Private Full Day Experience at Papallacta Hot Springs
Description
This tour is ideal for couples or families, in the thermal baths we can enjoy a unique moment of relaxation amid mountains and beautiful landscapes that we will observe throughout the trip from the beginning of our tour. The Papallacta resort is located near the city of Quito, approximately one and a quarter hours away, on this tour we have two schedules to choose from, early morning at 8am or afternoon from 2pm. Along the way we will make some stops to observe the Andean landscape and take several photos of the sector, when arriving at our destination we can enter the Spa to relax in its medicinal hot springs. Before returning to Quito we will stop to enjoy the typical cuisine of the place, with local people who will offer us a delicious chicken or trout broth. The service is completely private and all tours are with a tour professional who is also a certified guide. Flexible itinerary.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will communicate by WhatsApp to give basic instructions before the start of the tour and to coordinate the meeting point. The tour is done by private transport, in a white Chevrolet Grand Vitara with all the biosecurity measures. It is suggested to go with comfortable clothes and a jacket for the cold, sunscreen is also necessary, even if there is no sun it is recommended to use it and water to hydrate.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(58)
Our guide Andrès was very kind and adapted to all our changes in dates and times. He picked us up at the airport and drove us directly to the thermal baths. Given the late departure time at 3 p.m., we were not able to stop to see the landscapes and eat a traditional meal as written in the activity description, but it was still a pleasant car ride. Surrounded by the mountains, we really spent a refreshing time in the hot springs and the massage we had afterwards was wonderful! A nice little anecdote, we were lucky enough to come across a small porcupine on our way back.
It was a beautiful ride with scenic views of mountain, animals, fog, and the village the way people love their lives everyday. The experience was amazing, it was so relaxing. I could spend hours and hours in the hot pool. Our guide was also very helpful and kind and patient. There were a lot of people as expected in this area for it is beautiful and worth the visit. Families with small children are of course welcome to come and they will enjoy it. The price we paid is worth it. They have restaurant inside and massages but I never tried the massage but tried the restaurant.
Andres was very kind and knew a lot about the area. He checked on us and moved at our pace. Took us to delicious local lunch. Great experience!
The springs are a lovely and relaxing time. It is a pretty long track up a mountain but well worth the effort. I had a hot stone massage and enjoyed the springs. There's also a cold plunge pool. Our guide Ruben was excellent, professional & personable!
Andres was an amazing guide. He took great care of me throughout the entire tour and thoughtfully customized the itinerary based on my requests. I also loved the local restaurant he recommended—it was absolutely delicious! Papallacta was a truly beautiful natural hot spring with breathtaking views. I enjoyed a bamboo massage and a facial treatment, and the therapist was incredibly skilled. It was such a relaxing and memorable experience. I truly loved this tour and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Ecuador.
You must take the massage - best I have ever had! Andres is the most knowledgeable, kind guide. Patient, flexible- nothing isi too much trouble. The drive up to the doings was spectacular. The springs were AMAZING! Seven fantastic pools! The massage was out of this world and only £40 for 45 mins! I felt happy and fantastic after! Thank you Andres! You are a special person !
My wife and I spent a magical day at the Papallacta Hot Springs with Andrés as our guide, and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. From the moment he picked us up, it was clear we were in excellent hands. The drive through the Andes was stunning, and Andrés transformed it into a living classroom — sharing the history, culture, and landscapes of Ecuador with genuine passion and warmth. He has a remarkable gift for storytelling that made every mile of that journey as memorable as the destination itself. At the hot springs, we were never once made to feel rushed. Andrés gave us all the time we needed to soak in the thermal pools and simply breathe in the breathtaking mountain surroundings. By the time we reluctantly made our way back, we were refreshed, relaxed, and full of gratitude for the day he had given us. What truly set Andrés apart was his genuine care for us as people, not just as passengers. His English is excellent, his personality is warm and easy-going, and his enthusiasm for sharing his country is infectious. By the end of the day, it felt like we'd spent it with an old friend who happened to know Ecuador inside and out. As the tour wound down, Andrés capped off the day by sharing restaurant and activity recommendations for our remaining time in Quito — every one of them was a hit. His suggestions shaped our entire following day in the city, extending his wonderful influence well beyond the tour itself. If you're visiting Quito, do not miss this tour — and make sure you request Andrés. He made our day absolutely extraordinary, and it stands out as one of the highlights of our entire trip.
The Papallacta hot springs are beautiful, especially when the cool mist rolls in through the mountains. They are clean and well managed and a great way to relax. Andrés took care of us very well. He got in touch straight away about preparations and was very responsive to messages beforehand. We loved the delicious local lunch (chicken soup and trout). Highly recommend the trip as a very enjoyable way to see the hot springs.
Thank you Hannah, I hope you enjoy your time in Ecuador!
Me and my mum had an amazing time at the Papallacta hot springs! The guide has been very thoughtful, informative and kind. The scenery was beautiful at the hot springs, it was the most relaxing time for us during our trip to Ecuador. The guide has shown us incredible local food and we learned a lot during this tour. We had the best time, definitely recommend! Thank you very much!
My guide was amazing. He made it a perfect trip for me. He gave a very balanced, almost personalized right for me, tour. It was both fun and informative! Also, he made my experience at the spa great! He was helpful in moving through the experience with ease
