Papallacta Thermes and Spa is a veritable oasis for eco-adventurers. Set in the foothills of Cayambe volcano en route to Banos, and on the verge of the cloudforest these natural hotsprings have been developed into a wonderful Spa, hotel and Convention Center. Whether you just come as a day visitor or spend the night here on your way down to Baños and beyond - this is a wonderful place to relax. Only 40 km from Quito it can easily be reached on a day trip, but Papallacta's magical setting offer so much more than just thermal relaxation. For active travellers they offer a package that includes a day of rafting on the Quijos River. Or, if rafting isn't your thing, how about exploring the Cayambe nature reserve on one of the signposted trails? The natural setting, between the high mountains and the cloud forest is truly fascinating. A visitors center is set up to educate visitors about the special ecology of this environment.

The Spa complex consists of a 'thermoludic area' and a Spa Club. After a hard day's adventuring you can simply relax in the natural hot springs of the thermoludic area, or enjoy one of the treatments offered at the Spa.

The spa's hydrotherapy/thermoludic area consists of five hot thermal pools and one cold pool. It is the ideal place to experience a variety of different hydromassages using either water jets or air bubbles.

The Spa Club offers individual hydro massage baths, body treatments with medicinal Andean mud, baths in the Thermal grotto, pressure massages, aromatherapy or therapeutic massages, face and body treatments and more. The Spa also offers a turkish steam room and Sauna - a complete wellness program, all in a very private, relaxed and friendly ambience.

Accommodations

Hotel

The hotel has 32 rooms, each with heating and a private bathroom. The rooms are situated next to the thermal pools for exclusive use of our guests. The hotel restaurant offers delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine using ingredients from our organic kitchen garden.

Cabins

Termas de Papallacta has 13 one and two level cabins, set 100 meters (330 feet) from the hotel, offering extra privacy for couples and families. The cabins are warm and cosy and each has its own fireplace in the living room.

The largest cabin can sleep up to 6 people, the smaller ones have room for 4 people. The rooms are decorated in rustic mountain style.

The thermal pools situated next to the cabins are for the exclusive use of cabin guests.

All guests have free access to emergency medical services and consultations related to thermal spa use.

Activities

Rafting

This overnight adventure combines a full day of rafting on Quijos river with an overnight stay at Papallacta Thermal Baths were you can raly in the natural hot springs.

The rafting tour departs from Papallacta at 8:15am, so it is best to plan spending the previous night at Papallacta. The journey to Quijos river takes about 40 min. The river is classified as IV - IV+.

After a short drive to the put-in the Trip Leader will give a thorough safety briefing and conduct a swim test. Then you'll split into groups for an intensive in-boat paddle practice with your guide. Once we set off we're straight into the action but with some easier rapids to warm up. Along the way we'll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. In the afternoon we'll raft through the first canyons of the Quijos running big, technical rapids inclunding the famous 'El Toro' and the spectacular Linares canyon. At the end of the day we celebrate a fun day on the river with a few icy cold beers and return to Quito (approx. 7:30 pm).

Participants should be able to swim and feel comfortable in water and some previous rafting experience would be desirable. Lunch and snacks at the end of the tour is included in the package. Estimated time of return to Papallacta (or Quito) is scheduled for 17:30pm. The second night at Papallacta is not included in the package, but highly recommended.

Visitors should bring warm, waterproof clothing for their stay at Termas de Papallacta For the rafting tour, visitors should bring: Sun visor or sun hat, sunglasses with holding string, T-shirt and shorts, swimsuit, insect repellent, sun block, sandals with ankle support or sports shoes suitable for using in the river (2 pairs), an extra set of clothing, a towel, and a copy of their passport or Ecuadorian ID card

Cayambe Nature Reserve

Cayambe Coca Nature Reserve is managed by the Ministry of the Environment. The Reserve extends for approximately 400,000 hectares (1 million acres) and is largely composed of páramo (moorland), primary forests, rivers and lagoons. Cayambe Coca is considered a biodiversity hot spots of Ecuador. From Papallacta the Reserve can be accessed upon payment of a small entrance fee. The páramo, considered a carbon deposit, collects and regulates water flow and rainfall. Trout fishing is allowed with the appropriate permit issued by the authorities. There are 4 signposted hiking trails of varying lenghts that visitors can explore, as well as an interpretation center. However, guided services are only available in Spanish. The entrance fees to the reserve go towards its maintenance.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding is also available, but must be arranged at the Spa

All activities are by arrangement and incur additional costs.

Rates in 2010/2011

Rates include: Entrance fee to the Thermal Baths and 'La Isla' self guided path (duration 1 hour)
Check in time: from 15h00 to 21h00 / Check out time: 13h00

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.