Hot Springs Spa Tour

From $740 per person

A perfect getaway for those looking for rest and relaxation in wild and beautiful surroundings. High in the Andes, Termas de Papallacta is a natural hot springs spa resort, just an hour outside of Quito. Bathing in the thermal waters is a great way to rejuvenate a tired body and relieve stress.

  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
  • Highlights: Andean landscapes, Guango Cloud Forest Reserve, River walk, Thermal Hot Springs
Lady in white robe entering natural thermal pools in Termas Papallacta Ecuador in the Andes Mountains

Itinerary

Day 1 Guango Cloudforest Reserve (L,D)

Today we travel up into the Eastern Andes, crossing the continental divide and journeying onto the stark and beautiful high grassland paramos of the Papallacta region of Ecuador. On clear days, the views of the snow-capped Antisana Volcano are staggeringly breathtaking.

Our tour starts with a morning of “forest-bathing”, in the lovely Guango Cloudforest Reserve. Beginning at the lodge, we follow an easy trail through the trees, on the lookout for colourful birds and wildlife, until we reach a hidden waterfall. Looping back around and walking along the river trail it brings us back to where we started.

Lunch in Guango Reserve with hammock time to watch the resident hummingbrids do their thing.
In the afternoon your private guide will drop you off at Termas Papallacta.

This afternoon you will have access to the Termas Papallacta Spa, a relaxing open-air experience surrounded by dramatic Andean mountains. This area includes five thermal pools each with varying temperatures, bubbling waters and massaging water jets. There is also a polar pool and poolside loungers and umbrellas.

An extensive menu of treatments and massages is also available in the spa, extra costs apply.

Dinner and overnight in Termas Papallacta.

Day 2 Termas Papallacta Spa Day (B,L,D)

Today you have a free day in Termas Papallacta, once again with access to the Termas Papallacta Spa included. Enjoy a full day of rest and relaxation. Treat yourself to a chocolate body wrap or hot stones massage (extra costs apply).

Lunch, dinner and overnight in Termas Papallacta.

Day 3 Termas Papallacta (B,L)

This morning you can enjoy the thermal pools at the hotel or if you are feeling more energetic venture out for an easy self-guided walk along the river trail. The trailhead can be found in the valley behind the hot springs (a 5 minute walk from the hotel) and offers a fun, pretty and in some parts exhilarating experience. You walk up one side of the river, cross the bridge at the top and return along the opposite bank. The hike takes around 40 minutes in total.

Lunch included in Termas Papallacta

In the afternoon your driver will pick you up for your private transfer back to your Quito hotel, where the tour ends.

Hotels:

4 Star: Termas Papallacta (with photos)

Termas Papallacta
Termas Papallacta - Spa

Prices

4 Star Prices 2025

2 people
$857 p/p
3 - 4 people
$782 p/p
5 - 6 people
$740 p/p

Price includes:
Private transportation, top English speaking naturalist guide on day 1, accommodation as specified, meals as specified (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), entrance fees to Termas Papallacta Spa on day 1 and day 2, private transfer Papallacta – Quito on day 3.

Not included:
International flights, personal travel insurance, alcoholic and soft drinks, extra activities not specified, spa treatments and massages, tips and personal expenses

Notes:
Prices are stated in US Dollars.
Prices are valid until 31st December 2025.
This tour can begin and end in the city of Quito or in a Quito airport hotel.

We want everyone to enjoy this experience!  If you have any accessibility needs, reach out to us in advance and we’ll adapt the itinerary where possible.
 

Day 1: Guango Lodge Cloudforest Reserve
Day 1: Exploring Guango Cloudforest Reserve
Day 2: Termas Papallacta - Natural Thermal Pools
Day 2: Termas Papallacta - Natural Thermal Pools
Day 3: Papallacta River Trail