The first half of this four-day voyage is along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to beautiful Cuenca in the south; among spectacular scenery from the roof of the Chiva Express with many stops along the way for a close contact with the indigenous cultures, haciendas, plantations and a taste of the products of the land.  The second half is dedicated to the cultural and natural experience of exploring the charms of Cuenca and the Valley of Gualaceo. 

Day 1: Quito to Riobamba
The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the station of Tambillo, where the "Chiva Express", a colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart. A highlight of the trip is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador.  You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks.  Stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas.  Then the Chiva advances up and down the slopes of  Cotopaxi volcano and the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation and a taste of the products of the land. 

Continue by bus to Riobamba, and at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano, visit a Tagua workshop. Tagua trees are native to Ecuador, and when the large tagua fruits ripen and fall to the ground, people harvest them to make handcrafted goods from the durable seeds. The color and consistency of the tagua is very similar to ivory. The working of the Tagua nuts not only contributes to the economy of the artisans but also to the preservation of this native palm, part of the tropical rain forest that are quickly disappearing.

Afterwards we'll warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. A canelazo is made from aguapanela (from the Spanish words agua de panela) which is dissolving panela, a kind of sugarloaf, in hot water. Cinnamon, aguardiente and lime juice may be added for flavor. Dinner and overnight at Riobamba. (D)

Day 2: Riobamba-Ride on the "Chiva Express"-Cuenca

After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the "Chiva Express" for an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges.  Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability.  Continue aboard the Chiva to Alausí, where a snack is served, and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí.  Continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the  Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch.  Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Full Day in Cuenca

Today guests will enjoy a full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.  Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special.  Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Visit Santa Ana Vally and Countyside of Cuenca

The day starts with a ride along the Santa Ana valley and then high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb.  Stops are made at the small towns that produce a variety of handcrafts, such as artistic handmade guitars at San Bartolo and alongside orchards and sugar cane plantations, on to Chordeleg, famous for gold and silver jewelry.  Then past the village of Gualaceo,  follow the road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with weeping willows, to Bulcay where shawl and scarves are woven with the ancient technique of  Ikat (tie dyed warp to form specific designs, on ancient shuttle looms.  Visit lovely orchid gardens with over 2500 species and then lunch at an attractive hostel, surrounded by flowery gardens, close to the Paute River.  After lunch, return to Cuenca in time to catch the return flight. (B,L)

Trip length	4 days/3 nights
Departs	Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Per person cost	$891.00
Single rate	$993.00
MT-1820
Prices based on two people sharing in 3-star accommodations. Accommodation in Cuenca at hotels Oro Verde, Santa Lucía or Carvalho. Four and 5-star accommodations available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Departure from Quito Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Accommodation in Riobamba and Cuenca, and all meals included.  Air ticket Cuenca/Quito or Cuenca/Guayaquil is not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed.

Staying on in Ecuador? Whether your interest is wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips are also a great way to see Quito and the nearby sites. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.