Laguna Papallacta: Andean Swimming Paradise
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
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Laguna Papallacta
0.0 km
Escape to Laguna Papallacta: A serene Andean lake offering stunning views, hiking, and a gateway to Ecuador's natural beauty.
El Mirador de Papallacta
2.2 km
Experience breathtaking Andean views and serene tranquility at El Mirador de Papallacta, a must-visit scenic viewpoint in Ecuador's Papallacta region.
Virgen del Paramo Papallacta
6.8 km
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Guango Lodge
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Volcano Antisana
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Amazon Ecuador Tours
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Reserva Ecologica Antisana
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Samay Collections
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Ecuador Best Tours
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Unmissable attractions to see
TERMAS MAGENTA
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Papallacta Hot Springs
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Papallacta
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Sendero de la Isla (Island Trail) - Rancho del Cañón
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El Triángulo de Papallacta
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Pesca San Jose
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BIRDWATCHING SAN JOSE
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Finca Arcoiris
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Rutal del Cóndor
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El Mirador de San José
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Laguna Cocha Conga
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Checkpoint Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve
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Milagrosa Waterfall
6.2 km
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Letras Corpóreas QUIJOS
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SACHAYACU
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Essential places to dine
Restaurante Mi Lagunita Papallacta Ecuador
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Restaurant El Refugio
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NAHOMY - Pizzeria - Restaurante
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Restaurante Paisaje de los Andes
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El Leñador
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Mucki's
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Restaurante Floresta Brava
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hosteria Pampallacta Termales
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Mujer Elegante UIO
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Termales Jamaco
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Hostal Antisana
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Termas Papallacta Hotel Spa
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El Paso del Pescador
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Termas de Papallacta
2.5 km
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Termas Sachayacu
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Pesca deportiva Ukumary
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El Alisar, Cafeteria
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BLUE SECRET STORE
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Guies Store
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Espumillas Express
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Tienda Palugo
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Satz Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Termas El Arriero
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Hostal don WILSON
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hostal & Restaurant El Fogon Campero
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El Descanso
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La Quiteñita - Hostal & Restaurant
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D'Victoria Restaurant.
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Resto bar Alejandra sazón manabita
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Papallacta rooats
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Mamallacta Paramo Lodge
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Jack Bar
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CHILY DRINKS
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Carchi
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