Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito

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1 Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito OR Palace Tours - Luxury Tours Collection 20 Wall Street, Princeton, New Jersey USA Telephone: Call Us Take the most luxurious train experience - The Tren Crucero in South America from Guayaquil to Quito SPECIAL OFFER! Book the Tren Crucero for two guests (in double occupancy) now and choose any one of the following FREE : One Night at the Wyndham Hotel, Guayaquil before your train trip.* OR One Night at the Swiss Hotel, Quito after your train trip.* take any of our trips to Colombia as an extension and get 10% off on your total price for all tours! A luxury experience from Guayaquil to Quito by train! Onboard the Tren Crucero you will climb 3,600 meters from the coast to the Andes, and experience one of the most dramatic changes in vegetation and scenery in the world. The train travels through the coastal plains into a dense cloud forest that slowly clears before the imposing walls of the Andes and the looming Nariz del Diablo pass. Here the train will slowly zigzag its way up the daunting tracks to arrive at the quaint village of Alausi in the Andean Highlands. From then onwards, imposing volcanoes preside over the landscape as the train cruises through colorful quinoa fields and lands dotted with grazing herds of sheep, llama, and alpaca. On the eastern flanks of the Chimborazo volcano you may meet the last ice merchant" and sample ice cream made from fresh fruit and ice from the glacier! You will then make a slow descent towards Quito across the Avenue of Volcanoes, where you may visit a mountain forest as the Cotopaxi Volcano looms in the distance. After this you will pass through the Northern Andes, where you can spot the Cayambe Volcano while you cross rose plantations and livestock farms. In the impressive city of Otavalo, home to a large handcraft market, a steam engine will await you at the recently restored train station. There will be many wonders in store for you on this section of the tour: skilled Quiteña style woodcarvers, rich Ecuadorian Gastronomy, and local traditions used by weavers, musicians, and healers. Your journey ends back in Quito, with a visit to its World Heritage Colonial Quarter.* Unique Experiences: Let history come to life as an authentic steam locomotive carries you through some of the most exciting parts of the journey. Climb the Devil's Nose, a masterpiece of engineering that is known as the most challenging railroad anywhere in the world. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes visible only by train! Enjoy accommodations in historical farm houses, called haciendas, where you will experience local customs and cuisine! Avail yourself of the professional staff devoted to attending to your needs. Need an extension to your tour? Want to see other wonders of Ecuador during your visit? Click here! Itinerary Train departs at 8:30 am from the Eloy Alfaro Train Station in Duran. Your tour will be starting at the Eloy Alfaro Station in Duran. Please arrive at the station promptly at 7:30 AM to ensure you have time to check in and board the train, which will depart at 8:30 AM. Upon arrival at the Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 1/17

2 train station, you will see a check-in station for Tren Crucero: Please present your voucher, along with valid photo ID, to the representative. All necessary paperwork, as applicable, will be handed over to you at this time. **Remember to be in the train station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure with your personal identification. Embarkation and Disembarkation: Prior to the train's departure, guests have a meet and greet in Duran If a guest plans on joining Tren Crucero at a station besides Duran, train staff will be available to assist him or her. Day 1 - Saturday: Greetings and Chocolate Please Note: All itineraries are approximate and subject to change based on availability and conditions at the destination. Our journey to the Andes begins in Duran train station where we will board a convoy pulled by a carefully restored steam locomotive. The roaring engine, steam whistles and steel wheels over the railways will take us back in time to the early XIX century and the adventurous experience that is the Tren Crucero. Our first stop is Yaguachi, were we will switch engines to continue our trip across vast plantations of sugar cane, banana, rice and pineapple until we reach the Naranjito station. A short bus transfer will take us to a local hacienda were we will learn about the cocoa bean and we will be part of the chocolate making process. Ecuadorian cocoa beans are considered to be the best of the world and you would have the opportunity to taste them while we visit the hacienda. In the afternoon a montubio show will welcome us before we taste the delicious food of the coast of Ecuador. A bus transfer will take us to Bucay were we will take a hike around the tropical forest, home of countless plants, birds and orchids that will marvel us with their different sizes and exuberant colours. We will check in at our hotel and prepare for dinner. Meals: Lunch Dinner Cacao Plantation Tren Crucero Exterior Day 2 - Sunday: Traverse the Devil's Nose! Witness first- hand how chocolate is made in Ecuador Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 2/17

