Best of Papallacta

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Papallacta
Surrounded by lush mountain slopes, the small village of Papallacta is famous for its hot springs, and it’s a popular day trip for visitors from Quito (about a one-hour drive). On clear days you can take in the views of Antisana Volcano while soaking in the thermally heated pools — the perfect antidote after hiking in the Andes. 

In Papallacta you can combine a visit to the Termas de Papallacta resort with a bit of adventure. Nearby hiking trails lead through forests of Polylepis, a fragile endemic tree species that grows in the high elevation regions of the tropical Andes. Waterways in the area, like the scenic Papallacta lagoon, make a good destination for a hike, and you can also get there on a horseback ride. There’s fine wildlife watching in the area, particularly in the cloud forest reserve at Guango
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Río Napo in Ecuador
Map of Best of the Ecuadorian Amazon: 7 Days
Best of the Ecuadorian Amazon: 7 Days

Leave the cold climes of Quito and descend to the sinuous rivers and sticky jungle of the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth. On this 7-day itinerary, you will wildlife-spot along mighty waterways, climb into rainforest canopies, brave some of South America’s best white-water rapids and bathe in beautiful thermal pools. If you are set on exploring the Amazon, Ecuador is one of the best places to do it.

Ziplining toward a waterfall near the town of Baños
Map of Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days
Ecuador Highlands & Amazon - 7 Days

This action-packed seven-day tour of Ecuador is perfect for travelers searching for adventure, culture and spectacular scenery all within a few hours' drive from the capital Quito. The trip begins with a thrilling bike ride down an active volcano and continues with hikes in the cloud forest, a climb up a waterfall and visits to an indigenous community. There will be plenty of opportunities to unwind too, with stops at hot springs and a quiet, mountainside hacienda.

Go whitewater rafting in Eduador
Map of Epic Ecuador Multi-Sport Tour - 8 Days
Epic Ecuador Multi-Sport Tour - 8 Days

This active tour of the Ecuadorian mainland is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. In just over a week you'll enjoy adventures on both land and water. Brave the rapids of the Río Jatunyacu, cycle down the slopes of the Andes, hike through virgin rainforest to secluded waterfalls, trek to the shores of Cuicocha Lagoon, and soak in Papallacta's volcanic springs.

Jose Rivas refuge on the slopes of Cotopaxi
Map of Hiking in Ecuador's Highlands - 11 Days
Hiking in Ecuador's Highlands - 11 Days

Experience the rugged beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes firsthand and hike through the country's most famous active and dormant volcanoes on this 11-day itinerary. Get your bearings in Quito, exploring the capital city's historic center, before taking on high-altitude hikes in Antisana National Park and Cotopaxi National Park, among other reserves. Visit crater lakes and frosty peaks before spending a day unwinding in Papallacta's hot springs.

Explore the Amazon
Map of Ecuador's Volcanoes, Amazon Rainforest & Galápagos Islands - 13 Days
Ecuador's Volcanoes, Amazon Rainforest & Galápagos Islands - 13 Days

This exciting 13-day adventure covers an impressive range of cultural and natural highlights in Ecuador. Starting in Quito, the UNESCO-listed capital, you'll visit Indigenous markets and volcanoes before paddling into the Amazon to stay two nights at an ecolodge. The trip finishes with several days of island-hopping in the Galápagos to observe its unique inhabitants—like giant tortoises and white-tipped sharks—sprinkled with some quality beach time.

"Chagras" Cowboys in Cotopaxi National Park
Map of Trekking in Ecuador's Highlands: Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, & More - 14 Days
Trekking in Ecuador's Highlands: Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, & More - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring mountainous landscapes in a country that's equally famous for its volcanoes and rainforest. From Quito's colonial city center to the high-elevation hacienda refuge on Cotopaxi, you'll trek through historic sites and stunning nature. Spot rare Andean condors, haggle for goods at a mountain market, summit volcanoes, and more. 

