Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs

Outty Ranking 58 4.0 · 4 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $140
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs worth booking?

Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $140 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4/5 (4)
Duration
9 hours
From
$140 per person

This 3-stop tour carefully combines contemplation, discovery and relaxation. With the guidance of an ecologist specialized in conservation, you will discover the mysteries and importance of one of the most beautiful ecosystems, the Oyacachi moor. That will be the first stop, where we will enter the silence of the moor surrounded by mountains and lagoons. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the spectacled bear. Guango Lodge will be the next stop, full of life and birds, where we can observe toucans and hummingbirds. Finally, at the third stop you can relax in the most impressive hot springs in Ecuador and Latin America. Every minute of this trip has been carefully designed so that you can enjoy one of the best experiences of your life. Don't forget your swimsuit and a good jacket!

What you get

    About this experience

    This 3-stop tour carefully combines contemplation, discovery and relaxation. With the guidance of an ecologist specialized in conservation, you will discover the mysteries and importance of one of the most beautiful ecosystems, the Oyacachi moor. That will be the first stop, where we will enter the silence of the moor surrounded by mountains and lagoons. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the spectacled bear. Guango Lodge will be the next stop, full of life and birds, where we can observe toucans and hummingbirds. Finally, at the third stop you can relax in the most impressive hot springs in Ecuador and Latin America. Every minute of this trip has been carefully designed so that you can enjoy one of the best experiences of your life. Don't forget your swimsuit and a good jacket!

    What's included

    Included

    • Snack
    • Binoculars
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Bottled water
    • Entrance to the Papallacta Hot Springs
    • Entrance to Guango Lodge

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Our specialized guide will accompany you on a journey along the trails where Andean bears and other species such as birds and tapirs native to the Andean Páramo circulate. You can see several lagoons in the Cayambe Coca National Park. The entire route has a guided explanation of the vegetation and fauna of the sector. Route time: 1.5 hours

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. We will tour this emblematic forested natural reserve to observe hummingbirds, toucans and other birds. Here you can take spectacular photographs of birds. Route time: 30 min

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Termas de Papallacta

      After stopping for lunch in Papallacta, you can enjoy and relax in the most special and beautiful hot springs in Ecuador, inside the Hotel Termas de Papallacta. Route time: 1 hour

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Wait for us in the children's park in front of San Luis Shopping. We will arrive in a silver Renault Logan vehicle with a license plate ending in 77.

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Wait for us at the Ready at the Primax gas station. We will arrive in a silver Renault Logan vehicle with a license plate ending in 77.

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Wait for us at the Ready at the Primax gas station. We will arrive in a silver Renault Logan vehicle with a license plate ending in 77.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Wait for us in the children's park in front of San Luis Shopping. We will arrive in a silver Renault Logan vehicle with a license plate ending in 77.

    Ends at

    Wait for us at the Ready at the Primax gas station. We will arrive in a silver Renault Logan vehicle with a license plate ending in 77.

    Ends at

    Wait for us at the Ready at the Primax gas station. We will arrive in a silver Renault Logan vehicle with a license plate ending in 77.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 3 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Quilico Expeditions

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Don't forget to bring a good jacket for the cold and trekking shoes if you have them.

    Photos

    Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, photo 2Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, photo 3Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, photo 4Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, photo 5Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, photo 6Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs in Quito, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    1 mention

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

    Physical effort

    1 mention

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

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    MsLTJ · December 2025

    Rude! Cancelled less than 12hrs in advance!!

    Completely unprofessional! Booked on Viator at least 10months in advance and received last minute cancellation less than 12hrs before the scheduled pickup time! Then proceeded to “ghost” us when we asked for additional options and alternatives. Beware if you book. Check out Llamingo Travel instead. Daniel took us out last minute and we had an excellent time!!! Highly recommend him and his company. He was friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

    via Tripadvisor

    Minghui_G · February 2025

    Great day of hiking, birding, and hot springs

    Lucia and Martin were terrific guides for a very well designed tour for experiencing the variety of landscapes and wildlife in the highlands near Quito. I very much enjoyed all three stops on the tour, and in particular I thought the Paramo was such a beautiful and unique landscape that felt like stepping into true wilderness. Lucia and Martin are very knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecology of the places we visited, and they put a lot of effort into trying to find the animals I wanted to see. I had a great day, and I highly recommend this tour, especially for those who have a particular interest in nature and birds/wildlife.

    via Viator

    Wayne B · March 2024

    Bears, hikes, birding, hot water springs, and tasty food.

    First of all, Lucia and Martin were incredable guides for the day. For me, I wanted a different kind of experience and I certainly got that. Beautiful hikes, bird spotting, and relaxing cleansing 9hot spings to end the day. Their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm about nature, the land, and the whole envirnment was the best. Great conversations were had. Lucia and Martin treated me like a friend and always made sure that I was excited for the experiences. They gave me home made and very tasty snacks and their choices for where we ate was so good. I experienced new tastes in delicious food. This was one of my best days in Ecuador for sure. Thank you so much Lucia and Martin for an experience I will remember for a very long time.

    Response from the operator: Thank you Wayne. It was an amazing tour of the wilderness for sure. We look forward to your return in the summer for more birding and wildlife viewing. Regards

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $140 to $160
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 58

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)61
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)32
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs cost?

    +

    Prices start at $140 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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs?

    +

    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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs?

    +

    Around 1 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs?

    +

    Included: Snack; Binoculars; In-vehicle air conditioning; Bottled water; and Entrance to the Papallacta Hot Springs. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 205 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English, French 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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs?

    +

    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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Private Day Tour of the Páramo and Papallacta Hot Springs?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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