Ever Bathed In Water Heated By A Volcano? Go to Ecuador And You Can!

Papallacta, Ecuador is a small town tucked away high in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 10,078 ft ( 3,300 m) and best known for its legendary hot springs due to its location between two volcanos; the Cayambe Volcano and Antisana Volcano. The temperature of the ground water, in the area, can range between 86°F to 158°F (30°C to 70°C). Locals have channeled the water and run it through pipes down to a series of pools located at several hotels and hostels for their guests. By the time the hot water reaches these pools, it cools, but the hotels add additional cold water to bring the temperature down further.

Hotel Termas Papallacta

The hotels that operate in Papallacta are mostly small, locally run businesses. Each has a few small pools available for their guests, but, by far the best choice is the Hotel Termas Papallacta. Although it costs a little more ($158-$246 USD per night) compared to the smaller surrounding hotels, it has the best on-site hot water pools and offers free admission to the larger pools as part of your overnight stay.

Since the water used for all the pools is said to have certain health benefits because of the calcium, sulfates, chloride, and sodium it contains, keeping the pools clean is very important. The hotel staff at Termas cycle the water through the pools continuously and make a concerted effort to keep the pools as clean as possible on a regular basis. Still, the best time to come is when the hot springs open at 7 am. At this time the water is the freshest.

If you would rather not stay at the Hotel Termas Papallacta, another option is to stay in Quito and make a day trip out to Papallacta. Daily admission to the springs at the Termas Papallacta pools is only $7 USD. You can catch a bus leaving Quito’s Terminal Terrestre Cumandá and heading for cities like Tena, which usually ass through Papallacta. The bus from Terminal Terrestre Cumandá to Papallacta leaves almost every 20 minutes. The trip is only 40 miles, so you would like that it is a quick trip but because of the condition of the roads, expect the trip to take about 2 hours.

Climate

Papallacta is humid, cold, and wet, and sits at a relatively high elevation in the Andes. It is the perfect location to spend a day or two soaking in the natural hot springs and appreciating the cold but beautiful landscape that surrounds you. The average day-time temperature is 57°F (14°C) and there is little seasonal variation. Although it can be referred to as dreary, Papallacta, with its foggy weather and the amazing landscape is well suited for those wanting to just sit in the hot springs and relax.

Hiking Near the Hotel Termas Papallacta

For those willing to get off the beaten path just a little, the surrounding landscape behind Hotel Termas Papallacta is utterly amazing. Aside from the hot springs, you can hike the area or bird watch if that is your interest. Most people who visit Papallacta only come for a day or two, and spend most of their time in the hot springs but hiking the landscape on a foggy day will be unforgettable. Grab a jacket, grab your camera, and head off behind the springs. As you follow the trail, there will be plenty of sights that will surely grab your attention.

Although I would not stay at Papallacta for more than a couple of days, while there between the hot pools and the landscape, there is plenty to experience. If you are heading to Tena this is a great layover to relax before heading into the jungle. The hot springs and landscape offer a variety of options for everyone and by the time you leave, you will be relaxed and stress-free.

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