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.

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a full day away from Quito without a long journey — the 2-hour drive is what makes it possible to relax in the springs and still be back in the city by evening.

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.

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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 in hot springs
• Return to Quito

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

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.

Can I bring young children?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

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.

What time does the tour start and end?

The itinerary doesn't specify exact times, but it's a full day with pickup from Quito and return in the evening.