Termas de Papallacta
Termas de Papallacta
4.5
About
A tan solo 45 minutos del nuevo aeropuerto de Quito, a 50 kilometros de distancia (31 millas) en un recorrido lleno de hermosos y pintorescos paisajes andinos se encuentra el Spa, Resort y Centro de Convenciones "Termas de Papallacta". Este complejo turistico de aguas termales esta ubicado en la llamada, "Ruta de la Canela", la misma que el conquistador Francisco de Orellana tomo en 1542, cuando cruzo la Cordillera Andina y que inesperadamente le llevo al descubrimiento del Rio Amazonas. Papallacta es la puerta de entrada a la Amazonia Ecuatoriana. Tiene una temperatura diurna promedio ambiental de 14 o C (57 o F).
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Termas de Papallacta
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 3 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
542 reviews
Excellent
338
Very good
152
Average
34
Poor
10
Terrible
8
JaneMP
Kalamazoo, MI266 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
A great way to spend a day! We hired a driver out of Quito for the beautiful ride up to the hot springs. The spa is clean and in a lovely setting. We enjoyed the pools and my friend had a massage while I had a’ chocolate wrap’. We were both happy. Afterwards we had a pleasant lunch in the restaurant before returning to Quito.I would recommend the spa (very affordable and seniors get half price) to anyone.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh-Traveler2015
Birmingham, AL1,181 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Buy the package- the private pools are nice, clean and feel great. The hottest is the furthest away. Its not extremely hot so you can stay in much longer than many of these type places. The massages & steam rooms are nice & the facility is upscale. You are required to wear a bathing suit and a bathing cap (provided). They also provide a towel, robe, locker with key, spa shoes.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Leigh
Thanks so much for your review. We are pleased to know that you enjoyed the thermal hot springs and massages.
We hope you can visit us again soon, so you can have another relaxing day.
Termas Papallacta Team
Written January 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
castle_lb
Long Beach, CA116 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Here is the quick feedback and quick helpful hints on visiting the thermal pools of Papallacta.
Location: The resort (& associated pools) are locating the national park high in the mountains, so prepare for two extremes, it will usually be very overcast and cold (50-60F) but if weather is clear and bright it very quickly gets HOT-HOT! Don't be like us showing up in our beach gear while everyone else is wearing parkas and jackets. :) However, I must say the day we went we clouds cleared and sun hit in the afternoon, we personally enjoyed the cold much more hopping in/out of the pools. Plus the steam coming off the pools made the whole pool area seam almost mystical and very pleasant. When it got hot, it was hot sun with hot water... not as much fun. IMO.
Resort vs the Pools:
In my research prior to visiting, I could not figure out if reviews were about hotel vs the pools. The reason it was comingled, was that the resort houses the public and private pool areas. Although I did not stay the night, the rooms and resort was very beautiful and well maintained. The public and private pools are both located steps from each other within the "Termas de Papallacta Resort". Next time I come back to Ecuador I will definately book at least one night here to really enjoy the whole experience as there is a nice hiking trail (3Mile loop) around the are a that I would have loved to have done if I had more time. Checkin in afternoon, enjoy the pools, have dinner, relax, wake up the next morning early and do hike and relax in pools again before checking out or stay late enjoying the resort.
Public vs Private (Spa) Pools: It was not clear online until we got there was that there are public pools (Adults $8, Kids $3) and Private (Spa) Pools (Adults $25, Kids $14). They are very similar too each other but the largest varies is the clientele and volume of people. Obviously the private side had far fewer people, nicer amenities included (nice showers, towels, lockers, caps, cleaner showers, wifi, and decent restaurant (fee). As part of the Spa, they also had decent menu of massage treatments, body wraps, facial, etc (for additional fees ranging from $12-$75 each and all by reservation). If you plan to do treatments, make reservation in advance. So choice of doing private vs public is matter of budget, experience desired, and tolerance for crowds. We opted for private side and was exactly what we hoped it would be (a vacation within our vacation to relax).
Banos vs Papallacta: During out two week trip to Ecuador we also went to Banos mineral baths too. This place was far classier and water was much clearer and appealing.
