Papallacta Travel Guide
Hot thermal springs at the Papallacta Pass
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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, with hydro-massage and bubble jets, plus a first-class Spa. The thermal waters come from natural springs around the Antisana Volcano.
Visitors can discover their 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.
Papallacta is ideal for birdwatchers, with more than 160 different species of birds, including many hummingbirds and tangaras.
Papallacta area is a temperate montane forest, an important habitat for birds. The canopy is only about 10-15 meters high, at an altitude ranging from 2,300-3,300 meters above sea level. Precipitation is high, ranging from 2,000-2,500 mm.
Low, gnarled, flaky-barked Polylepis trees are found here, mosses, ferns, orchids and bromeliads are seen in abundance, and occasionally mammals such as llamas, rabbits and deer.
As the road from Papallacta descends past Cosanga to Baeza, one can the green slopes of the Andes smoothly melt into the great plains of the Amazon Rainforest.
Attractions in Papallacta
Enjoy the ride up the Andes from the valley and watch the vegetation change before your eyes, to arrive at the natural thermal pools and fancy Spa.
A hike is great to feel the beneficial effects of the diaphanous air which originates in a singular meeting of the Amazonian winds with the rocks, forests and water of the high Andean mountains.
Explore the surroundings in search of birds. Take the Island Nature Walk, which follows the river, crossing at intervals over small swing bridges; an easy round trip of about an hour resting at the 'paraderos' viewpoints to admire the beautiful scenery and rushing river.
Activities in Papallacta
Enjoy the Papallacta thermal waters, Antisana Biological Reserve, Cayambe-Coca Reserve and nearby areas of Baeza & Cosanga.
Relaxing
Great Spa with many different therapies and massages, plus thermal pools.
Getting Around
Drive towards towards the East for two hours, from Quito.
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