Papallacta is a small town located in the Napo province, 20 miles west from Quito. Nestled between the Cayambe and the Antisana volcanoes. The town has an elevation of 10,800 ft. (3,300 mt.) Things to do include going to the Papallacta lake and the Termas Papallacta (hot springs). The subterranean activity of the Antisana volcano heats the underground water. It also gives it a mix of calcium, sulfates, chloride, and sodium forming these natural thermal waters, which have little or no sulfur odor. All this makes the hot springs a natural and beautiful place. All this makes the hot springs a natural and beautiful place. Another attraction is birding. Due to the proximity with the Amazon Basin 6 mi. (10 km.) to the east. Papallacta area is surrounded by verdant mountain slopes and tropical flowers. It is a great place to practice bird watching. In fact, there are dozens of hummingbird species in the area.
The climate is generally cold and rainy. Usually, nights are cold, while days have an intense sun. The temperature goes between 86°F to 158°F (30°C to 70°C). The average is 57°F (14°C).
From Quito, you can catch a bus at the terminal terrestre (bus station). Most buses that go to the Amazon pass by Papallacta. The trip is about 40 mi. (64 km.) but it may take up to 2 hours to get there.
