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Eric Castro asked:


Metropolitan’s “CHIVA EXPRESS” vehicles are the highlight of the rail tours along the Ecuadorian Andes and down to the Coast.. The chivas are colorful, fun, one-car vehicles on tracks that allow guests to “ride the roof”, where comfortable and safe seats have been adapted for a 360° view of the magnificent Andean landscapes—an exhilarating experience!.

Follow the same route of the historic Trans-Andean train ride, down the famous “Devil´s Nose” in three brand new 34-passenger vehicles with comfortable seating and large windows, toilet facilities and bar.

The one-day Chiva Express program departs from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, to the Cotopaxi Volcano National Park on a one-day adventure excursion along the Avenue of the Volcanoes with spectacular views of the Andes Mountains. Guests can leave the comfort of the inside to climb the outside ladder and sit on the roof for the exhilarating ride and panoramic views, protected by a guardrail, as the “Chiva Express” lollops and lurches along narrow-gauge tracks at a leisurely pace.

The two-day Quito/Riobamba/Guayaquil “Chiva Express” program goes from the Andes to the Coast, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Upon reaching Cotopaxi Volcano, the voyage continues by motorcar on a southward journey along the Andes for a visit of an Indian market. lunch and ride to Riobamba, to spend the night. The constantly changing scenery is awesome: snow-capped peaks, high treeless plateau, rushing streams, lush valleys, and steep slopes with patchworks of terraced fields and small Indian villages.

On the second day, guests board the “Chiva Express” from Riobamba to Alausí and on to the famous 1,000-foot Devil’s Nose switchbacks, an almost sheer cliff on which the railway track zigzags down a ledge cut into the mountainside overhanging a river gorge south of Alausí. The adventure continues down the slopes of the Andes while guests experience the transition from Andean ecosystems to the lush tropical coastal vegetation: bananas, oranges, pineapples, ginger and wooden farm houses on stilts. The last leg of the “Chiva Express” ends in Bucay, and on by motorcar to Guayaquil. Guests returning to Quito can take the flight Guayaquil/Quito that same evening.

The “Chiva Express” programs also connect with an overland trip from Alausí to the beautiful city of Cuenca in the south of Ecuador on three- or four-day excursions including tours, hotels, all meals, tour guide, ground transportation and transfers. Please visit www.chivaexpress.com for detailed itineraries and additional information .

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Eric Castro asked:


In Quito, the Capital of Ecuador, the enormous influence that the Spanish had in the origin of many Ecuadorian celebrations is most evident. During December Quito celebrates its “Spanish Foundation”, by the Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcazar on December 6, 1534. This was the second site where the city was founded - the first foundation was in August of the same year in Sicalpa, near the city of Riobamba.

One of the central events during this celebration is the bullfights, with the participation of more Spanish “matadors” than local ones. During the week of festivities Quito lives a Spanish fiesta, with flamenco dancers, manzanilla drinking, people wearing the typical Spanish hats to the bullfights and afterwards, enjoying long lunches with the most famous delicacies of the Spanish cuisine to delight local palates. This year, bullfights will take place between November 30 and December 6, 2005, at the Plaza de Toros of Quito.

The different “barrios” organize dancing in the streets - the largest events take place at Rodrigo de Chavez Street in the southern section of the city and in Shyris Avenue in the north. These are all-night events with orchestras playing Latin Music. People come in groups of friends or family, to socialize, listen to the music, dance and drink the famous canelazo, a hot drink with cinnamon and “firewater”.

Traditionally, parades take place in different areas of the city, with the participation of dancing groups of the schools of Quito and music bands. Many cultural events that keep the traditions of Quito alive take place during the week, like fireworks, poetry reading, recreation of legends and traditions, art exhibitions, food and traditional sweets festivals, folk dancing and much more take place the first week of December.

In the homes, families and groups of friends of all ages get together to play an Ecuadorian game of cards called “cuarenta” or forty, since it is played with 40 cards. The World Championship of Cuarenta takes place as one of the highlights of the festivity.

Throughout the week, open sided buses called chivas, originally from the Coast, take groups of friends who climb to the roof to party, singing, dancing and drinking, accompanied by music bands. Many chivas run along the streets of the city in this festive mood. The first week of December is a great time to be in Quito, come join the festivities!

for more information about Ecuador & Galapagos Cruises visit:

Galapagos Islands Cruises

Galapagos Cruises