E AN EXPERT IN “TREN - AllYouNeedisEcuador.Traveltrade.ecuador.travel/images/webinars/tren-crucero/EN... · 2014. 8. 18. · Tren de los Volcanes (Volcanoes Train) Tren del Hielo

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BE AN EXPERT IN “TREN

ECUADOR”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO THE

WEBINAR

ALL YOU NEED IS ECUADOR

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GENERAL CONTENTS

1. Tren Ecuador

Essential Information

Tren Ecuador Main Products

2. Half-day and Full day Excursions

Tren de la Libertad (Freedom Train)

Tren de los Volcanes (Volcanoes Train)

Tren del Hielo 1 (Ice Train 1)

Tren del Hielo 2 (Ice Train 2)

Sendero de los Ancestros (Ancestor’s Trail)

Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose)

Baños del Inca (The Inca baths)

Tren de la Dulzura (Sweetness’ Train)

3. Tren Crucero

General Information

Tren Crucero coaches

Useful information about Tren Crucero logistics

Day by Day Itinerary, from the Andes Highlands to the Pacific Coast o Day 01, Quito – Lasso o Day 02, Lasso – Riobamba o Day 03, Riobamba – Huigra o Day 04, Huigra – Durán

4. Tren Ecuador Stations general services

Train Coffee Shop

Train Gift Shop

Artisan market / Square

General services (toilettes, Museum, parking*)

5. Tren Ecuador & other circuits and destinations within Ecuador

Quito & Surroundings (Otavalo, Mindo, Papallacta)

Amazon

Guayaquil & Surroundings (Salinas, Montañita, Reserva Manglares Churute)

Galapagos Islands

Cuenca

6. Tren Ecuador Awards & Recognitions

7. Where and How to Book “Tren Ecuador” products

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TREN ECUADOR ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Ecuador’s railway transport system started its construction in 1872 as one of the most important infrastructure projects at the time, since it was going to link the country’s two largest and most important cities, Quito, the capital city and Guayaquil, the Main Port. The construction Works started in the Pacific Coast region during Gabriel García Moreno’s Presidency, however the slow pace of the works had a big push forward during General Eloy Alfaro’s presidential time, who reached Ecuador’s government head in the year 1895 and commissioned a construction agreement with the American contractors Archer Harman and Edward Morely, through the creation -in New Jersey- of the “Guayaquil & Quito Railway Company”. History tells that Harman, the construction’s engineer exposed all the problems and difficulties that they were facing on the impressive stone mass well known as the Devil’s Nose to the General Alfaro, during one of his visits to the construction site; to Harman’s great concern it is said that a very calm and relaxed General Alfaro answered: “Let’s first have a Whiskey, then, we will defeat the Devil”. Just after much effort and overcoming challenges and difficulties, the train finally reached the Capital, officially inaugurating the route between Quito and Guayaquil (Durán) in June 1908, i.e. after 36 years of the construction start. Years later two sections were added to the Ecuadorian railway system; southward from Sibambe station towards the city of Cuenca and northward, from Quito to Ibarra, reaching the small city of San Lorenzo on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. The country’s road development through the construction of major road networks from 1950 to 1980; and, the air traffic increase especially between the cities of Quito and Guayaquil

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reduced the competitiveness of the train as the main transport option in the country, thus the railway system lost its importance. To the general neglect of the railway system, great damages are added by several and intense rains during the “El Niño” in 1998, after this, only two small routes continued operating (Quito – Cotopaxi and the Devil’s Nose) mainly for tourism purposes. In the year 2007, during the Presidency of the Economist Rafael Correa, the railway reconstruction project start, not as a mass transport system but as National cultural and historical heritage and as a great tourist product that allows to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and diverse climate zones of the Ecuadorian Andes and Pacific regions, promoting at the same time the development of the local economies in the towns and cities linked to the railway system.

