Responsible Travel

Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax Amid Andean Beauty šŸŒ„

03.07.2025

BY Elmer2

BlogAmazon

Considered a national and international attraction, the Papallacta Hot Springs have positioned themselves as a benchmark for enjoying the connection between nature and complementary leisure due to their therapeutic properties. However, before becoming what it is today, this place went through a development process.

THERMAL WATERS IN THE REGION

PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS

Located in the Amazonian region of the province of Napo, in the northeast of Ecuador, this parish is about 2 hours from the city of Quito. Its origin goes back to long before the Kingdom of Quito; the indigenous people who had already settled here considered that this place possessed something ā€œmysticalā€ that resulted in the purification of the mind and spirit. However, over the years, Spanish explorers led by Gonzalo Pizarro arrived, leaving their mark on this region and using it to alleviate illness and improve their health. By 1886, several ethnic groups were already living there, in particular the Quichua Quijos and the Quichua Canelos, heirs of the first settlers.

However, this small parish is known for its thermal lagoons of volcanic origin, due to the fact that the eastern mountain range is in the vicinity, preceded by several volcanoes. Among them, we find the Termas de Papallacta, which are a true sanctuary for those who wish to escape the daily noise and enter an environment of tranquility and natural beauty.

What is ā€œspecialā€ about this thermal complex is its various services and activities. These range from its spa, which is open to the public and is frequently used for a day of relaxation. However, if you want to stay for more days, Termas offers different accommodation options ranging from standard rooms, rooms with jacuzzi and family cabins.

On the other hand, if you are looking for adventure and hiking, the place has several well-designed routes for people who need to maintain or increase their level of difficulty.

Finally, the hotel has a thermal club based on its spa pool, massages and gastronomic infrastructure.

INTERESTING FACTS

  • Etymologically, Papallacta means ā€œland of potatoesā€.
  • Termas is located in the province of Napo, in the canton of Quijo.
  • Papallacta is 3710 meters above sea level.
  • The distance from Quito to Termas is approximately 69 km.
  • Papallacta has several attractions, including the lake, which is fed by the melting snow from the Cayambe, Sarahurco and Antisana peaks, as well as by the springs and streams of the surrounding moorland. It is important to point out that the lake has a surface area of 32.4 hectares, is located at an altitude of 3180 meters and has an average temperature of 9.8 °C.
  • The ways to get to Papallacta are: private cars or provincial buses; the cost varies between 3 and 4 dollars.
  • The Papallacta Hot Springs are located in the access area to the Cayambe-Coca National Park.
  • The hotel has 35 lodges made of preserved wood with private bathrooms and underfloor heating, 3 of these lodges have a jacuzzi, while the rest are standard.
  • Hiking activities last from 1 to 8 hours, with prices ranging from 3 to 20 dollars per person.
  • The cuisine of the hot springs is presented with the preparation of typical dishes of the region, however, it has several tasting offers.

THE HOT SPRINGS AS A DESTINATION

The Papallacta hot springs are a must if you are looking to combine health, nature and spectacular landscapes. This Andean paradise awaits you with its healing waters and magical atmosphere, making it a unique experience in Ecuador. Therefore, visiting it and having a unique experience makes it a magical place to revisit.

PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS