Highlands to Lowlands: Ecuador’s Classic Rail Journey

The imposing presence of the Andes Mountains makes South America home to some of the most exhilarating and spectacular train journeys anywhere in the world.

In Ecuador, the rail journey from the Andes to the Lowlands travels from the country’s capital, Quito, to the coastal city of Guayaquil, or in the reverse direction – from the coast to the Andes. It offers an amazing experience across several unique ecosystems and regions of Ecuador.

Onboard, you will pass through Cotopaxi National Park, an important home for many Andean creatures such as deer, wolves, endemic bears, and gulls. You might even spot an Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird.

The onward journey takes you past the volcanoes and glaciers of this spectacular country. Depending on your direction, you’ll either ascend or descend the Devil’s Nose, a 12-kilometer stretch of track that spans over half a kilometer in height via a series of switchbacks. As it’s a major highlight of the train journey, a short stop to photograph the switchbacks will allow passengers to really absorb this engineering masterpiece. The engineers that built it referred to this section of track as one of the most difficult to build and navigate in the world!

Continue to enjoy the journey to the coast, as you witness tropical sugar, rice, and banana plantations.

Another highlight of the journey is the train itself. The Tren Crucero features four fully restored carriages – true treasures of historical design, all pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. With room for only 54 passengers, the trip is very personal. With nights spent at 4-star haciendas along the way, and several stops made to explore unique villages and sites, this train journey through Ecuador makes for an immersive Ecuadorian experience.

Highlighting the beauty of the Ecuadorian highlands as well of the lush coastal region, the 4-Day Quito to Guayaquil train journey makes a perfect pre or post Galapagos excursion, or works well as a connector from Quito to Guayaquil, or vice versa, to meet your flight to or from the Galapagos Islands.