About
70 km
[43
miles]
over the Eastern
Cordillera
from Quito
and perched
on the rim
of the Amazon
basin, the
cloudforest
town of Papallacta
makes a convenient
stopping point
on the way
to or from
the Oriente.
The town is
also a destination
in itself,
particularly
for weekending
Quitenos,
its chief
attraction
being its
very hot springs.
The drive
up from Quito
is as spectacular
as it is winding,
cresting a
pass at over
4,000 m [13,120
ft]
which is sometimes
sprinkled
with snow.
Places
to visit
The
main baths
are the Termas
de Papallacta,
a one-kilometre
[half-mile]
uphill hike
from the main
Quito-Baeza
road, where
about half
a dozen pools
range from
ridiculously
hot to brass-monkey
cold. Though
the water
isn't clear
thanks to
its mineral
content, the
complex has
recently been
refurbished
and the pools
are clean.
Changing facilities
are available
and the cost
is about US$2*.
On a clear
day there
are beautiful
views from
the baths
of Volcan
Antisana
at 5,753 m
[18,870
ft].
When
to go
If
you're stopping
off at Papallacta
on your way
down to the
Oriente by
bus, it's
best to do
so on a weekday
to avoid crowds.
The springs
are even more
alluring on
your way back
up from the
rainforest,
when you can
relax and
soak away
your aches,
pains and
stings from
your jungle-weary,
bus-jolted
body.
Getting
there
There
is a frequent
bus
service to
the village.
At the bus
station in
Quito
look out for
buses heading
Quito-Baeza,
or Quito-Lago
Agrio. Ask
the driver
to leave you
at the turn-off
to Papallacta
Springs [just
before the
village of
Papallacta].
From this
turn-off to
the springs,
it's only
a 30 minute
walk to the
complex. From
Quito
[2
1/2 hours,
US$ 2*].
*Prices
are approximate
Last
updated 20th
July 2006
| |Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton||| |
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