INTRODUCTION The Chimu Collections range consists of boutique properties, cruises & itineraries, throughout Latin America, designed for travellers seeking unique experiences. Tren Crucero is the most stunning vintage transportation that will take you on an exceptional trip through different times and spaces of Ecuadorian history. Its convoy is comprised of four coaches with different characteristics which reflect the history and culture of our country. Upon your arrival the crew of professionals in tourism, will receive you with a warm welcome, will guide you to the carriage of your choice and will accompany you throughout the trip, offering the best attention and service. The selected hotels to stay in each of the stops have been rigorously chosen to provide you the comfort, care and relaxation that you require in this exquisite journey. The landscapes, the whisper of the volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, the picturesque colors of the coast and the astonishing lines of the valleys, the equatorial sunshine, the kindness of its people, all comprise of a real lifetime experience. Come along to enjoy this magical journey. ITINERARY
DAY 1: Quito, Otavalo, San Antonio, San Roque, Ibarra This morning s tour to Otavalo departs by bus from the Swissôtel lobby at 07:30am. It takes around 1 ½ hours to reach the fascinating market town of Otavalo, famous for its lively and colourful market that overflows with textiles, paintings and wood carvings. From Otavalo to Ibarra we travel by a carefully restored steam locomotive across the northern valleys of the Andes, discovering the many hidden wonders of this part of the country, home to musicians, painters, weavers and skilful woodcarvers. We visit a woodcarving workshop in San Antonio, discover local traditional food in Andrade Marin and visit an export-class rose plantation. Later we return to Quito. DAY 2: Quito, Boliche, Ambato, Urbina This morning we board the Tren Crucero for our journey along the Avenue of Volcanoes. The beautiful boutique Tren Crucero is one of the leading luxury trains in South America. Modern electric-diesel and lovingly restored antique steam locomotives pull a high quality convoy of two luxurious colonial and republican-style passenger cars that carry a maximum of only 50 passengers. With highly personalised service, a bar, gift shop, two comfortable observation lounges and an openair terrace, this is the way to experience the wonders of Ecuador in style. Departing from Quito s Chimbacalle Station, we begin our journey south along the stunning Avenue of Volcanoes, where if the weather permits you may see as many as 20 volcanoes, most dormant or extinct. Here the Andes range splits into two arms that run parallel down south, with a fertile valley between that hosts a rich biodiversity. Watch the changing vegetation and landscape from the comfort of the panoramic train, as the train climbs through the Andean highlands to Urbina, the highest point in the journey at over 3,500 metres above sea level. Along the way there are spectacular views of the forests in the El Boliche area in Cotopaxi National Park, amazing views of Yambo Lake and a visit to Baltasar, the last ice-harvester in the Chimborazo slopes to learn about this ancient trade. We overnight in Riobamba.
DAY 3: Riobamba, Colta, Guamote, Devil s Nose, Bucay We depart this morning from Riobamba to Colta, where the Spanish conquerors built the first settlement in Ecuador. The railway line passes through colourful quinoa fields and alongside endemic species of flora, indigenous settlements and the remains of ancient cultures. We visit Guamote market, one of the last Andean indigenous markets, before continuing south to the famous and mythical Devil s Nose Pass. Here the railway line descends for 450 metres through a series of switchbacks, continuing along the narrow Chanchan River gorge and crossing a beautiful cloud forest towards the temperate town of Bucay where we overnight. The impressive climatic transition from the Andean highlands to the Pacific coastal plains has begun! DAY 4: Bucay, Naranjito, Yaguachi, Duran (Guayaquil) Our journey to Guayaquil continues today with the landscape changing from tropical forest to rice, sugar cane, pineapple and banana plantations. We have lunch at a traditional coastal hacienda, where we learn about the growing and harvesting of the best cocoa bean in the world with a chance to sample some chocolate. The steam engine is used between Yaguachi and Duran (Guayaquil) on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Our rail journey has taken us 504 kilometres and has seen us descend over 3,650 metres from the Andes to the Pacific. The train is scheduled to arrive into Duran station at 16:45pm. A complimentary shuttle is included from the station to selected hotels in Guayaquil. INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Accommodation Hotels & Haciendas
Inclusions The program includes: - Transportation on board Tren Crucero, - All meals during the itinerary, - Snacks and soft rinks on board the train, - Spanish/English speaking guide*, - Excursions as detailed in the itinerary, - Land transportation during the itinerary and accommodation in double basis. - Luggage porterage at hotels is included. - Exceptional train ride crossing from Ecuador s Andes watching the transition from moorlands through cloud forests, to tropical Coastal landscapes in 4 days 3 nights all included. - Enjoy the Avenue of Volcanoes, more than 10 Volcanoes over 12000 feet, one of them active (Tungurahua volcano 5023 mts.) - 280 miles of scenic train ride ascending to 3600 meters and descending to sea level during the trip. - Cultural immersion with Andes and Coastal indigenous communities and customs included on trip. - Steam locomotives from the beginning of XX century will run 2 different stretches. Luxury and comfortable train coaches representing the Ecuadorian identity and history with exceptional onboard service. NOT INCLUDED Alcoholic drinks (wine, beer and whisky are available on the train s bar), Meals or visits not detailed in the itinerary, Personal expenses, tips or shuttles/transfers to nonspecified hotels. Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge Notes Price Dependent upon 1 (easy) FROM US$260 - Subject to season and availability, contact us for more details. Contact us for more details Season and Availability. SUSTAINABILITY Chimu Adventures undertakes a number of sustainability measures within its operations including: 1) Only using local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprints. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you re visiting.
2) Where possible, using locally owned and operated boutique hotels to maximise the return to the local community. 3) Chimu s Pass it on programme has provided funding to hundreds of local community projects in Latin America. Our aim is to empower local communities, helping them to develop their own infrastructure for the future. Since 2006, we have been working with Kiva (a well-known Non-Governmental Organisation), providing hundreds of loans to local businesses all over South America. 4) In our pre tour information we provide a range of tips and advice on how to minimise your impact on both local environments and communities. 5) Chimu Adventures offices also take a number of sustainability measures including carbon offsets for company vehicles and most staff travel. Chimu Adventure s internal processes are also structures to create a paperless office and to reduce waste. There are also internal programmes to help staff minimise their carbon footprint such as our staff bike purchase assistance plan which encourages office staff to commute to work via bicycle. Currently almost half of our office based staff commute to work via bicycle.