Papallacta Hot Springs & Cloud Forest Reserve Private Tour

Fantastic experience in hot springs. Great facilities including lockers and showers. There are quite a few pools to relax and enjoy. Families friendly too. After the hot spring, I visited a lodge in the cloud forest reserve. There are a few humming birds that I can see easily and a few other species of birds flying around. My tour guide Daniel is very friendly and knowledgeable about the birds and plants. He can recognise what kind of bird as soon as he get a glimpse of it. That's awesome. I had a great time in this tour. Highly recommend.

Our tour was fantastic!! Christian was so knowledgeable and interesting! No issues with language. A must book for your vacation!!

Great experience! Christian is a fantastic and knowledgeable guide and made sure we had a good experience. The termales are a bit busy but still relaxing and worth the trip.

This was a great way to spend a day in Quito. The hike was wonderful and the spa experience was relaxing and lovely.

Pamela was very knowledgeable and friendly. She went above and beyond to make our experience as enjoyable as possible.

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.

We had a wonderful experience with our family. Daniel was an excellent tour guide— extremely knowledgeable and kind.

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.

Daniel was a fantastic host. He filled us in on the history of Quito and the wildlife of the surrounding area throughout the drive and at the Guango Lodge. He also let us decide how much time we wanted at the Hot Springs! I would gladly rebook with Daniel if we visit Ecuador again!

We pay $240 to be taken on a short hike where we saw no birds or animals. We had to pay to go in the area where we went on a half hour hike. We then were driven to a Hot Springs and dropped off where we had to pay for the spa and our lunch. Our guide provided little information. We essentially received a ride to a short hike and a spa. I would not recommend this excursion.

The trip was amazing— a short hike through the Guango with amazing plants and hummingbirds! Our guide gave us plenty of history about the surrounding area, and we even had a view of Anisanta Volcano on the way! The Papallacta Hot Springs—there was the option to visit the “busier” public side for $10, or the quieter side for $24, and our group Opted for a (delicious!) lunch on the more private side. It was so wonderful to experience the glorious landscape while we soaked in the hot springs: it felt so wonderful after many days of hiking! We all agreed that if we get the opportunity to come back, it would even be worth staying at the hotel there. It’s about 1.5 hours of mountain driving each way, and well worth the trip.

Daniel was the perfect guide for us. We told him what we wanted to see, and he tailored the tour accordingly. Daniel knows a lot about birds and nature and is very passionate about it. The whole organization worked out great, and he was also very friendly. We would definitely book another tour with him. This tour is the perfect mix of nature experience and relaxing.

Mauro from Nantu.org was punctual, welcoming and extremely knowledgeable; not only about the Hot Springs and Rainforest flora and fauna, but also the wider history of Quito and the mountains and volcanoes that surround it. We saw Toucan and Torrent Ducks which are rare, as well as Hummingbirds in their natural environment in a hike led by Mauro. The hot springs were a fabulous way to end our holiday and would highly recommend

Lovely day with expert guiding. Hot pools amazing and very relaxing

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!

What an amazing experience. Christian is a wonderful guide who is very knowledgeable about Ecuadorian culture and the wildlife of the cloud forest. Guango lodge is beautiful, and the trail is very well maintained. Make sure to bring $10 per person for admission to the birding hike. Christian was extremely accommodating during our time at the hot springs as well, which are also very well maintained. Couldn't recommend this enough!

Christian was a great guide and we very much enjoyed his sharing about the area and many details on Ecuador. We saw the toucan and volcano

What a fun day! Our tour guide Ricardo was very knowledgeable, helpful, and funny. Our driver was wonderful too. The hike in the cloud forest was magical. I can’t think of anything better than a nice relaxing soak in the hot springs afterwards. This excursion is a must do when visiting Ecuador.

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!

Maruo was amazing! He was so positive and knowledgeable. Our driver Rawel was so safe in the most averages driving conditions. The ecological center was so good as we saw so many birds including Tocans and jays The hot springs was epic!

This tour was great!!! Can't recommend enough. Daniel was an awesome guide with a wealth of knowledge about all things Ecuador. He allowed us to move at our own pace and took time to explain the local fauna and flora to us during our hike at Guango Lodge. We spotted 13 bird species on our 1.25 hour walk around the lodge. His knowledge also allowed us to identify a toucan in which we went off on a side path to look for and spot the bird in the wild. He was very personable and we had great conversations throughout the day and during the transport to the lodge/springs and back to Quito. The springs were also nice to unwind and relax in warm water during a cool day. Highly recommend.

We have enjoyed many hot springs around the world, and this is one of our absolute favorites. The architecture of the gardens and the buildings is breathtaking. The water is divine. On a busy Saturday, it didn't seem overcrowded at all - there was room for everyone. The massage therapists were top-notch and excellent at their profession. The restaurant is excellent - tasty and reasonably priced. We would have stayed overnight had we known how great this place is!

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.

What an amazing day! Guango lodge was unbelievably lush and beautiful, we could have stayed for hours just to spend more time viewing the beautiful hummingbirds and greenery. Papallacta was clean and welcoming - a perfect place to unwind after an active vacation in Ecuador. Our guide Arnold was a major highlight of our tour - he was punctual, super knowledgeable, and kind. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. I highly recommend this day trip! It was the perfect complement to our otherwise packed itinerary.

