CROSSING THE ECUADOR BY TRAIN – 4 DAYS – From Quito to Guayaquil

The new Ecuadorian train, called “Tren Crucero” – Cruise Train, travels through the avenue of volcanoes on the majestic Ecuadorian Andes – the longest continental mountain range in the world at almost 7,200 km long, including seven South American countries.

The Cruise Train staff and on-board service won an award at the World Travel Market Trade Show held in London in 2013. The train was crowned by the Bithish Guild of Travel Writers as “Best Product Outside of Europe”. the legendary “Orient Express” More information on these prices at: http://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-33570-tren-crucero

DAY 1/ Tuesday: Quito – Otavalo – Ibarra:

The journey begins in the Northern Andes. As we travel towards Otavalo, the highest peak on the equator might appear before us, the snow-capped peak of Cayambe Volcano. The landscape is constantly changing. From Quito to Otavalo: fertile green valleys with dry yellow forests. A restored steam engine awaits us at Otavalo station. As we travel aboard the train, many wonders await us at each stop: magnificent wooden crafts, a tasting of the rich Ecuadorian gastronomy, local traditions, musicians and healers. The last stop is Ibarra station. Return to Quito by coach.

DAY 2 / Wednesday: Quito – Cotopaxi – Riobamba

Departure in the “Cruise Train”. This day the trip is through the avenue of volcanoes to explore ecosystems of the Andes, visiting “El Boliche”, in the national park of “Cotopaxi”, a breathtaking view of the lake “Yambo”.

The train passes through the town of Ambato, and then very close to the “Chimborazo” volcano, finally arriving at the “Urbina” station, the highest station on the Ecuadorian railway circuit, 3,609 meters above sea level. Weather permitting, the view of Chimborazo offers breathtaking photo opportunities.

Get off at “Urbina” station, where you will meet Mr. Baltasar Ushca who has a deep relationship with Chimborazo. Baltasar is a 75-year-old man who goes to the top of Chimborazo to dig ice in the underground glacier of this extinct volcano. He walks about 10 km in difficult weather conditions. He discreetly asks the wind of Chimborazo for permission to extract the ice, using only a pickaxe to break it and make blocks. Later, he wraps everything up, and loads his cargo onto his donkey, his faithful friend and assistant. He then transports the ice down the mountain to store it in a hole in the ground. On Saturdays, he sells the ice cream in the “Riobamba” market to customers who transform it into ice cream and fruit juices. Baltazar is now the last remaining ice cream man; when he dies, the tradition of glacial ice will be lost, forever. It has been declared by the Ecuadorian government as the country’s Living Heritage. http://thelasticemerchant.com/

Once back on board the train, we continue towards Riobamba with views of the Chimborazo volcano which dominates most of the landscape. Arrival in Riobamba, transfer, by bus, to the hotel for accommodation and dinner.

DAY 3: Thursday: Riobamba – Guamote – Market – Bucay

Early departure from the hotel to Riobamba station by bus. Here, we will board the “Cruise Train” to continue towards the South. The scent of local coffee inside the train accompanies you as we head towards fields of corn, potatoes, and the Andean grain known as “Quinoa”. Our first stop of the day is at the lake of “Colta”, here we have a short visit to “La Balbanera”, this church is located behind a stone wall. It has a stone facade with a large arched doorway, supported by two columns. This church was built in 1524, making it the oldest church built by the Spanish in Ecuador.

Our journey continues to the spectacular “Guamote” Market, where an explosion of colors, flavors and smells are in the air. Great photo ops and time to purchase some local produce. We will have lunch in the area and continue later to Alausi.

From Alausi, the train reaches one of the most famous railway areas, known as “the Devil’s Nostril”. In 1902, next to the hill, known as “Condor Puno or Condor’s Nest” was built the track called “Devil’s Nostril”, a very difficult engineering work, considered the “most difficult railway site in the world”. Its zig zag construction and the beautiful landscapes promise to be an unforgettable experience.

Continue through the mountains and tunnels, passing through the small town of “Huigra”, also known for its magnificent tropical climate, to Bucay. Accommodation and dinner.

DAY 4 Friday: From Bucay to Guayaquil in the Pacific Coast

Early morning, breakfast, and after, departure towards the Pacific Ocean, on the way we will notice the increased temperature and the lush vegetation of the tropics making its final appearance. Our first stop of the day is at “Bucay” to visit local tourism projects such as, cocoa plantations and other interesting activities. We will have lunch in the area before reaching our last stop. In the town of “Yaguachi”, we will move on to the steam locomotive, here, we will be able to take photos of this machine, from the last century, which has been remade to bring the glories of its time. On our way to “Duran”, we will see the coastal plains with fields of rice, sugar, pineapples and other products of the land. It is also nice to see the typical houses. Arrival at “Duran”, and transfer to the main hotels in Guayaquil.