Overview & Highlights
Travel from the snow-capped Andean highlands to the tropical coast by rail, stopping along the way to enjoy cultural treats and countryside lodgings. Then fly to the Galápagos Islands for a 6 day cruise.
The slow pace of life in rural Ecuador, a country whose Andean spine is studded with snow-dipped volcanoes and haciendas dating back to the colonial era which sprawl across upland pastures, is ideal for discovery by train. The rail network, which was once a primary means of transportation across this small country, has been revived so that visitors can enjoy a nostalgic experience travelling at a gentle speed behind steam and diesel powered locomotives. En route, you spend the night in welcoming countryside lodges and ranches.
You’ll explore the rugged uplands north of Quito: this is artisan country, where age-old crafts including weaving, wood-carving and leather work have been kept alive in small indigenous villages. A separate journey takes you south down the famed Avenue of Volcanoes, a journey of almost indescribable beauty where fertile farmland is juxtaposed with icy peaks. Ride down the dizzying switchback Devil’s Nose and end your journey in the sub-tropical lowlands close to Guayaquil, well placed to continue your holiday with a cruise around the Galápagos Islands.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Guided walking tour of colonial Quito and El Panecillo.
Day 3
Embark your train, journey through the highlands.
Day 4
Along the Avenue of Volcanoes by rail.
Day 5
From Riobamba down the Devil’s Nose by train.
Day 6
By rail to the end of the line at Duran, Guayaquil.
Day 7
Fly to the Galápagos islands, board MV Treasure of Galápagos.
Days 8-12
Excursions by boat and on land in the Galapagos Islands.
Day 13
Return to Guayaquil by air to connect with your international flight.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil
Hacienda La Danesa
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hosteria la Andaluza
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil
Hotel Oro Verde
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands / Quito
Swissotel
Galapagos Islands / Isabela (Albemarle) / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Treasure of Galapagos
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
Inspired by this trip
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Papagaio
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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Holidays Ecuador by train and Galapagos cruise
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Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
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Ben Line - Travel Expert
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
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Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
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Sophie Barber - Travel Expert
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
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Evie Oswald - Travel Expert
It's hard to believe that Evie has had time to cram so much in to her life so far. Having lived as a child in the Americas and Europe she found herself immediately attracted to Latin America.
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Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert
Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.