3 Our next day adventure continues by bus when we climb the Andes on a pleasant 4 hours drive. During this ride we will look at the amazing changes in, landscape from the peaceful green plains of the coast to the colossal Andean mountains that cast their shadows on the road. Our destination is the town of Alausi were we will embark on a thrilling adventure on board the famous Devil s Nose train. Upon arrival at Alausi Train station we will join a restored XX century convoy and we will start our trip to the Devil s Nose pass, a 450-meter descend in barely 12 kilometres on a zig-zagging railway that allows the locomotive to pull forwards and backwards the convoy to reach its destination, Sibambe train station. At Sibambe a colourful Andean community ballet will welcome us. Many are the histories that tell us why this pass was baptized as La Nariz del Diablo or The Devil s Nose, from the shape of the mountain that awakens our imagination to the number of human lives that took to overcome this nearly impossible obstacle. After our thrilling adventure of The Devil s Nose, we will take a bus ride to Guamote. Lunch will be served on board and afterwards we will continue or journey north to Colta were an impressive steam engine locomotive known as The Black Monster will be waiting for us. This huge steam engine was carefully overhauled and is strong enough to pull convoys over the railways of the Andes where the altitude and lack of oxygen makes this a titanic task. Once we arrive to Riobamba a bus transfer will take us to our hotel for a delicious meal and a good night sleep. Meals included. Breakfast Lunch Dinner Beautiful and Colorful Alausi Devil's Nose Train View from Train Day 3 - Monday: Ice, Forests, and Volcanoes We depart for Urbina train station, the highest point in our itinerary at 3,600 metres above sea level. There, on the eastern flanks of the Chimborazo Volcano, we meet the fascinating last ice merchant, Baltazar Ushca, to tell the tale of his ancestral trade. We continue north across the Avenue of Volcanoes a term coined by Alexander Von Humboldt due to the impressive number of volcanoes present in this part of the Andean mountain range. In between the two flanks of the Andes colourful valleys extend for many miles, offering you unique landscapes along the way. While our train continues making its way up north the devils will take over the train. A picturesque and ancestral tradition the Diablada Pillareña parade will add a touch of joy and music to this beautiful day. Under the watchful eyes of the Cotopaxi our train will makes its way to of the local haciendas to take part on the daily farm activities. At the hacienda we will be greet by the chagras the cowboys of the Andes, who will share part of their culture with you. We arrive to Quito train Station located in the traditional neighbourhood of Chimbacalle were a bus will be waiting for us to take us to our hotels for dinner and a peaceful night at this UNESCO Cultural Heritage City. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 3/17

4 Train Interior Day 4 - Tueday: Otavalo and Quito Our journey continues in the morning with a 2 hours bus ride north across rose plantations and charming mountains that seem to be patched up in different colours by the many plantations along the way. Our destination will be the valley of Otavalo in the Imbabura Province. Otavalo is home of ancient cultures, skilled craftspeople and the worldrenowned Otavalo market. We arrive at San Roque Train station where we will embark a panoramic convoy on a journey full of hidden wonders, musicians, painters, weavers and the skilful woodcarvers who keep the complicated Quito School of Art style alive. Delve yourself into this amazing world of colours and textures while we explore the northern routes of the Ecuadorian railway. After our train trip we will visit Hacienda la Compania, located close to the equatorial line, this XVIII century hacienda will amaze you with its export-class rose plantation and exquisite Andean cuisine. After lunch we will return to Quito. Meals included. Breakfast Lunch Nature Walk in Cotopaxi National Arrival in the Beautiful Capital City Park of Quito, Ecuador Day 5 - Wednesday: End of Tour in Quito Visit the Llamas at San Augustin de Callo Hacienda Check out of your hotel after breakfast. While your tour ends today, we would love to offer you a number of the optional activities in and around Quito including: Day at the Mindo Cloud Forest City Tour of Quito and visit to the Middle of the World Tour to Papallacta for a spa day at the hot springs. You can also choose a trip to the Galapagos Islands with us where you can enjoy a cruise or an island hopping tour - We got the best deals and experts that will make it happen for you. Need more? Contact us and we will be happy to assist with more extensions. Destination Information Bucay Bucay (also known as General Antonio Elizalde) is a town located on the eastern edge of Guayas, Ecuador, near the Chimborazo province. It is the seat of General Antonio Elizalde Canton (Bucay Canton). As of the census of 2001, Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 4/17