Food: Onsite dining options in the resort are limited but convenient and pricey (by Ecuador standards) and of good quality. If on a limited budget you you could opt to take short taxi just off the resort to more normal dining fare. But again, the convenience factor.
Getting there and back (from Quito): I don't have all the answers on this because depends on where you are coming from. In my case options were taking a guide/shuttle from our hotel for $150 or I befriended a nice taxi driver who happily offered to take us and return us for $65. Its 75-90 minutes outside of Quito depending what part of town. There are group buses going out there much much cheaper but will take longer and is a real experience.
Location: The resort (& associated pools) are locating the national park high in the mountains, so prepare for two extremes, it will usually be very overcast and cold (50-60F) but if weather is clear and bright it very quickly gets HOT-HOT! Don't be like us showing up in our beach gear while everyone else is wearing parkas and jackets. :) However, I must say the day we went we clouds cleared and sun hit in the afternoon, we personally enjoyed the cold much more hopping in/out of the pools. Plus the steam coming off the pools made the whole pool area seam almost mystical and very pleasant. When it got hot, it was hot sun with hot water... not as much fun. IMO.
Resort vs the Pools:
In my research prior to visiting, I could not figure out if reviews were about hotel vs the pools. The reason it was comingled, was that the resort houses the public and private pool areas. Although I did not stay the night, the rooms and resort was very beautiful and well maintained. The public and private pools are both located steps from each other within the "Termas de Papallacta Resort". Next time I come back to Ecuador I will definately book at least one night here to really enjoy the whole experience as there is a nice hiking trail (3Mile loop) around the are a that I would have loved to have done if I had more time. Checkin in afternoon, enjoy the pools, have dinner, relax, wake up the next morning early and do hike and relax in pools again before checking out or stay late enjoying the resort.
Public vs Private (Spa) Pools: It was not clear online until we got there was that there are public pools (Adults $8, Kids $3) and Private (Spa) Pools (Adults $25, Kids $14). They are very similar too each other but the largest varies is the clientele and volume of people. Obviously the private side had far fewer people, nicer amenities included (nice showers, towels, lockers, caps, cleaner showers, wifi, and decent restaurant (fee). As part of the Spa, they also had decent menu of massage treatments, body wraps, facial, etc (for additional fees ranging from $12-$75 each and all by reservation). If you plan to do treatments, make reservation in advance. So choice of doing private vs public is matter of budget, experience desired, and tolerance for crowds. We opted for private side and was exactly what we hoped it would be (a vacation within our vacation to relax).
Banos vs Papallacta: During out two week trip to Ecuador we also went to Banos mineral baths too. This place was far classier and water was much clearer and appealing.
Food: Onsite dining options in the resort are limited but convenient and pricey (by Ecuador standards) and of good quality. If on a limited budget you you could opt to take short taxi just off the resort to more normal dining fare. But again, the convenience factor.
Getting there and back (from Quito): I don't have all the answers on this because depends on where you are coming from. In my case options were taking a guide/shuttle from our hotel for $150 or I befriended a nice taxi driver who happily offered to take us and return us for $65. Its 75-90 minutes outside of Quito depending what part of town. There are group buses going out there much much cheaper but will take longer and is a real experience.
Written August 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vrootwoot
Brussels, Belgium6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We visited both the balneario and the spa. The balneario is ok but the rules are not respected nor enforced do not expect a quiet place where everybody respects the right to relax in a calm atmosphere. About the spa part with the basic entrance (23 dollars) pretty much nothing is logical or right this is not a spa it is lacking saunas or a proper hammam or water jets (to have access to a few poor options you need to pay extras). You have to wear a cap whereas in the balneario not (why?). Bathrooms are not mixed but changing rooms and lockers yes but these are not close to each other. The spa part closes 1 hour 30 before the balneario (why?) . The restaurant and bar close 2 hours before the spa (why why why?). Also same remark applies about the noise.
