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Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito

Take the most luxurious train experience - The Tren Crucero in South America from Guayaquil to Quito

A luxury experience from Guayaquil to Quito by train! Onboard the Tren Crucero you will climb 3,600 meters from the coast to the Andes, and experience one of the most dramatic changes in vegetation and scenery in the world. The train travels through the coastal plains into a dense cloud forest that slowly clears before the imposing walls of the Andes and the looming “Nariz del Diablo” pass. Here the train will slowly zigzag its way up the daunting tracks to arrive at the quaint village of Alausi in the Andean Highlands. From then onwards, imposing volcanoes preside over the landscape as the train cruises through colorful quinoa fields and lands dotted with grazing herds of sheep, llama, and alpaca. On the eastern flanks of the Chimborazo volcano you may meet the last “ice merchant" and sample ice cream made from fresh fruit and ice from the glacier! Your journey ends back in Quito, with a visit to its World Heritage Colonial Quarter. Unique Experiences: Let history come to life as an authentic steam locomotive carries you through some of the most exciting parts of the journey. Climb the Devil's Nose, a masterpiece of engineering that is known as the most challenging railroad anywhere in the world. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes visible only by train! Enjoy accommodations in historical farm houses, called haciendas, where you will experience local customs and cuisine! Avail yourself of the professional staff devoted to attending to your needs. Need an extension to your tour? Want to see other wonders of Ecuador during your visit? Click here!

Itinerary

Your tour meeting point will be starting at the Eloy Alfaro Station in Duran. Report at 7:00 AM to start your Tren Crucero Tous from Eloy Alfaro Train Station, Durán (Address: Av. Abel Gilbert s/n & Ponce Enríquez, Durán)

Day 1 - Saturday: Durán – Yaguachi – Naranjito – Alausí Please Note: All itineraries are approximate and subject to change based on availability and conditions at the destination. Your tour meeting point will be starting at the Eloy Alfaro Station in Duran. Report at 7:00 AM to start your Tren Crucero Tous from Eloy Alfaro Train Station, Durán

(Address: Av. Abel Gilbert s/n & Ponce Enríquez, Durán) Our first meeting will be at Duran station where a carefully restored steam locomotive will be waiting to transport us on a journey through time. With its roars and whistles, it will make us revive past times when these fabulous machines began to travel along the coastal tracks for the first time, changing completely the history of the country.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 1/16 The first stop will be at the Yaguachi station, the first one in the country, where we will say goodbye to our steam locomotive to make a way for a diesel-electric, we will be able to observe the exchange of these impressive machines from outside the maneuver area. We continue through extensive plantations of sugarcane, banana, coffee, pineapple and a countless number of tropical products to Naranjito station.

Upon our arrival in this area a short bus ride takes us to our next destination, an agricultural farm where we will discover the process of harvesting and sowing Ecuadorian cocoa, we will be able to taste 100% cocoa and we will see why Ecuador has the best cocoa quality in the world. We will enjoy lunch in a beautiful costal hacienda prepared with products from the area and soon after we will continue our trip. The bus will take us along a road that climbs to the Andes, a very scenic bus trip in which we will ascend more than 2000 meters in altitude in just 4 hours. During this trip we can witness the abrupt changes of climate, vegetation and geography resulting from the presence of the Andean mountain range. This fact gives Ecuador an incomparable beauty and biodiversity. Our first day ends in the comfort of our hotel in this small town nestled in the sharp mountains. Walking on the evening through its streets will give us a feeling of returning several decades in time. Return to Hotel for the night. Day 2 - Sunday: Alausí – Devil´s Nose – Riobamba The second day begins with the impressive trip aboard a different convoy, which dates from the twentieth century and will be waiting for us to descend through the fearsome pass of La Nariz del Diablo (the Devi´ls Nose); an intricate switch-back that allows the train to descend 511 meters in just 12 kilometers of railway. The Sibambe station awaits us down below, full of people and different activities in the surroundings, a small community depending merely on the touristic activity from the train. Back in Alausí, we will have a time for pictures and visit the local market, the quiet city lost in the time of the previous night, becomes the scenery of one of the most colorful markets in the area that serves more than a dozen communities from the area. A short bus ride will take us to the Palmira station where our train is. Lunch will be served on board. Our train will run towards Colta where the "Black Monster" is ready to pull the train, an impressive Baldwin steam locomotive that has been carefully overhauled. There we can visit the first church in the country known as the Balvanera or another option for train-lovers, will be filming the run of this with the steam locomotive ahead. The fields of quinoa, potatoes, onions, corn and other products of these fertile soils, will be decorating the landscape while waiting for the great Chimborazo to show up before we reach the capital city of Chimborazo province, Riobamba. Riobamba an enchanting city where we can take a short walk. Its cobbled streets and squares tell the history of the country at every step. Day 3 - Monday: Riobamba – La Moya – Urbina – Latacunga In the morning, the inhabitants of the community of La Moya will show us the life in the Andes, we will be able to interact with them and see one of the best examples of community organization for work, such as the ancestors taught the different generations. The tour continues towards the Urbina station. Located just over 3,600 meters above sea level, we will get to know the paramo ecosystems of the skirts of Chimborazo. Baltazar Ushca, the last ice merchant of Chimborazo, will tell us his story and explain the reasons behind his dedication despite the opposition and arrival of machines to the country. The train will go through the valley near Cotopaxi but on the way, a group of devils will take the train by surprise when