5 there are 8,690 people residing within canton limits. This canton is one of the newest in Guayas, as it was created in Duran Durán, is a canton located in the province of Guayas, Ecuador, near the confluence of Daule & Babahoyo rivers, where Guayas River begins. Its township or capital is Eloy Alfaro, urban parish. The canton was created in 1986 during the presidential period of Leon Febrescodero through a presidential decree. Guayaquil Guayaquil is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador, with around 3.75 million people in the metropolitan area, as well as the nation's main port. The city is the capital of the Ecuadorian province of Guayas and the seat of the namesake canton. Guayaquil is located on the western bank of the Guayas River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Guayaquil. Ibarra A city with incredible history, and the capital of the Imbabura province of northern Ecuador. Otavalo Otavalo, capital of Otavalo Canton, is a largely indigenous town in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador. The town has about 90,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura, and Mojanda volcanoes. Quito Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,800 meters above sea level), it is the highest capital city in the world housing the administrative, legislative and judicial functions. It is located in north-central Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. With a population of 2,239,191 according to the last census (2010), Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador, after Guayaquil. It is also the capital of the Pichincha province and the seat of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The canton recorded a population of 1,842,201 residents in the 2001 national census. In 2008, the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. Riobamba Riobamba (full name San Pedro de Riobamba) is the capital of the Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador, which is located at the Chambo River Valley of the Andes. It is 200 km (120 mi) south of Ecuador's capital Quito and located at 2754 m on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The city is an important regional transport center as well as being a stop on the Pan-American Highway that runs through Ecuador. Riobamba stands as one of the largest cities in the central portion of Ecuador's Sierra region. Urbina Urbina is a small, quaint village in the shadow of the mountain Chimborazo. Farms dot the rolling, grassy hills, where people raise donkeys, llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs. Yaguachi Yaguachi is a town in the Guayas province of Ecuador. The town is best known for its cheese, thought to be made from a special breed of goat that can only survive in the exact climate of this region. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 5/17

6 Price Chart All Rates in US$ per person including ALL taxes and surcharges Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Gold Luxury - Full Tour Luxury - Full Tour with twin bed For departures June 9,2018 through December 28,2019 For departures June 9,2018 through December 27,2019 For departures June 9,2018 through December 28,2019 US$ 2,722 US$ 2,322 N/A US$ 2,082 US$ 1,735 US$ 1,735 US$ 2,082 US$ 1,735 US$ 1,735 Departures Jun ,23 Jul Aug ,18 Sep ,15 Oct ,27 Nov Dec ,15 Jan ,26 Feb ,23 Mar ,23 Apr ,20 Jun Jul ,27 Aug ,24 Sep ,13,21 Oct ,19 Nov ,16,30 Dec ,27,28 Prices are subject to change without notice in case of extreme circumstances. Children Under 12 are allowed child fare but they have to pay along side with 2 Adults (triple room). What your journey prices includes: Accommodations in haciendas/hotels for the four nights you tour Ecuador with Tren Crucero All meals (except dinner on day 4) for the duration of your tour Complimentary water, tea, coffee, juices, snacks, and fruits on board the train Transportation to and from, and participation in, off-train excursions as described in the tour itinerary as well as the services of bilingual (Spanish and English) guides. What your journey price DOES NOT include: Airfare (Domestic or international); visa fees; travel insurance fees; alcoholic beverages; gratuities; additional toiletries; laundry service fees; any items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs; any items not specifically described in the tour itinerary. Unless specifically mentioned, any pre- or post-tour accommodations, transfers to and from hotels at the beginning and end of the tour, or tour extensions are not included in the price of your journey. All Ecuadorian citizens participating in this excursion must pay an additional tax equivalent to 14% of their total tour price. Special Promotions (Online Coupons) cannot be combined with free hotel offer. Guests have choice of choosing any one promotion. Accommodation Hosteria D'Franco, Bucay (3) Bucay Beautiful hacienda located in the town of Bucay. D'Franco Hacienda offers guests a chance to experience the Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 6/17

