Papallacta
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Papallacta

Papallacta

High Andean village known for geothermal hot springs, trout streams, and cold páramo air

Papallacta is a small Andean village perched at around 3,300 metres, about 65 km east of Quito on the road toward Tena and the Amazon lowlands. It's known for two things: its geothermal hot springs and its fresh trout, raised in the cold mountain streams nearby.

The Termas de Papallacta hot springs are the main draw. The public pools are well-maintained, divided into a range of temperatures from bracingly cold river water to searingly hot, and entry costs just a few dollars. A more upscale spa complex sits adjacent to the main pools with private baths and massage treatments. After a long hike or a cold Andean night, soaking here feels exactly right.

The surrounding páramo — the high-altitude grassland ecosystem — is part of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve and worth exploring if you have the legs for it. Trails lead up into cloud forest and past the lagoons that supply Quito's drinking water. The birding is excellent for those who make the effort.

Papallacta works well as a day trip from Quito but is equally good as an overnight stop en route to the jungle lowlands.

Guide

Eating Out

Papallacta's other claim to fame is its fresh trout. The cold mountain streams here are ideal for trout farming, and every restaurant in the village does trout well — fried, grilled with garlic butter, or in a soup. Order it wherever you eat and you will not be disappointed.

The restaurants in the village are simple and good value. The Termas de Papallacta resort restaurant is the most comfortable option if you are already at the hot springs. Outside the resort, a handful of family-run places along the main road serve trout, locro de papa (potato soup), and simple Ecuadorian rice dishes. Portions are generous and prices are low by Quito standards.

Guide

Things to Do

Papallacta's attractions divide neatly into hot and cold: you soak in the thermal pools and you hike the cold páramo above the village. The combination is ideal — a long walk in the thin Andean air followed by a long soak in hot mineral water. The Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve at the village's doorstep offers trails ranging from a short walk around the lagoons to full-day hikes toward the higher ridges.