Ecuador Train Journey: Guayaquil to Quito

Your journey to the Andes begins at Duran train station in Guayaquil province where you will board a train pulled by a carefully-restored steam locomotive.

The roaring engine, its steam whistles and the sound of steel on the railtrack will take you to the early 19th century bringing back the adventurous spirit of those long gone years.

In Yaguachi, you first stop, the engine will be switched to continue your trip across vast plantations of sugar cane, banana, rice and pineapple all the way to the Naranjito station.

From there, a short bus ride will take you to a local hacienda where you will have a hands-on learning experience about the cocoa bean and the chocolate making process.

Ecuadorian cocoa beans are considered to be the best in the world so take every opportunity to taste them during your visit.

In the afternoon you will be welcomed by a 'montubio' show will before a sumptuous meal showcasing the coastal cuisine of Ecuador.

Transfer by bus to Bucay with time to hike around the tropical forest, home of countless plants, birds and a great variety of orchids whose sizes and exuberant colours are a treat to the eye.

Check in at your hotel and prepare for dinner.

Overnight at your hotel in Bucay.

Today your adventure continues by coach as you climb the Andes on a pleasant 4-hour drive.

A mesmerizing journey climbing up from the peaceful coastal plains to the colossal Andean summits projecting their shadow onto your path.

In Alausi you will board the famous 'Devil's Nose' train for another thrilling adventure.

You will journey down and across the mythical 'Devil's Nose' pass. A vertiginous 3300-foot descent (1000 m) where the train zigzags back and forth along a track carved into the mountainside.

Many stories counts how this pass became known 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 were lost trying to overcome this nearly impossible obstacle.

Back in Alausi, a coach will take you to the town of Guamote where you will be having lunch.

From there the journey continues 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 several cars on this portion of the Andean railway where the altitude and the lack of oxygen makes this an extremely challenging feat.

At your final stop in Riobamba you will be transfered by bus to your hotel for a delicious meal and a good night's sleep.

Overnight at your hotel in Riobamba.

Board a train at the Urbina train station, the highest point of your itinerary at 11,800 feet (3600 metres) above sea level.

Here, in the shadow of the Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point on the planet to the sun, you will meet Balthazar Ushca, the last ice-merchant in the Andes, and learn the story of his ancestral trade.

From there, the train rides north along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' whose name is owed to Alexander Von Humboldt who, while studying the volcanic region, was so impressed by the number of volcanoes in the area, he wished for the name to reflect how it impacted him.

The tracks run through colourful valleys stretching out for miles. This unique landscape hosts a treasure trove of biodiversity and a hive of agricultural activity.

Arriving at Ambato train station on your way north, some local devils will board the train. The 'Diablada Pillareña' parade, a picturesque and ancestral tradition will add a touch of playfulness and music to your memorable day.

Under the watchful stare of the Cotopaxi volcano your train will makes its way to one of the local haciendas to take part in the daily farm activities.

At the hacienda you will be greeted by 'chagras', the cowboys of the Andes, who will share their culture with you.

Your last stop of the day will be Quito train station, located in the traditional neighbourhood of Chimbacalle, where a bus will take you to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful evening in the first city in history to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

In the morning, a 2-hour bus ride will take you north of Quito, to the Imbabura Province, across rose plantations blooming in the shadow of the impressive mountains of the Otavalo valley.

Otavalo is home of skilled craftspeople whose traditional culture and crafts can be seen at the world-renowned Otavalo market.

At San Roque train station you will set off on your train journey to discover musicians, painters, weavers and skilful woodcarvers, all faithful disciples of the Quito School of Art.

Delve into this amazing world of hidden treasures, colours and textures while exploring the northern routes of the Ecuadorian railway.

Where the tracks end, you will hop off to visit the hacienda 'la Compania'. Located close to the equator, this 18th century hacienda will amaze you with its export-class rose plantation and exquisite Andean cuisine.

After lunch you will drive back to Quito.