Laguna Papallacta, Papallacta Hot Springs Travel Guide

4.7 (11)

Escape to Laguna Papallacta: A serene Andean lake offering stunning views, hiking, and a gateway to Ecuador's natural beauty.

Laguna Papallacta is a stunning, high-altitude lake in the Ecuadorian Andes, offering breathtaking scenery and a tranquil escape. It's a perfect spot for relaxation, photography, and serves as a gateway to outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

A brief summary to Laguna Papallacta

JRCQ+M8V, Papallacta, EC

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Laguna Papallacta.

Bring warm clothing, as the weather can change quickly due to the high altitude.
Don't forget sunscreen; the high altitude means you can burn easily, even on cloudy days.
Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Termas de Papallacta for a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Mirador 1 Papallacta

El Mirador de Papallacta

Papallacta Hot Springs Reservations Office Quito

Virgen del Paramo Papallacta

Explore Laguna Papallacta on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Laguna Papallacta, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From Quito, head to the Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe, south of the city. Look for buses heading to Tena, Baeza, Misahuallí, Coca, or Lago Agrio. Companies like Flota Imbabura and Transportes Papallacta are common options. A ticket to Papallacta costs around $2 to $3. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Ask the driver to drop you off near Laguna Papallacta. From the drop-off point, you may need to walk or take a short taxi ride to the lake.
Taxi/Ride-share

You can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Uber from Quito directly to Laguna Papallacta. The journey is approximately 68 kilometers and takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Confirm the price with the driver beforehand or check the app for an estimated fare. Expect to pay between $35 and $45 for a taxi from Quito. A taxi from Plaza Grande in Quito to Laguna Papallacta is approximately $21.
Car

From Quito, take the Avenida Simón Bolívar and Ruta Viva towards E28C in Puembo. Then, drive from E20 towards the province of Napo. Finally, take the old road to Papallacta. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours from Quito and 2.5 hours from Tena. Parking is available near the lake entrance, with a possible parking fee.

Discover more about Laguna Papallacta

Laguna Papallacta, located in the Napo province of Ecuador, is a vast, dark water lake that mirrors the majestic Antisana Volcano and the clear Andean skies. Formed after the 18th-century eruption of Antisana, when lava flow filled the former glacier of the Papallacta River, it now supplies drinking water to northern Quito.Surrounded by breathtaking Andean vegetation, the lagoon sits at an altitude of 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) above sea level. The average temperature in the area is 14°C (57°F), contributing to its cool, mountain climate. This high-altitude setting provides a unique landscape for photographers and those seeking tranquility.Laguna Papallacta is not only a serene destination but also a hub for cultural experiences. Local vendors often sell traditional Ecuadorian crafts and snacks, offering a taste of the region's heritage. The lake is also close to Cayambe-Coca National Park and Antisana Ecological Reserve, making it a gateway for exploring the area's diverse flora and fauna. Hiking trails around the lake offer opportunities to witness the incredible biodiversity of the region. Keep an eye out for unique birds and stunning vistas. The lake's proximity to the Papallacta hot springs allows visitors to unwind in the therapeutic thermal waters after a day of exploration.Visiting Laguna Papallacta offers a chance to experience the wild beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes. Whether you're looking to relax, take photos, or explore the surrounding nature, Laguna Papallacta provides an unforgettable experience.