Top 6 Ecuadorian Hot Springs
Ecuador, a land where snow-capped Andean giants kiss emerald rainforests and ancient ruins whisper forgotten tales, holds within its embrace a hidden treasure – its natural hot springs.
Ecuador's natural hot springs have been revered for centuries. Indigenous communities like the Incas and Cañaris believed the geothermal waters possessed divine powers, building temples and bathhouses around them.
When to Visit Ecuador’s Hot Springs
Each season offers its own unique charm at Ecuador's natural hot springs:
Dry Season (June-September): Enjoy sunny skies, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding nature and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.
Green Season (October-May): Witness the lush landscapes burst into life with vibrant greenery. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and slightly higher temperatures, ideal for cooling off in the springs.
Festival Season (February-March): Experience the vibrant culture of Ecuador during Carnival and other celebratory events. Some hot springs host cultural shows and celebrations during this time.
Health Benefits
Ecuador's natural hot springs are as diverse in their mineral content as they are in their settings. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters:
Sulfur: Found in springs like Papallacta and Agua Santa, sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" present in springs like Laguna Chalán and Las Termas de la Virgen can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Calcium: Trace amounts of calcium found in springs like Oyacachi Thermal Springs can be beneficial for bone health and skin health.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Laguna Chalán comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Papallacta Hot Springs
Located just 1 and ½ hours drive from the capital city Quito, Papallacta hot springs is an easy getaway for a day trip or weekend escape.
You can stay 15 minutes away at Hacienda Las Cuevas Terra Lodge in Pifo. It includes hot tubs, a lounge, public bath, and indoor play area. This beautiful and cozy cave-like stay is in the middle of the forest and offers soft colored rooms and a private hot tub alcove.
Locals say that “Papallacta” translates as “Land of Potatoes” (Tierra de Papas).
The Papallacta thermal springs are divided into two main areas – the public pools (Balneario) and the more exclusive Papallacta Spa Pools.
The Public Papallacta Balneario charges an entry fee of $9 per person. These pools are open every day from 6 am – 9 pm. Paid guests are welcome to stay for as long as they desire.
The Papallacta spa pools offer a more private, serene, and exclusive experience, with the same opening hours as the Balneario.
For the steeper price of $22 per person, you can enjoy more privacy, and use of a fancier shower and changing area. Towels and shower caps are also provided, as are private lockers.
The hot spring waters are rich in calcium, sulfates, chloride, and traces of magnesium. These properties can improve blood circulation, reduce stress, ease aches and pains, heal skin conditions, and reduce stress and tension. A relaxing soak can also help improve conditions of rheumatism and inflammation.
Get your hiking shoes on, ready to explore the high Andean Cloud Forest. Even the local wildlife is in on the secret, as Andean Bears roam the area, and colorful hummingbirds call Papallacta home.
Birders don’t even have to leave the relaxing confines of the hot springs to spot colibris, including 2 of my personal favorites, the sword-billed hummingbird, and the wonderfully named Shining Sunbeam.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools amidst mountain panoramas, slight sulfur scent adds to the ambiance.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road access, short walk to pools, stunning natural setting.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded pools and private jacuzzis available, comfortable atmosphere even on weekends.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, catering to individual preferences.
Health Benefits: 5 stars - Rich in sulfur and minerals, documented benefits for skin conditions and muscle aches.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Spa services, restaurants, and luxury lodging options within walking distance.
Baños Hot Springs
Baños, Ecuador, is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic waterfalls, and soothing hot springs. The name “Baños” means “baths” in Spanish, referring to the therapeutic thermal springs that have been integral to the town’s character for centuries.
Nestled at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, Baños is a popular destination for both adventurers and those seeking relaxation. Visitors can indulge in the healing properties of the hot springs, explore picturesque waterfalls like El Pailón del Diablo, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, and zip-lining, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Visitors can choose from rustic open-air pools, where nature surrounds them in its raw beauty, to modern spa resorts that offer luxurious amenities for a more pampered experience.
The warmth of these thermal pools is attributed to the underground magma tunnels of the active Tungurahua Volcano, known as the “Throat of Fire,” which heats the waters flowing through Baños.
For thousands of years, hot springs have been used for their therapeutic benefits. The minerals found in natural hot springs, such as sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.
Luna Volcán truly offers a unique and luxurious thermal bathing experience in Baños, with its stunning setting and luxurious amenities. The four pools and jacuzzi filled with warm volcanic water are complemented by breathtaking views of the Tungurahua volcano and the city of Baños below, creating an atmosphere of pure relaxation and tranquility. Plus you can stay overnight there.
