Papallacta Thermal Springs National Park 1day Tour, private

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Price from:
116.00 USD
per person

At 10,000 feet in a temperate montane forest, the Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is just two hours away from Quito. An early departure follows along the Cinnamon trail started by Francisco de Orellana in 1542. A place to soak away life's aches and pains. 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. Resort facilities include a first-class hotel and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine with its main specialty: fresh trout.

Tour Details

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 and a refreshing snack and fresh juices, we invite you to visit the Interpretation Center and then discover your adventurous spirit through a nature walk on marked paths alongside pristine mountain streams, observing the flora and fauna of the humid montane Andean forest of the Canyon Ranch, one of the entrances to the ecological reserve Cayambe-Coca. After this pleasant walk, you feast on a delicious lunch featuring fresh trout from their own trout farm.

In the afternoon relax and soak away life's aches and pains. At Papallacta you will begin 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. At the 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. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

Included

• Round trip land transportation and guide
• Box lunch

Travel Facts

• Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, 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.

Some Special Highlights

TEMPERATE MONTANE FOREST
Canopy is only about 33-49 feet (10-15 meters). Altitude from 7,544-10,824 feet (2,300-3,300 meters). Cooler area than subtropical montane forest. Precipitation is anywhere between 79"-98" (2,000-2,500 mm). Important bird habitat. Polylepis trees --low, gnarled, flaky-barked trees of the genus Polylepis-- are found here.

THE ISLAND NATURE WALK
This walk is short and for the most part, very easy. It is a round trip of about an hour which gives time for bird watching and resting at the 'paraderos' to admire the beautiful scenery and rushing river. The walk follows the river, crossing it at intervals over small swing bridges, with the opportunity to see birds such as hummingbirds and tanagers. Mosses, ferns, orchids and paramo plants are seen in abundance, and occasionally mammals such as llamas, rabbits and deer and even footprints of the elusive porcupine. 

HOT THERMAL SPRING POOLS AT PAPALLACTA
At the hot spring resorts you will experience the wonderfully restorative effects of the crystal clear waters at ten different temperatures. Submerge yourself in the warm water and take advantage of its curative properties for all rheumatic, arthritic, cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory complaints.

The sulfate alkaline terreus thermal waters well out of the earth, and the temperature of the springs at their origins vary from 30 to 70 C (86 and 157 F). The temperature of the pools fluctuates between 36 and 42 C ( 97 and 108F).

Information Price per Person (USD) 4 - 9 116.00 3 persons 140.00 2 persons 176.00 1 person 291.00 26 or more 64.00 16 - 25 69.00 10 - 15 84.00

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.