In the end why pay 23 dollars for a spa entry to wear a cap with no bathrobe included when you can pay 9 for the balneario that pretty much offers the same service and opens later
In the end why pay 23 dollars for a spa entry to wear a cap with no bathrobe included when you can pay 9 for the balneario that pretty much offers the same service and opens later
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TejanainWNC
North Carolina Mountains, NC40 contributions
Feb 2012 • Friends
This beautiful hot water thermal spa sits just beyond the highest pass in Ecuador that crosses the Andes. A perfect day trip, just 1.5 hours out of Quito. One should arrive around 9am and go directly to schedule spa treatments ($40 great 60-min, full body massage, or $28 for full body exfoliation, etc.) and pay the $18 adult day-rate for the Thermal Club pools. (The more public pool area go for $7.) Then strike out on one of the hiking loops. The shortest one takes about an hour and winds along a roaring mountain stream shaded by bromiliad laden trees dotted with other vibrant flowers in reds, yellows, rusts, purples, and corals. If you brought a picnic lunch, you could spend hours admiring and photographing the plant life along this path.
If you choose not to dine at the Termas' restaurants, just outside the entrance gate you can find small locally run cafes with fresh trout platters for under $5.
On a clear day Antisana, one of Ecuador's impressive volcanoes, stands watch over Papallacta, inviting meditation and introspection. A perfect journey to touch the Andes.
If you choose not to dine at the Termas' restaurants, just outside the entrance gate you can find small locally run cafes with fresh trout platters for under $5.
On a clear day Antisana, one of Ecuador's impressive volcanoes, stands watch over Papallacta, inviting meditation and introspection. A perfect journey to touch the Andes.
Written February 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rr0billa
Concord, NC5 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Enjoyed the outdoor spa experience with warm water from the geothermal volcanic waters. The pools were right outside our room and it made it easy for us to enjoy our experience. The beautiful flowers and vegetation all contributed to the amazing ambiance. We also had dinner at the restaurant and their steak was the best we had in all of Ecuador.
Written October 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear visitor,
Thank you for considering us the best you had in Ecuador. Makes us happy that you´ve enjoyed a relaxing moment away from the city noise in a magical Andean Highlands, seizing the unique benefits of our thermal hotsprings.
Hope you can visit us again.
Best Regards,
Termas Papallacta Team
Written December 6, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pascolo_original
Lucerne, Switzerland55 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Me and my girlfriend we spent an amazing and relaxing day here. The place is very beautiful, calm and the food is very very good.
I really raccomend to spend a day here to have a break in the highest thermal bad of the world!
I really raccomend to spend a day here to have a break in the highest thermal bad of the world!
Written September 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Visitor,
It is good to know that you and your girlfriend spent an amazing and relaxing day with us, enjoying the different temperatures hot springs, in the midle of a magical Andes highlands scenery seizing the peaceful calm of the place.
We hope you can visit us again soon.
Best Regards,
Termas Papallacta
Written September 13, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rubygirl6
Baxter, MN102 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This is the very best way to spend your last day in Ecuador, especially if you are flying out of Quito on one of the midnight flights! We took the bus which stopped right at the hotel spa and paid $20 each for the day at the thermal baths, which is so well worth it! We did not stay at the hotel at all, just did the spa for the day and the staff was kind enough to secure our backpacks while we enjoyed the spa. It was very exhilarating to go from freezing to hot to warm and repeat the process all day long until our bodies were completely detoxed and rejuvenated. We had lunch at the casual lunch restaurant right at the pools and then had dinner at the nicer restaurant inside. It was all very enjoyable and we often times pine at how much we would love to go back for a good thermal soak! At the end of our day the hotel staff provided a driver who took us straight to the airport, it was so easy!
Written February 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Visitor,
Thank you for sharing a complete and detalied experience of your visit with us. We´re happy that your visit was really amazing and rejuvinating.
Also, thank you for recommending all the late night travelers travelers to visit us; the best way to travel relaxed is after a day soak in our magical thermal waters We really apreciate to be the the icing on your cake, on your visit to Ecuador.
We hope you can visit ou country again soon.
Best Regards,
Termas Papallacta Team
Written April 1, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dwonglight
Redondo Beach, CA27 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
I have read about this hot springs spa in a spa magazine in 2004. I finally made it and it exceeded my expectations! Location is spectacular with mountains surrounding the resort. There are a variety of hot springs, looking out on mountain views. The jets in many of the pools relax the shoulders. I spent approximately 3 hours enjoying the natural, hot springs. The daily entrance fee includes a large towel and shower cap.
