Papallacta Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Papallacta Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito worth booking?
Papallacta Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $24 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (22)
- Duration
- 8 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
- Visits as mentioned above
- English Speaking Driver/Guide for tours based from 1-3 passenguers
- English speaking guide
- Private transportation
- Bottle of water
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
- Visits as mentioned above
- English Speaking Driver/Guide for tours based from 1-3 passenguers
- English speaking guide
- Private transportation
- Bottle of water
Not included
- Lunch (Available to purchase with addtional cost)
- Entrance fees (Available to purchase with additional cost 25 usd per person or it can be paid directly)
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees
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.
300 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
- Ecuador Local Guide
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 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.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Papallacta Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
More Than Thermal Pools - Learn to Make Empanadas
This tour was more than time spent at the beautiful thermal pools...after our visit to the pools my family of 10 (ages 10-72yrs) had the unique opportunity to learn to make empanadas with Cristian's family and neighbors. What a fun and delicious experience. The family home is beautiful with views and a pet llama. Cristian Umaguinga, tour owner, quickly replied to all my many questions, helped me with the planning of the day and provided my family with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Our guide Javier was engaging, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This was a highlight of our 9 days exploring Ecuador and the Galapagos. Fun for all and seamless! Highly recommend this company for any adventure you would like to create.
Response from the operator: Dear Karen, Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure to welcome your family of 10 and be part of such a special day in Ecuador. ❤️ We’re delighted that the thermal pools, empanada-making experience, and time with our family and neighbors became one of the highlights of your trip. We’re also happy to hear that my uncle Javier made the experience enjoyable, engaging, and seamless. Creating authentic experiences and sharing Ecuadorian culture with our guests is what we love most. Thank you for trusting Ecuador Local Guide and for your kind recommendation. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Ecuador for another adventure soon! Warm regards, Leonardo Ecuador Local Guide team 🇪🇨
via Tripadvisor
Premium experience
There is nothing like soaking in hot volcanic waters while surrounded by the misty mountains of Pichincha. A beautifully organized private tour that felt like luxury from start to finish.
via Tripadvisor
A brilliant adventure
Didn’t think sitting in water for hours would be this enjoyable… but it really was. Time passes differently there. You think you’ve been in for 20 minutes, but it’s been hours. It’s relaxing without being boring, which is rare.
via Tripadvisor
This was an excellent...
This was an excellent tour! Cristian was a very knowledgeable guide and shared great information during both the drive and nature walk. The hot springs were very lovely. I definitely recommend visits the spa side of the facilities and booking a treatment. The whole vibe is very relaxing and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Response from the operator: Dear Kristen Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience with us. Cristian will be especially happy to know that his knowledge and passion made both the drive and the nature walk even more meaningful for you. We’re very proud to have such dedicated guides on our team. It’s also great to hear that you enjoyed the hot springs and took advantage of the spa facilities. The peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the beautiful Andean mountains, truly makes it a special place to relax and reconnect with nature. Thank you for your recommendation—it means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another unforgettable adventure soon! Warm regards, Ecuador Local Guide Team
via Viator
Loved it! They are willing to be flexible for your needs
This service was great, so accommodating to our needs, and the guide was friendly and informative. I knew I needed a private tour because we had some timing issues and I didn't think I could make an 8:00 tour. So we spoke on the phone and basically I was able to get the trip of my dreams, that started when I wanted and ended when I wanted. What's not to love? He also offered us the option of either just a driver or a guide. As I understand that the driver may not speak English but it's less expensive so if you're just looking to go do something and just get a ride they'll wait for you and bring you back. We went to the hot springs and it was great.
Response from the operator: Dear Hillary!! Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the flexibility of our private tour and that it allowed you to fully adapt the schedule to your needs. Creating personalized experiences—so our guests can travel at their own pace and according to their preferences—is exactly what we aim to offer. We are also pleased to know that you found your guide friendly and informative, and that the hot springs visit was a highlight of your trip. Offering both driver-only and guided options is part of our commitment to providing choices that suit different travel styles and budgets. Thank you for trusting Ecuador Local Guide to be part of your journey. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ecuador in the future. Warm regards, Ecuador Local Guide
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $24 to $215
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ecuador Local Guide, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.9.
See everything Ecuador Local Guide runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Papallacta Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Papallacta Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito 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 Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito 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 Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 22 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 Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito?
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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 Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. 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 Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito?
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Around 8 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 Thermals Pools Private Day Trip from Quito 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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