Termas Papallacta Day Tour
Papallacta is a small town about 1- ½ hours away from Quito in the Andes Mountain at an altitude of 3,300 m. (10,800). It is famous for its hot springs (thermal pools) and its beautiful setting high in the hills.
The weather around Papallacta hot springs can be very cold and is often rainy or misty. It is surrounding by Antisana (Ecuador’s fourth – highest mountain) and Cayambe ( Ecuador’s third – highest mountain) volcanoes. The legendary pools flow naturally, thermally heated by the subterranean activity of the Volcano.
Papallacta Hot Springs Tour is an easy day trip from Quito, although you might want to stay longer if you intend to go hiking in the area. It makes an excellent base for hiking or trekking (through the altitude may slow you up a bit), with the bonus of a soak in the hot pools after a long day of walking in the paramo (high grasslands).
PAPALLACTA LAKE: This deep and dark color lake has an area around of 8000 acres and a temperature of 9,8° C ( 50° F). The water comes mainly from the melting of snows on the Cayambe volcano. Papallacta Lake was formed by a lava flow and remnants of Antisana volcano. The landscape around the lake is paramo (high grasslands), herbaceous and shrubby. Papallacta lake provides much of the drinking water for Quito.
LA ISLA TRAIL: One- hour walk along Papallacta River. The trail is characterized by pastures with views of the surrounding hills and the Antisana volcano. Along La Isla trail you will find the Polylepis (paper-thin layers of rust-red bark), chuquiragua (the flower of the Andes), and other trees characteristic of paramo vegetation (high grasslands).
PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS : Visit the tourist complex Termas de Papallacta Spa. There are several outdoor pools of different temperatures from hot to cold, containg calcium, sodium, sulfates, and other restorative minerals. These baths will help you to improve intestinal function, curative properties, and relaxing effect.
INCLUSIONS
- Private transport (Quito)
- Driver / guide
- Lunch
- Visit the Papallacta lake
- Hiking La Isla trail
EXCLUSIONS
- Entrance fee to Termas Papallacta Spa
- Extra drinks
- Spa
- Tips