After a long-haul flight, almost nothing beats sinking into a steaming, mineral-rich thermal pool with the páramo rising around you. Papallacta is that place — and it’s one of the smartest trips to book for your arrival or departure day.
Why Papallacta
Set high in the mountains east of Quito on the road toward the Amazon, Papallacta is famous for its thermal hot springs, fed by the volcanic activity of the surrounding Cayambe-Coca highlands. The resort and public pools range from warm to very hot, with cold plunge options and views over the páramo. At around 3,300 m the air is cool and bracing — which is exactly what makes the hot water so blissful.
It’s a soak-and-relax destination: bring a book, plan a long lunch (the local trout is excellent), and unwind.
Getting there from Quito airport (UIO)
Papallacta lies east of Quito, and from UIO airport — already on the eastern side of the valley — it’s a scenic climb into the mountains. Because it sits at altitude on a winding road, a private flat-rate transfer is the easy call: a fixed price, a driver comfortable with the high-mountain route, and flight tracking if you’re heading there straight off a flight.
Papallacta is outside Quito city, so ask for a quote rather than using the prepaid city rate. Published airport-hotel and Quito-city rates are on the rates page.
Tips
- It’s a great landing-day stop: ease into the altitude gently while you soak.
- Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a warm layer for between pools — it’s cold out of the water.
- The altitude is real; hydrate and move slowly, especially if you just arrived.
- Combine it with onward travel toward Baeza or the Amazon — just ask when you book.
Pre-book the ride and your trip can begin (or end) with a hot soak instead of a scramble at the curb.