Chimbacalle Station, Quito Sibambe Station, “Devil’s Nose”

TREN ECUADOR MAIN PRODUCTS At the current time (July 2014) “Tren Ecuador” offers two main products

• Half day and Full day Excursions • “Tren Crucero” or Cruise Train

HALF-DAY AND FULL DAY EXCURSIONS These are the train rides through some particular routes that feature special attractions or interest; these excursions’ main characteristic is that they depart from and return to the same city on the same day; their duration goes from a half-day to a full day. At the moment the routes in operation are:

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1. TREN DE LA LIBERTAD

Freedom Train Route: Ibarra - Salinas - Ibarra Route Distance: 30 Km | 18.6 Miles (round trip) Description: Land of artisans, lakes and legends, an extraordinary and fascinating rail trip. Standard Price: USD 20,00 Departures: Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 10h30 Return: 16h30 Itinerary: 10:00 Check in. Ibarra Station 10:30 Leave in train 12:00 Arrive at Salinas and cultural presentation 12:20 Free time to visit the Train Café and the Handicraft Plaza 12:40 Organize groups and begin city tour 13:00 Visit to the Salt Museum or the Ethnographical Museum 13:30 Free time for lunch 14:20 Visit to jam production venture and free time 14:50 Board train 15:00 Depart for Ibarra 16:30 Arrive at Ibarra. End of tour

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2. TREN DE LOS VOLCANES

Volcanoes Train Option 1: Train + Bus Route: Quito - Machachi - El Boliche (Go by train) El Boliche - Machachi - Quito (Return by bus) Route Distance: 59 Km | 36.58 Miles (one way) Description: An unmatchable journey. You’ll marvel at the beautiful landscapes, diverse eco-systems and the majesty of the Andes. Standard Price: USD 39,00 Departures: Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 08h00 Return: 16h45 Itinerary: 07:30 Check in. Chimbacalle Station 08:00 Leave in train 09:00 Arrive at Tambillo: Cafeteria and rest rooms 09:15 Leave for Machachi in train 10:15 Arrive at Machachi and cultural presentation 10:35 Leave Machachi for El Boliche 11:20 Arrive at El Boliche 11:30 Disembark for walk in El Boliche 11:40 Begin walk in El Boliche Recreational Area 12:10 End of walk – “canelazo” 12:20 Leave in bus for Machachi 12:40 Arrive at station farm and lunch (same for Bee Farm) 13:40 End of lunch 14:00 Visit to station farm and/or Bee Farm 14:45 Leave station farm and/or Bee Farm 15:00 Board bus and leave for Quito 16:45 Arrive at Quito. End of tour

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Option 2: Bus + Train Route: Quito - El Boliche (Go by bus) El Boliche - Machachi - Tambillo - Quito (Return by train) Route Distance: 59 Km | 36.58 Miles (one way) Description: An unmatchable journey. You’ll marvel at the beautiful landscapes, diverse eco-systems and the majesty of the Andes. Standard Price: USD 36,00 Departures: Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 09h00 Return: 16h30 Itinerary: 08:30 Check in. Chimbacalle Station 09:00 Leave for El Boliche 10:30 Arrive in bus at Boliche 10:45 Disembark from bus. Snack and time to use the rest rooms. 11:00 Begin guided walk to El Boliche 12:00 End of activities 12:15 Lunch in Café del Tren El Boliche and/or restaurant in El Boliche. 13:15 End of lunch 13:30 Leave in train for Machachi 14:15 Arrive in Machachi, folkloric presentation 14:30 Leave for Quito in train 16:30 Arrive in Quito by train

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3. TREN DEL HIELO 1

Ice Train 1 Route: Riobamba - Urbina - Riobamba Route Distance: 31 Km | 19.22 Miles (roundtrip) Description: Journeying alongside Ecuador’s highest volcano, you’ll experience the wilderness of the Urbina páramo (moorland), discover the tradition of the Chimborazo Ice makers or “Hieleros” and learn about the glacial ice extracting process. The trip also offers various agricultural tourism activities among the area’s natural and cultural environments. Standard Price: USD 12,00 Departures: Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 08h00 Return: 11h40 Itinerary: 07:30 Check in. Riobamba Station 08:00 Board the coach train 08:50 Arrive at Urbina station 09:00 Breakfast at Train Café (includes ticket for USD1.00 consumption) 09:30 Visit to Train Handicraft Plaza and Ice Interpretation Center 10:00 Free time (horse riding, photography, walks) 10:30 Board coach train for return to Riobamba 11:40 Arrive at Riobamba. End of tour