7 captivating natural landscapes of Ecuador, welcomed by comfortable and charming accommodations. Facilities D'Franco Hacienda offers not only elegant and comfortable guest rooms and personalilzed service but also: a cafe, a restaurant, and an Italian trattoria and bar (with Karaoke night!, spa services, sauna, gym, and pool, Internet-access, Meeting rooms, Local Artisan works Hacienda La Danesa, Bucay () KM. 67 Autopista Naranjito Bucay, Guayas Founded in 1870, La Danesa is located near one of the oldest railway stations in the Ecuador Montubia coast region, between Naranjito and Bucay, in the warm embrace of the wonderful Andes. Helge Olsen Friss, was of Danish origin who acquired the property to develop his passion for farming and the countryside, and he managed to turn it into a traditional working farm of 500 hectares that is currently owned by the Olsen Peet family. For 20 consecutive years, Niels Olsen Pons, has been recognized as the best dairy farmer of the Ecuadorian coast with his Brown Swiss cattle. With the passing of years, the work of Niels, and the careful little details added by Sonia, have all transformed La Danesa into a magical home where Kristel, Niels (JR) and Erik had been brought up. They had the opportunity to enjoy a life surrounded by animals and nature, away from traffic and pollution of the city. Inspired by sharing their love for nature and the comfort of food, they open the doors of La Danesa as a sustainable tourist destination that seeks to rescue and celebrate life in the Ecuadorian countryside through authentic experiences. Source: Casa Gangotena, Quito (5) Quito Voted the number one hotel in Quito by travelers, Casa Gangotena showcases the epitome of luxury travel. Located right in Old Town Quito, Casa Gangotena combines the colonial culture and history of Ecuador with new modern twists, while providing the utmost service possible to their valued guests. Be sure to enjoy a local cocktail on the rooftop terrace and admire the incredible views of Quito. Facilities - Unique and comfortable guest room accommodations - Afternoon Tea - Centrally located - Historical value Swisshotel Quito, Quito (5) Swissotel Quito Av.12 de Octubre 1820 y Luis P.O. Box, Swissotel Quito is one of the city's top five-star luxury hotel, conveniently located in the Floresta neighborhood of Quito both a commercial and residential area,very close to all the most important Quito attractions. Enjoy a bit of luxury in the city, with many amenities to keep all guests satisfied Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 7/17

