About this tour
When Delphine from the crew booked this private soak near Quito, she scored a hassle-free 7-hour escape to Papallacta's thermal pools nestled in the Andean highlands. The drive alone—roughly 90 minutes from the city—delivers proper mountain views with photo stops along the way. You'll slip into warm, mineral-rich hot springs fed by volcanic activity, then stop at a family-run spot for local trout or chicken broth before heading back. It's couples and family territory, low-key and genuinely restorative without the grind of a group shuffle.
Highlights
- Private car means your own pace, no tour-bus rush.
- Mineral-rich pools in high-altitude mountain scenery.
- Andean landscape photo stops on the drive up.
- Local family-run food stop with traditional soups.
- Option to fish at the broth spot if you're keen.
- Morning or afternoon departures to suit your rhythm.
- Fully wheelchair accessible pools and surfaces.
- No crowds—genuine quiet-time thermal experience.
What to expect
The day kicks off with a private pick-up from Quito (8am or 2pm depending on your slot), then a scenic 90-minute haul through Andean foothills with a couple of stops to soak in views and snap photos. When you reach Papallacta, you'll head straight to the spa complex—no faffing about. The pools are genuinely warm and the mineral content feels proper medicinal; most people spend 2–3 hours soaking, reading, or just staring at the mountains.
On the way back, your guide will pull over at a local family's place where they serve up hearty broths (chicken or trout, depending on the day) cooked traditionally. It's authentic Ecuador, not a tourist trap. If fishing appeals, you can cast a line before heading home. The whole vibe is low-pressure and contemplative—not an adrenaline tour, more a gentle reset.
What travellers say
- Private car eliminates group-tour chaos and time pressure.
- Thermal pools deliver genuine relaxation in remote mountains.
- Local broth stop feels authentic, not packaged tourism.
- Fully wheelchair and pram accessible throughout.
- Flexible morning or afternoon departure times.
- Guide included; cultural context and photo spots curated.
- High altitude may trigger breathlessness or mild headaches.
- Entry fee and lunch not included; budget accordingly.
- Early start (8am) requires pre-dawn Quito departure.
- Not suitable for poor cardiovascular health.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private transport means flexibility; you're not herded with 30 other tourists. The pools genuinely feel therapeutic—mineral-rich water at altitude works wonders. The local food stop is a real cultural touch, not a contrived photo op. It's fully accessible for wheelchairs, prams, and mixed-fitness groups, so families and slower movers won't struggle.
The high altitude (Papallacta sits at roughly 3,300m) may catch your breath—not ideal if you have dodgy cardiovascular health. No lunch is included, so budget for food at the local spot or bring snacks. Entry fee isn't in the price, so add that to your costs. Early morning (8am) means a pre-dawn wake-up from Quito; afternoon (2pm) is gentler but cuts your soak time. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and suncream (altitude sun bites).
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.