See the country a different way, take a different track, and board our exclusive and unique "Chiva Express" to leisurely enjoy a colorful ride along the original railroad descending from the Andes to the Coast.
The fun of riding the "Chiva" has been combined with the historic Trans-Andean rail ride, down the famous Devil's Nose from Quito in the Andean Highlands all the way down to Guayaquil on the coast. In 2005 three brand new "Chivas", were specially built with capacity for 34 guests, with comfortable seating, large windows, toilet facilities and bar. Guests can enjoy a comfortable ride inside or the fun and exhilarating experience of 'riding the roof'.
Highlights
* 'Ride the roof' of the Chiva Express with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador.
* Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks.
* Go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world.
* Experience the transition from Andean ecosystems to the lush tropical coastal vegetation. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1
Start in Quito, bus ride to Tambillo.
Board Chiva Express and start cruising along the tracks. Snack is served.
Overnight in Riobamba.
Day 2
Breakfast served, continue ride over Andes and down Devil's Nose switchbacks. Arrive in Bucay and proceed to Guayaquil.
End at Airport where you can stay overnight or fly back to Quito. ...see full itinerary
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
This is a one-of-a-kind trip along a track that is centuries old. It's an exclusive and unique adventure through the Andean countryside and the coastal lowlands. ...view more details
DAY 1
The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the station of Tambillo, where the "Chiva Express", a colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart. A highlight of the trip is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks. A snack is served at the Station of Machachi. Then 'ride the roof' up the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano. Continue by bus to visit an Indian market, lunch and overnight at Riobamba, located at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano.
DAY 2
After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the "Chiva Express" for a scenic ride to Alausí. Twist and turn over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges. Arrive 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. Continue by motorcar to the station of Huigra and again board the "Chiva Express" to descend from the Andes to the coastal plains. On the ride to Bucay, you will experience - right before your eyes! - the transition from Andean ecosystems to the lush tropical coastal vegetation: bananas, oranges, pineapples, ginger and wooden farm houses on stilts. Arrive to the town of Bucay and then proceed by road to Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil. End at the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Air ticket Guayaquil / Quito is extra.
* Accommodations in Riobamba
* All meals are included
Not Included
Not Included
* Air ticket Guayaquil/Quito is extra
Notes
Trip Notes
Please note that exact routes and programs may vary depending on the weather, condition of the railway or safety reasons. The safety of our guests is our utmost priority.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
A Chiva is a typical, old-fashioned Latin American bus, with plenty of room. In Quito, these buses have taken on a new lease of life as party vehicles with adapted, high-sided roofs.
It has comfortable seating, large windows, toilet facilities and bar.
Transportation Types
Private Bus
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
Overnight in Riobamba will be at either Andaluza or Abraspungo Hotels.
Lodging Types
1 Nights Lodge
Toilet Facilities
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
As pioneers of ecotourism in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, we are totally committed to the conservation of all ecosystems, natural and urban habitats and people’s well being. We support and contribute to the preservation of the environment, scientific investigation, education, and permanently promote environmental awareness among our personnel, local communities and guests through our direct participation in the operation of sustainable tourism and the creation in 1998 of the Galapagos Ecuador Foundation which finances two major projects: garbage recycling and coastal cleaning.
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
The Chiva Express has comfortable seating, large windows, toilet facilities and bar.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
All guides are bilingual.
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
All safety and fire prevention measures are always implemented on all of our trips.
For Galapagos trips there is a resident physician aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ and ISABELA II. Life jackets are mandatory for all "panga" rides (outboard motorized Zodiacs).
Minimum Age
6
Maximum Age
None
Elevation Range (Max, Min)
11k to sea level
Average Temperatures
Day averages: 50° to 77° F (10° C to 25° C) Night averages: 43° to 50° F (6° C to 10° C)
Weather
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.
Yachts - Ships - Live Aboard Boats
Boat Speed
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Metropolitan Touring
Why should I choose this provider?
Metropolitan Touring pioneered tourism and expedition voyages to the Galapagos Islands and are the leaders in the operation of exciting, innovative and imaginative tours and excursions in continental Ecuador.
Provider Policies
Cancellation Policies
A deposit of US$150 per person is required at time of booking, refundable on cancellation with at least 60 days' notice. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Special policies apply for groups.
Calculate your carbon footprint and offset with carbon credits for a carbon neutral trip. Learn more...
TESTIMONIALS
We are back from a fabulous time at the Refugio Amazonas! I have nothing but raves about it all! Thanks for your help in getting us to this great place!
-- Susan L, Refugio Amazonas Family Adventure
We just got back from Peru on Sunday. It was a GREAT trip. We thoroughly enjoyed it! The highlight was truly the trek to Machu Picchu. Thanks for all of your help in making the trip very special. Everything went off without a hitch. We were very impressed.
-- Mary Ann, B., Multi-Activity Peru
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo
I want to say I LOVED the trip. ECOCAMP was divine. Really amazing setting. The mix of people in the group was healthy. We all liked each other enough to dine every meal together.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - All Aboard the Chiva Express! (2D/ 1N)
