Ecuador - CHIVA EXPRESS (Quito - Riobamba - Cuenca)

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.

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 south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk. Box lunch en-route. 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 Bartolome; Chordeleg, famous for gold and silver jewelry and Ikat weavings on ancient shuttle looms. Visit lovely orchid gardens with over 2500 species and then lunch at an attractive hostel, very popular with the locals. After lunch, follow the road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with weeping willows, past the village of Gualaceo to return to Cuenca in time to catch the return flight.