8 Facilities - Five on-site restaurants - Indoor Pool - Complimentary Internet - 24 hours room service - 20 meeting rooms - Amrita Spa with more than 80 treatments available - Indoor and outdoor swimming pool - Fitness Center - Squash, racquet ball and tennis courts - Steam bath and Jacuzzi - Business Center - Concierge Hotel Plaza Grande, Quito (5) García Moreno y Chile, García Moreno N5-16 Hotel Plaza Grande is one of the most luxurious five-star hotels in Quito. Centrally located right in the Plaza de la Independencia in the Historic Center right next to the Carondelet Palace and the Archbishop's Palace. The hotel has 15 suites, furnished with fine woods and based upon designs from Spanish colonial times, these suites combine the taste of vintage times with minimal detail that modern hotels of 5 stars require. Facilities - On-site bar & restaurant with incredible views of El Panecillo and Quito as a whole - Luxurious accommodations full of history with all modern day comforts Abraspungo Hacienda, Riobamba (4) Riobamba You'll be welcomed to this hacienda by incredible views, as it is located at 9,000 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes, and by a rich colonial feel in the architecture and their history, explicit of their past. The ownership is dedicated to providing the best guest experience possible! Facilities Lodging in comfortable and cosy rooms - On-site restaurant with world renowned chefs - On-site bar - Meeting Space - Laundry Service - Mail Service - Wireless Internet - Free phone calls to the USA and Canada - International phone line - Spa services - Game room with billiards, darts, foozeball and board games Business centre; Room service; Handicraft shop; Tennis and volleyball courts; Playgrounds for children; Games room for adults displaying pool table, table football, dart boards and different table games. La Andaluza Hosteria, Riobamba (4) Riobamba The history of this hacienda goes all the way back to it's beginning in 1555! Built in traditional style, the hacienda adds a touch of luxury for all guests with lavish guest rooms and many amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Facilities - Restaurant - Cafe - Bar - Wine Cellar ** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Suggested Extension Tours Need an Extension? Add On One of These Tours for the Perfect Trip! Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 8/17

9 Consider any of these packages for an incredible addition to any Tren Crucero tour: Cuenca Express, 3 Days/ 2 Nights: Cuenca is a majestic city full of history and life, located in the Southern Andes of Ecuador. The third largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca is well-known for its close proximity to the famous Ingapirca Ruins, but this city has so much to discover on its own, starting with the main plaza can be dated all the way back to the mid-1500s! Do a city tour to experience Cuenca in its entirety, with stops at some of the most fantastic and well-preserved ruins in all of Ecuador! Quito Express, 3 Days/ 2 Nights: Discover the most important attractions in the world renowned city of Quito, Ecuador (an UNESCO World Heritage city). Experience the culture and history while sightseeing and visiting the cultural marvels of this captivating city including the famous Mitad del Mundo, or the "Middle of the World", monument. You won't want to leave! Quito Transit, 2 Days/ 1 Nights: Just passing through? Take your choice between an all-inclusive downtown city tour or Mitad del Mundo, or the "Middle of the World", monument. A perfect way to cover the highlights in little time. Quito with Otavalo Experience, 4 Days/ 3 Nights: Experience the majestic city of Quito with a full-city tour including the famous Mitad del Mundo monument and museum with an additional day excursion to the famous market town of Otavalo. Take in all of the incredible colors of the market, where you will be immersed in Ecuadorian culture more than anywhere else in the country. Do a little shopping to take a little piece of Ecuador home with you! Ride the Ecuadorian Railways on the famous Freedom Train, Tren de la Libertad to see even more of the incredible Ecuadorian landscapes. The Ecuadorian Amazon by Cruise, 3 or 4 Nights/ 4 or 5 Days: Ride through the Ecuadorian Amazon in the M/V Anakonda cruise boat, while experiencing the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon, visit Kichwa reserves and interpretation centers and visit the world-famous Yasuni National Park. Baños Ecuador, 2 Day/ 1 Night: Experience the magic of the adventure capital of Ecuador... Baños! Visit incredible cascading falls, and meet the local Salasaca people- both experiences not to be missed! Otavalo Market, 2 Day / 1 Night: Visit one of the largest markets in South America with this trip to Otavalo where you will experience a local fruit tasting, the beautiful natural Cuicocha Crater Lake, buy leather goods in Cotacachi- a town famous for their leather craft, and ride the Liberty Train through the incredible Ecuadorian landscapes to a salt mine museum, and experience a local Afro-Ecuadorian performance. All in 2 days! A trip not to miss. Galapagos Islands Island Hopping 4 Day/ 3 Night: The world-famous Galapagos Islands are one of Ecuador's biggest claims to fame. A destination unparalleled by any other, this trip gives you the opportunity to snorkel through the crystal clear waters, pose with sea lions, explore volcanic craters and see some of the hundreds of birds that are native to these islands. OR Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 9/17

