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Train of Wonders
Quito to Guayaquil
The journey begins south of Quito (pre-night required) through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", where you can find over 20 volcanoes and mountains including the majestic Cotopaxi and the imposing Chimborazo. You'll learn more about the Andean cultures and their lifestyle by visiting Guamote, an authentic indigenous and local market, coming from pre-Hispanic times. All aboard the mythical train along the Devil's Nose! Live an unparalleled adventure as we descend through this intricate, steep zigzag to the valley of Sibambe. Our trip concludes after riding through the valley of the coast through endless sugar rise, cane, banana and cocoa bean plantations, while discovering the captivating landscapes of the Ecuadorian coast and the first Ecuadorian train station.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 1 Night Cotopaxi
• 1 Night Riobamba
• 1 Night Alausí
• 1 Night Duran (Guayaquil)
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Roundtrip Transfers
• First Class Rail Quito to Guayaquil
• All Excursions
• All Meals (except dinner on the final evening)
 
Arrive Cotopaxi:
You'll have a transfer from your Quito hotel (pre-night required) to the historic Chimbacalle station in the south of Quito. This historic station will open its doors to show us the history of the country's railways that began in 1908. Once on the train, we will cross the impressive "Avenue of the Volcanoes", the term Alexander von Humboldt gave to this part of the Andes, where are more than 20 spectacular volcanoes can be seen, a few of which are still active. We now arrive at the railway system's second highest station, in Latacunga. Here we will disembark and begin our visit to a Rose plantation and learn why Ecuador has all the right characteristics to produce some of the best roses in the world. And they are spectacular. After lunch we will continue our journey on to Cotopaxi National Park. Within the Park we can enjoy a moderate walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon, located at 12,600 feet, where we will be able to see the different types of fascinating plants and birds that have adapted to the high altitude. Nature photography will be part of our afternoon before arriving at an historic hacienda where we will spend the night in the timeless stillness of the Andes.


(Accommodations, Lunch & Dinner, Cotopaxi)

Cotopaxi to Riobamba:

Our train departs the next morning from Latacunga Station. During the journey we will meet some colorful "devils" from the village of Pillaro who are part of a long Andean tradition known as the "Diablada Pillareña", now declared National Cultural Heritage. We will be able to share this vibrant traditional performance with the "Diablos" in the comfort of our train. Urbina station, our next stop, is situated at 3,600 meters above sea level (11,000 feet), the highest point of our tour. Here we will meet Baltazar Ushca, the last ice cutter of Mt. Chimborazo who will share the secrets of this old and almost extinct tradition. There will be more opportunities to experience Andean community life when we arrive at Jatari and the Community of La Moya, where we will learn about the Quichua - Puruha cultures and their ancestral system of shared community work. We will be able to participate in some of the activities, and later share a table with them and have a chance to interact with members of this unique culture. At the end of a day full of out of the ordinary experiences, our train will be waiting to take us to Riobamba, a unique colonial town with strong ties to both the country's railroad development and the formation of country itself. A short walk before sunset through this charming historic city, taking in the historical charm of the Artisal Plaza, will provide a delightful end to our day.


(All Meals & Accommodations, Riobamba)

Riobamba to Alausí:

Once we arrive in Colta, the steam locomotive will give way to a diesel-electric locomotive, and while the changeover is being made we'll explore the town. Our next stop is the Andean town of Guamote and its authentic Andean market, where people from several indigenous communities come to trade a myriad of products. A short bus ride takes us to Alausí, where an inspiring trip aboard a train will take us descending through the fearsome Nariz del Diablo, or Devil's Nose pass; this intricate switch-back track allows the train to descend a breathtaking 511 meters (1,6756 ft.) in just 12 kilometers of railway. Considered an engineering marvel in its day, this ride is still spectacular. You'll return to Alausí and check into your hotel. An evening walk through the streets of this town, nestled in a spectacular spot among the area's jagged mountain peaks, will give us a feeling of traveling back in time.


(All Meals & Accommodations, Alausí)

Alausí to Guayaquil:

Today we will leave with the first sun rays for a spectacular journey by bus down through the dramatic Andean foothills to the lush agricultural plains of the Pacific coast. During this trip we will be able to see the dramatic climatic and geographical changes that mark the transition between coast and mountains. We will visit at a traditional, refined hacienda on the coast where we will take a tour though one of its plantations and learn about the sowing and harvesting of Ecuadorian cacao, considered the best in the world. For lunch we will be able to sample the delicious high class food the hacienda prides itself on. Our next destination is Naranjito where we will board the train to Yaguachi, the Ecuadorian railway system's the first station. A historic restored Baldwin steam locomotive will now take us on the final leg of our journey full of wonderful landscapes and cultural experiences. We arrive at Duran station before sunset, followed by a transfer to your selected hotel.*

*Dinner will be on your own this evening and your hotel can offer several suggestions.


(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Guayaquil)

Depart Guayaquil:

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport, returning home or continuing on to your next Avanti Destination!



(Breakfast, Guayaquil)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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