Jagged rocky peaks are the backdrop for the Termas de Papallacta hot springs complex, located 75 minutes from Quito, enroute to the jungle.

As you are soaking up the minerals in the springs, you may be lucky and spot a hummingbird or two feeding in the trees overhead. The complex consists of many pools from a downright freezing plunge pool to get your circulation going through to hot pools that will make you sweat. A combination of the two is considered to be excellent to kick-start your circulation.

Whiling away a couple of hours on your Papallacta tour makes you surprisingly hungry and the restaurant serves a varied menu of local specialities, the best of which being steamy hot trout.

If relaxing in the hot pools isn't enough, Papallacta also runs a spa for those craving a massage or other special treatment for their aching limbs.
It is possible to stay overnight at the pools to experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of gazing at the stars overhead, while supping wine in a steaming hot pool.

A cheaper and more local alternative to Papallacta tours is the Jamanco hot springs, currently under expansion. Here you will not have the polished experience of Papallacta, but you will observe local life more readily. It is also possible to arrange hiking trips in the Papallacta / Jamanco region.

Contact us to take a day trip to Papallacta or to include it as part of your customized Ecuador tour.