Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Quito, Ecuador
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Take a break from sightseeing and rest your bones in the Papallacta hot springs on this tour from Quito. With a private guide, head to Papallacta to soak in the thermal waters and observe the lagoon. After feeling rejuvenated, head to the Guango Lodge for a birdwatching experience, including the chance to see up to 14 species of hummingbirds.
- Keep your eyes peeled for local fauna and flora
- Walk through the lush Andean cloud forest
- Enjoy a relaxing experience in the hot springs
- A private tour means a personalized experience
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Tour guide
- Lunch
- Hot Springs Entrance fee
- Tips
- Guango lodge entrance fee $10
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We will pick you up at any hotel in Quito.
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Termas de Papallacta
5 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Papallacta
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Antisana Ecological Reserve
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Papallacta
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 74 reviews
Julia_F, Apr 2026
Christian was a lovely guide. Quieter than some others we had, but very responsive when we initiated conversations! Unfortunately for us, the bright sun and abundance of forest fruits in season meant that the birds were not as abundant for viewing. However, Christian made it worth our while, discussing local species and even scoring f his 400th personal sighting with us—hurrah! Papallacta was lovely. Recommend, if you would like an additional service such as a massage, to book in advance.
petebr777, Mar 2026
Josue was our guide and he did a good job. He's a good bird spotter and knows the area very well. The hot springs was very enjoyable.
Susan_S, Jan 2026
Daniel was our guide for the day and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We stopped at a bird sanctuary first and saw hummingbirds at their lodge before going for a 45 minute nature hike by the river. Daniel is very knowledgeable and made the time very interesting. Then we went to the spa to enjoy the hot springs. It was just lovely. So relaxing and the accommodations were very clean. We had lunch at the spa lodge before returning to our hotel in Quito. A day well spent!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable day with Daniel. His knowledge and enthusiasm for nature always help make the experience both interesting and memorable.
It’s great that you were able to see the beautiful hummingbirds and enjoy a peaceful nature walk near Guango Lodge. And of course, relaxing afterward in the hot springs of Papallacta is the perfect way to end the day.
We’re also happy to hear you enjoyed the lunch and the clean, comfortable facilities before heading back to Quito. Thank you for sharing your experience—we hope to welcome you again for another great adventure in Ecuador!
dessid1968, Aug 2025
The tour was so much more than we expected. An awesome hike to see birds, the hot springs and then a lake photo opp. Our guide, Christian was so knowledgeable, friendly, passionate and taught us so much about this beautiful country! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks for sharing your experience!
We’re glad you enjoyed exploring nature with us — our guide loves showing those hidden trails and viewpoints.
Hope to see you again on another adventure soon!
Laura_H, Jul 2025
We had a great time with Christian as our guide. I have learned that getting a private tour is the best way to explore a new country. We went to the Papallacta Hot Springs and enjoyed a few hours there. We did not do the hike because the road was blocked due to a lot of rain, and I also preferred to prioritize time at the spa. There had even been some mudslides in the area, but it was still safe to travel there. The spa is wonderful. We both got a massage which was excellent. The springs are made up of about six different thermal pools and one cold pool for people who want to alternate between hot and cold water. The springs were so wonderful for relaxing. We spent about one and a half hours in the water. There is a restaurant there, too, but we didn't have much time left to fully enjoy that. It took about two hours driving from the Hilton in Quito to the spa each way. You have to go through some higher elevations and mountains with lots of fog and mist to get there. The air was very cold and rainy that day, but the springs were so warm and relaxing. This was a good day to do something easy. I don't know how adding a hike would have even fit into the schedule. Christian was also great for telling us about Quito and Ecuador. He explained everything very clearly. I highly recommend the spa for a relaxing time to do something at a slower pace, maybe after a few days of touring other parts of the city.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your relaxing day at the Papallacta Hot Springs with Christian as your guide. Even with the rainy weather and road conditions, it’s great that you were able to make the most of the spa experience, enjoy the thermal pools, and treat yourself to an excellent massage. We appreciate your kind words about Christian’s knowledge and explanations — he truly enjoys making each tour informative and comfortable. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences in Ecuador! 🇪🇨✨
Lauren_D, May 2025
We had a great time hiking by the river. We saw some beautiful birds. The hotpsrings were very enjoyable to relax in. The view of the mountains and greenery were extra special. You can have lunch there as well. It was a great day! Our guide, Christian, was very friendly and informative. He got us a lot of interesting information and I learned a lot. He answered any extra questions we had as well. It was a great day!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the beautiful hike by the river, the relaxing hot springs, and the stunning mountain views. It sounds like a perfect day! Christian will be happy to know you appreciated his friendliness and the detailed information he provided, as well as his willingness to answer all your questions. We’re glad the whole experience was so rewarding and hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon!