A rainbow over the Pailón del Diablo waterfall in Baños
Map of Ecuador's Natural Wonders & Historic Haciendas - 8 Days
Ecuador's Natural Wonders & Historic Haciendas - 8 Days

Staying in a hacienda has become a must for any trip to the Ecuadorian Andes. On this eight-day adventure, you'll discover historic farmhouses dating back to the 16th century, lovingly restored into first-class hotels. Start in Quito and uncover its colonial past, then hike along Cucicocha Lagoon before pampering your body at Papallacta Spa. Explore Cotopaxi National Park and take a horseback ride at sunset. Finally, it's water galore as you enjoy hot springs, thermal baths, and waterfalls in Baños.

Take in views of Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano from the hiking trail
Map of Culture & Outdoor Adventure in Ecuador - 8 Days
Culture & Outdoor Adventure in Ecuador - 8 Days

Explore Ecuador's cultural highlights and outdoor landscapes on this action-packed eight-day itinerary. Begin in Quito with a city tour and a cooking class, then bargain for traditional crafts in the famed Otavalo Market. Discover the Amazonian rainforest, including an Indigenous community, when you arrive at a jungle lodge by boat. Finish with a hike near Baños and a quick visit to Cotopaxi National Park.

Cycle in the shadow of Cotopaxi
Map of Mainland Ecuador Multi-Sport Tour: Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños, Archidona & Papallacta - 9 Days
Mainland Ecuador Multi-Sport Tour: Quito, Cotopaxi, Baños, Archidona & Papallacta - 9 Days

Combine sightseeing with high-adrenaline adventures on this nine-day tour of mainland Ecuador. You'll acclimatize while touring Ecuador's capital, Quito, before biking in Cotopaxi National Park. Then transfer to Baños for hiking, kayaking, and canyoning. In Archidona, get your thrills whitewater rafting on the Río Jatunyaku before ending your tour soaking any aches away in the hot springs of Papallacta.

Soar over mountainsides in Ecuador's "Adventure Capital" of Baños
Map of Mainland Ecuador for Families: Andes to the Amazon - 10 Days
Mainland Ecuador for Families: Andes to the Amazon - 10 Days

Active families can experience the best of Ecuador's great outdoors on this 10-day itinerary that takes you from the Andes to the Amazon. Start in Quito with a walking tour and family cooking class, then set off into Cotopaxi National Park, where the kids will channel their inner adventurer with horseback riding and high ropes courses at a local hacienda. See dramatic waterfalls and the world's most famous treehouse in Baños, venture deep into the Amazon for two nights at an incredible ecolodge, and wrap things up with a dip in the natural hot springs of Papallacta.

Cotopaxi volcano eruption and Panecillo's Madona seen from Quito, Ecuador
Map of Highlights of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 11 Days
Highlights of the Ecuadorian Highlands - 11 Days

Experience the wonder of volcanic landscapes and centuries-old architecture during this 11-day itinerary in Ecuador's highlands. Visit crater lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls in the páramo climate of the Ecuadorian Andes. Along the way, stop in metropolises like Quito and Cuenca to visit exceptionally well-preserved colonial buildings and the most extensive pre-Columbian ruins in the country.

Mindo cloud forest at sunrise in fog and mist, Mindo, Ecuador
Map of Nature & National Parks in Ecuador - 11 Days
Nature & National Parks in Ecuador - 11 Days

Spend 11 days exploring the biodiverse landscapes of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon. Travel from Quito deep into the rainforest of Yasuní National Park for a chance to see parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife. Then, hop on a horse to explore Cotopaxi National Park, where you can find volcanic lakes and stunning views of the active volcano. Finally, unwind in Baños and Papallacta, watching the views from bubbling hot springs.

Hike the national parks and highlands of Ecuador
Map of Ecuador Multi-Sport Adventure in the Highlands - 11 Days
Ecuador Multi-Sport Adventure in the Highlands - 11 Days

Experience 11 days of adrenaline sports and adventure against the backdrop of Ecuador's most stunning natural highlights. Check off the key sites in Quito, and explore Cotopaxi National Park on foot and horseback. Trek to the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lagoon, rappel down waterfalls in the canyons of Baños, and summit the crater volcano of Fuya Fuya, then celebrate your achievements and soothe your tired muscles with a soak in the hot springs of Papallacta.

