PHOTO: From sea level to the heights of the Ecuadoran Andes and Quito with Tren Crucero. (Courtesy of Tren Ecuador)

Palace Tours and Tren Ecuador signed a contract making the tour operator the rail company’s official U.S. representative. Palace Tours already represents Spanish Railway (RENFE) and a variety of trains in India. Palace Tours will be focusing on the promotion of train tour products in mainland Ecuador, including the country’s flagship luxury train tourism product – Tren Crucero or “The Cruise Train.” The company plans to create new itineraries in cooperation with Ecuador Railway and other local vendors to integrate programs in already popular Ecuadorian destinations.

While Peru Rail has managed to gain a strong profile in the U.S. thanks to iconic destinations such as Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail as well as strong marketing from such heavily engaged stakeholders as Abercrombie & Kent and Belmond (the former Orient Express), Tren Ecuador remains relatively unheralded in the U.S.

In its 12,000 foot ascent from sea level at Guayaquil to the Andean cloud forests, Tren Crucero passes through jaw dropping scenery including the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The journey begins, or ends, in Quito, Ecuador's capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978. When Tren Crucero first began its incredible run in the 1800s it was considered an engineering marvel. In June the historic train completed a major renovation of its Spanish Baroque cars.

The four-day/three-night 280-mile journey uses a refurbished heritage train pulled by a 100-year old steam engine. Up to 54 passengers are accommodated in two luxury carriages accompanied by a café lounge and an observation car with an open air viewing platform. Priced from $1,295 per person, the Palace Tours’ package includes sightseeing, excursions, and meals in local restaurants. It uses hacienda-style hotels. Pre- and post-extensions are also available.