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Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil

Travel from Quito to Guayaquil on board the The Tren Crucero in South America on this 5 day 4 night journey.

Take a luxury train experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil. This journey starts in Quito, in the Northern Andes, from where you will travel towards the coast. As you descend 3,600 meters from the heights of the Andes to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, you will travel along the famous “Avenue of Volcanoes”. This fertile valley, trapped between the natural walls built by volcanoes, is home to a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity.

Pristine landscapes, endemic species of wildlife and flora, indigenous cultures, as well as archaeological and historical remains are scattered everywhere in this area, guarded by magnificent volcanoes. You may stop for a nature walk near El Boliche, where the Cotopaxi Volcano looms in the distance. The train will then slowly climb across purple-tinged quinoa fields towards Urbina station, the highest point on this route. Here, protected by the majestic and powerful Chimborazo volcano, you may have a chance to meet Baltazar Ushca, the last “ice merchant” and guardian of this ancient trade. As you continue south, you will pass through Guamote and possibly visit the indigenous market, before continuing on to the mythical “Nariz del Diablo” pass. This is a vertiginous descent of 450 meters that signals the transition from the Andes to the tropical lowlands. Here the landscape changes as you leave the narrow gorge of the Chan Chan River and its cloud forest and ride into the wide tropical plains. You will pass rice, banana, cocoa, pineapple, and sugar cane plantations as the steam engine whistles its way towards the Pacific Coast and the end of your trip.

Itinerary

The meeting point of the tour is at Chimbacalle Station in Quito. Report at 7:00 AM at Sincholagua s/n y Maldonado Chimbacalle train station– Quito to start your Tren Crucero Tour.

Day 1 - Tuesday: Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Lasso - Latacunga Please Note: All itineraries are approximate and subject to change based on availability and conditions at the destination.

The meeting point of the tour is at Chimbacalle Station in Quito. Report at 7:00 AM at Sincholagua s/n y Maldonado Chimbacalle train station– Quito to start your Tren Crucero Tour.

Our first meeting will be at the Chimbacalle station, south of Quito, a historic station that will open its doors to us with the country's railway history. On our train, we will cross the impressive "Avenue of the Volcanoes"; the term that Alexander von Humboldt gave to this part of the Andean ridge, where there are more than 20 volcanoes, few of them still active. We will arrive at the second highest station of the Ecuadorian railway system and disembark to begin our journey through a farm of Roses, there, we will learn why Ecuador gathers all the right characteristics to produce some of the best roses in the world. After lunch we will go up to the Cotopaxi National Park. Within the park we can pay a moderate altitude walk at 12,631 feet around the Limpiopungo lagoon where different varieties of plants and birds adapted to this altitude environment. Natural

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 1/15 photography will be part of this afternoon before arriving at the hotel for rest. Meals included:

