Quito: Papallacta Hot Springs Day with Scenic Walk & Spa

Summary

Full day escape to Papallacta’s hot springs with nature walk and spa entry

You’ll breathe crisp Andean air at Papallacta Lagoon’s lookout, walk among wildflowers with your local guide, then soak in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by mountains. Free time lets you relax or try local trout for lunch before returning to Quito feeling lighter than when you left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping off the van near Papallacta was how sharp the air felt — almost sweet, like you could taste the clouds. Our guide, Andrés, grinned and said it always wakes people up. He pointed out the lagoon below us, mist curling over the water, and I remember thinking it looked colder than it actually was. There were a few locals bundled up at the lookout, sipping something steaming from little cups (I never did find out what it was). The wind kept tugging at my jacket while Andrés told us about the páramo plants — he even let us touch one that felt kind of spongy, not what I expected at all.

We followed him down a path called La Isla. It wasn’t long — maybe half an hour? — but I kept stopping because there were these tiny yellow flowers poking through the grass everywhere. At one point, someone in our group tried to spot a hummingbird but only managed to catch a blur. The ground squished under my boots from last night’s rain. Andrés laughed when I slipped a little and said that’s just part of hiking here. Honestly, I didn’t mind; it felt good to be out in real mountain air instead of city noise for once.

The main event though — those hot springs. You can smell the minerals before you even see the steam rising over the pools. It’s not unpleasant, just earthy and warm somehow. I slid into one of the hotter pools and let everything go slack for a while; my skin prickled where cool air met hot water. Some people chatted quietly nearby in Spanish, others just floated with their eyes closed. Lunch was on our own time (I grabbed trout from a little café inside — salty and perfect after soaking). We stayed until late afternoon before heading back to Quito, everyone quieter than before. Maybe it was all that heat or just not wanting to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 at the hot springs
• Return to Quito

Top questions

How far is Papallacta Hot Springs from Quito?

Papallacta Hot Springs are about 2 hours by road from Quito.

Is lunch included on this Papallacta day trip?

No, lunch is not included but you have free time to buy your own meal at the spa complex.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes bilingual guide service (English/Spanish), entrance to Termas de Papallacta pools, and tourist transport.

How long do you spend at Termas de Papallacta?

You have several hours of free time at Termas de Papallacta after a short guided walk.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Do you get hotel pickup in Quito?

The tour includes tourist transport from Quito; check if hotel pickup is available when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip tourist transport from Quito, entry to all thermal pools at Termas de Papallacta Spa, and guidance throughout by a bilingual local expert who shares stories about Andean nature along the way.