Classical Ecuador - historic legacy, scenic beauty

Most visitors to Ecuador are headed for the Galapagos, arriving by air in Quito, or Guayaquil on the coast.  Having travelled so far to reach Ecuador itself,  combine your Galapagos experience with a trip into Amazonia, and see the delights of Classical Ecuador. 

We strongly recommend at least one full day to enjoy the delights of Quito, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.  This includes its old colonial heart in the centre of the city founded by Spanish conquistador Diego de Almagro in 1534.   Also some outstanding museums, like the Museo Nacional (del Banco Central) with artefacts from 4,000BC and the Inca period.  Just some 25kms to the north of Quito  stands the Mitad del Mundo statue, literally "Middle of the World", on the Equator.  And if seeking more "classic elegance", hop on a short flight down to Cuenca, another "colonial" gem.
​Going on from Quito, an excellent way to experience the beauty of continental Ecuador today is by rail with Tren Ecuador, previously neglected but hugely rejuvenated since 2008.  With 10 different excursions ranging from a few hours to a full day each, passengers can also enjoy the combined experience of all these in 4 days whilst travelling in fine style from Quito to  ​Guayaquil (or vice versa), on the Tren Crucero!
(NB.  Sadly, due to the COVID-19 crises, the Ecuadorean Government had to make drastic budgetary cuts in June 2020 that closed 7 State-run companies, including Tren Ecuador.  But we keep showing this item for historic interest, in the hope that the company and its excellent, unique services will be restored in 2023/4).​
Tren Ecuador offer 4 packages on the Tren Crucero, two from Quito to Quayaquil, and two back to Quito.  These pass through the same terrain, using the same trains, but one package each way is "luxury" class staying in "character" accommodation, whilst "Gold Class" offers higher standards in more deluxe surroundings! 

The itinerary for the 4-day "luxury"* package from Quito starts at the south of the city, in the heights of the Andes, proceeding south along the “Avenue of Volcanoes”, as first coined by explorer Alexander von Humbolt in 1802.  Passing mighty Cotopaxi and imposing Chimborazo, guests learn about Andean cultures and visit authentic Andean townships and markets en route.  Here, they are invited to observe and engage in ancient Andean customs.  Then, on board the mythical Devil’s Nose train, they enjoy an unforgettable adventure as they descend in a series of switchbacks from the Andes heights to the coastal plains.  The journey continues past a series of cacao, banana and rice plantations, to reveal the beauty of the Ecuadorian coast.  A bus accompanies the train to facilitate viewing, side-tours to cultural highlights and to access nightly accommodation in "character" haciendas.  Throughout, attentive staff on board serve guests with tasty snacks, drinks and top-quality lunches, all in gracious surroundings. 
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*4 days/4 nights options: (1) "Train of Wonders" - Quito to Guayaquil (Dep Sat; Arr Tues); (2) "Train to the Clouds" - Guayaquil to Quito (Dep Tue; Arr Fri). 
Rates (2019):
Luxury Class: US$ 1,735/person, sharing, including all meals (less bar), overnight standard accommodation, bi-lingual guided excursions, hotel transfers; 
Gold Class: US$ 2,322/person, sharing, as above but staying in deluxe accommodation)  ​