The Chaski Antawa "Messenger Train"

Over the Andes

We are proud to introduce a historic rail route over the Andes via our Chaski Antawa “Messenger Train.” The Messenger Train of Ecuador combines modern day engineering with culture and Incan history to create an adventure that leads you through the enchanted highlands of Ecuador. Our train features two coaches. The first coach being 23 feet in length and the second 59 feet in length with up to a 20-guest capacity.

The landscape and countryside of Ecuador that you will see aboard the “Messenger Train” Chaski Antawa is truly breathtaking. Follow the paths of majestic tunnels, wide canyons and spectacular sights with vies of Ecuadorian history, view the biodiversity of the Northern Andes.

Due to the rebuilding of many kilometers of rail track, we were able to compose several terrific programs and Ecuador travel itineraries. You can combine your Galapagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Legend or Coral yachts with a full day, 1-night, 2-night or 3-night “Messenger Train” adventure. Below are some of our current travel options you can choose from.

Chaski Antawa “Messenger Train” with Otavalo Market, Full Day --- Saturday and Tuesday from Quito

On this adventure, you will be riding our rail tracks that were originally constructed early in the 20th century and then rebuilt several times. Descend through the sugar cane plantations, tunnels, special bridges, villages and canyons. Descend the Ecuadorian countryside, 2,300 feet in just about 2 short hours. Sites in the adventure include Mascarilla Village and the Otavalo countryside. Price from $160.00 per person.

“Messenger Train” with Deluxe Otavalo Market 2-days / 1- night --- Departures Daily from Quito, Except Thursday

Day 1 -- Begin your Journey to Otavalo by being picked up in your Quito hotel lobby. Make your way through the scenic Andean Countryside. Stop at our local towns and villages known for culture and hospitality. Like Calderon, which is known for making breaddough figurines for the villagers. Making your way to Otavalo, you will also the village of Cuicocha, known for their handmade leather goods. Tonight, you will arrive at a local colonial hacienda and settle in a cozy, traditional highland accommodation.

Day 2 -- Begin your morning with a delicious traditional hacienda breakfast. Then get ready to begin your culturally filled day by visiting the Otavalo Indian Market, with its 500-year history, where you can negotiate special prices for handmade crafts. After your visit to the market, get ready to enjoy an afternoon on the “Messenger Train.” The route for the day will consist of a 700 foot decent in about 2 hours through the Ecuadorian countryside. Aboard, you will explore the mystical tunnels, bridges, scenic canyons and the sugar cane plantations; in the late afternoon, you will be taken back to your Quito hotel to enjoy your evening in the capital city of Ecuador, Quito. Price from $320.00 per person.

Combine our Chaski Antawa “Messenger train” with a Galapagos naturalist cruise on the 5-star M/V Galapagos Legend, the Coral Yacht I or the Coral Yacht II, Contact us at (877) 385 -1433 for more information.