
Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range worth booking?
Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range is a 6-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $119 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (19)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $119 per person
Looking for the perfect way to spend your last day in Quito? Escape the city and relax in the famous Papallacta Hot Springs, a natural sanctuary high in the Andes. Located on the road to the Amazon, Papallacta sits inside an ancient volcanic caldera where geothermal waters have flowed for thousands of years. These mineral-rich hot springs are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, making them the perfect place to recharge after your travels. Surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes, you will enjoy views of the páramo ecosystem, clear mountain lagoons, and unique high-altitude plants. Papallacta lies between the Cayambe-Coca and Antisana Ecological Reserves, two of Ecuador’s most important natural areas. The highlight of this tour is soaking in warm thermal pools while admiring the dramatic Andean mountains and volcanic landscapes, one of the most beautiful natural landmarks near Quito. Perfect for nature lovers and wellness seekers.
What you get
About this experience
Looking for the perfect way to spend your last day in Quito? Escape the city and relax in the famous Papallacta Hot Springs, a natural sanctuary high in the Andes. Located on the road to the Amazon, Papallacta sits inside an ancient volcanic caldera where geothermal waters have flowed for thousands of years. These mineral-rich hot springs are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties, making them the perfect place to recharge after your travels. Surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes, you will enjoy views of the páramo ecosystem, clear mountain lagoons, and unique high-altitude plants. Papallacta lies between the Cayambe-Coca and Antisana Ecological Reserves, two of Ecuador’s most important natural areas. The highlight of this tour is soaking in warm thermal pools while admiring the dramatic Andean mountains and volcanic landscapes, one of the most beautiful natural landmarks near Quito. Perfect for nature lovers and wellness seekers.
What's included
Included
- Professional Guide/Driver with private transportation
- Pick up from Quito or airport
- Entrance fee to Papallacta Hot Springs
Not included
- Travel Insurance
- Body Treatments or therapeutic massages
- Lunch and tips
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Galapagos My World
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Favorite part of our trip!
This was our favorite part of our trip to Quito. The views on the drive alone are absolutely stunning and the hot springs themselves are beautiful and relaxing. Eduardo was a great tour guide for the day, we had so much fun!
via Viator
Papallacta spa
Eduardo was a wonderful driver and tour guide! He was kind, efficient, and very helpful throughout the experience. He made our tour enjoyable and stress-free. We opted to schedule spa treatments ahead of time and pay extra for the spa pools. There is access to trails and national park as well. Remember your sunscreen!
via Viator
10/10 Would book again! - Ask for Kevin!!
This was such an amazing experience and I am so happy we went through with the booking! There unfortunately isn’t a lot of information or details about this experience so I wasn’t fully sure what we were getting ourselves into but WOW. Worth every penny. Our guide, Kevin, picked us up promptly at the agreed upon time and on the drive to Papallacta shared many fun and interesting facts about Quito and the surrounding areas. He stopped multiple times on the way there for photo ops and even recommended a FABULOUS stop for one of the best soups we have ever tried in our lives. He was very knowledgeable about Ecuador, we felt safe, and throughly enjoyed our time with him. The spa itself was the best spa we have been to in all of our travelers. Very well organized and incredibly clean. We optd to add on a massage and left feeling so relaxed. All in all we’d HIGHLY recommend this experience to anyone!
via Viator
Our guide made the entire...
Our guide made the entire trip! He stopped so many times on the way for us to take photos and was so knowledgeable.
via Viator
A great relaxing experience
We couldn’t have been happier with this tour. Eduardo arrived at our hotel promptly and whisked us out of the city and into the mountains. He thoroughly explained the cultural and historical significance of where we passed. The trip to the spa lasted a bit over an hour and his stories and explanations kept us entertained. The hot springs and spa were excellent. Eduardo helped us make reservations for some treatments, made some helpful suggestions, then gave us a time to meet for the return to Quito. The ride back to our hotel was great and we were safely returned to our hotel. It was a perfect way to spend our first day in Ecuador.
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
- $119 to $230
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Galapagos My World, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.7.
See everything Galapagos My World runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range cost?
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Prices start at $119 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 19 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range?
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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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range?
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Around 7 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range 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?
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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.
What is included in Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range?
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Included: Professional Guide/Driver with private transportation; Pick up from Quito or airport; and Entrance fee to Papallacta Hot Springs. Not included: Travel Insurance; Body Treatments or therapeutic massages; and Lunch and tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 31 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range?
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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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Papallacta Hot Springs: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range 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: Relax in Ecuador’s Andes Mountain Range?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. 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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