In 2008, only 10% of Ecuador's train network was operational. The flagship of the railway's $280 million renaissance, Tren Crucero operates a new cross-Andean service
Tren Crucero —
In 2008, only 10% of Ecuador's train network was operational. The flagship of the railway's $280 million renaissance, Tren Crucero operates a new cross-Andean service
Mark Stratton
Tren Crucero's four luxury carriages were manufactured in Madrid.
Luxury carriages —
Tren Crucero's four luxury carriages were manufactured in Madrid.
courtesy Tren Crucero
Cattle ranching remains important in the Ecuadorian Andes. From the train, passengers can see traditional chagras (cowboys) at work.
Cattle ranching —
Cattle ranching remains important in the Ecuadorian Andes. From the train, passengers can see traditional chagras (cowboys) at work.
courtesy Tren Crucero
Lagarteros, such as 75-year-old Alejandro Diaz-Lopez of Yaguachi, are balladeers that sing and play guitar for money. Diaz-Lopez welcomes Tren Crucero, singing the praises of President Rafael Correa for investing in the railways.
Balladeers —
Lagarteros, such as 75-year-old Alejandro Diaz-Lopez of Yaguachi, are balladeers that sing and play guitar for money. Diaz-Lopez welcomes Tren Crucero, singing the praises of President Rafael Correa for investing in the railways.
Mark Stratton
Tren Crucero navigates the Devil's Nose via a series of switchbacks, gaining an incredible 2,945 meters (9,662 feet) over just 56 kilometers (34 miles).
Devil's Nose —
Tren Crucero navigates the Devil's Nose via a series of switchbacks, gaining an incredible 2,945 meters (9,662 feet) over just 56 kilometers (34 miles).
courtesy Tren Crucero
Feral horses roam the plains of Cotopaxi. Others work in the service of the chagras.
Horse culture —
Feral horses roam the plains of Cotopaxi. Others work in the service of the chagras.
Mark Stratton
Along the route the town of Alausi is predominately inhabited by Quechua indigenous people.
Mountain town —
Along the route the town of Alausi is predominately inhabited by Quechua indigenous people.
Mark Stratton
The Quechua in the Andean community of Guamote existed laregly as low-paid labor on large estates until the 1960s. Many now sell handmade crafts to visitors.
Quechua —
The Quechua in the Andean community of Guamote existed laregly as low-paid labor on large estates until the 1960s. Many now sell handmade crafts to visitors.
Mark Stratton
Llamas are seen throughout the Tren Crucero route.
Llamas —
Llamas are seen throughout the Tren Crucero route.
Mark Stratton
Seen from Tren Crucero, active Cotopaxi is thought to be overdue for an eruption. It's last eruption destroyed the town of Latacunga in 1904.
Cotopaxi volcano —
Seen from Tren Crucero, active Cotopaxi is thought to be overdue for an eruption. It's last eruption destroyed the town of Latacunga in 1904.
Mark Stratton