Soar over mountainsides on the "swing at the edge of the Earth" in Baños
Map of Ecuadorian Highlands & Amazon Rainforest Adventure - 12 Days
Ecuadorian Highlands & Amazon Rainforest Adventure - 12 Days

Discover the secrets of the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest on this 12-day adventure in Ecuador. Combining organized tours with independent exploration, halfway through the trip, you'll join a small group on a three-night rainforest escape to Itamandi Ecolodge. After jungle hikes, canoe rides, and Indigenous community visits, you'll walk among active volcanoes in the Andes, looking out for condors, wild horses, and alpacas at high-altitude lakes.

Go for a swing at the "end of the world" in Baños
Map of Active Family Adventure in Ecuador: Andes, Amazon & Cloud Forest - 14 Days
Active Family Adventure in Ecuador: Andes, Amazon & Cloud Forest - 14 Days

The small South American country of Ecuador is rich in wildlife, biodiversity, and natural beauty. Active kids, whatever their ages, will love this two-week tour of the country, which takes you from the high-altitude capital of Quito to the Andean plains, the jungles of the Amazon, and the cloud forests of Mindo. Horseback ride across the highlands, take night and daytime tours of the rainforest, admire dramatic waterfalls, zipline through a cloud forest, and much more.

Tungurahua
Map of Ecuador Adventure Tour: Quito to Yacuma Natural Reserve, Baños & Riobamba - 15 Days
Ecuador Adventure Tour: Quito to Yacuma Natural Reserve, Baños & Riobamba - 15 Days

Explore active volcanoes, spot colorful birds, and capture stunning photos on this 15-day Ecuadorian adventure. Begin with a tour of Quito and a challenging hike up Volcán Pichincha, then head into the rainforest for some wildlife watching in Yacuma Natural Reserve. Climb to waterfalls in Baños, and transfer to Riobamba and Latacunga for more volcanic treks. Immerse yourself in nature in Cotopaxi National Park and Antisana Ecological Reserve, then wind down in Papallacta's natural hot springs.

Artisan Market
Map of Culture & Nature in Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon, Chimborazo, & Cotopaxi - 14 Days
Culture & Nature in Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon, Chimborazo, & Cotopaxi - 14 Days

The landscapes of Ecuador's mainland are as varied as the people who live there, and you'll get to experience both nature and culture on this 14-day itinerary. Meet the locals who call these regions home and learn about their history, way of life and relationship to Ecuador's landscapes. From the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians in the north and the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest to the Kichwa in the central Andes, you'll dive deep into everyday life and explore Ecuador's nature. 

Hoatzin in Yasuni National Park
Map of Nature & Culture in Ecuador: Quito and the Amazon Rainforest - 7 Days
Nature & Culture in Ecuador: Quito and the Amazon Rainforest - 7 Days

If you want to visit Ecuador but can't decide between city or rainforest life, this itinerary has the best of both worlds. Start in Quito to see colonial churches and visit the equatorial line, then head to the Amazon rainforest. Spend three days in Yasuni National Park relaxing at an ecolodge, panning for gold in a stream, and learning to make chocolate the authentic way. 

Escape to a traditional hacienda in the Andean highlands (photo courtesy of Hacienda Zuleta)
Map of Luxury Ecuadorian Highlands Getaway: Culture, Adventure & Open Skies - 7 Days
Luxury Ecuadorian Highlands Getaway: Culture, Adventure & Open Skies - 7 Days

Mix luxury travel, cultural immersion, and a dash of outdoor adventure on this relaxed weeklong escape to Ecuador. It starts in the capital of Quito with tours of its historic Old Town, private cooking classes, and fine dining at the best restaurants. Then, push north to the Indigenous markets and historic haciendas of Otavalo, where you'll visit artisan workshops, hike around volcanic crater lakes, try your hand at traditional embroidery, and soar over the Andean highlands in a hot-air balloon.

Other popular travel destinations in Ecuador
Quito · Baños · Cotopaxi · Otavalo · Guayaquil · Cuenca · The Amazon · Riobamba · Yasuni National Park · Archidona · Tena · Mindo · Quilotoa · Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve · Isinliví · Cacha · Lago Agrio