Lunch Dinner

Day 2 - Wednesday: Latacunga – Urbina – Riobamba The departure by train in the morning will be from Latacunga Station. We will cross the inter-Andean valley and then the Yambo lagoon will open before our eyes by a scenic cliff. During the journey we will be approached by colorful devils, part of a long Andean tradition known as the Diablada Pillareña (devils from Pillaro), declared national heritage. We will celebrate with this folkloric demonstration and from the comfort of our train. We will arrive to Urbina station, the highest point of our visit, located at 3609 meters above sea level (11 000 feet). There we will be received by Baltazar Ushca, the last ice merchant of the Chimborazo who will share the secrets of his old and almost extinct tradition. Enjoy some communitary tourism, when we arrive to Jatari and the Community of La Moya where we will learn about the Quichua - Puruha culture and their ancestral work systems, we will be able to participate in some of these activities led by the inhabitants of the area. We will share the table with them and we will be able to interact with this culture. After this great day, the train is waiting for us to take the group to Riobamba where we can enjoy its beauties, the handcraft plaza and a short sunset walk through the city before arriving at the hotel for rest Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 - Thursday: Riobamba – Devil´s Nose – Alausí Early in the morning we will head to the historic Riobamba station, where a huge steam locomotive known as "The Black Monster" will be waiting to take us through colorful quinoa fields, picturesque villages and unique landscapes. Upon our arrival to Colta, we will carry out a maneuver that will switch the steam locomotive for a diesel-electric machine, meanwhile we can visit the first church in Ecuador known as the Balvanera or you can film the train with the steam locomotive before we leave it behind from the outside of the maneuver area. Once in Guamote, we will visit an authentic Andean market, where people from several communities come together to trade a myriad of products. This market has maintained its traditional essence and with luck we will be able to observe how the barter works among the merchants that meet there coming from many other indigenous communities from the country. A short trip by bus will take us to Alausí, where the patrimonial consist(set) awaits the group; that one will transport us to the mythical Nariz del Diablo (the Devi´ls Nose). An impressive system of swicht-backs on a steep mountain that allow the locomotive to descend into the Sibambe valley; during its construction, was considered one of the most important engineering milestones in the country. Our patrimonial set will return to Alausí, the city of the Five Heritage and we can rest tonight in this small city nestled in between sharp mountains and diverse plantations. Walking at night through its streets will give us a feeling of returning several decades in time. Return to the Hotel for the night. Meals:

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 2/15 Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 - Friday: Alausi – Naranjito – Yaguachi – Duran We will take our bus with the first sun rays and that one will take us on a scenic trip from the imposing Andes to the quiet esplanades of the Pacific coast. During this trip we can witness the dramatic climatic and geographical changes that mark the transition between coast and mountains. We will arrive at a very traditional and tasteful hacienda in the Coast of Ecuador; we will take a tour inside one of the plantations and learn about the sowing and harvesting of Ecuadorian cacao, which is considered the best cocoa bean in the world. Our lunch will be served at the hacienda and we will enjoy the gastronomy of local cuisine. Our next destination will be Naranjito where we will board the train to Yaguachi, the first station built for the Ecuadorian railway system. There, a Baldwin steam locomotive awaits us to lead the train to its final destination on this trip, a journey full of wonderful landscapes and cultural experiences. Arrival to Duran before sunset. Return to the hotel for the night. Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 - Saturday: End of Tour in Guayaquil Check out of your hotel after breakfast. You can also choose a trip to the Galapagos Islands with us where you can enjoy a cruise or an island hopping tour - We got the best deals and experts that will make it happen for you. Need more services? Contact us and we will be happy to assist with more extensions.

Destination Information Alausí A quaint little town at the end of the Devil's Nose. Take a stroll in this town and see the vibrant colors of Ecuador come to life.

Cotopaxi Cotopaxi is a stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains, located about 50 km (31 mi) south of Quito, Ecuador, South America. It is the second highest summit in the country, reaching a height of 5,897 m (19,347 ft) and is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

Duran Durán, is a canton located in the province of Guayas, Ecuador, near the confluence of Daule & Babahoyo rivers, where Guayas River begins. Its township or capital is Eloy Alfaro, urban parish. The canton was created in 1986 during the presidential period of Leon Febrescodero through a presidential decree.

Guayaquil Guayaquil is the largest and the most populous city in Ecuador, with around 3.75 million people in the metropolitan area, as well as the nation's main port. The city is the capital of the Ecuadorian province of Guayas and the seat of

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 3/15 the namesake canton. Guayaquil is located on the western bank of the Guayas River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Guayaquil.

Lasso Lasso is a small community located in the mountainous region of Ecuador that stands out for being one of the main entry sites to the Cotopaxi National Park.

Latacunga Latacunga is a plateau town of Ecuador, capital of the Cotopaxi Province, 89 km (55 mi) south of Quito, near the confluence of the Alaques and Cutuchi rivers to form the Patate, the headstream of the Pastaza. At the time of census 2001 Latacunga had 51,689 inhabitants, largely mestizo and indigenous.

