TRAINS & TRAVEL
P.O. BOX 10625
RENO, NEVADA 89510-0625
Chris@traintrips.biz
Jane@traintrips.biz
Deborah@traintrips.biz		     1-800 359-4870 USA
1-800 752-1836 CANADA
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(775) 453-1004
   
OFFICE HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MONDAY-FRIDAY
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ECUADOR
RAILFAN/TOURIST TOUR
SEPTEMBER 5-17, 2009
POSTPONED UNTIL 2010

PRESS RELEASE
QUITO, ECUADOR
APRIL 2, 2009

STEAM IN THE ANDES 2009
POSTPONED UNTIL 2010

THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE RAILROAD IN ECUADOR JUST MADE AN ANNOUNCELMENT TODAY AT A HIGH LEVEL STAFF MEETING THAT ALL STEAM LOCOMOTIVES HAVE BEEN PULLED OUT OF SERVICE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY FOR EXTENSIVE REPAIRS AND REBUILDING AS NEEDED. HE FURTHER STATED THAT BY JULY 2009 HE CAN SUPPLY US WITH A REALISTIC LIST OF WHICH STEAM LOCOMOTIVES WILL BE OUTSHOPPED AND READY TO OPERATE FOR THE 2010 SEASON. WE WILL SET NEW DATES FOR 2010 ONCE WE HEAR BACK FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER IN JULY!

OUR STAFF HAS THE MOST EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING
RAILROAD TOURS IN ECUADOR AND HAS OPERATED THE MOST
CHARTER TRAINS OVER THE PAST 24 YEARS.

TWO STEAM CHARTERS WILL BE USED ON THE DEVIL'S NOSE SWITCHBACKS FOR PHOTOS
ALSO DOUBLEHEADERS WILL BE OPERATED IN THE DEVIL'S NOSE & ALAUSI REGIONS




Two steam pulled charters are planned to be available on the Devil's Nose Switchbacks for photos according to railroad management. One passenger train and one mixed train. It has been several years since the railroad has been able to provide two steam trains on the switchbacks.



Steep grades, high trestles, deep canyon and spectacular views await you on this tour


Ecuador....Last stronghold of rugged mountain railroading using steam locomotives in the Andes of South America. The famous Guayaquil & Quito Railroad is coming back to life with a massive dose of money from the Ecuadorian government. The entire rail system is being rebuilt with millions of dollars in tourism money released from the government. The G&Q now has 6 Baldwin steam locomotives that they will use for our group. South American Railroad Historian and expert Chris Skow will lead this tour. He has now made over 100 trips to South America and over 30 just to Ecuador.

The future of this fantastic mountain railroad has never looked brighter. As a general rule steam is stored Serviceable for special charter work. During our 13 day tour we will feature 16 charters that will include steam, some railcars and in some cases a diesel support train running a few minutes behind our steam charter. Under a special agreement with railroad management our clients are allowed to ride on the roof, on the tender in the cab and for the daring one's on the front pilot between photo run-bys for the untimate experience on our steam charters. Even those that would like to try their hand at firing or on the throttle can have that chance. Indeed, this is a fantastic hands on experience for everyone. Under new railroad management the practice of cab and tender rides were greatly resticted to the general public, but we were able to get a waiver for our clients to give them the steam locomotive experience of a lifetime.

DAY 1 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5: Airport Transfer to the 5 star Grand Hotel Guayaquil. Welcome to Ecuador Dinner and tour briefing starts at 7:00pm.


The 5 star Grand Hotel Guayaquil downtown







Our first Ecuadorian City is colorful Guayaquil with it's riverfront only a short walk from the Grand Guayaquil.


DAY 2 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6: (B-L-D) Morning transfer across the river from Guayaquil to the Duran workshops of the famous Guayaquil & Quito Railroad. After exploring the workshops we will board our charter train pulled by Baldwin 2-6-0 No 11 and depart for our first run-bys on the streets of Duran. We continue on through a flooded area of rice patties and marshlands until reaching the historic town of Yaguachi. We will spend sometime in and around Yaguachi staging several photos run-bys over the river bridge and through the street of this small village. There will be plenty of time to explore this village for thise folks that would like to take in some history instead of shooting the photo run-bys. We then turn our steam locomotive on the wye and follow by highway our train making it's way back toward Duran. This is a great oppertunity to take photos of our train running through the marshlands. The rail line is not open yet between Yaguachi and Bucay, as the reconstruction on this section will not be completed in time for our tour. We transfer by motor coach to the Hotel San Rafael near Bucay.