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4. TREN DEL HIELO 2

Ice Train 2 Route: Ambato - Urbina - Cevallos - Ambato Route Distance: 43 Km | 26.66 Miles (roundtrip) Description: A journey through classical Andean landscapes. After admiring the Tungurahua volcano and the snow-capped peaks of Altar, Chimborazo and Carihuairazo we visit a shoe factory in Cevallos, where we learn about the manufacturing process. Standard Price: USD 15,00 Departures: Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 08h00 Return: 16h45 Itinerary: 07:30 Check in. Ambato Station 08:00 Board the coach train 08:45 Stop in Cevallos for rest room (10 minutes) 09:45 Arrive at Urbina Station 09:50 Breakfast at Train Café (includes USD 1.00 ticket for consumption) 10:20 Visit to Train Handicraft Plaza and Ice Interpretation Center 11:00 Board and depart for Cevallos 12:00 Activities, briefing and guided walk to restaurant 12:30 Lunch 13:30 Visit to leather and shoe factory 14:40 Free time to visit and buy shoes 15:30 Return to station, handicrafts, jams and farewell dance 16:00 Board and leave for Ambato 16:45 Arrive at Ambato. End of tour

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5. SENDERO DE LOS ANCESTROS

Ancestor’s Trail Route: Riobamba - Colta - Riobamba Route Distance: 25 Km | 15.5 Miles (roundtrip) Description: A delightful journey through beautiful Andean scenery until arriving at the Balbanera church, the oldest one in Ecuador. The trip concludes with a walk along the Andean Path of Knowledge or a boat ride on the Colta lake. Standard Price: USD 15,00 Departures: Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 12h00 Return: 16h00 Itinerary: 11:30 Check in. Riobamba Station 12:00 Board Train 13:00 Arrive at Colta Station 13:00 Snack in Train Café (includes USD 1.00 ticket for consumption) 13:40 Traditional Andean dance 14:00 Boat trip on Colta lake or walk along the “Andean Path of Knowledge” (ticket includes

one option) 14:40 Visit to Balbanera Church 15:00 Board and return to Riobamba 16:00 Arrive at Riobamba. End of tour

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6. NARIZ DEL DIABLO

The Devil’s Nose Route: Alausí - Sibambe - Alausí Route Distance: 12 Km | 7.44 Miles (roundtrip) Description: A journey through characteristic Andean landscapes famed for its culture, folklore and crafts. As you zigzag down one of the world’s unique railroads, this monument of engineering appears in its full majesty. The tour includes entrance and guided tour of the Puñuna Condor Museum. Standard Price: USD 25,00 Departures: Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departures: 08h00 | 11h00 | 15h00 Return: 10h30 | 13h30 | 17h30 Itinerary: 07:30 Check in. Alausí Station 08:00 Board the train 08:50 Arrive at the Nariz del Diablo viewpoint (photo opportunity) 09:00 Arrive at Sibambe station 09:05 Snack (ticket includes USD 2.00 consumption) 09:30 Visit to Puñuna Condor Interpretation center, dances and Train Handicrafts Plaza 10:00 Board and return to Alausí 10:30 Arrive at Alausí. End of tour

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7. BAÑOS DEL INCA

The Inca Baths Route: El Tambo - Coyoctor - El Tambo Route Distance: 3,5 Km | 2.17 Miles (roundtrip) Description: A trip through Ecuador’s beautiful southern landscapes bringing you to the archaeological wealth of the Coyoctor Complex (Baños del Inca or the Inca baths), a group of ancestral constructions built to worship the sun and moon and host agriculture festivities. Standard Price: USD 7,00 Departures: Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 09h30 | 11h00 | 12h30 | 14h30 | 16h00 Return: 11h00 | 12h30 | 14h00 | 16h00 | 17h30 Itinerary: 09:00 Check in. El Tambo Station 09:30 Board coach train 09:45 Arrive at Coyoctor Architectural Complex 10:15 Board and return to El Tambo 10:30 Visit to city museum 11:00 End of tour