Quito Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,800 meters above sea level), it is the highest capital city in the world housing the administrative, legislative and judicial functions. It is located in north-central Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. With a population of 2,239,191 according to the last census (2010), Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador, after Guayaquil. It is also the capital of the Pichincha province and the seat of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The canton recorded a population of 1,842,201 residents in the 2001 national census. In 2008, the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations.

Riobamba Riobamba (full name San Pedro de Riobamba) is the capital of the Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador, which is located at the Chambo River Valley of the Andes. It is 200 km (120 mi) south of Ecuador's capital Quito and located at 2754 m on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The city is an important regional transport center as well as being a stop on the Pan-American Highway that runs through Ecuador. Riobamba stands as one of the largest cities in the central portion of Ecuador's Sierra region.

Urbina

Urbina is a small, quaint village in the shadow of the mountain Chimborazo. Farms dot the rolling, grassy hills, where people raise donkeys, llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs.

Yaguachi

Yaguachi is a town in the Guayas province of Ecuador. The town is best known for its cheese, thought to be made from a special breed of goat that can only survive in the exact climate of this region.

Price Chart All Rates in US$ per person including ALL taxes and surcharges Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Gold For departures June 2,2020 through Gold US$ 2,722 US$ 2,322 N/A December 15,2020 Luxury For departures June 2,2020 through Luxury US$ 2,082 US$ 1,735 US$ 1,735 December 15,2020

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 4/15 Luxury - Full Tour with twin bed Luxury - Full Tour with For departures June 2,2020 through US$ 2,082 US$ 1,735 US$ 1,735 twin bed December 15,2020

Departures

Jun 2020 2,23 Jul 2020 28 Aug 2020 25 Sep 2020 15 Oct 2020 6 Nov 2020 3,24 Dec 2020 15

Included Accommodations in haciendas/hotels for the four nights you tour Ecuador with Tren Crucero All meals (except dinner on day 4) for the duration of your tour Complimentary water, tea, coffee, juices, snacks, and fruits on board the train Transportation to and from, and participation in, off-train excursions as described in the tour itinerary as well as the services of bilingual (Spanish and English) guides.

Not Included Airfare (Domestic or international); visa fees; travel insurance fees; alcoholic beverages; gratuities; additional toiletries; laundry service fees; any items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs; any items not specifically described in the tour itinerary. Unless specifically mentioned, any pre- or post-tour accommodations, transfers to and from hotels at the beginning and end of the tour, or tour extensions are not included in the price of your journey. All Ecuadorian citizens participating in this excursion must pay an additional VAT Dinner on Day 4 Special Promotions (Online Coupons) cannot be combined with free hotel offer. Guests have choice of choosing any one promotion.

Accommodation La Quinta , Alausí (N/A) Sucre N141 y Bolivar Alausi Facilities Free Parking Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Non-Smoking Hotel

El Molino , Alausí (N/A) c Sucre N141 y Bolivar Alausi,

N/A Facilities N/A

Oro Verde , Guayaquil (5) Nueve de Octubre y García Moreno Part of the Oro Verde hotel group, the Oro Verde Guayaquil is a real luxury experience. From the location to the service, this hotel could not be better!

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 5/15 Facilities - High speed internet access - Luxurious comfortable guest rooms and suites - 50" flat screen TVs in each room - Mini-bars - In-room safe - Spa & Outdoor Pool - Beauty Parlor - Gift Shop - Ecua Arte Shop featuring local artisan goods and works - Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services

Hotel del Parque Oro Verde , Guayaquil (5-Star) Av Rio Esmeraldas Facilities GUESTROOM AMENITIES

Authentic Ecuadorian furnishings 58" smart TV Coffee station Minibar Dining table for two Baths with outsized marble slabs Ecuadorian cosmetic brands Slippers and bathrobes Turndown service Cleaning service twice daily Safe 100% smoke free 24-hour room service Complimentary afternoon tea/coffee