I indulged in the 60 minutes chocolate wrap which left my skin glowing. The therapist gave me a scalp massage during the wrap and sprayed me down with a strong hose of warm water. This is sometimes called a "Scottish Squirt" in European spa therapy. I have not experience this since my Czech spa treatment many years ago. This is definitely a worthwhile spa to visit.
I indulged in the 60 minutes chocolate wrap which left my skin glowing. The therapist gave me a scalp massage during the wrap and sprayed me down with a strong hose of warm water. This is sometimes called a "Scottish Squirt" in European spa therapy. I have not experience this since my Czech spa treatment many years ago. This is definitely a worthwhile spa to visit.
Written March 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Visitor,
Thanks for your review. We´re happy that you enjoyed a high Andes SPA experience.
It was absolutely wonderful to read that we contributed to a relaxing and pleasant visit of yours, through our high standard services and infrastructure.
We all look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Best Regards,
Termas Papallacta Team
Written March 14, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenifer
Atlanta, GA3 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
It’s super cheap to get into the springs in either the general admission or the vip section. Hire a driver and go. This tour on trip advisor is very overpriced.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruger09
Chicago, IL126 contributions
We will be staying one night at termas de Papallacta. Are all the thermal pools included in the stay or to be paid for separately? Is the spa package something different?
Don F
Chicago, IL32 contributions
All of the outdoor thermal spas are included. The indoor spa is a separate charge.
Silvie D
3 contributions
Just wondering how long people would recommend to stay here? I have about a week in between tours in Quito and thought this would be nice a relaxing to stay for about 4 nights.
Jon N
Singa2,607 contributions
We were here only for 2-3 hours after a short hike. For us, 4 nights will be too long unless you like to do lots of hiking
jorgeaosorio
Medellin, Colombia
Buenas tardes: Mi nombre es Jorge Osorio,soy de Colombia y me gustaría saber que costo tiene el ingreso,para permanecer durante el día,sin pernoctar?
Termas Papallacta
Ecuador2 contributions
Hola Jorge,
Para visitas por el día, ofrecemos 2 opciones:
1. Piscinas de Balneario:
Cuenta con 9 piscinas termales de diferentes temperaturas y tamaños y 4 de vertiente de agua fría.
Horario: Abierto de 6:00 a 22:30 / último ingreso: 21:00.
Precio:
Entrada adulto: $ 9.00
Niños hasta 11 años de edad: $ 4.50.
Servicios adicionales:
Solicite flotadores para niños sin costo
Alquiler de toallas y lockers: $ 1.00 c/u, se requiere garantía de $ 5,00 por cada artículo.
Restaurante
Kiosko - Snack Bar
Consultorio Médico: Servicio médico para consultas, asesoramiento, emergencias o molestias que se presenten durante su permanencia en el Resort, sin ningún costo extra.
2. Piscinas de SPA:
Esta área cuenta con:
• 5 piscinas termales equipadas con chorros de agua a presión, hidrojets e inyectores de aire
• 1 piscina polar
Contamos con áreas de estar en los exteriores junto a las piscinas.
Antes de ingresar en las piscinas, en el área de Recepción te entregarán toallas*, un gorro de baño**y llaves para tu locker. En el área de lockers encontrarás: camerinos con piso con calefacción de agua termal, baños equipados con secadoras de cabello y duchas en las que dispondrás de shampoo y acondicionador.
*Ítems a ser devueltos
**Es necesario que todos nuestros clientes usen gorro de baño
*** Alquiler de batas por separado
Precio:
Entrada Adulto: $ 23.00
Niños: $ 15.00
Horario:
Las piscinas del Spa están abiertas de:
Domingo a Jueves: 09h00 a 20h00
Viernes, sábados y feriados: 09h00 a 21h00.
Servicios Adicionales
Área de tratamientos de salud y belleza
Restaurante
Consultorio Médico: Servicio médico para consultas, asesoramiento, emergencias o molestias que se presenten durante su permanencia en el Resort, sin ningún costo extra.
Esperamos tu visita!!
sportybirgit
Skovlunde, Denmark
What is the price for entrance and what about towels?
