Termas de Papallacta: Águas Termais Vulcânicas nos Andes

Papallacta Hot Springs: The Andes' Best-Kept Thermal Secret

At 3,300 m on the eastern flank of the Andes, Papallacta is Ecuador's most famous thermal-spring valley. Fed by the nearby Antisana volcano complex, its waters emerge at up to 64°C, rich in sodium, chloride and sulfur — ideal for muscle recovery after a Cotopaxi hike or a Galápagos flight.

The Drive: One of the Most Beautiful in Ecuador

The 67 km road from Quito climbs to 4,064 m at Paso de la Virgen before descending into a valley where paramó grass gives way to cloud-forest edge. On clear mornings you can spot Antisana (5,704 m) on the right — Ecuador's fourth-highest volcano, snow-capped year-round.

Choosing Your Pool: Balneario vs Termas Spa

Public Balneario (USD 12, open 07:00–21:00): eight open-air pools between 36°C and 42°C, one cold plunge, mountain-view sun deck. Best for a half-day visit from Quito.

Termas Spa & Resort (guests only): five additional heated pools, an indoor spa with massage circuits, private cabins with wooden decks and their own outdoor hot tubs. Perfect for an overnight retreat.

Beyond the Pools: Cayambe-Coca National Park

The resort backs directly onto Cayambe-Coca National Park (403,000 ha of páramo and cloud forest). Two guided trails begin at the back gate:

- Sendero de los Bofedales — 2 hours, easy, crosses high-altitude wetlands with Andean ducks and hummingbirds. - Ranchos del Cóndor — 4 hours, moderate, climbs to a lookout with condor sightings on cloud-free days.

Practical Details

- Altitude: 3,300 m. Sleep in Quito the night before to acclimatize. - Drive: 90 min by private van from Quito hotels. Vermilion Routes uses 4×4 with oxygen on board. - What to bring: swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, warm layer for post-pool cold air, waterproof phone case. - Restaurants: Termas Spa serves Andean trout from local lakes; La Choza de Don Wilson in the village is our favorite trout stop.

Book Your Papallacta Escape

Vermilion Routes offers a private half-day tour with 4×4 transport, entrance to the Balneario, oxygen and hot cocoa on the road, plus optional lunch at Termas Spa restaurant.

Reserve your Papallacta escape →↗