Day 8: Quito, Ecuador

The trail in Papallacta.

Today was such a wonderful and relaxing day!  We travelled to into the highlands of Ecuador, Papallacta.  Papallacta is located in the southwestern skirts of the Oriental Mountain Range of the Andes.  Also known as the “Gateway to the Amazon”, it is located east of Quito and north of the Antisana Volcano.  Papallacta sits at an elevation of around 10,800 ft and along the drive we hit a peak elevation of 13,123 ft.  We have literally gone from sea level to 13,000 ft in 24 hours.  It’s insane!  Altitude sickness has been a struggle.

Bark from the polyepis tree.

The drive into the highlands was pretty amazing.  The landscape here can change dramatically over a short distance.  Along the drive we pulled over and saw some polyepis trees.  Although they are considered a part of the rose family, they are definitely far from being roses.  The bark of the trees has dark red "sheets" that look like sheets of paper.  This unusual bark insulates and protects the trees.  They are endemic to high elevation regions in the Andes Mountains.

Polyepis trees along the road.

We also passed numerous natural waterfalls.  The water flows from the mountains towards the coastal regions, providing freshwater for many towns and regions along the way.

Las Termas de Papallacta

Entrance to the public pools.

In the town we went to the spa resort Las Termas de Papallacta, which has a total of 9 thermal pools of different temperatures ranging from scalding hot to freezing cold.   Some of the pools can only be accessed if you are visiting the spa at the resort, which is a little more expensive than the public pools.  I think for each of us on the day we went was around $9 USD.

When you walk in, you are given a towel to use on premise.  There are changing rooms as well with little baskets available that you can carry all your belongings in.  We left our belongings all together in one area without any concern but you could rent a locker if needed.

Scarlett hanging out in the hot pool.

One of the public pools available.

One of the pools with the Andes in the background.

The waters are rich in sulfate, sodium, and small amounts of magnesium. Supposedly they are therapeutic for a number of things, but all I know is my skin is ridiculously soft now.  I spent most of my time in the hotter pools since it was pretty chilly outside.  Overall, it was a very relaxing experience.

The property as a whole is around 80 acres, so there are plenty of places to hike as well.  We did a short hike to see some of the vegetation and view parts of the Papallacta River (cue more elevation changes and thinner air).  Aside from less oxygen, the view of the mountains was beautiful!  There are loads of farms and an organic garden along the paths.  In the distance you could see some gorgeous waterfalls coming over the mountains.  The flora in the highlands was stunning, like the unique looking epiphyte which grows on many of the trees.

Gorgeous red epiphyte growing in the trees.

Views of the mountains from the trail.

Coming back down the path towards the pool area.

The best travel companion I could ever ask for.

What a great way to spend the day!