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8. TREN DE LA DULZURA Train of Sweetness

Option 1 | Train + Bus Route: Durán - Yaguachi - Bucay (Go by train) Bucay - Yaguachi - Durán (Return by bus) Route Distance: 88 Km | 54.56 Miles (roundtrip) Description: The coastal plain meets the Andean Highlands on this tour where visitors can admire a varied agricultural landscape as rice paddies merge into sugar-cane plantations and then turn into cocoa plantations. The area is also rich in local customs and traditions coupled with a delicious cuisine. Bucay is the gateway to the Ecuadorian Highlands where you'll enjoy the biodiversity of the land, an agreeable climate and a variety of nature and adventure tourism. Standard Price: USD 22,00 Departures: Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 08h00 Return: 18h00 Itinerary: 07:30 Check in. Durán Station 07:45 Board train 08:00 Leave for Durán 08:50 Stop at Yaguachi station. Free time to use the rest rooms and/or shop in the Train Café

of the Yaguachi Train Shop 09:15 Board the train 09:20 Leave for Bucay 10:30 On-board service: mixed fruits snack Coast 11:30 Arrive at Bucay station 11:40 Presentation of local dance in Bucay station 11:50 a 15:45 Free time for tourist activities in Bucay (Visit to Train Handicraft Plaza) 15:45 Board bus for return 16:00 Leave for Yaguachi 17:00 Arrive at San Jacinto de Yaguachi cathedral 17:00 Tour around San Jacinto de Yaguachi cathedral 17:25 Visit local handicraft store 17:30 Board bus for Yaguachi 17:35 Leave for Durán

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Option 2 | Bus + Train Route: Durán - Milagro - Bucay (Go by bus) Bucay - Milagro -Durán (Return by train) Route Distance: 88 Km | 54.56 Miles (roundtrip) Description: The coastal plain meets the Andean Highlands on this tour where visitors can admire a varied agricultural landscape as rice paddies merge into sugar-cane plantations and then turn into cocoa plantations. The area is also rich in local customs and traditions coupled with a delicious cuisine. Bucay is the gateway to the Ecuadorian Highlands where you'll enjoy the biodiversity of the land, an agreeable climate and a variety of nature and adventure tourism. Standard Price: USD 22,00 Departures: Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday & Public Holidays Schedule: Departure: 08h00 Return: 18h00 Itinerary: 07:30 Check in. Durán Station 07:45 Board bus 08:00 Leave Durán for Milagro 08:30 Arrive at coastal farm 08:35 Snack (hot chocolate). The farm offers toasted cheese sandwiches and plantain tortillas

for sale 09:00 Visit coastal farm to learn about artisan cocoa production and how it is converted into

cocoa paste, as well as local fruit production 09:20 Board bus 09:30 Leave in bus to Bucay station 10:15 Arrive at Bucay 10:20 Presentation of local dance 10:30 - 14:15 Free time for tourist activities (Visit to Train Handicraft Plaza) 14:15 Board train 14:30 Leave train from Bucay 16:15 Stop on Milagro platform (Time to use rest rooms and/or purchase locally made

products on platform) 16:35 Leave for Durán station 17:15 On-board service: Pineapple turnover

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TREN CRUCERO This is at the moment Tren Ecuador’s star product, a 4 days / 3 nights program from Quito, the

country’s capital city, to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s main port city, in a train ride through the

majestic scenery of the Andes mountains towards the endless plains of the Pacific Coast.

This route can also be operated backwards, i.e. departing from the City of Guayaquil towards the City of Quito. GENERAL INFORMATION

• Distance: 450 km (279 miles) approximately

• Average Speed: 25 - 30 km/h 15 - 18 miles/h

• Altitude: Quito 2.852 m / 9.110 ft.

Guayaquil 6 m / 18.73 ft.

• Urbina station is the highest point on the route at 3640 m / 11841 ft.