We first visit the workshops in Duran





Once we depart Duran we cross the flatlands and through a wet marshland before arriving at the historic village of Yaguachi.


DAY 3 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 7: (B-L-D) In the morning we head out to Bucay located on the edge of the coastal plains at 983 feet elevation. We visit the Bucay workshops where the powerful "Andes Class" Baldwin 2-8-0's would take over for the steep climb into the mountains. All of the operating steam locomotives have now been moved out of Bucay by flatbed truck to other sections of the railroad that have now been rapired. There is still a number of steam locomotives stored here that may or may not be rebuilt in coming years. There is one operating railcar based here and railroad management will let us use it in the Bucay area for photos and for a short run north up into Andes and canyon. The line climbs up spectacular Chan Chan River Gorge where there is no road access on grades better than 5%. The opening of the line between Bucay and Huigra has experienced a delay and will not be ready for through rail service until late 2009 or early 2010. The reason is the rebuilding of two major bridges and repair of a tunnel. Management will allow us to take a peek into the Chan Chan River Canyon on the railcar , perhaps going up to the first bridge being rebuilt. We will then back up to a road crossing just outside of Bucay and transfer to our charter motorcoachs. We will then travel by motorcoach to Alausi and check-in at the La Quinta Hotel. The journey to Alausi is spectacular over the ridges of the Andes.


You will have plenty of time to explore the old Bucay workshops and the town.







The journey between Bucay and Alausi is breathtaking





Upon arrival in Alausi you will have time to explore this colorful important town at the 8,000 feet elevation in the Andes.


DAY 4 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8: (B-L-D) In the morning we go down to the Alausi train station to board our charter railcar for the ride down the mountain and into the upper Chan Chan River Canyon to the Devil's Nose Switchbacks. Just below the switchbacks our two steam charter trains will be waiting for us at the Sibambe station. This is the location where the FC Sibambe & Cuenca route joined the mainline of the G&Q. The line to Cuenca has been out of service for many years now. We will have most of the day to play with our two charter steam trains and the railcar. Both trains will make many photo run-bys on all sections of the switchbacks. One of the Baldwin Andes Class 2-8-0's will handle the passenger train and the other 2-8-0 be assigned the mixed train. During the mid-day break when the crews must water and service the two locomotives we will jump onboard the railcar and take a run several miles deeper into the Chan Chan River Canyon to the tunnel that is under repair. This will give you a change to see the narrow part of the canyon which is only 75 feet wide and almost 5000 feet straight up. As we return to Sibambe a number of photo run-bys will be made with the railcar. When we return to Sibambe where our two charter trains will be made up as a 6 or 7 car doubleheader. It has been 56 years since the G&Q experimented with running doubleheaders and we will have the first ever railfan doubleheader in Ecuador. We will then again stage a number of run-bys on the switchbacks in the afternoon before departing for the return trip to Alausi running up the steep 5.7% grades including the switchbacks and the Alausi Loop. Photo run-bys will be operated until the sun drops behind the mountains. Our charter railcar will be running right in front of the doubleheader and you are welcome to ride the roof of the railcar just a couple hundred feet in front of the doubleheading 2-8-0's. This is a fantastic opportunity to take some spectacular video. By the end of the day we will tie our train up back at Alausi and transfer back to the Hotel La Quinta.

THE DEVIL'S NOSE SWITCHBACKS
ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS RAILFAN LANDMARKS IN SOUTH AMERICA

Here are photos going back the past 15 years on the
many charters we have had at the switchbacks.


 





















On the way back up the mountain to Alausi our railcar will run in front of our steam charter and you are welcome to ride the roof for photos and video.


DAY 5 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9: (B-L-D) In the morning we will stage a number of run-bys on the cobblestoned streets of Alausi and the large steel bridge just north of town before we continue our journey up the mountain with the doublheading 2-8-0's. As we depart Alausi the grade reaches 5.6% and the sound of our two hard working steam locomotives is overwelming After a long climb and some more photo run-bys we reach the Palmira Summit at 10,492 feet. We continue northbound with spectacular views of high Andean Plateaus to Guamote, a traditional and very colorful indigenous town where it seems the way of life has not changed for hundreds of years. After another photo run-by through the streets of Guamote we transfer to the Hotel Riobamba by charter motorcoaches for check-in.


