CHIVA EXPRESS QUITO-RIOBAMBA-GUAYAQUIL - 2 DAYS/1 NIGHT:
Monday and Wednesday
This CHIVA EXPRESS journey a unique and exclusive product of
Metropolitan Touring is a great way to experience the best of mainland Ecuador, from the
Andean patchwork countryside to the lush tropical coastal lowlands. An intense 2-day
trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito all the way to Cuenca in the south and
then by plane to Guayaquil on the coast.
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 at Riobamba 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, 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, where a snack is served. Continue south along the Andes by
motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca along he way –box
lunch is provided. Arrive to the airport of Cuenca in time to catch the plane to
Guayaquil. Air ticket Cuenca/Guayaquil is included. Transfer from airport to hotel
in Guayaquil is not included please request separately.
Dress in
layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a warm coat, gloves and rain
protection. Sun protection (SPF 40). Hat or cap. Good walking
shoes.
Itineraries updated July 2009 and subject to
change without notice
