Chiva Express- Ecuador

Chiva express Devil's Nose Train Tours

Metropolitan Touring’s unique CHIVA EXPRESS Rail & Road programs along the very scenic route of the railway, will be operating irregularly in the next months due to maintenance of the rails and installation of new sleepers. We will operate by road on those segments where the railway is being repaired. The highlight of the railway route, “The Devil’s Nose” is fully operative and riding the zigzag cuttings on the rock aboard the Chiva Express is a unique and thrilling experience. A trip of Ecuador from within, at the rythm of past centuries.

What is “Chiva” A CHIVA is a typical, old-fashioned Latin American bus, with plenty of room on the roof for bags of grain, bananas and the odd chicken. Throughout Ecuador, these buses have taken on a new lease of life as party vehicles with adapted, high-sided roofs. Typically, they are hired for celebrations and guests ride on top of the bus as it drives around the streets, an oompa-oompa brass band banging out favorite tunes, while the typical Andean canelazo drink is liberally poured.

Metropolitan Touring and some other tour operators followed to adapt the chiva idea to the historic train ride from Quito to Guayaquil. Our passengers will enjoy an exclusive and unique trip through the Andean countryside and the coastal lowlands on board our Chiva Express- especially adapted for safety and comfort, while complementing the fun of the ride; a unique way to discover the beauty of Ecuador from different and new perspectives and angles.

Chiva Express by Metropolitan Touring Unique Rail & Road Journeys in Ecuador

The CHIVA EXPRESS journeys are a unique and exclusive product of Metropolitan Touring and a great way to experience the best of mainland Ecuador, from the Andean patchwork countryside to the lush tropical coastal lowlands. The Chiva Express is a must-do trip through the unbeaten paths and ever-changing scenery of this beautiful country, designed to offer a relaxed, fun and truly authentic experience for world class travelers.