This article was updated on September 20, 2026.
Tren Ecuador Offers a Photo-Worthy Journey from Quito Through the Andean Foothills
There’s often a fine line between the urban and rural in most any major metropolitan area. And in Quito, Ecuador, that blurriness is evident. The subtle separation between city and country becomes obvious when riding Tren Ecuador to Machachi. Within minutes of exiting the Chimbacalle station in Quito, the Andes mountains move closer, a painterly landscape surrounds, and vibrant street art emerges.
With my Canon Rebel in my bag, I thought I could capture a few shots along the route. The day was clear and sunny and in the 60s, so an ideal day to travel. Little did I know before boarding, but I was about to experience a life-changing and picture-worthy ride. This trip was my first encounter with the Andes, a mystical mountain range comprised of snow-covered peaks, undulating clouds, and Cotopaxi, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world.
{An incredible hotel in the heart of Quito. I loved staying here!}
We rode Tren Ecuador through the Andes
Cityscapes seamlessly mingled with farmland. Vibrant street art like nothing I’d witnessed before this train ride, even in New York City’s most graffiti-ed neighborhoods, blanketed concrete walls alongside the tracks. For miles, these cement structures were the canvas. It was as if I had discovered an outdoor gallery of life-size modern and indigenous art juxtaposed with the Andes mountain range.
I saw villages with unfinished houses, (common in the country, as people complete sections as they can afford it) laundry flapping on clotheslines resembling an art project in itself. Ecuadorians roamed, rode bicycles, and waved as our train motored along. Some made eye contact and smiled as we rode by. In between photos, I grinned and waved back. Had we met before? I couldn’t ignore the friendliness of the people. It seemed as if they had been waiting for that train for hours, just to smile and wave to a group of tourists.
I aimed to remove myself from my reality and immerse myself in the place and culture, standing for most of the hour-plus ride. The landscape was far too astounding to sit––I wanted to soak it all in.
{Book a train through the Andes along with a walking tour and helado depaila tasting}
A stop in Tambillo
First we stopped in a charming village called Tambillo where local artisans sell their wares at a little market near the train station. This quick layover allowed time for a drink and a bite to eat: empanadas de morocho (corn flour pressed into a patty, then filled with meat or cheese and grilled or fried). And there was just enough time to shop. I purchased several handmade souvenirs from one of the artisans, a beautiful Ecuadorian woman who allowed me to photograph her. I know that I will forever remember this woman’s kind eyes and smile.
And on to Aloasi
I boarded the train with my group and was bound for Aloasi Village near Machachi in Ecuador’s Central Highlands. The countryside changed, transitioning to a very rural feel, deep in the country. One young girl danced to her own drum, ignoring all the others. She was in her own little world romping and twirling and remaining completely focused to execute her dances with precision.
I had a snack here too. Locals prepared earthy beans, “choclo” or corn on the cob, and other local eats inside the station. That corn hit the spot.
{Take a full-day tour of Quito, a gorgeous city and worth a visit}
A hacienda was waiting.
After the show, I walked to a 19th-century inn on a working farm with alpacas, goats, and horses. The hacienda sits at the base of the Corazón Volcano on the western slopes of the Andes. While I was only 25 miles or so from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, I couldn’t ignore the lush rolling hills. I was miles from city life.
Some say you can see all four seasons in Ecuador in a day, and this day proved it to be true. Without a warning, a storm had popped up. Gray clouds covered the fields and the wind picked up. I darted for the restaurant to miss the approaching weather. It was lunchtime after all, and perfectly timed at that. I sat with my travelmates at a table inside the farmhouse, a rustic space with exposed beams. I ate locra de papa (a hearty potato cheese soup) and several courses of Ecuadorian fare paired with Malbec as a musical group entertained.
Soon it was time to leave the farm, but not before one final moment admiring the wide-open landscape. Unbelievably, all was dry and the rain never came. The clouds still hung and the temperature was still about 60 degrees.
This story reflects my personal experience riding Tren Ecuador from Quito into the countryside. For the most up-to-date info and routes, visit www.trenecuador.org.
Also, Cuenca is a pretty town. And be sure to spend some time in Quito, a stunning colonial city.
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