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CHIVA EXPRESS TO GUAYAQUIL
(Quito - Riobamba - Guayaquil or Quito)

This program allows guests to have a comprehensive, close-up contact with the locals, a working dairy farm, visit plantations, admire the handicrafts, try the local flavors and ride atop the three Chiva Express vehicles in an exhilarating Rail & Road experience from the Andes down to the Coast, past the famous Devil’s Nose switchbacks, with overnight in Riobamba, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano. Upon arrival to Guayaquil, guests can take the flight back to Quito that same evening.

Departs:Monday, Wednesday and Friday

DAY 1 - The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the neighboring Valley of Sangolquí, for a visit to its interesting market with many stalls with bright colored produce and interesting fruit.  The specialty of this market: whole roasted pigs, decorated with an apple on their mouth and chili peppers coming out of their ears are a must-see.  Stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas.  Then the road advances up and down the slopes of  Cotopaxi volcano on to the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation and a taste of the products of the land (potatoes and broccoli picked that same morning).  Continue by bus to Urbina and at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano, to visit a Tagua nut workshop and warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 - After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station at Riobamba 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, 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, where a snack is served.  Continue by motorcar past the town of Huigra and begin the descent from the Andes to the coastal plains.  You will experience - right before your eyes! -  the transition from Andean ecosistems to the lush tropical coastal vegetation: bananas, oranges, pineapples, ginger and wooden farm houses on stilts.  A stop is made for a visit to La Fontana, where guests have a chance to observe some of the products of the coastal area of Ecuador: the processing of hearts of palm and cocoa beans for export.  Lunch is served at a very nice restaurant, with several options (including hearts of palm, of course!). Then proceed, past Bucay to Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil.  End at the airport to take the flight back to Quito. Air ticket Guayaquil / Quito is extra.