Ecuador - CHIVA EXPRESS (Quito - Riobamba - Guayaquil or Quito)

This program allows guests to have a comprehensive, close-up contact with the locals, a working dairy farm, visit plantations, admire the handicrafts, try the local flavors and ride atop the three Chiva Express vehicles in an exhilarating Rail & Road experience from the Andes down to the Coast, past the famous Devil’s Nose switchbacks, with overnight in Riobamba, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano. Upon arrival to Guayaquil, guests can take the flight back to Quito that same evening.

Departs: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday (2007) and Monday, Wednesday and Friday (2008)

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. Stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas. Then the Chiva advances up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano and the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation and a taste of the products of the land (potatoes and broccoli picked that same morning). Continue by bus to Riobamba, and at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano, visit a Tagua workshop and warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. Dinner and overnight at Riobamba,

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 by motorcar to the station of Huigra and again board another "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 ecosistems to the lush tropical coastal vegetation: bananas, oranges, pineapples, ginger and wooden farm houses on stilts. Box lunch en-route. 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.