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!

Great hike from Guango lodge. Christian found us 5 different birds and the fauna was amazing. The hot springs, beautifu

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!

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.

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.

Absolutely wonderful day- time to ourselves at the hot springs and a very very informed guide (Christian)

Christian Pabon is an excellent guide , he is very knowledgeable about the birds and all to do with his Ecuador. He drove and talked. We felt comfortable in his company. This was a lovely day with a two hour drive through the countryside to a beautiful lodge where we went for a hours walk through the forest. Christian informing us on the birds and fauna. Back for coffee at the lodge , which is a beautiful place. Then on to the Spa at Papallacta. We had 2.1/2 hours here which was magical. Relaxing in the hot springs surrounded by mountains. We ate a lunch there too. Before returning to the hotel. Totally worth getting out of the city. I would recommend this for bird and nature lovers. A relaxing day. Thanks Christian

This is a small group tour with a very knowledgeable guide. He can identify just about anything that is growing or flying. The hummingbird area offered 7 species with amazing diversity. It did also offer a gaggle of American bird watchers with camera lenses that cost more than my car. The hot springs were maybe not as hot as I would like but the cold plunge was plenty cold. The flowers in the hot springs are a beautiful surrounding with other varieties of hummingbirds different from the lower bird watching site. The restaurant offered tasty Ecuadorian cuisine. Note that lunch and entrance fees are not included. Make a stop on the way down the mountain for fresh local yogurt from the happy cows in the hills. Also note that the top of the pass is 14k of elevation so maybe not the best place for a smoke break.

I thoroughly recommend Llamingo Travel. We did the private Papallacta Hot Springs and birding tour. Because we were only in Quito for 1 day I requested to also include the Middle of Earth museum, which they were happy to accommodate. The driver and guide were very professional, friendly and informative which made for a very memorable, comfortable day.

Great experience, our guide Cristian was simply awesome. Beatiful places, interesting learning about biodiversity in the Cloud Forest, enjoying the hot springs.

Christian was our wonderful tour guide for our trip to of bird watching, hot springs and an add on of a rose tour. He is helpful, kind, speaks excellent English, and he has a deep knowledge of his country and was able to explain very clearly. Christian work VERY hard to make sure we had a great day, which we did. At the last minute I asked if we could add a rose tour. He made all the arrangements and he was our translator for the tour. I highly recommend Christian and when we return we will hire him again.

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!.

I'm a hot springs fan and this hot springs did not disappoint. A very clean, well laid out facility in a lush mountain setting. We were grateful we made appointments for massages in advance.

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.

I’m a solo female traveler, just to sort that out. I had a brilliant day. We left early for the bird watching. My guide Daniel was fabulous & incredibly knowledgeable. We saw 24 species of birds including 8 species of hummingbirds (both male & female). The hot springs were great, I had a massage. I’d do this again in a heartbeat. Thank you!!

Daniel was a great tour guide. He’s a keen birder and his enthusiasm for the bird life was wonderful. The springs were wonderfully relaxing. Lie back in the warm waters and look up and see the stunning surrounds.

Christian was a great tour guide—knew lots about Quito as we drive through it. The Hot Springs were nicer than expected. If you have extra time, book a massage there. The spa area is world class.

Top notch guide. He knew where to take you, gave you tips on what to look for, informed you of the various plants and it’s medicinal value. Very educational tour.

We picked this tour as we wanted to visit Papallacta, but wanted to do so safely. It was a great choice!! Daniel was an excellent driver. Very safe and we felt looked after. He picked us up from our hotel at the time agreed, and gave us some interesting facts about Quito and Ecuador as we drove, was very interesting to find out more. His English was very good (which is great, as we don’t speak much Spanish, to our shame). Drive was just over an hour - up some beautiful mountains , the scenery is stunning. We did the spa first on a Saturday - although I think Daniel may vary this depending on business and the day. The spa - amazing. Price of entry is not included - it was about $25 each. We also paid an extra $50 each for a massage which was well worth it! We had a hot chocolate at the cafe too (lunch was available for those who want it). Surprising recommendation - try the hot chocolate with cheese!!! I did not expect to love it, but surprisingly tasty. We then went to the hummingbird reserve. Originally I wasn’t too fussed by this, not a big bird watcher - but it is amazing. Beautiful birds all around, a glimpse of the Amazon. It’s a great experience. Entry to this was included, so no extra cost. Daniel then drove us back to our hotel where he dropped us, around 3pm. Perfectly safe and reliable. Some tips - it can be rainy in the mountains for the bird reserve, it’s the edge of the rainforest, worth taking a waterproof with you (we didn’t, so couldn’t do the small hike at bird watching). Take some water, I didn’t see many opportunities to get any so would recommend taking some. Maybe take a plastic bag or something to store wet bathing suit after the spa! We didn’t think about this so ended up with a slightly wet bag. Brilliant day trip, well worth it.

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!

Daniel was very informative and a great guide! He accommodated our drop off location and went out of his way to make sure we had a great experience.

Terrific birding in the morning followed by relaxing time in the gorgeous hot springs. Hummingbirds galore and relatively few people at Papallacta!

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.

Daniel was incredibly informative and knowledgeable. Seemed to really know his birds, including the English names. He also made special stops after I asked about a few specific birds. I would take a tour again with him in heartbeat!

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.