La Ciénega , Lasso (N/A) Lasso Panamericana Sur Km 72 Hosteria La Cienega is one of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas, over 400 years old. Situated near the slopes of majestic Cotopaxi volcano and its National Park, this mansion has been the scene of important events in the scientific and social history of the country. Among the important celebrities that have resided at La Cienega are Charles Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who participated in the Geodesic Mission (1736-44) that determined the true shape of the earth and laid the path towards the development of a universal system of measure - the meter; and Alexander Von Humbolt, German naturalist who studied Cotopaxi's volcanic activity (1802) as well as its unique alpine flora. Today, tastefully converted into a luxury boutique hotel in 1982, La Cienega offers the visitor the unique experience of staying within its two-meter thick volcanic stone walls which stand as silent witnesses to the history of a people and the poetry of an era. Surrounded by the breath-taking natural beauty of the landscape and rich folklore of Ecuador's indigenous people. La Cienega is an unforgettable souvenir of your visit to the Andes.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 6/15 Facilities HOTEL FEATURES Free Parking Restaurant Free Internet Bar/Lounge Breakfast included Room Service Banquet Room Breakfast Available Concierge Conference Facilities Laundry Service Meeting Rooms

Non-Smoking Hotel Tennis Court

San Agustín del Callo , Lasso (N/A) 5 km off the Panamerican Highway, close to Cotopaxi National Park entrance Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress and palace and Augustinian monastery and was also temporary home of the French Geodesic Mission (1742) whose scientific work helped change the shape of the planet. . San Agustin de Callo constitutes the only lived in museum of Inca Imperial and Spanish Colonial style. Surrounded by the smoke-blackened Inca walls of the dining room, one can marvel at the infinite precision of the stonemasonry, a monument to the unrivalled craftsmanship of the Incas, and admire the stunning view of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.The peaceful atmosphere and magical landscape combine to make San Agustin a sanctuary of inspiration for artists and lovers of nature and a restful haven for weary travelers

Facilities Room Service Free Parking

Restaurant Free High Speed Internet (WiFi) Bar/Lounge Airport Transportation

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 7/15 Breakfast Available Laundry Service

Meeting Rooms Non-Smoking Hotel Shuttle Bus Service

Abraspungo Hacienda , Riobamba (4) Riobamba You'll be welcomed to this hacienda by incredible views, as it is located at 9,000 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes, and by a rich colonial feel in the architecture and their history, explicit of their past. The ownership is dedicated to providing the best guest experience possible!

Facilities Lodging in comfortable and cosy rooms - On-site restaurant with world renowned chefs - On-site bar - Meeting Space - Laundry Service - Mail Service - Wireless Internet - Free phone calls to the USA and Canada - International phone line - Spa services - Game room with billiards, darts, foozeball and board games Business centre; Room service; Handicraft shop; Tennis and volleyball courts; Playgrounds for children; Games room for adults displaying pool table, table football, dart boards and different table games.

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Suggested Extension Tours

Need an Extension? Add On One of These Tours for the Perfect Trip!

Travel Tips & FAQ's On-Board Facilities Tren Crucero has the capacity for 50 passengers to travel in luxury from the peaks of the Andes through the tropical lowlands of Ecuador. The train comes equipped with a bar, lounge areas, four bathrooms, and an observation car at the rear of the train so passengers can fully appreciate the magnificent views visible only by rail. Seats for passengers are pre-assigned. Every day, the train will serve one morning and one afternoon snack inspired by local cuisine. Non-alcoholic beverages, such as hot or iced coffee, fruit juices, iced tea, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, water, mineral water, infusions, and more, are available free of charge and without limitation on board. Food or drink not supplied by the train is not allowed on board. Alcoholic beverages are available on board the train for an additional fee. Guests can open a tab at any point

