2020 Updated Information about Papallacta hot springs in Ecuador. With information about how to get there, what to do there and what to expect.
Vacation of any kind – long term or short term is awesome but one of the major guarantees that your vacation will be memorable depends solely on the location you choose. Most times you don’t have to go to the most popular location because odds are several people had the same idea as you to visit. Papallacta is the perfect off the beaten track location for travelers who want to experience something that most won’t.
No one wants to go on vacation and not have a good time – which is why the gem of a town called Papallacta is the place to be. One of the best places you should visit when you are here is the Papallacta hot springs. In this article, we will discuss why this is an awesome place to visit for relaxation, rejuvenation, and so much more.
The town of Papallacta which is Ecuador houses many exciting spots including the Papallacta hot springs. This town which is famous for its hot springs also boasts of amazing spas, restaurants, hiking trails, and others. It is generally a humid, cold, and foggy town so you are in luck if you like cozy weather conditions. Both locals and tourists love to visit the hot springs because the experience is second to none.
The Papallacta hot springs promote general health as well as relaxation – which is one of the reasons it is a favorite for both locals and tourists. These hot springs are a part of the best in Ecuador and they are located on the Papallacta river banks. One of the reasons why this town and its spots are treasured is because the natural environment has been maintained so it’s a sort of sanctuary for people who want a break from the hustle and bustle of life. Another reason is that it has different sizes of over 8 hot springs, one river pool, and three pools curated appealingly.
The town of Papallacta is situated between the Cayambe volcano and the Antisana volcano which is the source of the heat of the hot springs. The temperature of the hot springs varies between 30˚C to 70˚ depending on the distance from the spring source. The Papallacta hot springs are known for their health benefits although pregnant women and people with skin conditions are discouraged from entering the thermal springs. Because of the weather conditions in Papallacta, experiencing the hot springs is the perfect combination.
The town of Papallacta is located about an hour outside of Quito. In order to get there as a day trip from Quito, you have four options for access. You can rent a car, which is a great option for independent travel, but you will need to check whether you can drive in Ecuador, and ensure that you are comfortable on the roads (as traffic can be difficult).
Your next option is to take a tour from Quito. Tours from Quito vary in price and are sometimes coupled with a visit to the enormous Cotopaxi Volcano over a few days. This is a great way to be sure that experts are showing you exactly where is best so that you know you won’t be missing out on any of the hidden gems.
A relatively pricey option for a solo traveler, but not a bad choice for a group, is to take a taxi to the springs. Since Papallacta is an hour away from Quito, a taxi will be reasonably pricey, but an easy enough way to get where you need to go.
Your final, and least recommended choice, is to take the public bus. The public bus route takes a lot longer than the hour in a car or tour, as you first need to access the Quitumbe bus station. This bus station is the furthest south in all of Quito and will take around an hour to get to from the historical center. From there, get on a bus to Tena and get off in the town of Papallacta. After this, start the uphill hike to the hot springs.
Papallacta is a small village that sits 3,300 meters up in the Andes. It’s a popular stop-off point for people who are heading into the Amazon Rainforest from Quito. The town is known for the Papallacta hot springs and for its fresh and delicious trout.
There are a lot of other things you can consider on your trip to Papallacta. After enjoying the hot springs, there are restaurants available for you to experience the culture of the town through their food. The spas are also available for you to finish your trip on high because what’s better than a deep tissue massage after lounging in the volcanic hot springs?
