TRAIN OF WONDERS
QUITO – GUAYAQUIL
Train of Wonders
Our journey begins in the northern Andes of Ecuador, in the valley of Otavalo, where we will discover traditional cultures, handicrafts, and modern export-class rose plantations.
From Quito we will start our trip to the coast, first climbing to the Chimborazo volcano moorlands along the Avenue of Volcanoes.
The Mythical “Devil’s Nose” pass awaits with its vertiginous zig-zag. Riding along the Chanchán river canyon we leave the highlands behind. We cross a cloud forest, then ride along the tropical plantations to the end of our trip in Guayaquil. We reach the shores of the Pacific Ocean after 504 km or rail and a 12,000 ft. descent to the sea.
The train will arrive at Hacienda La Danesa on the third day.
Why book with Hacienda La Danesa?
Guests will spend the night at Hacienda La Danesa on the third night for a unique experience exclusive to our guests. The passenger who do not book the train with Hacienda La Danesa stay at a tourist-class hotel on this night.
Rates
Rates:
Standard $1650,00 per person (double acomodation)
Standard Child $1485,00*
Supplement $247,50
Standard Child $1485,00*
Supplement $247,50
* Rates for children apply from 2 years old to 11 years and 11 months old.
* Access to differentiated rates upon presentation of enabling documents.
2017 Rates and Departures are subject to change without prior notice.
Departures 2017
DEPARTURES:
3 / 17 / 31 jan | 14 / 28 feb | 14 / 28 mar | 11 / 25 apr | 9 / 23 may | 20 jun | 4 / 18 jul | 1 / 15 / 29 aug | 12 / 26 sep | 10 / 24 oct | 7 / 21 nov | 5 / 19 dec
Departures 2018
DEPARTURES:
2 / 16 / 30 jan | 13 / 27 feb | 13 / 27 mar | 10 / 24 apr | 8 / 22 may | 5 / 19 jun | 3 / 17 / 31 jul | 14 / 28 aug | 11 / 25 sep | 9 / 23 oct | 6 / 27 nov | 11 dec
Itinerary
Day 01
Quito – Otavalo – San Roque – Andrade Marin – San Antonio – Ibarra
6:30 am Departure from Swissôtel.
*Otavalo-Ibarra with steam engine.
*Quito-Otavalo/ Ibarra-Quito by tourist bus
San Roque: Music and textile weaving
Andrade Marín: Visit to Imbabura Textiles Museum
San Antonio: Woodcarvers
Cayambe: Roses and Lunch
Return trip to Quito, dinner and night.
Day 02
Quito – Boliche – Ambato – Urbina
6:30 am Departure from Swissôtel to Chimbacalle Train Station
Andean Forest trail in El Boliche recreational natural area.
Lunch on Board
Urbina: Artisans’ Square and meeting with The Last ice Merchant of Chimborazo.
Dinner and night in Riobamba.
Day 03
Riobamba – Colta – Guamote – Alausi – Mirador Nariz del Diablo – Bucay
*Riobamba – Colta with steam engine.
Guamote: ancestral Andean market. Visit.
Lunch on Board
Alausi: Devil’s Nose descent and Pistishi lookout
Bucay: Dinner and night.
Day 04
Bucay – Naranjito – Yaguachi – Durán (Guayaquil)
Cocoa and chocolate tasting in Hacienda
Montubio culture exhibition
Yaguachi to Duran with steam engine.
Transfer to the hotel in Guayaquil for overnight.
What is included?
The program includes transportation aboard Tren Crucero, all meals during the trip, snacks and soft drinks on board, guide in Spanish and English*, excursions according to the itinerary, transportation by bus/van during the program for excursions and accommodation based on double occupancy. In the Guayaquil to Quito route, once the train has arrived at Eloy Alfaro Train Station (Quito), you will be transferred for overnight**.
*Guidance in languages other than Spanish and English as Italian, French, German, Portuguese and Japanese can be provided on request. It is subject to availability and applies an extra cost.
**Day 4: Dinner is not included. Breakfast included for the next day.
What is extra?
Taxes, alcoholic beverages (Tren Crucero offers wine, beer and whiskey), meals and excursions not included in the program, air tickets, personal expenses, gratuities or transfers to hotels different from the ones listed here.
Passengers are recommended to purchase travel insurance.
Travel Tips
Clothing: Wear layers, a jacket for cold weather and a light coat for the rain (coast). Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen with high SPF, repellant, sunglasses. Don’t forget your camera!
Altitude: It ranges from 80 to 3,610 meters above sea level. The temperature ranges from 14° to 35° C.
Important: Duran station is 30 minutes away from Guayaquil. Take it into account to ensure you arrive on time for check-in. In Quito, Swissôtel is located in the city of Quito, Avenida 12 de Octubre y Luis Cordero. Unusued services are not refunded. Consult with our sales department about the possibility of boarding Tren Crucero Train of Wonders (southbound) in Otavalo.