Tren Crucero in Ecuador

Four-day, three-night journeys between Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador, aboard the 54-passenger train Tren Crucero are available from Tren Ecuador (Sincholagua s/n and Av. Maldonado, Quito; phone 593 2 399 2100, ext. 1175).

Running from the coast up through the Andes, with views of tropical forests and volcanoes, the train ride varies from 50 to 86 miles each day, with passengers staying in hotels at night. The itinerary includes visits to villages, markets and ranches. On two of the four days, steam locomotives are used.

The train departs about every two weeks. A cabin costs $1,270 per person, double occupancy, with the single supplement $97.