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 8/15 during the journey and can settle it on the final day of the excursion. Tren Crucero accepts U.S. dollars, euros, and major credit cards, but NOT traveler's checks. The train includes a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. For about 90% of Tren Crucero's journey, 3G or 3.5G service is available, but in certain areas this service and/or cell reception will be very weak or unavailable. Expedition leaders carry cell phones Tren Crucero is not equipped with internet connectivity or Wi-Fi. Accommodations Guests spend each night in a hacienda/hotel. All haciendas/hotels can comfortably accommodate 50 passengers. Rooms, which range from approximately 20 to 40 square meters, are available in single, double, triple, or twin sizes. Each room has its own private bathroom that includes a shower, but often not a tub. Interconnecting rooms are available only at Cienega Hacienda (Day one of the Quito-Guayaquill itinerary or day three of the Guayaquill-Quito itinerary). Depending on the day, lunch is served between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and dinner is served from 7:00 p.m. and no later than 8:00 p.m. We supply two to three options for dinner, which can be served to each guest. Both Ecuadorian cuisine and international cuisine are available for both meals, and the menu is designed to avoid repetitive meals. Guests can be accommodated separately upon request. Alcoholic beverages are available at haciendas/hotels for an additional fee, charged by the bottle or glass. Wi-fi internet is available at haciendas/hotels. We recommend guests use their own devices to connect to the internet. Doctors are available at haciendas/hotels upon request or emergency. Modern busses transport guests to and from haciendas/hotels. Staff Service Tren Crucero features a professional staff fluent in both Spanish and English. The crew includes one expedition leader, one bartender, two waitresses, one operational manager, three operational assistants, and one guide for every fifteen guests. Staff fluent in German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, or Russian are available for an extra fee and with advance notice. Please indicate your preference at the time of booking. Electricity Ecuador uses 110 V electrical current, and he train is equipped with several 110 V electrical outlets. Guests whose devices do not run on 110 V current must supply their own international adapters. Visa and Travel Documents Visas may be required. Please check with the the nearest/local Ecuadorian embassy/consulate. Palace tours doesn't assist guests providing visa or consultancy. You can review this web site from the Ecuadorian Government to see the requirements for your nationality to enter the country. http://www.ecuador.org/nuevosite/serviciosconsulares_e.php Ecuador do not require yellow fever vaccine. Ecuador has no current malaria or yellow fever alert on any location.

Insurance (Personal and Otherwise): Palace Tours strongly recommends the purchase of adequate travel insurance in your country of origin prior to arrival on Tren Crucero to cover injury, illness, death, loss of luggage or effects, or cancellation (For more information on the latter, refer to the Cancellation Policy in our Booking Terms and Conditions). Health Considerations Ecuador does not require a yellow fever vaccination, and the nation has no yellow fever or malaria alerts at any location at this time. Palace Tours strongly recommends you consult your physician for any personal health advice based on your travel itinerary. Palace Tours DOES NOT give medical advise or supply or recommend any kind of medicine or drug on board the train due to allergies and train rules. Two complete medical kits are available on board the train at all times. The crew has first aid training, including basic CPR training, but they are not certified. They can, however, provide medical assistance while traveling.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 9/15 Pre- and Post-Tour Hotel Accommodations Transfers to the train station from hotels in your city of embarkation are not included in your journey price, but we are happy to arrange them for you for an additional fee. Off-Train Excursions Train guides are always available and will accompany guests on any off-train excursions. Additionally, in certain locations, native guides are employed in conjunction with the train guides. Guests may choose to stay on board the train during excursions, but they may be interrupted by cleaning staff and the crew may be unavailable at these times. Guests may choose to leave excursions and go to the hacienda/hotel early. In these cases, they will be escorted by the expedition leader. On shorter trips, check-in occurs 45 minutes prior to the train's arrival time. In the event a guest must be medically transported from an off-train excursion, they will immediately be escorted by the expedition leader to a nearby hospital or medical facility. All activities listed on the itinerary are approximate and subject to change based on extreme weather or other "on-the-ground" conditions. Stations Stations where Tren Crucero will stop are centrally located within their respective city and are easy to access. Delays at stations are extremely uncommon and usually do not last longer than 20 minutes but that may change due to conditions on the ground. These delays may be caused by landslides or extreme weather conditions in the Andes Mountain or along the Pacific Coast during the wet season, which impede the operation of the train. Weather Tren Crucero takes you from the peaks of the Andeans to the subtropical lowlands of Ecuador, where you will experience a variety of different weather conditions. Ecuador experiences two major seasons: A dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. During the wet season, humidity is higher, and we recommend bringing a raincoat. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year in Ecuador across her various climate zones. In the highlands, temperatures can range from 5° C/40° F to 25° C/80° F. In the coastal lowlands, temperatures can range from 20° C/70° F to 32°C/90° F.

