Old Railroad Adventure
Trains are not a very competent mode of transportation in
Ecuador. However, they present a spectacular tourist attraction
for the variety of climates and the fantastic natural and
cultural scenery along the journeys.
The Ecuadorian railroad routes are:
Railroad North:
Approximately three hours by bus from
Quito,
the picturesque city of
Ibarra
holds the train station. There, one may enter to a journey
from Ibarra to Primer Paso, in a memorable context. Starting
at 8h00 a.m., the route goes from the Andean highlands towards
the coast, as the vegetation and climate change gradually.
The train goes by the amazing Blanco and Mira rivers, and
between them it passes through 18 tunnels. Then it continues
through the tropical forests and banana and palmate plantations.
It reaches Primer Paso at 10h30 a.m.aprox, which is its final
destination until reparations permit the train to enter to
San Lorenzo. Every saturday and sunday days. Price: USA$ 24.
Railroad South:
The train leaves every saturday and sunday days at 8h00 a.m.,
from the Quito train Chimbacalle station (Sincholagua and
Maldonado Street No. 315) to the "Boliche" Recreational
Area in the
Cotopaxi
National Park. On the way, the magnificent sight of the
Andes, parallel to what Humbolt called the "Avenue of
Volcanoes", presents a panorama that makes it difficult
to decide which side to look. It runs for approximately three
hours, allowing a view of the Ecuadorian Andean Range where
the snow capped Cotopaxi dominates the scenery. It also passes
by traditional colonial haciendas and peasants that show the
rural life in the Andes. At the "Boliche" you can
have a picnic and take walks, until the train departs at 2h30p.m.
It is back in the station of
Quito
at 5h00 p.m.aprox. Price per person USA $20 round trip.
On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, at 7h00 a.m. the train
goes from the station at the city of Riobamba (10 de Agosto
y Carabobo) up track to a protruding and steep mountain called
Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose). It passes a small village,
Guamote, at 8h30 a.m. and climbs to a little picturesque town
in the highlands called Alausí, at 10h30 a.m. Then,
the train zigzags up and down the Devil's Nose, a 45 degree
gradient, in a breathtaking experience. It goes back to Alausí
and leaves at 1h30 p.m. towards Riobamba, where it arrives
at 5h30 p.m. Price: US$ 30 one way trip.
For further information call 258 2930.Metropolitan Touring
does offer train tours on a remodeled passenger car adapted
to give comfort to tourists. Call 463-680 or 464-780 for more
information.We recommend tourist to wear a hat and a jacket,
take a backpack and climb on the roof of the train or enjoy
magical scenes from inside the train. Any way, the experience
is of unforgettable beauty.
LA VIEJA CASONA (Alausí)
Be our guest and enjoy a unique lunch experience at our families
150 year old country villa. A stunnig train ride from the
devil’s nose; strategically located ind the picturesque
town of Alausi.
Address: Mariano Muñoz de Ayala 161 y Brasil. Reservations:
02-2459197 or 02-2463343.
email: tatianakennedy@hotmail.com
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