 |
A Chiva
is a typical, old-fashioned, colourful Latin American bus, with open
sides, so that passengers can hop on and off easily, and plenty of
room on the roof for bags of grain, bananas and the odd chicken. In
Quito these buses have taken on a new lease of life as party vehicles
with adapted, high-sided roofs, and also as an alternative means to
the train, which is usually unreliable. Passengers will enjoy an exclusive
and unique trip through the Andean countryside on board the Chiva
Express - specially adapted for safety and comfort, while complementing
the fun of the ride. |
 |
Day1.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 (potatoes and broccoli
picked that same morning). Continue by bus to Riobamba, and
at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano, visit a Tagua workshop
and warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. Dinner and overnight
at Riobamba. |
| |
|
 |
Day2.
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. Box lunch en-route. Accommodations
and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca. |
|
 |
Day3.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. (picture
left: Cuenca) |
|
| |
| Day4.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 Bartolome; Chordeleg, famous for gold and silver jewelry
and Ikat weavings on ancient shuttle looms. Visit lovely orchid
gardens with over 2500 species and then lunch at an attractive
hostel, very popular with the locals. After lunch, follow the
road along the banks of the Santa Barbara River, lined with
weeping willows, past the village of Gualaceo to return to Cuenca
in time to catch the return flight. |
| |
|
Chiva
Express can be organised as a Shared or Private Excursion.
Chiva Express Itinerary can also finish in Guayaquil
(picture left: Guayaquil)
|
|