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 2/16 the Diablada de Pillaro (devils from Pillaro) is celebrated on board, a parade full of colors, music and joy that reminds us of the spirit of the Andean communities and their understanding of the world, this parade was declared national heritage. The final stop of the day will be the Latacunga station from where we can get to the different hotels in the area.Return to the hotel for the night. Day 4 - Tuesday: Latacunga – Cotopaxi National Park – Quito We will travel to the Cotopaxi National Park. Within the park we are able to join a moderate walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon where it is possible to find different sorts of plants and birds adapted to the altitude. Natural photography will be part of this morning and then we will board our train. The set will continue near the slopes of Cotopaxi towards our next stop, a typical Andean hacienda where we will be part of the daily activities of it and its dwellers. Upon our arrival we will be welcomed by these Andean cowboys, the “Chagras”, who will show their skills as riders and teach us a little of their culture and traditions. Our last day of expedition ends at the Eloy Alfaro station with a short walk inside the property, where our guides will make us discover the secrets of this patrimony. The capital of Ecuador, the beautiful city of Quito, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, will welcome us at night. Return to hotel for the night. Day 5 - Wednesday: End of Tour in Quito Check out of your hotel after breakfast.

While your tour ends today, we would love to offer you a number of the optional activities in and around Quito including:

Day at the Mindo Cloud Forest City Tour of Quito and visit to the Middle of the World Tour to Papallacta for a spa day at the hot springs. 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? 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

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 3/16 area, as well as the nation's main port. The city is the capital of the Ecuadorian province of Guayas and the seat of 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 6,2020 through Gold US$ 2,722 US$ 2,322 N/A December 19,2020 Luxury - Full Tour

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 4/16 For departures June 6,2020 through Luxury - Full Tour US$ 2,082 US$ 1,735 US$ 1,735 December 19,2020 Luxury - Full Tour with twin bed Luxury - Full Tour with For departures June 6,2020 through US$ 2,082 US$ 1,735 US$ 1,735 twin bed December 19,2020

Departures

Jun 2020 6 Jul 2020 4 Aug 2020 1,29 Sep 2020 19 Oct 2020 24 Nov 2020 7,28 Dec 2020 19

Prices are subject to change without notice in case of extreme circumstances. Children Under 12 are allowed child fare but they have to pay along side with 2 Adults (triple room). 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 tax equivalent to 14% of their total tour price. 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

La Ciénega , Lasso (N/A)

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 5/16 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.

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

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 6/16 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 Breakfast Available Laundry Service Meeting Rooms Non-Smoking Hotel Shuttle Bus Service

Swisshotel Quito , Quito (5) Swissotel Quito Av.12 de Octubre 1820 y Luis P.O. Box, 1721565 Swissotel Quito is one of the city's top five-star luxury hotel, conveniently located in the Floresta neighborhood of Quito – both a commercial and residential area,very close to all the most important Quito attractions. Enjoy a bit of luxury in the city, with many amenities to keep all guests satisfied

Facilities - Five on-site restaurants - Indoor Pool - Complimentary Internet - 24 hours room service - 20 meeting rooms - Amrita Spa with more than 80 treatments available - Indoor and outdoor swimming pool - Fitness Center - Squash, racquet ball and tennis courts - Steam bath and Jacuzzi - Business Center - Concierge

Hotel Plaza Grande , Quito (5) García Moreno y Chile, García Moreno N5-16 Hotel Plaza Grande is one of the most luxurious five-star hotels in Quito. Centrally located right in the Plaza de la Independencia in the Historic Center right next to the Carondelet Palace and the Archbishop's Palace. The hotel has 15 suites, furnished with fine woods and based upon designs from Spanish colonial times, these suites combine the taste of vintage times with minimal detail that modern hotels of 5 stars require. Facilities

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 7/16 - On-site bar & restaurant with incredible views of El Panecillo and Quito as a whole - Luxurious accommodations full of history with all modern day comforts

