Spas might not necessarily be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Ecuador. Yet Ecuador has some truly excellent spas that you can visit on your Ecuador tour. Some of the best Spas in Ecuador are hotel spas and lodges, but for those that are short on time, or who already have a packed trip planned, there are also plenty of places that you can go to just for a few hours in many of the towns and cities. One of the best things about spas in Ecuador is that because Ecuador is generally cheaper than North America and many European countries, you are often able to get more bang for your buck at a spa in these countries than in your home nation. Here is some information about some of the spas that are regularly rated among the best in Ecuador.
The Termas de Papallacta located near the small Andean town of Papallacta is a great spa option and makes our “best spas in Ecuador” list because it is highly accessible from Quito, either as a day trip, or for a quick overnight trip. It is just 70 minutes from Quito by private transport, or closer to 1.5 hours by public transport. Best of all, it is only 45 minutes from Quito’s airport which makes it a great spot for either a landing place on arrival or a lovely relaxing finish to your Ecuador trip. The spa offers a lovely variety of massages, as well as body wraps and facials. There are also steam rooms for a good cleanse and a variety of hot and cold pools as well as hydro-massage.
In the small, volcanic hotspot town of Banos, where hot springs abound, is located Luna Runtun, a fabulous spa which sits nestled into the hills with an unrivalled view over this pretty little mountainous town. Here you can get all the usual treatments you might expect, like massages, facials and mud baths as well as hot stone treatments. Banos is a great place to spend a couple of days, especially if you like adventurous outdoor activities, and a stay at Luna Runtun makes for a great addition to a visit here.
If you are visiting Banos, another amazing spa to choose instead, is Samari Spa. This place offers luxurious rooms and a delightfully creative menu of spa treatments to choose from. These include massages, body and facial treatments, Turkish bath, hydromassages, chromotherapy and aromatherapy options. Treatments draw on the use of medicinal plants and minerals that are readily available in the local area.
Mashpi Lodge is another location where you can enjoy spa treatments a-plenty. The lodge boasts a spa that it calls Samay Wellness Center. There are two wellness “areas” that sit amid the dense lush foliage surrounding the lodge. The spa offers the chance to enjoy viewing an array of bid species while soaking in a hot tub, and there are also massage rooms for having treatments. Mashpi Lodge is a destination in and on itself, set on a private reserve in the rainforest, just 2.5 hours from Quito. The lodge offers canopy experiences and delightful forest walks, in addition to its
lovely spa.
For some, the idea of combining an Amazon visit with a stay at an Ecuador spa lodge is irresistible, and one great option for this is La Selva Lodge. In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, a trip to this place is unforgettable for many reasons, and the spa adds to the delights of the visit. As well as offering “soulful yoga sessions,” the spa offers a genuine chance to disconnect and enjoy luxurious spa treatments like massage in a unique jungle setting. Better still you can book a spa package to stay here and enjoy benefits like unlimited spa treatments during your stay.
If you are short on time, but fancy a trip to a spa in Quito, you could consider a visit to the Amrita Spa in Quito. It is located close to Swiss Hotel in the La Floresta neighborhood. There are many fabulous treatments here such as scrubs, wraps and chocolate-based treatments, as well as the usual range of massages and facials that you might expect.
Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders are experts in travel in this country, and if spas are your thing, we can organize your trip around the best spas in Ecuador if you wish. This list is just a few of some of the best spas Ecuador has to offer, and there are plenty of other places up and down the country. Get in touch to find out how we can help you plan your customized trip in Ecuador to suit your needs and preferences.