Back

Termas de Papallacta

  • ECU_TermasDePapallacta_HotelOwned (1)
  • ECU_TermasDePapallacta_HotelOwned (2)
  • ECU_TermasDePapallacta_HotelOwned (3)
  • ECU_TermasDePapallacta_HotelOwned (4)
0 1 2 3

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 amazing to use an overworked word, but (i) the Cotopaxi days (train plus condors plus steaming volcano) was extraordinary, and (ii) encountering the Galapagos Islands and their…

    JL, Winchester Jul 2015
  • 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?: The trek up the Chimborazo with mountaineering legend will live with us forever!!

    TT, Bolton Sep 2017
  • 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 May 2013
  • Most memorable experiences: Galapagos snorkeling at Devils Crown and the inland lagoon; walk on Fernandina; mountain bikes and trek at Cotopaxi.

    JG, Sevenoaks Aug 2015
  • We had a wonderful holiday to Quito and Galapagos with Journey Latin America. We just wish it had been longer!

    HS, W4 Jun 2011
0 1 2 3 4 5

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.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    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.

  • Alex
    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.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

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

  • 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.

  • Hannah
    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.

  • Lina
    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.

0 1 2 3 4 5