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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

  • Most memorable experiences: Snorkelling with huge sea turtles and iguanas whilst they were feeding with sea lions, penguins and flightless cormorants also coming to join in the party.

    LA, London Oct 2015
  • Two parts: Seeing cotopaxi and the surrounding area for the first time, and stepping off the boat onto floreana and having to avoid sea lions and iguana, magical.

    HT, Conwy Nov 2014
  • Probably the Tren Crucero (was the top experience) but too many highlights to mention.

    SB, Cambourne Feb 2020
  • Most Memorable Moment?: Drving up Mt. Cotopaxi and watching a Gaucho chase a cow riding a horse at the gallop whilst trying to lassoe it on a cobbled road,...some rider! …

    NBH, Watchet Mar 2018
  • 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 Jun 2013
  • 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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  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    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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    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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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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    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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