10 Day Trips to Mindo or Papallacta to visit the birding capital of Ecuador or experience luxurious natural hot spring pools! Call us at LUX RAIL ( ) or for availability and pricing information. We would love to help plan the trip of your dreams! Travel Tips & FAQ's General Information On-Board Facilities Tren Crucero has the capacity for 50 passengers to travel in luxury from the peaks of the Andes through the tropical lowlands of Ecuador. The train comes equipped with a bar, lounge areas, four bathrooms, and an observation car at the rear of the train so passengers can fully appreciate the magnificent views visible only by rail. Seats for passengers are pre-assigned. Every day, the train will serve one morning and one afternoon snack inspired by local cuisine. Non-alcoholic beverages, such as hot or iced coffee, fruit juices, iced tea, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, water, mineral water, infusions, and more, are available free of charge and without limitation on board. Food or drink not supplied by the train is not allowed on board. Alcoholic beverages are available on board the train for an additional fee. Guests can open a tab at any point during the journey and can settle it on the final day of the excursion. Tren Crucero accepts U.S. dollars, euros, and major credit cards, but NOT traveler's checks. The train includes a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. For about 90% of Tren Crucero's journey, 3G or 3.5G service is available, but in certain areas this service and/or cell reception will be very weak or unavailable. Expedition leaders carry cell phones also. Tren Crucero is not equipped with internet connectivity or Wi-Fi. Accommodations Guests spend each night in a hacienda/hotel. All haciendas/hotels can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers. Rooms, which range from approximately 20 to 40 square meters, are available in single, double, triple, or twin sizes. Each room has its own private bathroom that includes a shower, but often not a tub. Depending on the day, lunch is served between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and dinner is served from 7:00 p.m. or later. We supply two to three options for dinner, which can be served to each guest. Both Ecuadorian cuisine and international cuisine are available for both meals, and the menu is designed to avoid repetitive meals. Guests can be accommodated separately upon request. Alcoholic beverages are available at haciendas/hotels for an additional fee, charged by the bottle or glass. Wi-fi internet is available at haciendas/hotels. We recommend guests use their own devices to connect to the internet. Doctors are available at haciendas/hotels upon request or emergency. Modern buses transport guests to and from haciendas/hotels. Staff Service Electricity Tren Crucero features a professional staff fluent in both Spanish and English. The crew includes one expedition leader, one bartender, two waitresses, one operational manager, three operational assistants, and one guide for every fifteen guests. Staff fluent in German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, or Russian are available for an extra fee and with advance notice. Please indicate your preference at the time of booking. Ecuador uses 110 V electrical current, and the train is equipped with several 110 V electrical outlets. Guests whose devices do not run on 110 V current must supply their own international adapters. Visa and Travel Documents Visas may be required. Please check with the the nearest/local Ecuadorian embassy/consulate. Palace tours does not assist guests in providing visa or consultancy. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 10/17

