Papallacta Private Route
Hot springs and mountains. Perfect to unwind.
100% private experience · Hotel pickup in Quito · WhatsApp confirmation
What you'll see
- Papallacta Hot Springs
- Andean scenery
- Scenic route
Perfect for
Relaxation, couples, recovery.
Your private route includes
- Comfortable private SUV (1-4 passengers), not shared
- Hotel pickup in Quito
- 4 curated stops with defined timing
- Departure before 8am, coordinated return
- Pre-trip WhatsApp coordination
Attraction entrance fees are paid on-site (not included in the route price).
Route itinerary
8–9h total duration · real time per stop
- 120 min
Virgen del Páramo viewpoint (photo)
- 23h
Papallacta Hot Springs (thermal pools)
- 31h
Lunch by the hot springs
- 445 min
Papallacta Lake (páramo trail)
Practical tips
What to wear
- • Warm, waterproof clothing: Papallacta sits at 3,300m with an avg of 14°C.
- • Swimsuit and towel: these are essential — it's the main point of the visit.
- • High-SPF sunscreen: water reflection + altitude burns much faster than expected.
- • Sandals or flip-flops for moving between pools.
- • Waterproof bag for your clothes and belongings while in the water.
Where to eat
- • Restaurants just outside the hot springs: daily menu with Andean stews and soups (~$8).
- • Hotel Termas de Papallacta: restaurant with mountain views, more complete (~$15). Cards accepted.
- • Local eateries near the entrance: affordable and generous portions.
Avoid this
- • Don't leave valuables unattended at the pools: use the lockers provided.
- • Avoid weekends and holidays if possible: the pools get very crowded.
- • Don't spend hours in the pools without reapplying sunscreen: burns sneak up on you.
- • Don't enter high-temperature pools if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions.
- • Don't forget to hydrate: altitude + heat from the springs dehydrate you faster than expected.
Papallacta route: frequently asked questions
Is the entrance to the Papallacta hot springs included?
No. Termas de Papallacta charges its own entrance fee, paid on-site. The $240 covers the private SUV for 1 to 4 passengers, hotel pickup in Quito, your driver and the 4 curated stops.
How long does the Papallacta route take from Quito?
8 to 9 hours in total, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving each way over the Papallacta pass (4,000 m). You get around 3 hours in the thermal pools, plus the Virgen del Páramo viewpoint, lunch by the springs and the Papallacta Lake páramo trail.
What should I bring to the Papallacta hot springs?
Swimsuit and towel (essential), sandals to move between pools, high-SPF sunscreen, a waterproof bag for your belongings and warm, waterproof clothing: Papallacta sits at 3,300 m with an average of 14 °C.
When is the best time to visit Papallacta?
Weekdays. On weekends and holidays the pools get very crowded. We depart before 8am so you arrive early, when the pools are calm.
Are the hot springs safe for everyone?
The high-temperature pools are not recommended if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions. Hydrate constantly: altitude plus the heat of the springs dehydrate you faster than you expect.
Ready to experience Papallacta?
We confirm availability on WhatsApp first, then send the payment link. Limited slots per day.