Antisana & Papallacta Thermal Springs tour, 2days/1night, private

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Price from:
594.00 US$
per person

This is a spectacular excursion to the high Andes of Ecuador, into the paramo and the montane forest, rich in unusual flora and fauna.  The voyage starts with a drive to the Antisana volcano, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow, and the surrounding Ecological Reserve.  The climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begins with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago, jagged rocky peaks and a vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the tree line.

Itinerary

Day 1

Drive up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk about on level ground and observe the small but beautiful paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and chuquiraguas.  Andean birds abound, in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them, such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Andean Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the Siskin.  Lunch is included in the area.   In the afternoon, drive on to Papallacta and its hot springs, amid a breathtaking setting.  Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle and features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures.  The hydrothermal value of Termas de Papallacta's Hot Springs is thanks to Papallacta's location between two volcanoes, Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana. Facilities include a first-class hotel, a full service spa and restaurants offering local and international cuisine with its main specialty: fresh trout.  Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Hots Springs Resort &SPA

Note: Entrance fee to the SPA thermo ludic pools at Papallacta Resort is included for the first day only. If guest want to do this on their own the second day will have to pay the entrance fee to this facility locally.

Day 2

Start with a nature walk 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 Cayambe-Coca National Park, and then relax and soak away life’s aches and pains and experience the notable, restorative effects of the thermal waters (sulfate alkaline terreous). The water is odorless, crystalline and ever changing. Lunch and return to Quito in the afternoon.

Included

•  One night Accomodations
• All meals
• Round trip ground transportation and guide

Important notes

• Entrance fees to National Parks, Natural Reserves, community projects and others are included in the excursions or have no cost. Unless otherwise is specified in each tour section.
• Entrance fee to the SPA Thermoludic pools at Papallacta Resort is included for the first day of the program only. If guest want to do this on their own the second day, will have to pay the entrance fee to this facility locally. (The SPA's hydrotherapy area consists of five hot thermal pools and one cold pool. The Thermoludic Area is the ideal place to experience a variety of different hydromassages using either water jets or air bubbles)
• The order of the visits may vary - depending on weather conditions.
• Reservations for weekends and holidays must be made within at least 60 days in advance and will apply rack rates for Papallacta Hot Springs Resort, please do not hesitate to ask your account executive for further information.
• Not included: tips, drinks, personal expenses, meals not noted in the program and entrance fees as mentioned above, SPA beauty treatments.

Travel Facts

• Warm clothing is needed ( rain jacket, sweater, long sleeves)
• It is quite windy, consider gloves, hat and ear protection. 
• Don't forget your bathing suit! and sandals
• Take rain protection from January to May.   
• Hat or cap, wear sunblock (SPF 40)  even if is overcast 
• Binoculars and sunglasses
• Altitude:  2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)
• Don´t forget your camera.
• Average temperature Day:  10° to 20° C (50° to 68° F)
• Average temperature Night: 5° to 10° C (40°  to 50° F)
• The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F).
• Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odourless, colourless but have a slightly salty taste.
• Besides improving intestinal function, the bath´s curative properties are also anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic, provide a relaxing effect on smooth muscle tissue (renal, hepatic, gall, etc.) also alleviates respiratory problems Improves osteo-synthesis, muscle and joint elasticity and speeds up recovery processes of cuts and fractures, stimulates the healing process, improves intestinal function, stimulates dilatation of blood vessels and improves blood flow eliminates toxins.
• Warnings:
• Women in the first or last pregnancy trimester should consult their doctor before using the hot springs.
• People with critical illnesses such as descompensated cardiopathies, serious arterial hypertension, vascular problems, cancer or neoplasias should consult their doctor
• Those who have recently consumed alcohol should not enter the baths, alcohol should not be consumed whilst bathing.
• If dehydrated you should exit the baths and drink plenty of water
• For safety's sake, please consult the medical staff at Termas de Papallacta regarding any doubts or questions you may have or address to your local doctor.
• Beneficial Effects In The Golden Years
• The world-renowned healing properties of the thermal baths are especially beneficial for those aged 65 years and over. Benefits apply to everyone.
• This tour includes walking at an approximate altitude of 3500 meters (11.000 feet)  
• Good walking shoes.

Information Rates per Person (US$) 2 persons 594.00

2013

PRICES PER PERSON 2013
1	2	3	4	5 - 9	10 - 14	15 - 20	21 +
999,00	594,00	490,00	419,00	381,00	350,00	301,00	293,00

Discover the magic of the Andean region

Discover the magic of the Andean region, marvelous landscapes and rich ancestral cultures

The joy of living with the simplicity and relaxed atmosphere of a bygone era. The two Andean cordilleras that run parallel and cross Ecuador from north to south, offer a most varied topography: volcanos and snow capped mountains, green valleys with impressive Colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages, farmlands, haciendas, lakes and rivers of crystal blue waters.

The capital of Ecuador, Quito, brings the past to life in its museums, monasteries, the carved stone facades and golden altars of its many churches, as well as in the Archaeological Museum that displays centuries of pre-Columbian treasures. Enjoy scenic, Colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the Middle of the World.
The province of Imbabura is located in northern Ecuador, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands, home to the Otavalo Indians, industrious and enterprising people, who offer their products at the famous outdoor market, full of ponchos, embroidered blouses, ceramics, wall hangings, native jewelry and authentic Panama hats. Near Otavalo are charming country inns and haciendas to stay overnight, and explore this wonderful area at a more leisurely pace.
Beginning in Quito and going south, is the Avenue of the Volcanoes with unparalleled views of the Andes. Mount Cotopaxi dominates the landscape of a National Park of the same name, where llamas graze and high-elevation bird species fly, including the Andean Condor. Our exclusive Hacienda programs provide an in-depth experience of Andean flavor, with stays at marvelous properties, as guests of the owners. For the more adventurous, the Andes are the perfect setting for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and many more outdoor adventures.

Spectacular train rides, on exclusive coaches of the Expreso Metropolitan Touring, run from the Andean highlands to the Pacific shores, with the thrill of zigzagging the sharp angles of the Devil's Nose.
Private tours offer exclusive arrangements with multilingual guides for both FIT´s or groups. Semiprivate tours are operated on vans with a maximum of nine guests; while our sharing bus tours have a capacity of up to forty guests. Both semiprivate and sharing bus tours are guided with English/Spanish speaking guide only.