The Spirit of the Andes

Ride the Rails in Ecuador with the Spirit of the Andes

Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador's largest tour operator with nearly 60 years' experience, has launched a new itinerary through the Ecuadorian Andes which includes the famous "Devil's Nose" section of track - one of the most difficult engineering feats in history and one of the most dramatic railways in the world.

The "Spirit of the Andes" promises a 4-day/3-night journey to the heart of the Andean world, through the region's history, spirituality, cuisine, customs, traditions and legends.

The inspiring scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes, including the highland moorlands of Cotopaxi National Park and visits to 300-year old haciendas, is now complete with the addition of the thrilling train ride along the famous zigzag of the Devil's Nose. The Ecuadorian Railways Company (FDE) has invested millions of dollars in track, rolling stock and station infrastructure over the last years, making the experience of riding the rails in Ecuador a fun, safe and exciting experience for all ages and nationalities.

"Metropolitan Touring is delighted to be able to include various rides on the rails in their portfolio of tours," says the company's President, Paulina Burbano de Lara. "These include the Spirit of the Andes and Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. We know how popular the train is with our guests and we are sure they will enjoy the rejuvenated and modernised experience we can now offer in Ecuador."

Guests board the train on day three of their journey. Before that, they visit the Cotopaxi National Park, lunching in a historic hacienda, visit a rose farm and overnight near the Tungurahua Volcano. The next day, they pass through the friendly town of Baños and nearby roaring waterfalls, then coil up the Andes to where herds of wild vicuñas roam at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano.

Following the train ride, guests wind south through fertile hills and mountains to explore the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, and arrive at Cuenca, Ecuador's most beautiful city and a World Cultural Heritage Site. The fourth day is spent discovering the charms of Cuenca with its rivers, churches, museums, squares, courteous citizens and (misnamed) Panama hat workshops. 

In accordance with its sustainable travel philosophy, Metropolitan Touring endeavours to ensure all its trips have a positive impact on the places its guests visit, as well as contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Our programmes in the Andes support rural tourism through entrance fees and our promotional efforts worldwide. 

Spirit of the Andes programmes are offered on private or shared basis, with itineraries of four or three days.

Watch a video-teaser of the Spirit of the Andes at: http://www.vimeo.com/20077218

The Spirit of the Andes Express 3D / 2N Shared, MT-259ST Is a three-day trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to beautiful Cuenca in the south; passing through spectacular scenery by road and by train, with stops along the way for encounters with the indigenous cultures, haciendas, and a taste of the products of the land.     The Spirit of the Andes Express 3D / 2N Private, MT-259PT Is a three-day trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to beautiful Cuenca in the south; passing through spectacular scenery by road and by train, with stops along the way for encounters with the indigenous cultures, haciendas, and a taste of the products of the land.     The Spirit of the Andes 3D / 2N Shared, MT-256ST A three-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture. This is a journey along the history, the spirituality, the flavours, the customs, traditions and legends of the Andean Region.     The Spirit of the Andes 3D / 2N Private, MT-256PT A three-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture.     The Spirit of the Andes 4D / 3N, Shared, MT-258ST A four-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture.     The Spirit of the Andes 4D / 3N, Private, MT-258PT A four-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture.

Information Price per Person (USD)