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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

  • It was all brilliant, we expected the Galapagos to be the highlight, but all the other trips were as good in different ways. All the Ecuadorians encountered at hotels, restaurants,…

    AH, Eastleigh Sep 2011
  • Ecuador Highlights: Seeing hummingbirds & humpback whales, summiting the Pasochoa peak with Kristian, Quilotoa Volcano Lake, Quito cable car ride, the Las Cajas Park walks with Wilson. 

    PJR Aug 2011
  • Highlight?: Galapagos Islands

    RN, London Nov 2016
  • From the moment we were picked up, (on time) from our hotel in Quito, to the moment we were left at the departure lounge in the airport in Baltra, the…

    TP, Lima Jun 2013
  • We had a wonderful holiday to Quito and Galapagos with Journey Latin America. We just wish it had been longer!

    HS, W4 Jun 2011
  • Highlight?: The Napo Lodge experience.   It exceeded our expectations and we were very lucky to have dry weather.

    HB, Todmorden Aug 2018
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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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    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    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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    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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