Papallacta

About

At 3,300 meters above sea level in the Andes, Papallacta is Ecuador’s highest town. Papallacta has more than a dozen hot springs, thermally heated by the nearby Antisana Volcano. At such high altitude expect fog and cool temperatures during your visit, making the hot springs a welcome retreat to warm up (though you can dive in the freezing plunge pools, if you dare!). The most popular is Las Termas de Papallacta, with eight pools in a range of sizes and temperature. Set amongst beautiful gardens and natural rock formations in the Andean forest it offers spa treatments for a truly relaxing experience. And did you know that a spell in the thermal baths can burn as many calories as a 30 minute walk!? If you build up an appetite, local trout farmers supply the surrounding eateries with the cold-water fish where it is cooked up in a variety of ways for a delicious feast.