The morning after I’d traveled on JetBlue’s inaugural flight from Fort Lauderdale to Quito, Ecuador, I was happy to begin my first adventure, a luxury train ride on the award winning Tren Crucero. This restored steam locomotive had received glowing reviews for its itinerary as well as for its composition which consisted of a Colonial and Republican-style themed passenger cars, a bar and gift shop car, two observation lounges with comfy couches and, finally, an open air terrace.

Before getting ready to board the train that morning, our group had a great buffet breakfast at Quito’s JW Marriott.

There were the usual breakfast items, but also several choices that I wouldn’t normally find at home.

 

As we set off for the Tren Crucero, we made our way past colorful buildings that dotted the city.

Our train ride was over eight hours long but the time quickly sped by as we traveled across this exotic country’s lush lands, up through the Andes Mountains, and even through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”.

 

Called the “Railway in the Sky”, we were scheduled to make two stops on this transportation system that was built solely for tourism.

The first stop was at the El Bolicha Station for a short hike in the Andes mountains in Cotopaxi National Park. Although there was a dramatic change in elevation, I was happy not to be affected. I had been warned to prepare to dress in layers because, as one JetBlue flight attendant had described it, the weather of an Ecuadorian day could feel like all four seasons of the year. I had stuffed my carry-on luggage with short sleeved shirts, a jacket, sweaters as well as a scarf, and I was glad that I had brought these items for the hike.

 

The second and final stop was at Urbina. Situated at 11,840 feet,  it is Ecuador’s highest train station. It was there that we met relatives of the legendary Last Ice-Trader who, in his 70’s and, like his father and grandfather before him, has used a donkey to travel to the slopes of the Chimborazo Volcano to dig ice from the glacier to sell to the vendors in the villages and towns.

 

During my travels, I have tried many different cuisines, but it was a delicious treat to have ice cream made from the glacial ice.

This had been a great experience, and there was more to come with the next day’s tour of Quito. We traveled by van back to our new hotel, the amazing Casa Gangotena to get ready for our next experience.

Next: Tour of Quito’s Old Town area.