• Operating days

• Quito – Guayaquil route.- Departs from Quito on Thursday, arriving to Guayaquil on Friday

• Guayaquil – Quito route.- Departs from Guayaquil on Sunday, arriving to Quito on Wednesday

“TREN CRUCERO” COMPLETE ROUTE (Red line)

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TREN CRUCERO COACHES The “Tren Crucero” consists of 4 coaches with a total capacity for 54 passengers; the train coaches’ main feature is their representation of Ecuador’s historical or cultural facts and their panoramic windows, tables, lockers, café-bar and an open balcony in the last wagon.

COACH 1 Baroque style decor This train car has tables and chairs for 24 people. Passengers can enjoy a light snack or they can also read a good book while on board; it also has personal lockers to keep the passengers’ belongings.

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COACH 2 Neoclassical style decor This train car has tables and chairs for 30 people. Passengers can have fun with Board games or have nice conversations among friends.

COACH 3 Pre-Hispanic style decor

This wagon has a handcrafts shop, panoramic lounge and a café-bar where

the train crew will serve delicious snacks and drinks from local cuisine.

COACH 4 Ecuadorian Pacific coast classic style This last wagon features two spaces:

a lounge area where social activities take place; and, an open balcony from where the passengers can enjoy the majestic Ecuadorian landscapes.

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SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE OPERATION OF “TREN CRUCERO” During the “Tren Crucero” 4 days route the following items are included in the Price: Tour Guides During the whole trip on board the train, the passengers will be accompanied by 1 to 4 bilingual English – Spanish speaking tour guides (depending on the passengers’ number). These tour guides will also escort the passengers during the visits and excursions that make part of the program. To check availability and/or supplements for tour guides in other languages or special rates for tour leaders please contact “Tren Ecuador” Sales and Marketing team to the contact information at the end of this document. Buses for excursions & for the luggage

Tour Buses will drive along with the train

throughout its journey; they carry the passengers’ luggage and also serve to transport passengers from the different train stations to the visit places and/or to the restaurants and accommodation sites.

Meals & Accommodation Accommodation (3 nights) and full board (3 daily meals) are included in the “Tren Crucero” program. Traditional “Haciendas” or Inns found along the train’s route are considered for meals and accommodation services; they all comply with the service standards required by “Tren Ecuador”. In terms of meals, there are options to enjoy both: the local cuisine as well as international dishes, also meeting the standards that have been set for this program.

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“TREN CRUCERO” DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 01, QUITO – LASSO The tour begins at 08:00, at Chimbacalle station in Quito. Arrival to El Boliche station & transfer by bus to the Cotopaxi National Park; Easy trek on flat land around Limpiopungo, a glacial lake at the volcano's base. Transfer by Bus to San Agustín de Callo Hacienda for lunch and to enjoy a performance of the local community dancers. Return to the train station to continue on board the “Tren Crucero” towards Lasso station, where our bus will drive us to the hotel. Dinner & Accommodation at La Ciénega, Hato Verde or Rumipamba de las Rosas (Depending on availability).

Cotopaxi Volcano

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DAY 02, LASSO – RIOBAMBA After breakfast, transfer by bus to Latacunga train station. The day’s itinerary includes a visit to a flower plantation to learn more about Ecuador’s world-renowned roses. The train then takes us to Ambato where we enjoy lunch at Roka Plaza hotel, a converted heritage-style house. After lunch, the train travels on towards Urbina station to meet a very special person, Baltazar Ushca, the last ice-collector of the Chimborazo volcano. After this visit, the train takes us to Riobamba station from where a bus drives us to our hotel and dinner, either at Abraspungo or La Andaluza hotel (Depending on availability)

Chimborazo Volcano

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DAY 03, RIOBAMBA – BUCAY Breakfast; depart by bus to Riobamba station to continue our ride, this time pulled by a steam locomotive until reaching Colta Station. Visit to Balbanera church, whose walls, dating back almost 500 years, provide the first evidence of the Christianity’s arrival to Ecuador. Back on the train to continue towards Guamote, here the Indian market is waiting to be explored. Lunch will be served on board the train. The train continues its journey to the Alausí station to begin the descent down the emblematic “Devil's Nose”. Zigzagging its way down the mountainside, the train drops 200 meters in just 3 kilometers passing on this engineering feat that has earned the Ecuadorian rail system the “world's most difficult" tag. We continue by train to Bucay, the gateway to the Coastal plains. Dinner and accommodation D'Franco lodge in this pleasant and temperate area.

