Papallacta village... just down the road from the Termas...

A local woman, going about her morning business.

There was only space for us for one night at the Resort, so for the 2nd night we moved next door to a small guesthouse. It was only a 2 minute walk to the public baths at Termas, and as we were the only guests at this guesthouse they filled their private pool up just for us! Dreamy!

Our new friend for a few days!

Papallacta Birthday ~ Andes mountains, Ecuador 2/12

Reflecting on my 37th birthday.

Mist-ical mountain valley.

A rare shaft of sunlight. I think this is the valley where clouds are actually born!

Birthday dinner of Quinoa Casserole! I love eating quinoa in it's homeland of the Andes! Ancient food  sustaining people in the same way for many thousands of years! This dish was simply amazing... among the most delicious meals I've ever had! The resort has a very nice restaurant where they serve a great variety of unbelievably good food, including serving the trout(trucha) that is farmed right here in this small, narrow, high altitude, and pristine mountain valley.  

Termas de Papallacta ~ Mas fotos! Andes mountains, Ecuador 2/12

Big Beautiful Brugmansia by our cottage!

Our pool.

Another adjacent cottage/pool courtyard. Such steep and lush surroundings! I loved the grass and moss growing on the rooftops!

Termas de Papallacta~Hot Springs Resort ~ Andes mountains, Ecuador 2/12

Our first international adventure together was to Ecuador in 1999. On that trip we visited Papallacta Thermal Baths twice! It has lived on, etched in my mind, as a sort of paradise on Earth for me. Realizing that we would be in Ecuador for my birthday this year, we decided to spend a few days up at the Springs. We were lucky enough to find a room at the resort itself on the actual night of my birthday! Here you get access to the lovely public pools, as well as your own private hot pool directly in front of your room! Best Birthday Ever!!!!!! And, YES... the place truly was a paradise, as grand in reality as it had been in my dreams!

Our private pool just in front of our room.

Fish in the main pool within the Hot Springs public pools.

Our porch.

Making the most out of our own private hot pool! Through rain or sun, these waters, and the incredible lush volcanic valley they burble up in, will make you feel so good! Soaking in these pools produces a state of relaxation and peacefulness I haven't felt any place else before!

Birthday trip to Termas de Papallacta, Ecuador ~ my favorite spot on Earth! 2/12

Sprung for a cab ride out to Papallacta Hot Springs! 2 hours from Quito, it was a fairly hefty fare, but, hey! It was my birthday!

Mountain scenery from the drive up, up, up to Papallacta! 

Old Town Quito~ 2/12

On the Plaza Grande, with the Palacio del Gobierno to my left and the Cathedral del Quito behind.

People on the steps of the Cathedral del Quito.

Basilica del Voto Nacional~Quito, Ecuador 2/12

We came across this massive cathedral while on a walkabout in Old Town on our first day in Quito.

The main entrance. Complete with climbable clock towers!

Admiring some weavings being sold streetside.

Looking South over the rooftops of Old Quito, from the top of the southern clock tower! 

A view of El Panecillo, the ever-present small hill just South of Old Town. Topped by the watchful gaze of La Virgen de Quito, one of the cities major landmarks.

It's hard to tell in these photos, but in place of gargoyles, this church is adorned  by a large number of animals from all over Ecuador. Turtles, iguanas and crocodiles... oh my!

What time do you WANT it to be?

(Thanks for this photo Heath Hilary)