11 You can review this web site from the Ecuadorian Government to see the requirements for your nationality to enter the country. Ecuador does not require a yellow fever vaccine. Ecuador has no current malaria or yellow fever alert on any location. Insurance (Personal and Otherwise): Palace Tours strongly recommends the purchase of adequate travel insurance in your country of origin prior to arrival on Tren Crucero to cover injury, illness, death, loss of luggage or effects, or cancellation (For more information on the latter, refer to the Cancellation Policy in our Booking Terms and Conditions). Health Considerations Ecuador does not require a yellow fever vaccination, and the nation has no yellow fever or malaria alerts at any location at this time. Palace Tours strongly recommends you consult your physician for any personal health advice based on your travel itinerary. Palace Tours does not provide medical advise or supply or recommend any kind of medicine or drugs on board the train due to allergies and train rules. Two complete medical kits are available on board the train at all times. The crew has first aid training, including basic CPR training, but they are not certified. They can, however, provide medical assistance while traveling. Pre- and Post-Tour Hotel Accommodations Transfers to the train station from hotels in your city of embarkation are not included in your journey price, but we are happy to arrange them for you for an additional fee. Off-Train Excursions Stations Weather Train guides are always available and will accompany guests on any off-train excursions. Additionally, in certain locations, native guides are employed in conjunction with the train guides. Guests may choose to stay on board the train during excursions, but they may be interrupted by cleaning staff and the crew may be unavailable at these times. Guests may choose to leave excursions and go to the hacienda/hotel early. In these cases, they will be escorted by the expedition leader. In the event a guest must be medically transported from an off-train excursion, they will immediately be escorted by the expedition leader to a nearby hospital or medical facility. All activities listed on the itinerary are approximate and subject to change based on extreme weather or other "on-the-ground" conditions. Stations where Tren Crucero will stop are centrally located within their respective city and are easy to access. Delays at stations are uncommon and normally do not last longer than 20 minutes but may last longer due to conditions on the ground. These delays may be caused by landslides or extreme weather conditions in the Andes Mountain or along the Pacific Coast during the wet season, which impede the operation of the train. Tren Crucero takes you from the peaks of the Andeans to the subtropical lowlands of Ecuador, where you will experience a variety of different weather conditions. Ecuador experiences two major seasons: A dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. During the wet season, humidity is higher, and we recommend bringing a raincoat. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year in Ecuador across her various climate zones. In the highlands, temperatures can range from 5 C/40 F to 25 C/80 F. In the coastal lowlands, temperatures can range from 20 C/70 F to 32 C/90 F. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 11/17

12 1. Are seats pre-assigned Yes, the seats are pre-assigned and the guests can charge specialty drinks ordered on the train to their seat and pay at the end of the journey. 2. What is the capacity of the train? How many crew members are on the train? Are the seats on the train pre-assigned? Capacity is 50 passengers. 1 Expedition Leader, 1 guide per every 15 guests, 1 bartender, 2 waitress, 1 operational manager and 3 operation assistants. Seats are pre-assigned. 3. Are any other languages spoken on board aside from English and Spanish? No, both languages are spoken due to standard. German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese or Russian is available prior request and extra charge. 4. Are there any outlets available for charging phones on the train? Yes, plenty distributed all across the train. 5. Is there any First Aid/medicine available on the train? How do you deal with clients who have problems with high altitudes? Are any of the staff members certified in CPR/ able to provide medical assistance? Yes, there are two complete medic kits on board. Crew has first aid (including basic CPR) training every year, however they are not certified. They are capable to supply medical assistance while travelling. We do not supply or recommend any kind of medicine/drug on board due to allergies and train rules. 6. Where is luggage stored on the train? Is there a luggage restriction per person? Are there any safes/lockers for valuable items to be stored on the train for when customers go on excursions? Luggage is taken on the buses while travelling. Lockers are small and designed to store small carry-ons, however valuables are recommended to be taken with guests all the time since the train is cleaned on every station and at the end of the day. 7. Does the same guide stay with you for the duration of the trip or is there a local guide at each station? What is the procedure for tipping guides? Yes they are available during the whole trip. Native guides are part of certain activities, however the train guides always accompany guests. Tipping is included on the program price. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 12/17

