highland to jungle, and you return to Quito rested rather than tired from navigating.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

Papallacta is roughly an hour and a half from Quito by car, heading northeast through the Andes toward the Amazon foothills. The full round trip, including time in the springs, runs five to eight hours depending on how long you stay in the water.

What are the thermal pools like and what do the mineral waters do?

Termas de Papallacta's pools are fed by rainwater that has filtered through the Chacana volcanic caldera, where it absorbs heat from magma and picks up minerals. The operator says the water helps with muscle recovery, blood pressure and skin, and the facilities include changing rooms, lockers and food options on-site.

Does the guide go into the pools with me?

Your guide can enter the water and chat with you, or stay nearby. You decide. Either way, the guide is there to help you get the most from the experience and answer questions about the springs and the area.

What's included in the tour price and what costs extra?

The tour includes private transportation from Quito, the guide, local chocolate, bottled water, WiFi in the car and parking fees. Entry to the thermal pools is paid separately on-site and costs $24. Lunch and gratuities are not included.

Is there anything I should know before booking if I have health concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. It suits all fitness levels otherwise, and children from age twelve are welcome.