La Andaluza Hosteria , Riobamba (4) Riobamba The history of this hacienda goes all the way back to it's beginning in 1555! Built in traditional style, the hacienda adds a touch of luxury for all guests with lavish guest rooms and many amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Facilities - Restaurant - Cafe - Bar - Wine Cellar

** 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!

Consider any of these packages for an incredible addition to any Tren Crucero tour:

Cuenca Express, 3 Days/ 2 Nights: Cuenca is a majestic city full of history and life, located in the Southern Andes of Ecuador. The third largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca is well-known for its close proximity to the famous Ingapirca Ruins, but this city has so much to discover on its own, starting with the main plaza can be dated all the way back to the mid-1500s! Do a city tour to experience Cuenca in its entirety, with stops at some of the most fantastic and well-preserved ruins in all of Ecuador! Quito Express, 3 Days/ 2 Nights: Discover the most important attractions in the world renowned city of Quito, Ecuador (an UNESCO World Heritage city). Experience the culture and history while sightseeing and visiting the cultural marvels of this captivating city including the famous Mitad del Mundo, or the "Middle of the World", monument. You won't want to leave! Quito Transit, 2 Days/ 1 Nights: Just passing through? Take your choice between an all-inclusive downtown city tour or Mitad del Mundo, or the "Middle of the World", monument. A perfect way to cover the highlights in little time. Quito with Otavalo Experience, 4 Days/ 3 Nights: Experience the majestic city of Quito with a full-city tour including the famous Mitad del Mundo monument and museum with an additional day excursion to the famous market town of Otavalo. Take in all of the incredible colors of the market, where you will be immersed in Ecuadorian culture more than anywhere else in the country. Do a little shopping to take a little piece of Ecuador home with you! Ride the Ecuadorian Railways on the famous Freedom

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 8/16 Train, Tren de la Libertad to see even more of the incredible Ecuadorian landscapes. The Ecuadorian Amazon by Cruise, 3 or 4 Nights/ 4 or 5 Days: Ride through the Ecuadorian Amazon in the M/V Anakonda cruise boat, while experiencing the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon, visit Kichwa reserves and interpretation centers and visit the world-famous Yasuni National Park. Baños Ecuador, 2 Day/ 1 Night: Experience the magic of the adventure capital of Ecuador... Baños! Visit incredible cascading falls, and meet the local Salasaca people- both experiences not to be missed! Otavalo Market, 2 Day / 1 Night: Visit one of the largest markets in South America with this trip to Otavalo where you will experience a local fruit tasting, the beautiful natural Cuicocha Crater Lake, buy leather goods in Cotacachi- a town famous for their leather craft, and ride the Liberty Train through the incredible Ecuadorian landscapes to a salt mine museum, and experience a local Afro-Ecuadorian performance. All in 2 days! A trip not to miss. Galapagos Islands Island Hopping 4 Day/ 3 Night: The world-famous Galapagos Islands are one of Ecuador's biggest claims to fame. A destination unparalleled by any other, this trip gives you the opportunity to snorkel through the crystal clear waters, pose with sea lions, explore volcanic craters and see some of the hundreds of birds that are native to these islands. OR Day Trips to Mindo or Papallacta to visit the birding capital of Ecuador or experience luxurious natural hot spring pools!

Call us at 1-888-LUX RAIL (589-7245) or email [email protected] for availability and pricing information. We would love to help plan the trip of your dreams!

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 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 also. 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,

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 9/16 triple, or twin sizes. Each room has its own private bathroom that includes a shower, but often not a tub. 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. or later. 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 buses 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 the 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 does not assist guests in 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 does not require a 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 provide medical advise or supply or recommend any kind of medicine or drugs 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. 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

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 10/16 escorted by the expedition leader. 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 uncommon and normally do not last longer than 20 minutes but may last longer 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 seats pre-assigned

Yes, the seats are pre-assigned and the guests can charge specialty drinks ordered on the train to their seat and pay at the end of the journey.

2 . What is the capacity of the train? How many crew members are on the train? Are the seats on the train pre-assigned?

Capacity is 50 passengers. 1 Expedition Leader, 1 guide per every 15 guests, 1 bartender, 2 waitress, 1 operational manager and 3 operation assistants. Seats are pre-assigned.

3 . 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 with prior request and extra charge.

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

Yes, plenty distributed all across the train.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 11/16 5 . 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.

6 . 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.

7 . 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.

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.

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.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 12/16 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 . 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.

14 . 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 Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 13/16 15 . 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

16 . 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.

17 . 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.

Terms & Conditions 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.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations up to 95 days prior to departure, no cancellation fees apply.

Tren Crucero Luxury Experience in Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 14/16 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 cancellations 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 Guayaquil to Quito(© www.palacetours.com) 15/16 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

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