Termas de Papallacta
At 3,250 metres in the Andes, the air has a particular bite to it — which makes lowering yourself into a steaming thermal pool feel like a negotiation worth making. Termas de Papallacta sits just 45 minutes east of Quito's international airport, where the road begins its long descent toward the Amazon basin, and the volcanic geology does the work of heating water that rises from deep below the Chacana caldera.
The Balneario — the public section — runs nine pools at varying temperatures alongside four cold-water springs. The surrounding cloud forest is proper páramo country: mosses, bromeliads, the occasional orchid clinging to a wet branch. The name Papallacta means 'Land of Potatoes' in the local tongue, a reminder that this fertile, cold, volcanic ground has been feeding people long before anyone thought to bottle its water.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to arrive on a weekday, go straight to the cooler pools first to acclimatise, and save the hottest pool for last. They eat the pan-fried trout at the on-site restaurant — local fish from the cold rivers nearby, cooked simply with butter and herbs. The La Isla Nature Trail loop takes about an hour and earns the second soak.
The story behind Termas de Papallacta
Six Ecuadorians developed the site from what the Andes had already provided: a volcanic landscape quietly heating groundwater for millennia. The founding date remains unconfirmed, though accounts suggest the resort has operated for roughly two and a half decades.
What is documented: in 2005, Termas de Papallacta became the first hotel in Ecuador to receive international certification for sustainable tourism. That commitment has since expanded to include Canyon Ranch, a 200-hectare protected area at the entrance to the Cayambe Coca Natural Reserve, and the on-site Exploratorium — a research centre run by the nonprofit Terra Foundation, open Friday through Tuesday, cataloguing the flora and fauna of the surrounding cloud forest.
Good to know
Buses to Tena, Coca, Lago Agrio or Puyo all pass through — buy a ticket at Quitumbe terminal and tell the driver to stop at Las Termas. Fare is around $3 each way. Balneario entry is $9; the spa charges separately, around $25. Skip weekends and public holidays — midweek visits are noticeably quieter.
Daytime temperatures sit between 13–19°C year-round, with nights dropping to around 6°C — cold enough that the thermal pools stop being optional. Rain is frequent from October to May, with March the wettest month. June through September is drier, and September tends to bring the most active wildlife along the trails.
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What travellers say about Termas de Papallacta
Absolutely amazing. Pay the extra for the exclusive hot pools. About 5 different pools with varying temp. Very creative and fun pools. Possibly the best massage I have had. Even the restaurant serves a great lunch. Thoroughly recommended.
The place surrounded by beautiful mountains. We came early like 9:30 am on Monday it wasn't crowded at all. Great staff welcomed us so kindly. Everything was clean and neat. You can see hummingbirds. A lot of flowers around hot springs. Was very relaxing. They have restaurant inside as well. Worth visiting.
WOW WOW WOW this place is like paradise! There's so much attention to the detail here with all the beautiful landscaping that attracts lots of hummingbirds and other birds that you can enjoy watching as you soak in the incredible thermal pools. There's so many different pools to enjoy too! The mountain views make you feel like you're in a fairytale. The food at the restaurant was also excellent! You get a key to a locker, changing rooms are so nice and clean. There's a lot of bathrooms available throughout the whole facility. Everything was top notch.
This should be your first stop, spend a day or two to wind down from any stress the spa is one of the best and there are two restaurants and a cantina if you stay in a room you get a private pool area for the rooms open 24/7 and continental breakfast
Located high in the volcanic Andes mountains area over 10, 000 feet above sea level...Scenic and beautiful! The hot springs therma bubbling, relaxing & conveniently located right outside my room door. Truly a gem worth visiting. Area is quaint and well maintained. Friendly staff. Buffet Breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, Meats, eggs, bread varieties, sweet cakes, coffee & delicious cocoa. Something for vegans too! Rooms modern very clean... offer Free WiFi. There was fog mist & cloudiness on the mountains making the area very chilly. The front desk bright me a portable heater to my room on request. Located 1 hour from Quito. Yes I would recommend and vist again.
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