Spectacular scenery surrounds the mainly straight road. By Ecuadorian standards, the journey is relatively smooth.
It’s well worth making the effort for this city escape. Buses will stop at an intersection in Papallacta where you can either walk the 2.75km to the baths or, for $2, take a taxi.
It just happened to pour with rain the moment we arrived. Practically as soon as we'd huddled under a bus shelter, a cab pulled up and we completed the final leg of the journey by taxi.
The weather soon changed and the sun emerged. On a clear day be sure to take and use sun-block.
The baths can be located just beyond the hotel/spa resort Termas de Papallacta. Cost of entry is $7 per adult and $3 for a child.
Although the waters vary in temperature from ice cold to piping hot, it’s a place where children as well as adults can have lots of fun. There is a dedicated children’s area and many of the pools are shallow. Zenchai really enjoyed it.
Bathing in these pools have considerable health and skin benefits. Views from the outdoor pools are sensational. You’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning Andes mountains.
There is a restaurant on site, as well as changing rooms, toilet facilities and great outdoor hot showers that you could easily stand under all day long.
To return to Quito, either walk down to the main highway or have the hotel call you a cab. Then hail the first bus for Quito that passes. The fare is about $3-$4. Be sure to tell the driver where you want to get off.
Most buses will stop wherever you choose, but be firm. Despite our request to pull over, our driver kept going until we practically ordered him to stop the bus, which, by then, was on a major freeway. We then had little choice but to walk back along the dangerous road to the intersection we were after.
That didn't spoil a great day, though. We'd recommend it for couples, individuals and families of all ages.
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