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: Guayaquil - Bucay Your journey to the Andes begins in Duran train station where you will board a convoy pulled by a carefully restored steam locomotive. The roaring engine, steam whistles and steel wheels over the railways will take you back in time to the early XIX century and the adventurous experience that is the Tren Crucero. First stop is Yaguachi, where you will switch engines to continue the trip across vast plantations of sugar cane, banana, rice and pineapple until we reach the Naranjito station. A short bus transfer will take you to a local hacienda were you will learn about the cocoa bean and participate in the chocolate making process. Ecuadorian cocoa beans are considered to be the best of the world and you will have the opportunity to taste them this visit. In the afternoon a montubio show will welcome you before you taste the delicious food of the coast of Ecuador. A bus transfer will take you to Bucay were you will take a hike around the tropical forest, home of countless plants, birds and orchids. Overnight at a hotel. DAY 2: Bucay - Riobamba The journey continues this morning by bus for a four hour trip climbing the Andes. During the ride, see 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. Destination is the town of Alausi, where you will embark on a thrilling adventure on board the famous Devil s Nose train. Board a restored XX century convoy and start the 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. After the thrilling adventure of The Devil s Nose, take a bus ride to Guamote. Lunch will be served on board and afterwards continue north to Colta where an impressive steam engine locomotive known as The Black Monster will be waiting for you. 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. On arrival at Riobamba a bus transfer will take you to your hotel for your overnight stay.
DAY 3: Riobamba - Quito Depart for Urbina train station, the highest point in the itinerary at 3,600 metres above sea level. There, on the eastern flanks of the Chimborazo Volcano, meet the fascinating last ice merchant, Baltazar Ushca, to tell the tale of his ancestral trade. Continue north across the Avenue of Volcanoes and through the colourful valleys that extend for many miles and offer you unique landscapes along the way. Visit a local hacienda and be greeted by the chagras the cowboys of the Andes, who will share part of their culture with you. Board the train again and arrive at Quito train station located in the traditional neighbourhood of Chimbacalle where a bus will be waiting to take you to your hotel. DAY 4: Otavalo This morning travel by bus for two hours heading north across rose plantations and charming mountains to the valley of Otavalo in the Imbabura Province. Otavalo is home of ancient cultures, skilled craftspeople and the worldrenowned Otavalo market. Arrive at San Roque Train station and board the train to 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 return to Quito where your Tren Crucero experience ends. 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.