Papallacta pass thermal springs, 2 days/1 night, private

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Price from:
346.00 USD
per person

Located over 10,000 feet above sea level in a temperate montane forest, Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is just two hours away from Quito. Nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle, Papallacta features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures.

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart Quito at 8:00 in the morning for Papallacta Pass traveling on the Cinnamon Trail, the route the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana took in 1542, when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of spices and gold, only to discover the Amazon River.  Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and get ready to discover your adventurous spirit through a nature walk on marked paths alongside a pristine mountain stream, observing the flora and fauna of the humid montane Andean forest of the Canyon Ranch, a protected area of 625 acres (250 hectares), one of the entrances to the ecological reserve Cayambe-Coca. After this pleasant walk, enjoy lunch featuring fresh trout from their own trout farm.  Vegetarian and other options are also available. 

In the afternoon relax and soak away life’s aches and pains.  Revitalize your body and soul in Papallacta’s medicinal hot thermal spring pools experience the notable, restorative effects of the crystalline thermal waters (sulfate alkaline terreous).  Submerge yourself in the warm water and take advantage of its curative properties in rheumatic, arthritic, digestive and respiratory processes.  The water is odorless, crystalline and ever changing.  Guests have unlimited use of the pools at the hotel or the larger public pools.  Do try an after-dinner soak under the starry equatorial skies. 

Day 2
An early hike, before or after breakfast,  is great to feel the beneficial effects of the life-giving, diaphanous air which originates in a singular meeting of the Amazonian winds with the rocks, forests and water of the high Andean mountains.  Papallacta is ideal for birdwatchers, with more than 160 different species of birds, including many hummingbirds and tanagers.   Visit the Exploratory research and interpretation center, which offers audiovisual information on those species only found around Papallacta. Enjoy the pools before lunch and return to Quito in the afternoon.

Included

• One night Accommodations
• Meals
• Entrance fee to public pools
• Round trip land transportation and guide

Travel Facts

• Dress warm in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, and coat).
• Don't forget your bathing suit!
• Take rain protection from February to May.
• This tour includes walking at an altitude of 3050 (10,000 feet).
• Sun protection (SPF 40).
• Hat or cap.
• Good walking shoes and an extra pair of socks.
• Temperature: Day 6° to 18° C / 43° to 64° F. Temperature: Night

Important Note

Resort facilities include a first-class Spa that offers hydrotherapy using mineral, medicinal thermal water, therapies, massages, and treatments tailored to your needs. Use of the Spa facilities has extra cost.

Birdwatching on the slopes of the Andean Ranges

Discover Ecuador’s amazing and unrivaled avifauna at our premier birding sites.

Discover Ecuador’s amazing and unrivaled avifauna at our premier birding sites. About the size of the United Kingdom or the State of Colorado in the U.S., Ecuador houses some 1600 species of birds --over half of the species in all of South America; Ecuador is home to the greatest bird diversity, like no other destination in the world.

Ecuador’s fascinating geography and unique landscapes, with easy and comfortable access to all areas, allows for bird watching in the montane and cloud forests surrounding  the volcanoes in the high Andes, home to many endemic and stunning birds.  

Exploring the Eastern or Western slopes of the Andes you will find different habitats and the greatest biodiversity known in our planet, guided by the most professional, highly experienced bird watching experts.

Departures are flexible, with carefully designed programs and excursions to provide maximum birding and nature experiences. Choose full day, one, two or more night excursions.