Train Adventure in Ecuador - Quito to Guayaquil along the Andes
Devil's Nose Train Excursion included.
We are creating a special group for this trip. So we will set dates and other pre and post needs in concert with those interested. I have been on the Devil's Nose train. Quite the Adventure! So let us know on the link below of your interest. We will converge on Quito so where you are in the US is not critical.
Overview. Following our arrival and subsequent full day of escorted and guided historic tours in Quito, our train journey begins south of Quito through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, a name given by Alexander Von Humboldt to these singular geological formations of the Andes on this parallel structure and this long valley in between, where you can find over 20 volcanoes and mountains including the majestic Cotopaxi and the imposing Chimborazo. We will learn more about the Andean cultures and their lifestyle at visiting Guamote, an authentic indigenous and local market, coming from pre-Hispanic times.
All aboard the mythical train of the Devil’s Nose! A special additional train excursion is planned for Devils 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. A bus accompanies us during our journey and train lovers will be able to board it at given times, in order to take the best pictures from outside towards these signature trains, this bus will be available to pay our visits along the way, the journey will be escorted by expert guides.
Day 1 Arrive Quito, Transfer to hotel. Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet so your arrival day activities should just consist of acclimatization. Meet you fellow travelers for a dinner and overview of our next days adventure in Quito.
Day 2 Full day of tours in and around Quito. After Breakfast at the hotel we will then tour
After a short ride from our hotel,embark on a walking tour through the famous Centro Historico. Made up of well-preserved buildings and cathedrals, the area was the first place to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time walking around and visit the government’s palace, the Basilica Church, and San Francisco Church.
Then, because Ecuador directly translates to “the Republic of the Equator,” a trip to the middle of the world is a must. Snap photos in front of the large monument, visit the Ethnography Museum, and stand on the equatorial line.
There will be free time in the afternoon to shop or perhaps go to the exact spot that gives Ecuador its name, the Equator museum and monument.
Day 3 – Quito –Cotopaxi National Park – Lasso – Latacunga (L,D)
Our first meeting will be at the Chimbacalle station, south of Quito, a historic station that will open its doors to us with the country’s railway history from 1908. On our train, we will cross the impressive “Avenue of the Volcanoes”; the term that Alexander von Humboldt gave to this part of the Andean ridge, where there are more than 20 volcanoes, few of them still active. We will arrive at the second highest station of the Ecuadorian railway system and disembark to begin our journey through a farm of Roses, there, we will learn why Ecuador gathers all the right characteristics to produce some of the best roses in the world. After lunch we will go up to the Cotopaxi 
National Park. Within the park we can enjoy a moderate altitude walk at 12,631 feet around the Limpiopungo lagoon, where we find different varieties of plants and birds adapted to this altitude environment. Natural photography will be part of this afternoon before arriving at the historical hacienda. Accommodation.
Day 4 – Wednesday Latacunga – Urbina – Riobamba (B,L,D)
The departure by train in the morning will be from Latacunga Station. We will cross the inter-Andean valley and then the Yambo lagoon will open before our eyes by a scenic cliff. During the journey we will be approached by colorful devils from Pillaro village, part of a long Andean tradition known as the “Diablada Pillareña”, declared national heritage. We will celebrate with this folkloric demonstration from the comfort of our train. We will arrive to Urbina station, the highest point of our visit, located at 3609 meters above sea level (11 000 feet). There we will be received by Baltazar Ushca, the last ice merchant of the Chimborazo who will share the secrets of his old and almost extinct tradition. Enjoy some community experience, when we arrive to Jatari and the Community of La Moya where we will learn about the Quichua – Puruha culture and their ancestral work systems, we will be able to participate in some of these activities led by the inhabitants of the area. Share the table with them and be able to interact with this amazing culture. After this great day, the train is waiting for us to take the group to Riobamba, a unique historical town for the country and for the railroad development in the past, where we can enjoy its beauties, the handcraft plaza and a short walk through the city will be part of the end of the day before the sun sets. Accommodation.
Day 5 – Thursday Riobamba – Devil´s Nose – Alausí (B,L,D)
Early in the morning we will head to the historic Riobamba station, where a huge steam locomotive known as “The Black Monster” will be waiting to take us through colorful quinoa fields, picturesque villages and unique landscapes. Upon our arrival to Colta, we will carry out a maneuver that will switch the steam locomotive for a diesel-electric machine, meanwhile we can visit the first church in Ecuador known as the Balvanera or you can film the train with the steam locomotive before we leave it behind from the outside of the maneuver area. Once in Guamote, we will visit an authentic Andean market, where people from several communities come together to trade a myriad of products. This market has maintained its traditional essence and with luck, we will be able to observe 
how the barter works among the merchants that meet there coming from many other indigenous communities of the country. A short trip by bus will take us to Alausí, where the patrimonial set awaits the group; that one will transport us to the mythical Nariz del Diablo (the Devi´ls Nose). An impressive system of swichtbacks on a steep mountain that allow the locomotive to descend into the Sibambe valley; during its construction, was considered one of the most important engineering milestones in the country. Our patrimonial set will return to Alausí, the small town of the Five Heritages, we will rest this night in this tiny city nestled in between sharp mountains and diverse plantations. Walking at night through its streets will give us a feeling of returning several decades in time. Accommodation.Day 6 will be a pleasant and relaxing Unesco heritage city of Cuenca. This beautiful center of universities and arts will provide a liesurely pace. We will visit the famous "Panama Hat" factory of Homero Ortega, then later the Cuenca tile and ceramic arts center, and a relaxing walk or just city watching along the river plaza.
Day 7 – Alausi – Naranjito – Yaguachi – Duran (B,L)
We will take our bus with the first sun rays and that one will take us on a scenic trip from the imposing Andes to the quiet esplanades of the Pacific coast. During this trip we can witness the dramatic climatic and geographical changes that mark the transition between coast and mountains. We will arrive at a very traditional and tasteful hacienda in the Coast of Ecuador; we will take a tour inside one of the plantations and learn about the sowing and harvesting of Ecuadorian cacao, which is considered the best cocoa bean in the world. Our lunch will be served at the hacienda and we will enjoy the gastronomy of local cuisine. Our next destination will be Naranjito where we will board the train to Yaguachi, the first station built for the Ecuadorian railway system. There, a Baldwin steam locomotive awaits us to lead the train to its final destination on this trip, a journey full of wonderful landscapes and cultural experiences. Arrival to Duran before sunset. Accommodation.
The switchbacks of Devils Nose Train Crossing a bridge north of Quito
Day 8 -While our journey officially ends the following morning after breakfast, depending on your plans, departure the night before is possible as many flights back to the USA depart from 11 PM to 2AM. You may however want to spend a few extra days on the Pacific Ocean beaches or add a Galapagos Islands cruise or mutli-day excursion to Peru and Machu Pichu. We can provide this continuation if desired through our same tour operator and if provided for your optional consideration.
Whats included? TBD
Whats not included TBD
Items of a personal nature. Meals not specified above. Alcoholic beverages.
Please let us know if you are interested in learning more or potentially joining our group to explore Ecuador via train by clicking here. You can also indicate your preference for notification about future adventures in travel. In the comments section, let us know how many travelers you might be, and if interested in adding on experience in either the Galapagos or Machu Pichu after our journey.
Thanks so much for your time. Peter
