Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour in Quito
Quito, Ecuador

Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour

Outty Ranking 58 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $155
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour worth booking?

Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $155 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
9 hours
From
$155 per person

Discover the serene beauty of Papallacta hot springs and the vibrant Birdwatching Guango Lodge Reserve in the Andes Mountains. This one-day adventure offers a blend of relaxation and exploration. Begin your day with a sc

What you get

  • Admission Fee Hot Springs Pools in the SPA area
  • Admission fee Guango Lodge Natural Reserve
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Snacks
  • Local Tour Guide Certified
  • Rubber boots for the hike

About this experience

Discover the serene beauty of Papallacta hot springs and the vibrant Birdwatching Guango Lodge Reserve in the Andes Mountains. This one-day adventure offers a blend of relaxation and exploration. Begin your day with a scenic drive, stopping to observe Andean wildlife before immersing yourself in the lush environment of Guango Lodge, renowned for its hummingbird feeders and hiking trails. Afterward, unwind in the soothing thermal waters of the Papallacta hot springs, ensuring a rejuvenating experience. This tour provides private transportation and an expert guide, with a group size of up to 10 participants. - 1-day guided tour to Papallacta hot springs and Guango Lodge - Observe unique Andean wildlife, Birdwatching, photography and enjoy guided hikes - Relax in thermal hot springs, with SPA admission included - Private transportation provided for a comfortable journey

What's included

Included

  • Admission Fee Hot Springs Pools in the SPA area
  • Admission fee Guango Lodge Natural Reserve
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Snacks
  • Local Tour Guide Certified
  • Rubber boots for the hike

Not included

  • Meals
  • Gratuites

What you'll see and do

  1. Parque Nacional Cayambe - Coca

    Leaving at 8:00 a.m. from your location, we’ll drive for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the Papallacta Hot Springs. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops to look for Andean condors, spectacled bears, and explore some fascinating highland forests.

    20 minutes here

  2. Guango Lodge is a natural private reserve located in the cloud forest right the east loop of the andes mountains. This is a great opportunity for birdwatching activities, nature lovers and short hikes on trails. There are a few hummingbird feeders with the best natural light for photographers. Great spot to take beautiful pics of these amazing creatures. We can offer a short hike to explore a bit more of nature in the Cloud Forest. Torrent duck, black Collared Jay, Green Jay, masked flowerpiecer and more.

    120 minutes here

  3. Termas de Papallacta

    A Natural volcanic Hot Springs baths in the middle of the most beautiful landscape in the mountains. Termas Papallacta is a very nice complex with some facilities. We will be part of the SPA area. Multiple hot springs pools with different temperatures and a polar pool. They provide a towel, bath cap and a locker Key. Keep in mind there is an option to arrange massages treatment. (The massages cost is not included in our price)

    180 minutes here · Admission included

  4. Quito

    After this great experience in the Papallacta Natural Volcanic Hot Springs, we will go back to the hotel in Quito or drive you directly to the Quito airport if you will departure the same day.

    60 minutes here

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, fr, es
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Ecuador a Color tour operator

Know before you go

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Birdwatching cloud ForestBirds Species Guango BIRDWATCHINGOrchids Ecuador Day TourBirdwatching Ecuador Day TripHike Cloud Forest BirdwatchingHummingbirds Tour Local Guide

Traveler reviews

2 verified traveler reviews for Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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236erickap · April 2026

Great day without too much time on the car

Pato was really friendly and made us feel very welcome. He had a lot of knowledge to share. The Guango preserve was beautiful and the Papallacta hot springs was a great way to relax after a fun hike. It was fairly close to Quito, where we were staying, so it wasn’t too much time in the car for the kids.

Response from the operator: Hello Ericka and family, Thank you so much for sharing your Wonderful Experience with our Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour. It was my pleasure has been part of your experience in This amazing area as your Local Tour Guide. I hope to see you again. Safe travels, Pato

via Tripadvisor

tjc954 · October 2024

Patricio was amazing

Patricio was one of the greatest tourguides I may have ever came across, I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. Not only was he most knowledgeable and able to guide us through a vast expansion of Ecuadors beautiful land, Patricio was also extremely personable and overall a very caring person. My group and I always felt safe under his leadership, I highly recommend contacting Patricio if you want an authentic experience you’ll never forget. (We saw the nature reserve, cloud forest, and hot springs).

Response from the operator: Hello my friends, Thank you so much for sharing your Great Experience in Ecuador, Cloud Forest, Hot Springs. It was my pleasure has been part of your visit in my country. I hope to see you again. Patricio

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
Every day
Price range
$155 to $235
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
1
Verdict
Worth a Look

Who runs this experience

Operated by Ecuador a Color tour operator, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

See everything Ecuador a Color tour operator runs

Why this scores 58

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
Review evidence (18% weight)17
Booking momentum (14% weight)13
Value for money (12% weight)27
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)51
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour: questions travelers ask

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

How much does Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour cost?

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Prices start at $155 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 Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour take?

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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 Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour?

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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 Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

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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 Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour?

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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?

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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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Private Papallacta Hot Springs and Birdwatching Reserve Day Tour 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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