1 . Are any other languages spoken on board aside from English and Spanish?

No, both languages are spoken due to standard. German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese or Russian is available prior request and extra charge.

2 . Are there any outlets available for charging phones on the train?

Yes, plenty distributed all across the train.

3 . What kind of beverages will be served on the train, in between meals? Any snacks?

Soft/Non alcoholic beverages are unlimited and free of charge on board (hot or ice coffee, fruit juices, iced tea, coke, diet/zero coke, water, mineral water, infusions among others. We serve one AM snack and one PM snack. Snacks are based on local gastronomy.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 10/15 4 . Is there any First Aid/medicine available on the train? How do you deal with clients who have problems with high altitudes? Are any of the staff members certified in CPR/ able to provide medical assistance?

Yes, there are two complete medic kits on board. Crew has first aid (including basic CPR) training every year, however they are not certified. They are capable to supply medical assistance while travelling. We do not supply or recommend any kind of medicine/drug on board due to allergies and train rules.

5 . Where is luggage stored on the train? Is there a luggage restriction per person? Are there any safes/lockers for valuable items to be stored on the train for when customers go on excursions?

- Luggage is taken on the buses while travelling. Lockers are small and designed to store small carry-ons, however valuables are recommended to be taken with guests all the time since the train is cleaned on every station and at the end of the day.

6 . Does the same guide stay with you for the duration of the trip or is there a local guide at each station? What is the procedure for tipping guides?

Yes they are available during the whole trip. Native guides are part of certain activities, however the train guides always accompany guests. Tipping is included on the program price.

7 . Is internet available on haciendas? What is the best way for clients to check emails/surf the web?

Yes. We recommend guests to use their own portable device or cell phone with wifi capacity.

8 . What kind of voltage is available at haciendas? What kind of adapter is available? (3 pin, 2 pin, etc.)

Ecuador uses 110. Adapters are not common on Haciendas/hotels, we recommend guests to bring their own.

9 . Can the customer make special requests for meals? Is there extra charge? What kind of dietary needs/restrictions can be accommodated?

Yes, we can handle vegetarians, gluten or lactose free diets at no extra charge. Special request for Asian passengers is not available.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 11/15 10 . How are the passengers transported to haciendas? Will there be multiple buses for each group or will the same bus stop at each hacienda?

We used modern and A/C coaches during the itinerary. Guests will share buses. As we used one or two hotels in the area, most of the time we use 2 coaches of 30 to 45 seats and separate guests by hotels. However this is not warranted and we might do several bus stops to collect guests in different hotels. This will not exceed 2 stops.

11 . How much tip is advised for a client that takes the entire trip? How much tip is advised for clients who take a partial trip? How much is advised to tip when they go for lunch/dinner or for their night stay? In the Haciendas, is there an attendant?

Tipping is included on the program price. 10% is suggested for lunch dinner (main course can be calculated on a US $20 to US $45 per person). Haciendas/hotels do have attendants all the time.

12 . Are there any entrance fees for national parks or any other fees for cameras or any of the monuments?

Entrance fees are included in the price. In case of professional cameras (reporters or filming purposes) an authorization/fee must be paid in advance (before arrival) to the National Tourism Agency. We must receive a notification while booking.