Devil’s Nose

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DAY 04, BUCAY – DURÁN (GUAYAQUIL) After breakfast, depart by train from Bucay station en route for San Rafael station. The journey then continues by bus to the Shuar community that migrated to the Pacific Coast from the Amazon basin more than 70 years ago. Our bus will then take us to the San Rafael hacienda for lunch and a visit to a cocoa plantation. Then we take the train to our final destination, Durán station, with a short stop at Yaguachi station to switch from a diesel-electric locomotive a steam-driven engine. The train weaves its way through plantations of banana, pineapple, mango, sugar cane as well as rice paddies, marking its trail with clouds of billowing steam. Arrival at Durán station. Transport is provided to take you to Guayaquil’s main hotels (Hilton Colón, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Wyndham, Gran Hotel Guayaquil and Sonesta.

Steam Locomotive

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TRAIN STATIONS GENERAL SERVICES, AVAILABLE ON ALL ROUTES.

Café del Tren – Train’s Coffee Shop Here your passengers will find delicious local typical products prepared by the locals. Coffee, natural juices and delicious desserts are part of the offer in these friendly places. Tienda del Tren – Train Gift Shop

These are shops where your passengers can find quality handcrafted products made by local communities who live in the areas close to the different train stations.

Plaza Artesanal – Artisan Market These are spaces where usually local communities’ folkloric groups of the train stations surrounding areas present their dances and music; they also offer handmade products for sale. Museo del Tren –Train’s Museum

Some train stations feature a museum with

displays, pictures and objects related to the Ecuadorian railway history.

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Other services “Tren Ecuador” customers can also enjoy other facilities and services in the train stations, such as, toilettes and Internet Wi-Fi; some stations have a parking lot and passengers can make use of them only by showing their train ticket. To check on additional or specific services in the train stations please contact “Tren Ecuador” Sales and Marketing team to the contact information at the end of this document. TREN ECUADOR & OTHER CIRCUITS AND DESTINATIONS WITHIN ECUADOR Many of Ecuador’s main tourism destinations are directly linked with the different circuits offered by “Tren Ecuador”, either with the half-day or full day programs or with the 4 days & 3 nights “Tren Crucero” program. Some of the main tourism destinations within Ecuador that can be visited before, after or during the train circuits are:

• Quito & surroundings (Otavalo, Mindo, Papallacta). • Amazon • Guayaquil & surroundings (Salinas, Montañita, Manglares Churute Reserve). • Galapagos Islands • Cuenca

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TREN ECUADOR AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Since “Tren Ecuador” started its operations on rehabilitated railways, with brand-new wagons, completely restored train stations and new levels and standards of service it has received important recognitions and nominations to different tourism quality awards; among the main ones to date (August 2014) are:

• Wider World Project 2013 awarded by the British Guild of Travel Writers Awards. London, UK.

• Lonely Planet has considered “Tren Crucero” as the fourth best train ride among the world’s unforgettable train trips

• Trip Advisor, Certificate of excellence 2014

• South America’s Leading Luxury Train, World Travel Awards 2014.

• Nominated in the category "Promotional Success", of the Latin American Travel

Association (LATA) Community Awards WHERE AND HOW TO BOOK “TREN ECUADOR” 4 days / 3 nights Tren Crucero Quito – Guayaquil or vice versa 1.270,00 USD For the Full rates list: http://trenecuador.com/crucero/es/precios/ You can book through your preferred DMC in Ecuador, Tour Operator or favorite travel agency For more information please contact: www.trenecuador.com www.trenecuador.com/crucero/ Or write us to: [email protected] [email protected]

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Ecuador, August 2014