Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort worth booking?
Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $210 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $210 per person
Depart from Quito in the morning on the road that leads to the Amazon Jungle. After an hour and a half ride, we will make a brief stop at the Papallacta Lagoon, located in the Páramo vegetation, with cold weather but bea
What you get
- Private transportation
- Fees and entrance: to Papallacta reserve, entrance ticket to hot springs.
- Trip Leader: Bilingual certified guide
About this experience
Depart from Quito in the morning on the road that leads to the Amazon Jungle. After an hour and a half ride, we will make a brief stop at the Papallacta Lagoon, located in the Páramo vegetation, with cold weather but beautiful landscapes. We continue to the hot springs and Touristic Complex of «Termas de Papallacta» where short hikes can be done, where your guide will explain about the richness of this ecosystem called the Cloud Forest, along the trail you can find orchids and colorful birds, later you will have some time so you can soak into the volcanic pools and take some optional treatments at the Spa. Your guide will recommend a place to have lunch and later you will get back to Quito.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Fees and entrance: to Papallacta reserve, entrance ticket to hot springs.
- Trip Leader: Bilingual certified guide
Not included
- Spa Treatments.
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Adventure Journeys
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Relaxing and rejuvenating day-trip
We went to the hot springs after a night of travel and it was PERFECT!! Helped relax our sore muscles with a choice of three different hot pools and one very icy plunge pool. The facials and massages from the spa were just what we needed to start our Ecuadoran adventure, and the little local eatery our guide Andres took us to for a traditional Ecuador lunch was delicious. Speaking of Andres, he could not have been a better introduction to the people of this lovely country. He was personable, knowledgeable, and funny. We had a blast spending time with him and getting to know him. I would highly recommend this day-trip.
Response from the operator: Hey there! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your adventure with us. We'll have something special prepared the next time you come by. Thanks for your valuable feedback. Take care
via Tripadvisor
Lousy place 0 of 0
The place does not look bad in appearance from the entrance everything went wrong the super rude officer, we entered at the next stop another officer ruder than the first treated us drunk and did not let us enter as for him we were drunk and policies say it is not allowed. It's totally false that we were taken. The treatment was dire to be tourists from another country l. The truth I give 0 out of 0 would not return to the place for anything in the world and I do not recommend it for tourists or locals. The lack of respect and little information of the site make a place not suitable for anyone. I assure you that in the village there are more thermals and they are beautiful. I am very sorry for the unfortunate comment but the service is too lousy for the tourist.
Response from the operator: Hola Ivan Lamentamos mucho que hayas tenido esta experiencia. Por nuestra parte, puedes contar con nuestro apoyo en estas situaciones, pero en esta ocasión no podemos ayudarte pues Adventure Jouneys no se encarga de la operación interna de Termas Papallacta y tampoco hemos operado ningún tour a Papallacta que coincida con lo que nos mencionas en tu reseña. Por favor, agradeceríamos si pudieras verificar los datos de tu viaje como la fecha y el código de reserva. Estaremos atentos a cualquier comentario. Nuestros mejores y más atentos deseos.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great Day Trip
There are public hot springs and private ones attached to a hotel and spa. This review is of the private thermal pools. I went on a day trip from Quito, but did not stay overnight in the hotel. There are 4 thermal hot pools varying in temperature and 1 cold plunge. The facility has coed lockers with private changing rooms attached. Bathrooms and showers are separated by gender. The $23 entrance fee includes cloth swim cap, towel, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. I would recommend bringing flip flops and and a second towel. It was cold and rainy the day I visited, so the hot springs were perfect to warm up. There are not a lot of chairs or chaises to sit on and even fewer under cover. After a few hours in the pools, I had lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. I love good food whether it be prepared by a fancy chef or Abuela cooking traditional food. This was good food. The fresh guava juice was the best. The fresh Trout and shrimp in garlic sauce with sautéed veggies and fried green plantains was grilled just right. The meal was simple but well prepared and so delicious. It was also well priced at $22 including a yummy hot chocolate which I had as my desert. So glad I listened to the reviews and ate here after leaving the thermal baths. Overall a good day trip from Quito to relax.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for the feedback! We are glad you enjoyed the trip with us. We will take note of the inconvenients. We are always open to improvement. So next time your experience can go from being a good experience to the experience of a lifetime. Remember this was just a sip of what Ecuador can offer, so next time you might want to explore more. Take care.
via Tripadvisor
Papallacta tour
The tour to the hot springs were absolutely amazing. It was a really relaxing day and David shared so many interesting facts during the tour, I can really recommend 😊
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words and thank you for the feedback. We hope you enjoy even more Ecuadorian wonders next time you come. Take care.
via Tripadvisor
Great pools, bring your own lunch!
Nice location and pools. Excellent weekday jaunt. Served cold squeezed, "cheddar" cheese on store bought round chips for the airport value experience of $ 8.00 "nachos". It's Best to eat outside the premises as even the trout was $10 a plate less and much better quality. I wonder if the coffee is instant?
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Adventure Journeys, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.
See everything Adventure Journeys runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort cost?
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Prices start at $210 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 Spa Resort take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Spa Resort worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 13 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 Spa Resort?
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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 Spa Resort suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort?
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Around 5 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Papallacta Hot Springs Spa Resort 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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