Tren Crucero Train Tour Along the Avenue of the Volcanoes

Summary

The Tren Crucero Railroad Line has 4 luxury carriages holding 54 passengers, and employs restored, century-old steam locomotives. The 453-kilometer route is made up of narrow-gauge line built at the turn of the 20th century, crossing the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to Guayaquil. Part of the journey includes the famous Devil’s Nose switchbacks, while gaining 2,945 meters (9,662 feet) in altitude in just 56 kilometers (34 miles). This exciting Ecuador rail journey takes 4 days to complete, including time each day to explore the towns and national parks adjacent to the rail line. Each night, passengers stay at local hotels and haciendas. Full board is also included on the Tren Crucero. The highlight of the trip is the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where you can see 11 volcanoes, including the dominant Cotopaxi, an active volcano and one of the tallest in the world. Along the way, you can see chagras (cowboys) doing traditional cattle ranches, as well as condors, wild horses and llamas, and towns inhabited by Quechua-speaking indigenous people. We can also arrange this same train tour in the other direction, starting in Guayaquil and ending in Quito.   Note: Following the Covid interruption, train travel in Ecuador has been suspended and shall return at a future date. Please contact us for updated information and to plan with alternative transportation should service remain suspended.