CHIVA EXPRESS - QUITO-RIOBAMBA-CUENCA – 4 DAYS-3 NIGHTS:
Mondays Wednesdays, Fridays
The first half of this four-day voyage is along the Avenue of the
Volcanoes from Quito to beautiful Cuenca in the south; among spectacular scenery from the
roof of the CHIVA EXPRESS with many stops along the way for a close contact with the
indigenous cultures, haciendas, plantations and a taste of the products of the land.
The second half is dedicated to the cultural and natural experience of exploring the
charms of Cuenca and the Valley of Gualaceo.
DAY 1. - The adventure starts at the
Station of Chimbacalle in southern Quito, which is being restored to its old glory, to commemorate the
centenary of the arrival of the first steam train of the Guayaquil & Quito Railway Co.
to Quito in 1908, an event that joined Ecuador’s main cities (Guayaquil and Quito)
and became the backbone that would forever change the politics, economy and the lives of
the Ecuadorians. Here awaits Metropolitan’s unique "Chiva Express", a
colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks, ready to take guests on a trip along the
stunning Andean region of Ecuador. The first leg of the Chiva Express ride goes from
Quito to the Machachi Station. A stop
is made along the way at dairy Hacienda La Alegría, where guests are welcomed by the
owner, served a snack and can see the milking process of the cows, plus horses and llamas.
At Machachi Station, guests are transferred to a bus to
continue along the Pan American Highway, up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano,
and into the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation to observe the
beautiful variety of Ecuadorian roses, ready for exportation, and a taste of the products
of the land, specially broccoli and potatoes- harvested that same morning- with lima beans
and fresh cheese. Continue by bus to Urbina Train Station, up high, at the foot of
imposing Chimborazo Volcano, visit a Tagua workshop and warm up with a canelazo and cholas
by the fireplace and, if the Chimborazo is clear, an amazing sunset. Then continue by bus
to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2.-
After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the "Chiva
Express" for an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging
ravines and river gorges. Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational
Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability. Continue aboard the Chiva to
Alausí, where a snack is served, and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch
backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to
Alausí. Continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the
Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch. Accommodations
and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca
DAY
03.- Today guests will enjoy a full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the
beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very
special. Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant.
DAY
04.- The day starts with a ride along the Santa Ana valley and then high in
the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb. Stops are
made at the small towns that produce a variety of handcrafts, such as artistic handmade
guitars at San Bartolo and alongside orchards and sugar cane plantations, on to Chordeleg,
famous for gold and silver jewelry. Then past the village of Gualaceo, follow
the road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with weeping willows, to Bulcay
where shawl and scarves are woven with the ancient technique of Ikat (tie dyed warp
to form specific designs, on ancient shuttle looms. Visit lovely orchid gardens with
over 2500 species and then lunch at an attractive hostel, surrounded by flowery gardens,
close to the Paute River. After lunch, return to Cuenca in time to catch the return
flight.
Dress in
layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a warm coat for evening
and rain protection.. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat
or cap. Good walking shoes.
CHIVA EXPRESS - QUITO-RIOBAMBA-CUENCA – 3 DAYS-2 NIGHTS:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
A three-day trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to
beautiful Cuenca in the south; among spectacular scenery from the roof of the CHIVA
EXPRESS with many stops along the way for a close contact with the indigenous cultures,
haciendas, plantations and a taste of the products of the land. The third day is
dedicated to the cultural and natural experience of exploring the charms of Cuenca, with
its cobblestone streets and flowering plazas.
DAY 1 - The adventure starts at the
Station of Chimbacalle in southern Quito, which is being restored to its old glory, to commemorate the
centenary of the arrival of the first steam train of the Guayaquil & Quito Railway Co.
to Quito in 1908, an event that joined Ecuador’s main cities (Guayaquil and Quito)
and became the backbone that would forever change the politics, economy and the lives of
the Ecuadorians. Here awaits Metropolitan’s unique "Chiva Express", a
colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks, ready to take guests on a trip along the
stunning Andean region of Ecuador. The first leg of the Chiva Express ride goes from
Quito to the Machachi Station. A stop
is made along the way at dairy Hacienda La Alegría, where guests are welcomed by the
owner, served a snack and can see the milking process of the cows, plus horses and llamas.
At Machachi Station, guests are transferred to a bus to
continue along the Pan American Highway, up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano,
and into the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation to observe the
beautiful variety of Ecuadorian roses, ready for exportation, and a taste of the products
of the land, specially broccoli and potatoes- harvested that same morning- with lima beans
and fresh cheese. Continue by bus to Urbina Train Station, up high, at the foot of
imposing Chimborazo Volcano, visit a Tagua workshop and warm up with a canelazo and cholas
by the fireplace and, if the Chimborazo is clear, an amazing sunset. Then continue by bus
to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.
DAY
2 - After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the
"Chiva Express" for an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes,
along bridging ravines and river gorges. Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a
short visit to an Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability.
Continue aboard the Chiva to Alausí, where a snack is served, and prepare to go
down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail
engineering in the world, and back to Alausí. Continue south along the Andes by
motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a
stop for lunch. Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca.
DAY
03 - Today guests will enjoy a full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the
beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very
special. Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant. Late afternoon transfer to the
airport to take the flight to Quito. Air ticket Cuenca/Quito is not included.
Dress in
layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat) and rain protection. Sun protection (SPF 40)
even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.
Itineraries updated July 26, 2009 and
subject to change without notice.
