Train of Wonders

Day 1 QUITO – OTAVALO – SAN ANTONIO – SAN ROQUE – IBARRA (B – L – D)

Travel from Otavalo to Ibarra by steam locomotive across the northern valleys. Visit the woodcarving workshops at San Antonio, discovery of local traditional food in Andrade Marin and a show of local music and textile weaving at San Roque train station. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 QUITO – BOLICHE – AMBATO – URBINA (B – L – D)

Journey across the Avenue of the Volcanoes, exploration of the Andean woods ecosystem in the El Boliche area, in Cotopaxi National Park, amazing views of Yambo lake and visit to Baltasar, the last ice-harvester in the Chimborazo slopes. Overnight in Riobamba

Day 3 RIOBAMBA – COLTA – GUAMOTE – ALAUSI – DEVIL’s NOSE VIEW POINT – BUCAY (B – L – D)

Riobamba – Colta by steam engine, visit to one of the very last Andean indigenous markets: Guamote. Devil´s nose crossing and the impressive climatic transition while traveling from the Andes Mountain Range to the Pacific Coast. Overnight in Bucay.

Day 4 BUCAY – NARANJITO – YAGUACHI- DURAN (Guayaquil) (B – L – D)

Cacao and chocolate tasting at Naranjito in a Coastal Hacienda. Yaguachi to Duran (Guayaquil) by steam engine. Complimentary shuttle to selected hotels in Guayaquil. End of services.

End of our services

Food Code = (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

LHKTUIO001 *Please note, prices based on twin share, per person, for the informed itinerary. It’s possible to book the option of a single cabin or triple share, contact our office for prices. Optional or Extension tours not included and are at extra cost. The itinerary & pricing can change at any time due to availability & of activities. Please check our website for full terms and conditions*

More information about Ecuador:

Ecuador – The State of the Andes has its name because of its location on the equator. Ecuador is situated in the northwest of South America and borders in the north with Colombia, in the east and south with Peru and bounds in the west upon the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos Islands, situated in the Pacific Ocean, with a distance to the continent of about 1000 km, belongs to the national territory of Ecuador.

More information about your journey:

The journey starts in the northern Andes. While we travel towards Otavalo the highest peak in the equator may appear, the snowcapped Cayambe volcano. The landscape changes constantly: from fertile green valleys to yellow dry forests as we continue to Otavalo and its millenary market. A restored steam engine awaits us at Otavalo train station. While we travel on board the train, many wonders await for us on each stop: skilled woodcarvers who keep the renowned Quiteña School style alive; a tasting of the rich Ecuadorian Gastronomy, and local traditions featured in weavers, musicians and healers. Next on our journey, we will descend 3600 metres (11811 ft.) from the heights of the Andes to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, traveling along the famous “Avenue of Volcanoes”. Here, the Andes split into two ranges that run to the south. The fertile valley trapped inbetween these imposing zone walls is home to a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity.

Pristine landscapes, endemic species of wildlife and flora, indigenous cultures as well as archaeological and historical remains are scattered everywhere, guarded by magnificent volcanoes. The train leaves behind Cotopaxi volcano and the National Park and slowly climbs across purple-tinged quinoa fields towards Urbina station, the highest point in on our route at 3609 m.a.s.l. (11843 f.a.s.l). There, protected by majestic, powerful Chimborazo volcano awaits Baltazar Ushca, the last “ice-harvester” and guardian of this ancestral trade. After a visit to Guamote traditional indigenous market, the mythical “nariz del diablo” pass awaits; a vertiginous descent of 450 metres (1476 ft.) that signals the transition from the Andes to the tropical lowlands. The landscape changes as we leave the narrow gorge of the Chanchan River and its cloud forest and ride into the wide, fertile tropical plains. Rice, banana, cocoa, pineapple and sugar cane plantations pass before our eyes as the steam engine whistles its way towards the Pacific Coast and the end of our trip.

More information on visa requirements:

Visas are not required for Australians when the maximum stay is 90 days.

For more information consult your nearest Ecuadorian embassy/consulate.