Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour

Outty Ranking 79 4.9 · 78 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $120
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Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 78 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour worth booking?

Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $120 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 78 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
79 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (78)
Duration
7 hours
From
$120 per person

This private tour allows you to visit the Papallacta volcanic area with thermal-springs located at 3250 msnm (10600 feet). You'll enjoy the hot-pools surrounded by the Andes Mountains. During your bath time you will watch the stunning landscape of the andean forest and the Eastern mountain range, which leads to the Amazon rainforest. This tour also include the visit to Guango lodge, one of the best places in Ecuador for birdwatching. You will explore the reserve with your tour guide to watch the birds like the Turquoise Jay, Torrent Duck, many hummingbirds and plants like giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, and so on. Important: The cloud forest walk takes place on natural mountain trails that may be muddy, uneven, and slippery, especially after rain. We recommend wearing closed-toe hiking shoes or boots and bringing a light rain jacket.

What you get

    About this experience

    This private tour allows you to visit the Papallacta volcanic area with thermal-springs located at 3250 msnm (10600 feet). You'll enjoy the hot-pools surrounded by the Andes Mountains. During your bath time you will watch the stunning landscape of the andean forest and the Eastern mountain range, which leads to the Amazon rainforest. This tour also include the visit to Guango lodge, one of the best places in Ecuador for birdwatching. You will explore the reserve with your tour guide to watch the birds like the Turquoise Jay, Torrent Duck, many hummingbirds and plants like giant ferns, orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, and so on. Important: The cloud forest walk takes place on natural mountain trails that may be muddy, uneven, and slippery, especially after rain. We recommend wearing closed-toe hiking shoes or boots and bringing a light rain jacket.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Tour guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Hot Springs Entrance fee
    • Tips
    • Guango lodge entrance fee $10

    What you'll see and do

    1. Termas de Papallacta

      You will visit the best and most popular hot-springs in Ecuador. A place that won 3 times as the best spa-hotel in the World Travel Awards. You can visit the public baths where there are 8 pools with different temperature water and size including a cold one. Or go to the spa área where you can book a massage and use the prívate pools with less people.

      300 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Observe the beautiful mountain lake located in the middle of the steep hills.

      60 minutes here

    3. Antisana Ecological Reserve

      You will watch the stunning landscape of the reserve. Even sometimes there is possible to see the amazing Antisana volcano. This place is one of the most importants for the wildlife conservation of the moorlands. There are some endargered species that use this hige area, such as Andean Condor and Spectacled Bear.

      30 minutes here

    4. Papallacta

      You will visit the best hot-springs complex in Ecuador.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Llamingo Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Hot-springs pools, Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in QuitoMountain Toucan in Guango, Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in QuitoAntisana volcano in Papallacta road, Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in QuitoPapallacta pools, Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in QuitoPapallacta river, Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in QuitoTorrent duck, Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour in Quito

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 78 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    78 verified traveler reviews for Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    75
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Anne_L · August 2026

    The Best!

    Our tour was fantastic!! Christian was so knowledgeable and interesting! No issues with language. A must book for your vacation!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience with Christian and that his knowledge and communication made the tour both interesting and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your enthusiastic recommendation and are so happy you chose to explore Ecuador with us. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience!

    via Viator

    alexf505 · July 2026

    Great time in Papallacta.

    Great experience! Christian is a fantastic and knowledgeable guide and made sure we had a good experience. The termales are a bit busy but still relaxing and worth the trip.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience with Christian and that his knowledge and attention helped make the day special. We’re also glad you enjoyed the thermal baths and found them relaxing despite the crowds. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    Jessica_B · July 2026

    This was a great way to...

    This was a great way to spend a day in Quito. The hike was wonderful and the spa experience was relaxing and lovely.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a wonderful day in Quito and enjoyed both the hike and the relaxing spa experience. It’s great to know that the combination of adventure and relaxation made for a memorable day. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another great experience!

    via Viator

    Arianna_C · May 2026

    Pamela was very...

    Pamela was very knowledgeable and friendly. She went above and beyond to make our experience as enjoyable as possible.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that Pamela made your experience so enjoyable. Her knowledge, friendliness, and dedication to going the extra mile are qualities we truly value. We’ll be happy to share your wonderful feedback with her. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Ecuador in the future!

    via Viator

    Julia_F · April 2026

    A lovely day

    Christian was a lovely guide. Quieter than some others we had, but very responsive when we initiated conversations! Unfortunately for us, the bright sun and abundance of forest fruits in season meant that the birds were not as abundant for viewing. However, Christian made it worth our while, discussing local species and even scoring f his 400th personal sighting with us—hurrah! Papallacta was lovely. Recommend, if you would like an additional service such as a massage, to book in advance.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review and for your valuable feedback. While bird activity always depends on the season and weather, we are delighted that Christian's attentiveness and local expertise made your trip worthwhile. Congratulations again to Christian on his 400th sighting! We are glad you enjoyed the beautiful Papallacta hot springs, and we appreciate you sharing the great advice regarding spa bookings. We look forward to welcoming you back again.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $120 to $250
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    27
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Llamingo Travel, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.3.

    See everything Llamingo Travel runs

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)77
    Booking momentum (14% weight)72
    Value for money (12% weight)55
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour take?

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    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.

    Is Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 78 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour?

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    Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Quito?

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    On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Quito?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Quito?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour?

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    Included: Private transportation; and Tour guide. Not included: Lunch; Hot Springs Entrance fee; Tips; and Guango lodge entrance fee $10. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 108 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour?

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    Across 78 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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