In the morning we stage a number of run-bys in the cobblestoned streets of Alausi







On one tour a few years ago the railroad flagman came walking around the curve with this hugh pumpkin after the photo run-by




DAY 6 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10: (B-L-D) We depart from the hotel in Riobamba the next morning by motorcoach to rejoin our train that we left in Guamote the day before. During the night our trains will again be split and very early the first train with the mixed consist departs Guamote for the run to Riobamba. This train will be waiting for us near the station of Columbe where the Pan American highway crosses the mainline about 6 miles north of Guamote. Once we arrive this train will depart for Riobamba and we will lineside with our motorcoach north for the next 25 scenic and spectacular miles. This will give us the opportunity to photograph this classic mixed train at some 15 locations. Once this train crests the grade at Cajabamba and heads down towards Riobamba we will turn around and go back to Guamote to board the 2nd train. After a photo run-by we are off northbound onboard the passenger train for the run to Riobamba, crossing scenic Colta Lagoon and through Indian villages with spectacular views of the snow capped Chimborazo Volcano as we drop into the Riobamba Valley. Riobamba also has the busiest workshop on the G&Q line. We return to our hotel after tie-up. For those tour members in our group that would like to stay in Riobamba for the day and do some sightseeing or just relax you are most welcome. We will offer you special sightseeing options for your enjoyment.







Riobamba and the surrounding area is located in a beautiful Andean Valley at 9,000 ft.


DAY 7 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11: (B-L-D) We return to the workshops for a visit as the two classic Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton 2-8-0's sit side by side…No. 58 and No. 53. We will Stage a number of photos at the workshops with both locomotives. By the way, No. 58 is the last Baldwin (BLH) narrow gauge steam locomotive built in the United States. We then board our charter train pulled by No. 53 which was also built in 1953 for a run north into the southern end of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We climb through open moorlands and indigenous communities all the way to Urbina summit, the highest station in Ecuador at 11,841 feet . The Urbina Station lies right at the base of the 20,656 foot Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador. After a little time to explore and stage a few run-bys we turn our engine on the wye for the run back down to Riobamba. Today will be packed full of spectacular photo run-bys. At each photo run-by you will have a chance to meet the local indigenous people , as they all come out to see what is going on when we stopped our train. Return to Riobamba for lodging.









DAY 8 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12: (B-L-D) We return to the Riobamba workshops and depart on another charter with steam for the climb southbound out of the Riobamba Valley which is just as spectacular as the northbound climb out of the valley. We are going to run from Riobamba to Columbe and return. Our day will again be packed full of exciting steam railroading and photo run-bys. Many of our photo run-bys today will have the the Chimborazo Volcano as a backdrop if the day is clear. Again, we invite anyone that would like to sleep in and or sign up for some extra sightseeing to stay in town today if they choose. The railfans will be back late afternoon and we will have a 4th night at the same hotel.

DAY 9 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13: (B-L-D) Morning visit to the Guayaquil & Quito Railroad Museum and also have a short city tour of this colonial city before we board our charter railcars at the downtown Riobamba Station and start our two day journey north up the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Since we have travelled over this section of railroad before we will run right to Urbina Summit before making our first stop. This will be a long day and we have steam waiting for us in the afternoon. After a brief stop for photos and train orders we then start the descend from the Chimborazo slopes through a scenic ravine known as Devil's Ear and on to the Mocha station. Mocha is known for the preparation of the traditional Guinea Pig. A stop will be made at the Guinea Pig BBQ for a taste test. Between Mocha and Latacunga the rail line is still closed, but work is progressing on this section. Meanwhile we continue from Mocha by charter motor coach to the recently rehabilitated Latacunga station to board yet another charter train pulled by Baldwin No. 18, a 2-8-0 built in 1935 for the Sibambe & Cuenca Railroad. No 18 spent 20 years in the Duran workshops out-of service. It was repaired in 2008 before it was shipped back to Quito by flat bed truck on the Pan American highway. After departing Latacunga we ride through the Inter-Andean valleys and begin our ascent to Cotopaxi Station. The line runs within Cotopaxi National Park through a pine forest. Here you can get awesome views directly across to the highest active volcano in the world standing at 19,345 feet. Plenty of photo run-bys will be made today. At the Cotopaxi Station we transfer to the La Cienega Hotel for check-in.