Kim_F, Feb 2025
On the way to the hot springs we did about an hour hike . Because it was rainy it wasn’t the greatest but no fault of the tour or guide. The hot springs were wonderful with spa options such as massages if you so choose to book when you arrive . Our guide Christian was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and accommodating!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the hot springs, even though the rain made the hike a bit challenging. It’s great that you had the chance to relax afterward and take advantage of the spa options available. Christian is indeed an excellent guide, and we're happy to know he made your experience more enjoyable with his knowledge and helpfulness. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back soon!
Elisabeth_F, Feb 2025
The Papallacta area is a wonderful place to visit. First, we headed to Guango Lodge for some birdwatching. Our guide, Daniel was a very knowledgeable bird guide and he pointed out a Torrent duck, a lifer for my friend and me. Even though it was raining, we still saw many birds and enjoyed our hike.
Next we went to Papallacta Hot Springs which was in a beautiful setting. A relaxing experience followed by the option of a delious lunch. I would recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience in the Papallacta area. I was a pleasure for me to chow you the area as well to help you spot the Torrent duck—what an exciting moment! It's great to know that despite the rain, you were able to enjoy the birdwatching and your hike. Papallacta Hot Springs is truly a special place, and we're glad you found it both relaxing and beautiful. We're also pleased that the lunch was a highlight of your day. Thank you for recommending the tour, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon
Yvette_W, Feb 2025
Christian volunteered a lot of interesting information about the local area during the drive. The private reserve was beautiful and Christian was very knowledgeable about the birds and plants. The hot springs was hands-down the best I've been to. It's beautifully landscaped and very relaxing. I also had a great lunch of trout and shrimp in the lodge. Christian was very accommodating about how much time I wanted to spend there.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience. Christian takes great pride in sharing his extensive knowledge of the local area, and we’re glad you found the information about the birds, plants, and surroundings so interesting. It’s also fantastic to know you enjoyed the private reserve, the hot springs, and the relaxing atmosphere they provide – we agree that they truly offer a unique and serene experience. We’re also happy to hear that your lunch was enjoyable and met your expectations. Christian’s flexibility in accommodating your time preferences is something we strive for, and we’re pleased it contributed to your overall satisfaction. Thank you again for your kind words, and we look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you back for another memorable adventure
Dan_B, Feb 2025
Absolutely wonderful day- time to ourselves at the hot springs and a very very informed guide (Christian)
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi Dan
Thank you for your review. We are happu to know about your good experience with Christian.
Carmen_B, Nov 2024
Great experience, our guide Cristian was simply awesome. Beatiful places, interesting learning about biodiversity in the Cloud Forest, enjoying the hot springs.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Dear Carmen
Thank you for your review. We are glad to know about your good experience with Christian. This is one of the best tours and we love to do it.
Barry_B, Jul 2024
Our guide, Daniel, was a delightful host as we traveled through the mountains to the Cloud Forest. He led us through the bird reserve and a moderate hike of a mile or so along a river where we saw a variety of hummingbirds and flora and fauna. Then it was off to the Papallacta Hot Spring, where we enjoyed lunch at the restaurant on the property, and then hit the hot springs before we had massages. My daughter-in-law and my granddaughter had chocolate wrap treatments (think of a full-body facial), but you are covered with fine Ecuadorian chocolate and saran wrap (REALLY). Eventually, they hose you off. The conventional massages were also enjoyed. It was a gorgeous trip around an hour out of Quito, and a great deal of fun!.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Barry
It was a pleasure tour have your family visiting Ecuador. We did enjoyed showing you the Cloud Forest, the hummingbirds and the Hot springs as well.
Kathleen_D, Oct 2023
Daniel the guide made the trip a special one. Passionate about birds, nature and conservation , Daniel shared information and knowledge about the sites during the drive from Quito , and on the Birding hike. At the hot-springs he made sure we were checked in properly and gave us a quick tour of the facilities. Throughout the day he made sure we were comfortable and that the pace was ok for us . I will also add he ia a very good and careful driver.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Kathleen
We are happy reading about your good experience. This is an excelent tour and I enjoyed showing you all wath I know.
Regards
Matthew_C, Jul 2023
We saw so many incredible birds in the beautiful preserve and hot springs: sword billed hummingbird, green jay, masked flowepiercer, collared Inca hummingbird, and many more. The guide, Christian, knew the area and the country inside and out. We learned so much and soaked in all the natural beauty. We’d definitely book again!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hello Matthew
Hope you are fine. Thank you for let us know your opinion. We are happy to read about your good experience. We love this tour and we are glad to have Cristian in our team, he is really good.
Kind Regards
David_C, Jun 2023
Terrific birding in the morning followed by relaxing time in the gorgeous hot springs. Hummingbirds galore and relatively few people at Papallacta!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hello David
Thank you to let us know your opinion. We are very happy to read about your good experience. We work hard to give you the best service.
Jane_K, May 2023
Christian was great. He did a great job educating us about Ecuador. He shared personal as well as cultural values. Papallacta was absolutely fabulous and the bird sanctuary was a simple taste of nature. Saw several types of birds and many types of hummingbirds. The drive was not too long and fun to see the countryside.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hello Jane
Hope you are fine. Thank you to take the time to let us know your opinion. We are happy to read about your experience in the tour.
