Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Lagoon and thermal springs of Papallacta
After about an hour and a half to two hours of driving from Quito, you will reach the town of Papallacta, which is famous for its hot springs of volcanic origin.
First stop is at the Laguna Papallacta. The lagoon was formed after a chain of natural events triggered by the eruption of the Antisana volcano in the 18th century. Many myths have grown up around it. Probably the best-known legend is about the "Monster of Papallacta Lagoon" and says that one day a large monster appeared in the middle of the lagoon. The inhabitants of Papallacta were frightened and asked a shaman for help, who reached into the depths of the water with a spear. He managed to defeat the monster, which turned out to be a huge snake with seven heads. After the fight, the shaman turned into a duck and returned to his land across the rivers.
Like the still active 18,875 ft (5,753 m) high Antisana volcano itself - hot on the inside and ice on the outside - crystal-clear, cold as well as mineral-rich, hot waters emerge from its rocks. In the thermal baths of Papallacta, the public baths are divided into natural stone pools where you can switch between pools with 97-104°F (36-40°C) hot water and cold pools. The small and large pools are set in lush mountain meadows and vegetation, with changing rooms, relaxation terraces and a thatched restaurant. Enjoy your time in the soothing baths and, with a clear view, a spectacular view of the Antisana glaciers.
A cold mountain stream constantly rushes past the baths, giving the valley an acoustically unique atmosphere. Attached to the thermal baths is the beautiful "La Isla" nature trail along the stream (approx. 3 USD). Here you can learn more about the special characteristics of the flora and fauna of this area.
After the relaxing bath you can enjoy a local lunch, a speciality of the region is fried trout (meals not included in the tour price).
Afterwards, you return to Quito. Subject to change. The order of stops may vary.