Papallacta Hot Springs Day Trip from Quito & Lagoon
Two hours from Quito, thermal pools meet cloud forest in the Andes
You leave Quito in the morning, stop at a high-altitude lagoon viewpoint, walk through cloud forest with a guide who explains what you're seeing, then spend the afternoon soaking in natural thermal pools at Termas de Papallacta. Transport, guide, and spa entry are all arranged. You just show up and relax.
Step-by-step itinerary
Relaxing day at Papallacta Hot Springs
- Travel from Quito to Papallacta
- Visit Papallacta Lagoon lookout
- Walk along La Isla path
- Learn about local flora and fauna
- Relax in Termas de Papallacta spa
- Have lunch break at the spa
- Continue relaxing in hot springs
- Return to Quito
What’s included
Your day includes hotel pickup from Quito, a bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish, transport to and from Papallacta, a stop at the Papallacta Lagoon viewpoint, a guided walk through the cloud forest along the La Isla path, and full access to the Termas de Papallacta thermal pools for the afternoon. Lunch is on your own at the spa complex or nearby.
- Every day 07:00
Information
Papallacta thermal springs full day from Quito with lagoon viewpoint, guided nature walk & spa pools. 2 hours from city, bilingual guide, transport included.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
So you're sitting in Quito and someone mentions you can be soaking in natural hot springs by lunchtime, and yeah, that actually works. Papallacta is only two hours away, tucked into the highlands where the air gets thin and the water stays warm. The day starts early with a drive out of the city, and the first stop is the Papallacta Lagoon lookout, where you stand at altitude and watch the moor stretch out in front of you. It's cold up there, the kind of cold that makes you realize how high you actually are, and then you keep going down toward the thermal complex.
Once you reach Termas de Papallacta, the guide takes you on a short walk called La Isla. Nothing strenuous, just a path through the forest where you learn what's actually growing around you. The flora and fauna shift as you climb in Ecuador, and this walk is where you notice it: different plants, different birds, the whole ecosystem changing because of the altitude. After that, the day becomes yours. You get into the hot springs pools, and they're the real thing, not a resort pool with chemicals, but water that comes hot from the ground. You can spend hours in there if you want, or take a break for lunch (usually on your own, so bring cash or eat at the complex), then get back in. There's no schedule pushing you around once you're in the water.
The bilingual guide handles the logistics (transport from your hotel in Quito, entry to the spa, the walk), so you don't have to figure out the route or negotiate with drivers. You're back in the city by evening, still warm from the springs and a little bit tired in the way that feels good. It's the kind of day trip that works if you want to get out of Quito without spending the whole day traveling.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).
How long is the drive from Quito to Papallacta?
About 2 hours each way.
What's included in the tour?
Bilingual guide (English/Spanish), transport from Quito, entry to Termas de Papallacta pools, and a guided nature walk called La Isla. Lunch is not included.
Do I need to be fit to do this tour?
The walk is short and easy. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with cardiovascular health concerns.
How much time do I spend in the hot springs?
Several hours of free time to relax in the pools at your own pace.
What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and cash for lunch if you want to eat at the complex.
Is the water temperature comfortable?
The springs are naturally hot and warm year-round, heated by geothermal activity.
Operated by Quito Tour Bus. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated today
Papallacta Hot Springs Day Trip from Quito & Lagoon
8h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 129 per person
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