Regards
Qingwen_z, Apr 2023
Cristian shared with us the history and geographical information of Ecuador. He made sure that the tour met our expectations and beyond. We were luck to see the torrent ducklings. He was willing to drop us off at the old town for some chocolates at the end of the tour. A wonderful tour guide.
Response from Host, May 2023
Dear Qingwen
Thank you for your kind words. We appreciate the time that you take to leave us this review.
We are so glad to have Cristian in our team. He is very passinate about his job.
Hope some day You come back to Ecuador.
Regards
Tyler_K, Feb 2023
Had a fun trip with Daniel! We learned a lot, and the area and wildlife are beautiful. Bring your sunglasses and suncreen for the spa!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Hello
Thank you very much for letting us know your opinion about the tour. We are very happy to read about your good experience with us.
It is very important for us to evaluate our service in order to improve if necessary.
Best regards
Jeff_C, Dec 2022
The ride from Quito provided great views. The hot springs were great and just what was needed after days of travel. Had a great massage as well. The facility was fantastic with a great restaurant. Our guide Daniel was knowledgeable and full of useful facts. Carla and I can’t say enough great things about Daniel - he ROCKS!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hello Jeff
Thank you to take the time to let us know your opinion. We are si happy and proud to hear about your experience. Thanks to visit our country.
Regards
Alison_N, Dec 2022
It was a relaxing way to end out vacation and our guide was a knowledgeable birder, but we weren't lucky enough to see many birds, besides hummingbirds.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hello Alison
Thank you very much for taking the time to let us know your opinion. We are happy to read about your experience. We always try to show you as many birds as is possible. Maybe in the next time you will be able to watch more.
Thank you for traveling with our small but enthusiastic company. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Ecuador.
Best regards
Isabel_R, Oct 2022
Daniel, our guide, arrived promptly at our accommodation in a clean modern car. He was very knowledgeable about the birds in the areas that we visited and made adjustments to the itinerary to cater for our interests. We also enjoyed the stop at the bird sanctuary where there were facilities for refreshments. The time at the thermal springs was a relaxing break in the middle of a busy tour. Thank you Daniel for a great day.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Hello Isabel
We are happy to read about your good experience with us. Thank you to take the time to let us know your opinion. It is important for us to try to be the best.
Regards
Mohammed_E, Oct 2022
Our guide, Daniel, was fantastic. He showed up on time to our hotel. He was friendly, experienced, knowledgeable, and courteous.
The tour was most enjoyable and memorable tour. After an about 1.5 hours drive, we first stopped at the Guango Birdwatching Reserve. A low-key lodge that is next to the Papallacta River, about 150 ft. below. We hiked down to the river (we first put on rubber boots to protect our shoes. The boots were available at the lodge). During the short hike, Daniel provided ample description of the birds and plants along the way. We had some relaxing moments afterwards at the lodge with cookies and coffee.
We then drove to the main attraction: the Papallacta hot springs. The complex was far above my expectations. It was well managed and organized. The six pools were clean, soothing, quiet with no loud noise. We had lunch in there: clean, well-prepared food at reasonable price. The site, overall, is on par with the Blue Lagoon in Iceland with about one fifth of the cost!
It was a majestic and memorable tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Hello Mohammed
We are happy to read about your good experience with us. Thank you to take the time to let us know your opinion. It is important for us to try to be the best.
Regards
Debbie_G, Jan 2022
This was a great tour! Daniel is an excellent tour guide. I really enjoyed the hike in the reserve and seeing the birds with Daniel’s high powered binoculars. And the hot springs were just what I needed after several days of hiking. Daniel is also a very good, careful driver, which was much appreciated after riding with several more aggressive drivers.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Dear Debbie
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us your review. We are glad that you enjoyed the tour. We work very hard to make your experience the best.
Best regards
Tara_J, Nov 2021
Since visibility was poor we skipped bird watching and went straight to the thermal spa, but Daniel made up for it and let me choose something for us to do in Quito. We both had a great day!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Thank you very much for taking the time to let us know your opinion. We are very happy to read about your experience and that encourages us to try to be better every day.
Thank you for traveling with our small but enthusiastic company. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to Ecuador.
Best regards
ott1408, Nov 2019
Loved this tour! We started out the day at the Guango reserve, which was beautiful. Our guide, Daniel, was a bird watching expert and knew so much about the different types of hummingbirds we saw at the reserve. We were interested in walking around the reserve, so got to spend some time walking along the river and exploring. The hot springs were so relaxing. Very clean and not crowded at all. The scenery surrounding the hot springs was beautiful - mountains everywhere! The private tour experience with Daniel was excellent - we were able to decide how long to spend at the reserve and hot springs based on our interests. He also went out of his way to stop at a lagoon on our way back to Quito. Overall, excellent experience!
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thank you very much for take the time and write this. We work hard always yo privide an excellent service for people like you.
Kind regards
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