HISTORY

A Brief History of Termas de Papallacta

In June 1994 a group of six Ecuadorians got together after falling in love with this wonderful place and its miraculous waters. They dreamed about developing different projects in the area and had faith in their vision and creative ability.

The construction at the spa began at once. The architecture, colours and construction materials used (such as wood, stone, straw, etc.) were chosen to work in harmony with the environment. The logo was designed and the name "Termas de Papallacta" was agreed upon.

The spa and restaurant were consequently rebuilt, the parking area was enlarged and in response to numerous requests by regular visitors a small hostel with shared bathrooms was constructed in an old stable.

These changes and the heightened importance given to hygiene led to a rapid increase in the number of visitors.

Towards the end of 1995 it was agreed that another spa named Jambiyacu would be built, with the aim of meeting the needs of those with fewer financial resources. It began operations in 1997.

Between 1996 and 1997 the first 13 rooms of the hotel were built, as well as the necessary infrastructure to make the small resort operational (such as staff rooms, warehouses, etc).

Between 1998 and 1999 the hotel restaurant and the first 6 cabins were built. Concerned about environmental issues, the management embarked on the construction of a sewage plant during the same year, despite the limitation of financial resources and other potential "priorities".

With the aim of contributing towards environmental conservation, cooperating in training local residents in environmental matters and providing information to visitors on local flora and fauna, one of our stockholders established the Terra Foundation. 'Exploratorio', our interactive science centre opened its doors in 1999 using our own financial resources together with funds from the International Development Association (IDA).

Nineteen additional hotel rooms were built between 2001 and 2003; the restaurant was enlarged and the renovation of Jambiyacu was finished, accommodating the Thermoludic Area (thermal pools) and the Thermal Club, offering a range of spa treatments and therapeutic services. This latter work was carried out following an insufficient demand for a more inexpensive spa.

In 2005 the construction of the Convention Center and of seven additional cabins was completed.

The tradition in Ecuador has been to simply bathe in the thermal springs, allowing the body to absorb the natural minerals rather than complementing with other medical treatments. In August 2005 Termas de Papallacta reached a milestone in the history of thermal spas in Ecuador, finally being able to offer a complete range of treatments, carried out by experienced personnel and consequently making the most efficient and professional use of these wonderful natural resources. We can offer our clients a wide range of physiotherapeutic treatments, all of which are endorsed by the Ecuadorian Medical Federation. Termas de Papallacta has also been authorised by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health to operate as a Health Centre.

Finally, at the end of 2005, Termas de Papallacta became the first Ecuadorian land-based company to attain certification in sustainable development in accordance with the standards as set out by Smart Voyager, Rainforest Alliance and the Conservation and Development Corporation.

Our hopes and dreams continue. Our commitment towards future visitors, our staff, the local community and the environment remain intact. Termas de Papallacta aims to be self-sufficient with regards to its electricity supply, thus hoping to build its own hydroelectric plant. Infrastructure is to be expanded for the greater comfort of its guests and staff. Parts of the premises will be subjected to refurbishment and future plans also include the purchase of equipment for onsite food production. Further emphasis will given to the growth of organic produce. Termas de Papallacta also strives for active cooperation with the Terra Foundation so that its objectives with regards to the local community and the conservation of the environment continue to be met.