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Termas de Papallacta

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Relaxing spa hotel in the mountains, arranged around a series of thermal pools fed by natural hot springs.

The relaxing spa hotel Termas de Papallacta is positioned just outside the mountain village of Papallacta, two hours east of Quito on a spectacular paved road that winds past snow-capped peaks and wild páramo landscape. The surrounding area is breathtaking, and on clear days there are tremendous views of Antisana volcano.

The simply furnished guestrooms are housed in several buildings, each with its own series of small pools fed by hot springs. All rooms are heated by thermal steam and have a purified water dispenser and outdoor patio; a few have the extra treat of a Jacuzzi. An additional cluster of thatched wooden cabins suitable for families are scattered throughout the grounds around thermal pools.

The main building accommodates a restaurant, where tasty fresh trout is the speciality. There is also a small bar and lounge. Behind the lobby is an excellent spa with a sauna and steam room, where massages, reflexology, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and beauty treatments are offered at extra cost. There’s also a public pool and café in a separate building surrounded by an attractive tropical garden.

There are wonderful walks to enjoy in the forest nearby and plenty of birdlife to observe all around. Horse-riding can also be arranged. 

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlight?: Galapagos Islands

    RN, London Nov 2016
  • We had a wonderful time…we thought the guides we had were among the best we have known anywhere; we went for the Galapagos and would admit to mainland Ecuador being…

    PW, Lambeth May 2010
  • Avenue of the Volcanoes was superb plus swimming with sea lions and penguins.

    JK, Sheffield Feb 2015
  • The Galapagos was as expected beautiful and interesting but we were pleasantly surprised by the visits to the rose plantation and panama hat factory which turned out far more interesting…

    MW, London Jan 2019
  • Hard to pick one highlight when there were so many superlatives. The scenery in Ecuador was spectacular. The Devil's Nose train ride was great fun. Snorkelling with sea turtles, penguins,…

    JB, Newcastle Mar 2019
  • Everyone was very concious of preserving water and not littering - it seems part of everyday life in Ecuador

    KK, Belfast Dec 2010
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Our Expert's Opinion

Kathryn
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

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    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

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