13 . Is there laundry service? Is dry cleaning available? What is the price range/turn-around time?

Yes, on every hacienda/hotel. Price range from US $4 to US $10 per pound/piece of clothing. It is not pricey.

14 . How can currency be exchanged? Are there ATMs available anywhere (hotels, train stations, etc)?

Ecuador national currency is US Dollar. ATMs are available only at Ambato and Riobamba cities. We make a short stop at Alausi train station (before of after the Devil`s nose) in case guests require an extra ATM machine.

15 . What kind of food is served for lunch at the different locations?What kind of food is served for dinner at the different locations? Are there a lot of vegetarian options besides fruits/vegetables?

Local and/or international food both for lunch and dinner. Menu is designed to avoid repetitive dishes. Ecuadorian gastronomy offers an excellent variety of options for vegetarians including quinoa and other grains (specially maize).

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 12/15 16 . What is the weather like? Please explain by seasons temperature ranges (Fahrenheit/Celsius) as well as climate.

Temperatures Ranges

Zone Maximum Minimum

Highlands 25°C|80°F 5°C|40°F

Coastlands 32°C|90°F 20°C|70°F

Zone Maximum Minimum

Highlands 25°C|80°F 5°C|40°F

Coastlands 32°C|90°F 20°C|70°F

17 . What is the recommended attire on the train? What is the clothing recommendation for hiking/trekking/etc.? What is the dress code for dinners?

Casual attire is recommended for the train and dinner. Good walking shoes and dress in layers is strongly suggested.

18 . Are visas needed, and for which nationality? Do you assist with visa applications?

Visas may be required. Please check with the the nearest/local Ecuadorian embassy/consulate. Palace tours doesn't assist guests providing visa or consultancy.

You can review this web site from the Ecuadorian Government to see the requirements for your nationality to enter the country. http://www.ecuador.org/nuevosite/serviciosconsulares_e.php

Ecuador do not require yellow fever vaccine. Ecuador has no current malaria or yellow fever alert on any location.

19 . What languages does the Guide Speak

All Guides speak English and Spanish. Guidance in languages other than Spanish and English as Italian, French, German, Portuguese and Japanese can be provided under request, subject to availability and applies an extra cost

Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 13/15 PAYMENT TERMS: 35% of total tour cost is due at the time of booking, with the remaining balance of 65% due no later than 65 days prior to the tour's departure date. If a guest needs to change their tour date, an administrative fee will be charged at the discretion of Palace Tours. Children between the ages of two and up to 12 years of age at time of travel are priced at 75% of the adult cost. CANCELATION POLICY: Cancellations up to 95 days prior to departure, no cancelation fees apply. Cancellations between 89 to 61 days' prior departure, a 35% deposit is held as cancellation fee. Cancellations between 60 to 50 days' prior departure, a 50% deposit is held as cancellation fee. 49 days or less or no show the day of departure, 100% cancellation fee applies. When applicable, Palace Tours will charge an administrative fee equal to 15% of the total tour costs against refunds The dates are according to international terms so there is an additional 3 days in order to process cancelations and refunds

ITINERARIES: All itineraries are approximate and subject to change based on availability and conditions at the destination. TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans please visit palacetours.com/insurance. Please note that as of February 2018, all guests travelling to Ecuador are obligated to provide proof of health insurance when passing through immigration in order to gain entry into the country of Ecuador. Guests must be able to show valid proof of international travel insurance, whether public or private, for the duration of their stay in Ecuador. For further information contact the consulate office at destination. For any other questions or concerns, please contact Palace Tours.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 14/15 Palace Tours Contact Information

Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL 33181 WEB: www.palacetours.com EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 1-800-724-5120 USA: Miami, FL: 786-408-0610 Princeton, NJ: 1-609-580-1372 New York, NY: 1-212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 1-832-446-2709 INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1-800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510 FAX: 1-609-683-9772

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil(© www.palacetours.com) 15/15