Our first hike
Today we went with a group from the spanish school on a day trip to Papallacta Hot Springs.
We set off at 7am in a minibus with a group of 9 students (including us). Our first stop was outside Quito to look at the view south toward the Amazon. Unfortunately it was so misty there really was no view to see. After this we headed south and up to a height of 4800m. After going up we came down the other side where we reached the Hot Springs. The water is naturally hot water about 76 degrees C. We looked around this Spa but did not bathe there instead we have a very welcome breakfast chatting with our fellow travelers.
After breakfast we took a short walk at one of the reservoir the feeds Quito with it’s water. After a few photographs we climbed back on the bus and headed to Papallacta hot springs. We look round 2 facilities, one a luxury one at $22 and the other simpler at $8. Our guide said we should choice which one to go to after our walk. Our walk took us up stream in an area that was the start of the Amazon basin. The walk was very enjoyable and not too strenuous the only issue was they had told us to dress warm as it might be cold and it was not so we were very hot on the walk.
After the walk we all decided to go to the luxury facility only to find the wait to get in would be over an hour so we changed plans and went to the cheaper one which in the end was just as enjoyable. We sat in hot water pools and risked a quick dip in the cold freezing water as it the custom. After the hot water spring we went to out final stop for a late lunch. Lunch was at a pleasant restaurant with a lovely garden and pool. The pool was full of trout and guests had to literally catch their own dinner.
After dinner we headed back to Quito and finally got home at 6.45 after a great day out.