(Accommodations, Lunch & Dinner, Cotopaxi)
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)
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)
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)
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport, returning home or continuing on to your next Avanti Destination!
(Breakfast, Guayaquil)