The 7 Best Rail Tours in Quito, Pichincha Province

February 22, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

With a rich pre-Colombian history, Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of an Incan city but offers everything a modern traveler might need. It remains the least-altered historic center in Latin America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s important sites include baroque gems like San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. This huge city sprawls across a breathtaking Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Restaurants in Quito

1. 3-Day Private Tour to Cotopaxi, Baños & The Devil's Nose Train from Quito

Latin Adventures

Live an adventure and discover beautiful sceneries of the Andes: Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, Baños Village, Chimborazo Volcano and the Devil´s Nose Train Explore the Volcanoes Avenue in a private tour. Brilliant green mountaintops, capped by white snow in winter months, line this stunning 185-mile stretch of the nation’s countryside. If you are short of time, this is the best option to discover the Andes in a  personalized private tour. Take a 2-hour train ride towards the famed Devil’s Nose. Take in the incredible views of Ecuador’s truly breathtaking scenery as your travel through Alausi.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, 2 night accommodation in selected hotels, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pick up / drop off, Private transportation

Exclusions: Cost of extra activities like canopy, massages, bikes, horses etc., Tips

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

2. Ecuador in 9 Days

Bm Tours Quito

Discover Ecuador in 9 days, you will visit interesting places, and enjoy the de Ecuadorian history, fauna and flora. Program includes: • transfers • Accommodation in first class hotels. • Private Land Transportation • daily breakfast • Detailed supply in the itinerary • Tickets per itinerary • Service and personal assistance • Taxes

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch

Exclusions:

Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell

Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.

3. Adventure at Volcano Avenue + Train 2D - 1N

Bm Tours Quito

We will travel the section of the routes of the Volcanoes, where we will enter the National Park Cotopaxi, here we will be able to observe the landscape of the imposing Volcano of the Cotopaxi. We can observe its reflection in the Laguna of "Limpiopungo". Our adventure will continue with the route of the "Devil’s Nose" which will begin in Alausi.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Professional guide, Train Tickets

Exclusions: Tips, Extra Drinks, Museum Entrance

Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell

Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.

4. Best of Ecuador: Andes, Coastlines and Cloud Forests

Galápagos PRO Ecuador

From the Andes mountains, along winding Cloud Forest paths, over stunning white sand beaches to the depths of some of the worlds best dive sites - Ecuador's staggering beauty is almost impossible to imagine until you see it with your own eyes! Experience the cultural highlights of Otavalo's Craft Market, the vibrant Cultural World Heritage city Quito, romantic railways, and breathtaking views. We're excited to bring you this comprehensive tour showcasing the magic of Ecuador!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, The transfers as per program, Accommodation and activities according to your itinerary, 24/7 assistance in German, English and Spanish

Exclusions: Transfers mentioned in the itinerary, Alcoholic beverages, Personal Expenses, Tips, Food and drinks not listed in the itinerary, The international flight to the destination

Reviewed By LindyTeoTravel

My husband and I returned safely on Saturday from our Ecuador and Galapagos trip. Even if everyday life is slowly sinking in again, we are still very much inspired by the great, unique experiences we were able to gather on the islands. We would like to express our gratitude to you and your team for the organization and the really smooth running of our trip. Everything has always worked exactly as described in the itinerary (except when we did not work as we should and arrived late due to a stalled clock for our transfer to Isabela …). The plan was perfect to keep track of all the activities and had always answers for any ambiguity and questions, so nothing could go wrong. That has always given us a dose of extra security. And if there were any organizational or other questions, Karin and also especially Rebekka was always available with answers and offer a helping hand! Especially on the islands, the time feels so precious, that you want to devote yourself fully to the diverse experiences … Conclusion: our expectations were exceeded and we will recommend Galapagos PRO for sure. Thanks and best regards, Lindy T

5. Private Service: 2-Day trip Cotopaxi National Park & the Devil´s Nose Train

Francisco Salazar 59, Quito 170143, Ecuador Latin Adventures

Live an adventure and discover beautiful sceneries of the Andes: Cotopaxi Volcano, Chimborazo Volcano, and the Devil´s Nose Train Explore the Volcanoes Avenue in a private tour. Brilliant green mountaintops, capped by white snow in winter months, line this stunning 185-mile stretch of the nation’s countryside. If you are short of time, this is the best option to discover the Andes in a personalized private tour. Take a 2-hour train ride towards the famed Devil’s Nose. Take in the incredible views of Ecuador’s truly breathtaking scenery as you travel through Alausi.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Accommodation at selected hotels in Riobamba, Private transportation, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Train ticket

Exclusions: Lunch day 2, Personal expenses, Tips

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

6. 4-day Avenida de los volcanes Quito - Alausi and Cuenca Train

Quito

This is a magnific route through ecuatorian Andes, which will offer you inspiring and hypnotic landscapes along this route. On the second day, you will take the train towards the so praised route Alausi-Sibambe-Alausi, we will visit the worldwide known Evil´s Nouse (Nariz del Diablo). We will continue our adventure at Ingapirca Ruins, the most important precolombin archeological site in Ecuador. We will end our tour visiting the wonderful city of Cuenca, one of the charmest cities in the country, formed by stoned streets, antique cathedrals and a lot of history. Our service is based on superior cathegory hotels

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation, Train tickets, transport and touristic guide.

Exclusions: Lunches and dinners, entrance to Ingapirca, air ticket Cuenca - Quito, tips, personal expenses, No additional expenses not specified as included

7. 10 days True Ecuador Experience

Ecuatraveling

Discover the TRUE ECUADOR EXPERIENCE traveling through the Avenue of Volcanoes in the high Andes Mountains towards the best tropical Amazon destinations and explore the outdoor town of Baños, the UNESCO classified city of Cuenca and the local indigenous market in Otavalo. On your journey, you will learn about all the different local tribes and their cultures. The True Ecuador Experience trip is the perfect combination of cultural experiences, wildlife spotting, adventurous activities and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the most mega-diverse countries on earth. Discover the beauty of Ecuador!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Activties: Hiking, Trekking, Bird watching, Canoeing, Chocolate making, Private certified national guide and local guides., Transportation: Private and comfortable 4WD or van, train, and canoe.

Exclusions: Travel insurance (mandatory), Extra meals, Tips for guide, Additional beverages

Reviewed By coenh805

I had an amazing time in Ecuador. From the bus tours with Wilson, to the adventures in the jungle and the beautiful city Quito. All of this was amazing especially since the employees of Ecuatraveling are very nice people! And are capable to give you the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful country as Ecuador to the fullest! Hopefully I get invited to Pablo’s wedding to meet these people again! :)

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