Volcanic Ecuador overflows with hot springs, natural pools and spouting waterfalls. Some of the best are hidden deep in the jungle and aren't easy to get to. Near Miazal in Morona Santiago Province, there are twin waterfalls, one hot and one cold, like hot and cold showers. Indian tribes condider waterfalls to be sacred.

The best hot springs within reach of Quito are the Banos de Papallacta, two hours by bus or car from the city, just off the road that descends over the rim of the Amazon basin to Baeza.

About an hour by road from Quito are the thermal pools of La Merced and El Tingo, but they tend to be overcrowded on weekends. Far better are some private pools at Ilalo, just a few kilometres from La Merced, where US$2* buys you access to cleaner and less-crowded facilities.

Getting there

Buses run from Quito to the above places. If possible, avoid weekends.

*Prices are approximate

Last updated 26th July 2006

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||