The Spirit of the Andes Express 3D / 2N
3D / 2N from Quito to Cuenca, departures from Monday to Saturday, (Accommodations and meals are included)
Information
The Spirit of the Andes Express 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 highlight for many is the second day’s ride by rail down the world famous Devil’s Nose segment of track, regarded as one of the greatest feats of railway engineering and passing through superb Andean scenery. The third day is dedicated to the cultural and natural experience of exploring the charms of Cuenca, with its cobblestone streets and flower-filled plazas.
Day by day itinerary
Tour Details
The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, as the programme travels along valleys and over mountains patchworked with multicolored fields. After an hour and a half, the entrance to the park is reached and then it's up a dirt road for approximately one hour. Upon arrival at the park, there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean páramo or high-altitude moorlands. Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses and to enjoy a short walk. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano accompanies guests as a magnificent backdrop.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant in the area. Continue along the Pan American Highway, up and down the slopes of the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. Continue by bus to Urbina Train Station, high up, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano. Visit a Tagua nut workshop and warm up with a canelazo and biscuits by the fireplace and, if the Chimborazo is clear, an amazing sunset can be expected. Then continue by bus to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.
- Warm clothing is needed, hat or cap, sun block (SPF 40).
- Good walking shoes.
- Camera (wide angle lens).
- Binoculars. Sunglasses.
- Altitude: 2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)
- Average Temperature Day: 8° to 20° C (46° to 68° F) Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F
- Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat) and rain protection.
- Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy.
- Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.
- Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
- Average Temperature: Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F./Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.
- Train departure from Alausí: 08:00 am, departure from Riobamba by motor coach at 06:00 am at the latest, please use this info as reference, your local guide will give you further details on spot.
Air ticket is not included. Additional nights in Cuenca can be easily added!!
- Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat).
- Take a warm coat for evening and rain protection. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.
- Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
- Average Temperature:
Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F.
Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.
Notes:
- Please bear in mind that the train operation is handled directly by the Ecuadorian Railway Company. The operation and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- The cost of the train ticket for the Devil´s Nose segment is included.
- Accommodations in Cuenca at hotels: Oro Verde, Santa Lucía or Carvalho. Accommodations at Mansión Alcázar have an extra cost. Please request information from your account executive.
- All meals and entrance fees included.
- Not included: internal air tickets, meals not noted, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
- Visits may change without previous notice due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Why Is This Tour So Special?
- Acquire a vision of the Andes and the people who inhabit them.
- Explore Cuenca, one of the country’s most popular cities and a World Cultural Heritage Site. Extensions easily arranged for more time there.
- The best of the Andes in just three days for people short on time.
- Plenty of craft-shopping opportunities.
- Discover the Inca ruins of Ingapirca amid the rolling countryside of Cañar Province.
- Great food, great scenery, great experiences.
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