   

As we start our journey north up the Avenue of the Volcanoes on our first segment we will use the railcars. Depending upon the final group size we could use two railcars.








DAY 10 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14: (B-L-D) In the morning we return to the Cotopaxi Station to reboard our train pulled by No. 18 for the run on north to Quito. We descend to the Machachi Station through a rich agricultural valley where we find many beautiful colonial haciendas rich in History. We run through Tambillo before entering the Quito metro area and first make a stop at the Chiriyacu Workshops. You will have time to explore this workshop where the old Alco diesel hood units are stored. Also steam locomotive No. 17 will be waiting for us all fired up to take our train on into Quito. No. 17 is a former FC Sibambe & Cuenca lite 2-8-0. We finally arrive at the beautifully refurbished Chimbacalle Station in Quito. Transfer to the 5 star Hotel Alameda Real for check-in.


Departing from the Cotopaxi Station former FC Sibambe & Cuenca lite 2-8-0 will pull us to the Chiriyacu Workshops just outside of Quito. The left and right photo above where taken of No. 18 at the old Sibambe workshops before this line closed. The center photo is at the Cotopaxi Station.


OUR FINAL DAY IN THE AVENUE OF THE VOLCANES









Before arrival in Quito we stop to visit the Chiriyacu Workshops . This is the location of the fleet of the High Hood Alcos's. Upon departing from here steam locomotivel No. 17 will haul us on into Qutio. She is a former FC Sibambe & Cuenca lite Baldwin 2-8-0 seen in the photos above.




DAY 11 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15: (B-L-D) Morning city tour of Quito to discover its rich heritage, surrounded by impressive hills and mountains. The city is known for its architecture, churches, sculptures and carvings. Founded in 1534 the colonial center was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1972. From Quito we transfer by coach to the Imbabura Province in northern Ecuador, home to lakes, lush valleys, volcanoes and traditional indigenous towns and markets. We visit Otavalo, Ecuador's best known Indian market which offers an excellent market of tapestries, jewelry, ceramics and wood carvings. Check-in at the Hotel Chorlavi.











AFTERNOON VISIT TO THE FAMOUS OTAVALO MARKET








DAY 12 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16: (B-L-D) In the morning we visit the San Lorenzo Railroad workshops at Ibarra which is the starting point of this line that used to reach San Lorenzo, a natural port in the Pacific Coast. This line was built in the 1960s, but only operated for about 20 years before it was interrupted by landslides. Today only the first 25 miles are open to Primer Paso. However this is a spectacular railway filled with tunnels and bridges which descends through a unique subtropical ecosystem in the Salinas Valley. We will use steam engine No 14 , a Baldwin 2-6-0 built in 1901 for the run to Salinas. Here we will leave the steam train to turn on the wye and get water as we continue on down the mountain to Primer Pasco. Here you will delight at the old Armstrong type turntable used to turn our railcar for our trip back to Ibarra. At Salinas we again join our steam train with No. 14 for the climb up to Ibarra. Your welcome to ride the railcar running in front of our steam train or you can ride the train if you choose. Photo run-bys will be made with both the railcar and steam train. We return to Quito in the late afternoon by motorcoach. Hotel Alameda Real check-in.




We first vist the workshops of the FC San Lorenzo & Quito in Ibarra.







After our workshop visit it is off for our last day of train riding in Ecuador onboard our charter railcar and steam train pulled by Baldwin No. 14, a 2-6-0.


DAY 13 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17: (B) Transfers from hotel to airport in Quito for flights back home. Please take note that this tour begins in Guayaquil and ends in Quito. 

