Papallacta is a small village located in the Andes, on the road from Quito, which leads into the Amazon jungle. The village of Papallacta itself is not a tourist destination but it houses several hot springs and spas. The scenic drive from Quito to Papallacta passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 4,000 metres, where views of the mountains and glaciers are breathtaking. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, you'll pass through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle.