Spend a day hiking páramo trails and soaking in volcanic thermal pools at Papallacta, a highland hot-springs complex about 1.5 hours from Quito. This private tour pairs a guided 90-minute hike with time in mineral-rich baths and local refreshments.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cool Andean morning opens as the road from Quito climbs through humid cloud forest and then rips into open páramo; wind tugs at your jacket and the air tastes thin at 3,300 meters. On this private day tour travelers walk a 90-minute loop along the Papallacta River, where volcanic steam and mineral springs punctuate the landscape and mountaintops press against the sky.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 hours (full-day)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended—comfortable walking for 90 minutes on uneven high-altitude trail; stamina for a full-day outing.
Wildlife
History
The route east of Quito has long linked highland communities to Amazon foothills; locals historically used thermal springs for bathing and simple therapies.
Conservation
The páramo is a fragile water-regulating ecosystem—stay on marked trails, avoid leaving waste, and favor operators that follow park guidelines.
Reserve your spot on the Private Papallacta Volcanic Hot Springs Day Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a day or two in Quito to adjust to 2,850–2,900 m altitude—Papallacta sits near 3,300 m and can feel markedly thinner.
Limit soak time
Pool temperatures can reach the high 30s°C; keep initial soaks to 10–15 minutes if you have any heart or circulation concerns.
Footwear for wet trails
Wear grippy hiking shoes or waterproof trainers for the 1.5-hour páramo river loop, which can be muddy and uneven.
Protect from sun and wind
High-altitude UV is strong even on cool days—use sunscreen, sunglasses and a windproof layer for post-soak chills.
Layered clothing (base, insulating, windproof)
Rapid temperature swings at 3,300 m make layers essential before and after soaking.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet, uneven páramo trails and keep feet dry.
spring
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Needed for the thermal pools; quick-dry fabrics are convenient for the return trip.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
High-altitude UV exposure is strong even on cool days, especially on clear afternoons.
summer