PRICES                           ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON

Double room....................................$4098
Single room supplement.........................$ 698
Deposit to hold space due when tour is called a sure-go
Final payment due by May 29, 2009

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS OPTION

While in Ecuador you have the oppertunity to take a side trip over to the Galapagos Islands for several days either before or after our Steam in the Andes tour. The two most popular options to experience Galapagos is either onboard the cruise ship MV Galapagos Legend or on one of the many private smaller yachts. There are dailly flights from the mainland to the island of Baltra where most tour companies meet the inbound flights and transfer the passengers to the waiting yachts and cruise ships. During your tour a couple of island landings are made each day to explore this unique wonderland of animals, birds, plants and strange volcanic formations. Most tours last between 5 and 8 days and prices start at $2000 and up depending upon the yacht or ship choosen. We can make all of the arrangements for your Galapagos visit.
















TOUR BOOKING CONDITIONS

TOUR PRICE: All tour prices are subject to change without notice at any time.

CHANGE OF ITINERARY: We reserve the right to substitute, change train routing, alter or modify the tour if any unexpected and unforeseen conditions beyond our control occur. As almost everyone knows, in the railroad industry last minute changes do occur.

DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS: The required deposit is due in our office within 14 days of making a booking. For most tours the final payment is due in our office 90 days before the start of the tour. Due dates are posted for each tour and will also be on your invoice and in some cases we will vary the due Date depending upon the tour in question.

MILEAGE COLLECTORS: Mileage collectors please take note before you book! Trains and Travel does not cater just to mileage collectors. We cater to all people that enjoy the railroad hobby. We give strong warning that itinerary and route changes do happen and this is totally beyond our control when it does. If the only reason that you would want to book a tour with us is to collect the rare mileage, may we suggest that you be prepared for possible route changes.

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: We assume no responsibility for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses, accidental delay or irregularities which may be caused through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the companies providing or engaging in transportation, accommodations or services related to the accomplishment of the tour including Trains and Travel. We have no control on the timings of our charter trains and indeed passenger trains and charters can and do run late most of the time. Nor do we assume responsibility for natural disaster, social or political upheaval, acts of terrorism or acts of nature. The right is reserved to substitute hotels, tour leaders, equipment, motive power, trains, routes and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary without notice. We are not responsible for expenses incurred by tour members in preparing for the tour.

CANCELLATIONS: Trains and Travel does not accept cancellations on the phone. Cancellations must be received by postal mail, e mail or fax before any refunds will be processed. Be sure and allow enough time if sending your written notice by the very slow US mail postal system. When a written cancellation is received in the Trains and Travel office this will be the effective date of the cancellation. Please take note that it can take up to 60 days to process some refunds in but most cases refunds will be issued in half that time. Cancellation refund rules: 100 days prior to the start of any tour you will receive a full refund less a $200 per person administration fee. 99 to 75 days before the departure of any tour there will be a 80% cancellation penalty based on the full cost of the tour. Any cancellations received 74 or less days before the start of any tour will not receive any refund. These cancellations rules apply to everyone and will be enforced.

RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE: Trains and Travel reserves the right to refuse service to anyone we deem necessary, to insure that all of our clients will have the best possible tour.

PRE-DEPARTURE TOUR BULLETINS: Tour bulletins will be sent to clients that have booked on our tours. Bulletins include weather, packing tips, food, health, updates and much more. Tickets and a detailed itinerary booklet will be sent out about three weeks before the tour begins.

PAYMENTS: Payments can be made with personal check drawn on a U.S. Dollar account, money order for U.S. Dollars, bank wire transfer, or credit card. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express. Final payment for all tours is due 90 days prior to departure. If final payment has not been received 7 days after the due date, a late fee of $50 may apply.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: All prices are based on double room occupancy. We will try and match you with a roommate. if one is available. If not, you may be charged the single room supplement listed for the tour you are booked on. Single rooms may not be available in some remote locations and on some trains.

TOUR REFUNDS: If for any reason tour members amend or delete any arrangements during travel, and leave the tour on their own, we cannot give any refunds on unused portions of the tour. If buses and trains are cancelled by the carrier or there is a labor strike or they go out of business, we cannot be held responsible and we cannot give refunds. Travel insurance will protect you for any of these reasons. If TU needs to cancel any tour everyone will receive a full refund. Please take note that refunds can take up to 60 days to process.

PARTIAL TOURS: We will allow passengers to join or leave a tour at certain points. It will all depend on the tour and the conditions. Give us a call and we will try and work up a custom option for you.



05978  visits since September 12, 2008.

Last modified: Thursday, 03-Sep-2009 16:15:24 PDT