Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip)
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip) worth booking?
Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip) is a 6-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $24 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (7)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $24 per person
Visit the village of Papallacta and spend the enjoying a number of customizable activities at one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Andes Mountain
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Pick up from the hotel, home or Airbnb
- Driver/Guide
About this experience
Visit the village of Papallacta and spend the enjoying a number of customizable activities at one of the most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Andes Mountains on a hike and enjoy a relaxing time at the thermal water that have been certified for its medicinal properties that guarantee health benefits.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Pick up from the hotel, home or Airbnb
- Driver/Guide
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Termas de Papallacta
You will departure in the morning and start with a drive up the Eastern Cordillera until to reach the highest point at 4000 m, it can be foggy up here but when the weather is clear you will may appreciate the magnificent views of the Antisana volcano and the surrounding paramo area. From this point you will reach Termas de Papallacta which is one most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa in this area, located in between spectacular mountain forests of the Eastern Andes slopes. Once here there is an option for a short hike thought a nice trail and afterwards you will enjoy the amazing hot springs with optional health and beauty treatments at the SPA area. The spa and hydrotherapy area offers a variety of different sensations from streams of water, water hydro massage or hydro massage with air bubbles. Afternoon after a relax day you will drive back to Quito.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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
- Ecu-Trans, Tourist Transportation
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The driver & the tour...
The driver & the tour guide were timely, friendly & professional.. The roomy van was clean & comfortable.
via Viator
Relaxing
Very special and pleasant experience
Response from the operator: Estimado Cliente, Muchas gracias por su reporte. Nos Alegra saber que disfruto del full day Papallacta con nosotros. Saludos cordiales, Daysi Morillo Operation Team Ecu-Trans
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great private tour and we enjoyed the hot springs.
Francisco was an informative guide, skilled driver, and fun person to spend the day with. He told us a lot about Ecuador’s history, terrain, and gave us pointers on what to do. We also enjoyed the hot springs and our deep tissue massages.
Response from the operator: Dear Pamela. On behalf of ECU-TRANS, thank you very much for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience with Francisco. He will be especially pleased to know that his knowledge of Ecuador’s history and landscapes, as well as his enthusiasm and professionalism, made your day both informative and fun. It’s also wonderful to know that you enjoyed the hot springs and your deep tissue massages—those moments of relaxation are truly special, and we’re glad they were part of your journey. We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you again for another memorable adventure in Ecuador. Warm regards, On behalf of ECUTRANS ECUTRANS Team
via Viator
A pleasant afternoon at the thermal pools
Two different reviews here. 1 the transportation 2 the thermal pools. 1) our ride was a half hour late. The company apparently tried to reach us by What’s App the night before telling us the pickup would be at 8:30 not 8 am as indicated. Apparently our driver , Alphonso had only been hired the night before and was told the wrong pickup time. The reservation said it included water but he had to check. He did get us water for the drive home. The car was hard to get into and out of, had film on the windows to protect against the sun which made picture taking difficult. It was a rough ride home. Alfonso was pleasant, professional and knowledgeable and we enjoyed his commentary. 2) Termas Papallacca. A nice enough spa. Towels were provided and you could rent a robe for $2.50. The lockers were large but you had to share for 2 people- men and women together. I’ve never had to share a locker with a man before and in the confusion of the locker room I misplaced my watch. They require that you wear bathing hats that they provide. We had lunch at the spa trout which was very good. Unfortunately our waiter either forgot to place or pick up my order with the result that I sat there 20 minutes watching my partner eat! They appeared to be short of staff. We did book a couples massage -one deep tissue and one relaxing which were excellent. The thermal pools were nice and hot. Good variety of depths. Landscaping was adequate. We’ve seen much nicer at the Arsenal volcano in Costa Rica, for example.
Response from the operator: Dear Julane, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent experience with Ecu-Trans and your visit to Termas de Papallacta. We sincerely apologize for the confusion and delay regarding your pickup time. While we did attempt to notify you of the schedule change via WhatsApp the evening prior, we understand how frustrating this situation must have been—especially after receiving different information in your original reservation. We are currently reviewing our internal communication processes, particularly in situations involving last-minute driver assignments, to ensure this does not happen again. We also appreciate your comments about the vehicle and ride quality. Your feedback helps us improve both comfort and overall guest experience, and we will address these concerns with our team. Regarding the included water, we regret the uncertainty and will ensure that all drivers are clearly informed about what is included in each booking. That said, we are very pleased to hear your kind words about Alfonso. We will be sure to pass along your compliments—his professionalism, knowledge, and positive attitude are qualities we truly value in our team. We also appreciate your honest feedback about your experience at the thermal spa. While the spa operates independently, your observations regarding facilities and service are very helpful, and we will share them with their management team as part of our ongoing effort to partner with providers who meet our guests’ expectations. Thank you again for your valuable feedback. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the future. Warm regards, Ecu-Trans Team
via Viator
Excellent outing, with a superior tour guide.
The Springs were nice and rejuvenating. As part of the tour, our guide Rocco also led us on an approximately one hour hike of the area. Rocco had a detailed knowledge of the flora seen on the trail, and provided many interesting insights along the way. Additionally, on our drive up and back from Papallacta, we were treated by Rocco to information on Ecuadorian history, things to see and other valuable pieces of interest.
Response from the operator: Dear Marc, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re very happy to know that you enjoyed the hot springs and found them truly rejuvenating. It’s great to hear that the guided hike was a highlight of your day and that Rocco’s extensive knowledge of the local flora and surroundings made the walk both engaging and informative. We’re also pleased that the insights he shared during the drive to and from Papallacta helped deepen your understanding of Ecuador and enhanced the overall journey. On behalf of Ecu-Trans, we sincerely appreciate your feedback and your trust in our team. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you again in the future. Best regards, Ecu-Trans Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $24 to $195
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip) cost?
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Prices start at $24 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 (PRIVATE Day Trip) take?
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Plan for about 6 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 (PRIVATE Day Trip) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 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 (PRIVATE Day Trip)?
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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 (PRIVATE Day Trip) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip)?
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Around 2 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?
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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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Papallacta Hot Springs (PRIVATE Day Trip) 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 tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. 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?
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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?
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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.
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