Papallacta Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Papallacta is 67 km (40 mi) east of Quito on the route taken in 1542 by Francisco de Orellana. It crosses over the Andes through beautiful valleys on each side. Find a bus from Quito to Baeza or Tena and tell the bus driver or cashier that you want to get off in Papallacta. You can also take the bus from Cumbaya to Baños and hop of at Papallacta. It leaves every half hour in front of the Supermaxi at the big roundabout in the north of the town. It costs $2.50 per person (2015).

A taxi from the bus stop at Pappallacta to the Termas costs $1.50 (2015). Ask the taxi drivers in advance - some will try to charge you more.

The thermal baths and the Reserva Ecologica Cayambe-Coca are the leading reasons to visit Papallacta. Otherwise, there aren't too many activities in this little town on the side of the hill.

The beautiful Reserva Ecologica Cayambe-Coca presents miles of lakes and trails in a preserved and secluded setting. Access, camping, and fishing fees were $5 in 2007. This reserve receives support from The Nature Conservancy, USAID, Parks in Peril and Rumicocha Ecological Foundation. The reserve is high in the Andes - around 13,000 ft (4,000 m) - so it receives quite a bit of rain. Access points are located past Termas de Papallacta as well as near the summit on the Via Interoceanica (as you reach the summit, look for a cement hut 400 m (1/4 mile) off the road to the north).

• Termas de Papallacta Spa and Resort, [email protected]. Has good food and the very relaxing thermal pools. For an $8.50 fee (2015), you can take a relaxing dip after your trip in the reserve or spend some time there. The reservations office in Quito has an English speaking agent and they will can accommodate e-mail reservations. You can also buy a ticket online, at the website. But buying one at the entrance should not be a problem. 

Trout is the most popular dish of the area.

There are a few hosterias (small family run hotels) that are inexpensive. A few of them are along the road from Quito to Papallacta. Ask the bus driver to stop in Papallacta and you will easily find one if you continue walking along the road.

• The Hostal/Restaurante Antisana is about 200 m from the Terms and costs $17 per person (includes a breakfast) for a room with private bathroom and hot water. It is clean and quiet. Also there are two small pools with hot water in the garden.
• You can also stay at Termas de Papallacta Hot Springs Resort which is more luxurious and more expensive.
• A more budget (and overall) friendly option is Hostal Coturpa in the town of Papallacta itself. The rooms are comfortable and come with hot water, space heaters, plush blankets, and breakfast for ~$15/pp. During weekends there are also hot pools on the lower level. Owner Wilo understands customer service and will go out of his way to ensure a pleasant village. +593 62-320-640, +593 62-320-180, or +593 8-6280274