13 8. What kind of voltage is available at haciendas? What kind of adapter is available? (3 pin, 2 pin, etc.) Ecuador uses 110. Adapters are not common on Haciendas/hotels, we recommend guests to bring their own. 9. Can the customer make special requests for meals? Is there extra charge? What kind of dietary needs/restrictions can be accommodated? Yes, we can handle vegetarians, gluten or lactose free diets at no extra charge. Special request for Asian passengers is not available. 10. How are the passengers transported to haciendas? Will there be multiple buses for each group or will the same bus stop at each hacienda? We used modern and A/C coaches during the itinerary. Guests will share buses. As we used one or two hotels in the area, most of the time we use 2 coaches of 30 to 45 seats and separate guests by hotels. However this is not warranted and we might do several bus stops to collect guests in different hotels. This will not exceed 2 stops. 11. How much tip is advised for a client that takes the entire trip? How much tip is advised for clients who take a partial trip? How much is advised to tip when they go for lunch/dinner or for their night stay? In the Haciendas, is there an attendant? Tipping is included on the program price. 10% is suggested for lunch dinner (main course can be calculated on a US$ 20 to US$ 45 per person). Haciendas/hotels do have attendants all the time. 12. Are there any entrance fees for national parks or any other fees for cameras or any of the monuments? Entrance fees are included in the price. In case of professional cameras (reporters or filming purposes) an authorization/fee must be paid in advance (before arrival) to the National Tourism Agency. We must receive a notification while booking. 13. How can currency be exchanged? Are there ATMs available anywhere (hotels, train stations, etc)? Ecuador national currency is US Dollar. ATMs are available only at Ambato and Riobamba cities. We make a short stop at Alausi train station (before of after the Devil`s nose) in case guests require an extra ATM machine. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 13/17

14 14. What kind of food is served for lunch at the different locations?what kind of food is served for dinner at the different locations? Are there a lot of vegetarian options besides fruits/vegetables? Local and/or international food both for lunch and dinner. Menu is designed to avoid repetitive dishes. Ecuadorian gastronomy offers an excellent variety of options for vegetarians including quinoa and other grains (specially maize). 15. What is the weather like? Please explain by seasons temperature ranges (Fahrenheit/Celsius) as well as climate. Temperatures Ranges Zone Maximum Minimum Highlands 25 C 80 F 5 C 40 F Coastlands 32 C 90 F 20 C 70 F Zone Maximum Minimum Highlands 25 C 80 F 5 C 40 F Coastlands 32 C 90 F 20 C 70 F 16. What is the recommended attire on the train? What is the clothing recommendation for hiking/trekking/etc.? What is the dress code for dinners? Casual attire is recommended for the train and dinner. Good walking shoes and dress in layers is strongly suggested. 17. Are visas needed, and for which nationality? Do you assist with visa applications? Visas may be required. Please check with the the nearest/local Ecuadorian embassy/consulate. Palace tours doesn't assist guests providing visa or consultancy. You can review this web site from the Ecuadorian Government to see the requirements for your nationality to enter the country. Ecuador do not require yellow fever vaccine. Ecuador has no current malaria or yellow fever alert on any location. Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 14/17

15 10% of total tour cost is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance of 90% is due no later than 45 days prior to the tour's departure date. If a customer wishes to change their tour dates and their original departure date is more than 45 days away, then they will be charged a $200 fee per person. If a customer wishes to change their tour dates and their original departure date is less than 45 days away, then relevant cancellation fees will apply. Children between the ages of two and up to 12 years of age at time of travel are priced at 75% of the adult cost. CANCELLATION POLICY: Palace Tours will issue a refund but charge a cancellation fee equal to 10% of the total tour cost if service is cancelled more than 45 days prior to departure. Palace Tours will not issue a refund if the tour is cancelled less than 45 days prior to departure If any customer is a "no-show," than they will not be issued a refund and they will still be responsible for paying 100% of the total tour cost. When applicable, Palace Tours will charge an administrative fee equal to 15% of the total tour cost for any refunds conducted by wire transfer or credit card. ITINERARIES: All itineraries are approximate and subject to change based on availability and conditions at the destination. TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 15/17

16 Palace Tours Contact Information ON THE WEB: BY BY PHONE: USA: Princeton, NJ: New York, NY: Houston, TX: BY FAX: International: United Kingdom: Australia: New Zealand: BY POSTAL MAIL: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE Please call ahead for hours and appointments! By Car: From Princeton area: Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport. From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for Downtown Princeton & Shopping. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street. Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street. From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below. Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 16/17

17 By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one-car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to Princeton for presentation upon boarding the Dinky. Our office is a 10-minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles). By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit s 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street. *For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment. Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito( 17/17