The most famous and historic is Termas de Virgen. So named because the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared here multiple times. The Pope even visited and the church confirmed the miracles. Termas de la Virgen in Baños de Agua Santa is undoubtedly a popular spot, thanks to its central location and the stunning backdrop of the Virgin’s Hair waterfall. The varied pool temperatures, including the incredibly hot 118°F (42°C) option, offer a range of experiences for visitors seeking the benefits of geothermal waters.
Santa Ana Pools offer a serene and tranquil experience that stands out due to their lesser crowd compared to other hot springs in Baños. Being open only from Friday to Sunday until 5 pm, these pools provide an exclusive and relaxing retreat, especially on weekends when other thermal baths are often overcrowded. The pools are just a short 15-minute bus or taxi ride away, and the trip is undoubtedly worth it for those seeking a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools with various sources, some have a slight sulfur smell.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Located within Baños town, easy walk to multiple springs, excellent signage.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Shared pools, can get crowded on weekends, but quieter options like La Virgen exist.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Variety of pools with different temperatures, comfortable soaking range.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, benefits muscle relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Abundance of restaurants, shops, and adventure activities in Baños town.
Baños de Agua Santa
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and refreshing pools within lush greenery, natural ambiance.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Paved road access, short walk to the pools, well-maintained facilities.
Ability to Be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded location, tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a quiet escape.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, naturally warm but not overly hot.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Limited options near the springs, best to plan ahead for meals and lodging.
El Salado Hot Springs
This is in a mountain setting just minutes from the town of Banos. It’s the termales all the locals soak in the early mornings. These are low key hot spring with several different pools and cold plunge showers. You can also jump between the hot baths and the cold river like a natural cold plunge but only if the river conditions are safe at the moment.
There are 2 smallish pools at the top of about 36 degrees each, 2 smaller pools below of about 38 degrees and a cold one, and finally one covered hot pool (about 42 degrees) which makes 6 pools altogether. There is also a cold river that circles the bottom pools.
Bear in mind children are never allowed to go on the hot pools and you need a cap as well. Caps are more enforced there than at the Piscinas de la Virgen. Showers are hot and price is the same as the Virgen’s Pools.
Stay in town at the Samari Spa Resort where you can walk through the gardens in the hills, enjoy a massage, and take in the sun at the atrium pool.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean pools amidst Andean scenery, slight sulfur scent adds to the charm.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Requires a moderate hike through the mountains, beautiful trail but not suitable for everyone.
Ability to Be Alone: 4 stars - Secluded location, few visitors offer a peaceful soaking experience.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, natural variations add to the adventure.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Noticeable mineral presence, potential benefits for skin and muscle ailments.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Remote location, bring essentials, accommodation options further away.
Termas de Chachimbiro
At the end of the road you’ll find the oldest pools, the Santagua Termas. Owned by the community nowadays , they offer the best price, although the facilities are a little old fashioned. That doesn’t mean though, you won’t enjoy the baths. That relaxing sensation can be felt in any thermal bath.
The Termas Arco Iris is a good alternative. They worked hard to modernise the facilities, like changing rooms, toilets, et cetera. As a consequence the price went up from $4 to a somewhat overpriced $7.
The Termas Arco Iris is a good alternative. They worked hard to modernise the facilities, like changing rooms, toilets, et cetera. As a consequence the price went up from $4 to a somewhat overpriced $7.
The water of the hot/warmer springs are yellowish because of the many minerals, like sulfur, iron, copper, iodine & others. The springs have a high presence of chlorides and sulphides of iron, magnesium, copper, fluorine, chlorine, bromo, iodine. The water temperature in the hottest pools can rise to 45ºC-48ºC.
As Chachimbiro is located just under 3000m/ 10000ft be prepared to “feel” the altitude. In other words, the fact there’s less oxygen. Something you’ll notice soon enough.
You can stay at the Tunas & Cabras Hotel with spa facilities, a sauna, and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. You can enjoy a private Jacuzzi in your room that overlooks the lush green valley and surrounding hills.
Water Quality: 3 stars - Some sediment and slight odor, rustic atmosphere adds to the authenticity.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk from the parking area, well-maintained path, scenic surroundings.
Ability to Be Alone: 2 stars - Shared pools, can get crowded on weekends, best enjoyed during weekdays.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking range, multiple pools for individual preferences.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Restaurant and souvenir shop on-site, other options available in nearby towns.