Termas Papallacta
Ecuador2 contributions
Dear Sportybir,
If you want to visit Termas de Papallacta just for the day, we offer 2 options:
1. Balneario pools: at this area the price per entrance per adult is $ 8.50 and per child is $ 4.00. We rent towels and lockers, the cost per item is $ 1 per person but a guarantee of $5.00 is requested.
2. SPA pools: at this area the pools are equipped with diferent water jets. Price per entrance per adult $ 22.00 and per child $ 14.50. Before entering the pool, in the reception area you will receive a towel *, a bathing cap** and a key for your locker. In the lockers area you will find: dressing rooms with heating floor with thermal water, toilets and showers which offers complimentary shampoo and hair conditioner.
We hope you'll come and visit us!!
Julie C
Burlington, Canada62 contributions
Is this suitable for a 7 year as a one day tour? Also from Quito should we book with a tour company?
Termas Papallacta
Ecuador2 contributions
Dear Julie,
As Monica very well explained to you, Termas Papallacta offers 2 areas for your day tours: 1) Balneario (thermal pools): price per adult $ 8,50 / price per child: $ 4.00 and 2) SPA our VIP area (thermal pools with hydrojets): price per adult $ 22.00 / price per child: $ 14,50.
Each area has a restaurant with local and international cousine.
At the SPA area, we offer treatments for aduts and children, this have an extra cost.
Termas Papallacta is only at 1hour from Quito, if you take a private transportation. On Mondays some travel agencies like Quito Tour Bus and Gray Line offer very valaubles day tours to our Resort.
Hope this answer help you to make a decition, it will be wonderfull having you in a day tour.
714berenice
Winnipeg, Canada
HELLO
I have a question about a terme of papallacta ? Do we have to stay in your hotel to enjoy the terme of papallacata ? what we can see in this city ? can we go by our self to see the natural terme ? or we can see that just in your hotel ?
Termas Papallacta
Ecuador2 contributions
Dear Berenice,
Yo can stay o just visit us for the day. Our rooms are like little wooden cabins surrounding thermal pools which are exclusive for guests. If you vist us for the day, you have 2 options: 1) SPA thermal pools with diferent kind of hydromasajes, in this area you will find a restaurant and The Thermal Club where we offer different kind of treatments like masagges, body wraps, etc. 2) Balneario: thermal pools, in this area you will find a restaurant and a snack bar.
Termas Papallacta owns a protected area of approximately 250 hectares, called Canyon Ranch, located at the entrance of Cayambe Coca Natural Reserve. So you can make some walking trips if you want.
Papallacta is a little town where you will find some thermal baths offers, our Resort and SPA has been designed as the best Ecuador SPA & Resort for 3 consecutive years by World Travel Awards
Jennifer S
Chicago, IL7 contributions
If my family stays at Termas de Papallacta for 2 nights, what other activities are there to do? Also, if we want to get to the town for dinner outside of the hotel, what do you recommend?
Termas Papallacta
Ecuador2 contributions
Thanks for your question, we offer extra activities like: SPA treatments at our Thermal Club, walking trips* and horseback riding* (*it has to be booked directly at Papallacta and depend on the weather). 2 nights is the perfect time to get relax, enjoy the nature and discover the benefits of the thermal water.
Papallacta is not a touristic town that is why we suggest you to get your dinner at our restaurant.
Termas de Papallacta - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Termas de Papallacta
- We recommend booking Termas de Papallacta tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 60 Termas de Papallacta tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Termas de Papallacta:
- Termas de Papallacta Hot Springs full day tour from Quito (From $159.00)
- Termas de Papallacta Private Full-Day Tour & Hiking in the forest - Spa tickets (From $149.00)
- Papallacta Hot Springs and Lagoon full day (From $105.00)
- Night Papallacta Hot Springs Relax - "Small Group" (From $35.00)
- Cuyabeno Wild Reserve (From $389.75)
- Hotels near Termas de Papallacta:
- (0.03 mi) Hostal & Restaurant El Fogon Campero
- (0.06 mi) Termas de Papallacta
- (0.06 mi) Mamallacta Paramo Lodge
- (0.15 mi) Hostal Antisana
- (0.60 mi) PampaLlacta Termales Hostel
Termas de Papallacta Information
Excellent Reviews | 337 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 152 |
Termas de Papallacta Photos | 331 |