Train Route – Rails to Trails

The "Rails to Trails" initiative has transformed abandoned railway routes into scenic cycling and walking paths, offering a unique way for adventurers to explore diverse landscapes. These trails often meander through picturesque countryside, historic towns, and natural reserves, providing users with an immersive experience in local history and culture. By repurposing old tracks, the initiative promotes outdoor recreation, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a refreshing escape, the rails-to-trails experience promises to captivate your senses and leave you yearning to discover more.

About Your Stay

• The tour follows an abandoned railway track, offering a scenic journey through the Ecuadorian countryside with lush green hills and picturesque villages.

• Participants can explore the well-preserved Coyoctor Archeological Complex, a pre-Inca site showcasing ancient stone structures and artifacts from the Cañari people.

• The tour includes a visit to the natural thermal spring of Baño del Inca, which holds cultural significance in Ecuador.

• A certified guide provides informative and seamless leadership, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants while navigating the trails.

• The tour is suitable for moderately fit individuals, with a flat terrain and some gentle inclines, but not recommended for those with certain health conditions or pregnant women.

Tour Overview

The Ruta del Tren – Rails to Trails tour is a 5.0-rated cycling adventure offered by Runa Way Adventours in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Departing at 8:00 am, the tour takes participants on a journey from the meeting point at Parque San Sebastián, exploring the region’s scenic trails and historical sites.

The tour includes private transportation, use of bicycles and helmets, a box lunch, bottled water, a certified guide, and tickets to the Coyoctor Archeological Complex and Baño del Inca.

Requiring a moderate fitness level, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with certain health conditions.

Departure and Meeting Point

The tour departs at 8:00 am from the meeting point located at Parque San Sebastián, on the corner of Museo de Arte Moderno, in Cuenca, Ecuador.

The meeting point is conveniently situated in the city center, making it easily accessible for participants.

Tour-goers should arrive at the designated location on time, as the group sets off promptly at the scheduled departure time.

From the meeting point, the tour provider, Runa Way Adventours, will handle the private transportation to the starting point of the Rails to Trails cycling adventure.

Included Amenities

Runa Way Adventours provides a comprehensive package of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Rails to Trails cycling experience.

The tour includes:

• Private transportation to and from the starting point
• Use of a bicycle and helmet for the duration of the tour
• A delicious box lunch to refuel during the ride
• Bottled water to stay hydrated
• A certified guide to lead the way and provide mechanical support if needed

Plus, the tour grants access to the Coyoctor Archaeological Complex and the Baños del Inca, allowing participants to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Moderate fitness is required for the Rails to Trails cycling tour. The tour involves biking on former railroad tracks that have been converted into trails.

While not overly strenuous, participants should be able to comfortably ride a bicycle for several hours. The terrain is generally flat, but there may be some gentle inclines.

Travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to join the tour due to the physical nature of the activity.

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for the Rails to Trails cycling tour starts from €90.70, with variation based on group size.

Booking for this experience is straightforward – you can reserve now and pay later, with confirmation received at booking. The cancellation policy is generous, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Some key details about pricing and booking:

• Rates are dependent on the size of your group
• Reservations can be made online with a simple confirmation process
• Payments are accepted at the time of booking or upon arrival
• Cancellations can be made with no penalty up to 1 day in advance
• Confirmation of your booking will be provided immediately after reserving

Archeological Highlights

The Rails to Trails tour takes cyclists on a journey through Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage, with a highlight being the Coyoctor Archeological Complex.

This pre-Inca site offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient past, with well-preserved ruins and artifacts that provide insights into the lives of the Cañari people.

Explorers can wander through the site, taking in the impressive stone structures and imagining the bustling activity that once filled these grounds.

The tour also includes a visit to the Baño del Inca, a natural thermal spring steeped in history and cultural significance.

These archeological stops provide a unique opportunity to connect with Ecuador’s enduring legacy.

Scenic Trail Experience

On this Rails to Trails tour, cyclists embark on a scenic journey through the stunning Ecuadorian countryside. The route follows abandoned railway tracks, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

Highlights of the experience include:

• Pedaling past lush green hills and picturesque villages
• Crossing historic bridges and traversing tunnels carved through the mountains
• Stopping at the Coyoctor Archeological Complex to explore ancient Inca ruins
• Enjoying a refreshing dip in the thermal waters of Baño del Inca
• Savoring a delicious boxed lunch while taking in the breathtaking vistas

The knowledgeable guide ensures a safe and engaging adventure, tailored to the fitness level of the group.

Guided Tour Expertise

Throughout the tour, the certified guide ensures a seamless and informative experience for participants. Knowledgeable about the region’s history and culture, the guide provides valuable insights into the railway’s past and the surrounding landscapes.

The guide’s expertise extends to navigating the trails, ensuring the group’s safety and enjoyment. Participants can rely on the guide’s mechanical support should any issues arise with the bicycles.

With the guide’s attentive leadership, the tour offers an engaging and well-coordinated adventure, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Rails to Trails experience.

Questions About Your Stay

How Do I Transport My Bike to the Starting Point?

The tour provider offers private transportation to the meeting point, where participants can use the bicycles provided as part of the package. This ensures a hassle-free experience for getting your bike to the starting location.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Traveling Solo?

Yes, travelers can join the tour solo. The tour provider, Runa Way Adventours, welcomes individual participants and will accommodate them within the group. Joining the tour solo is a great way to experience the Rails to Trails ride.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour provider allows customization of the tour duration. Travelers can coordinate with the provider to adjust the start/end times or length of the experience to fit their needs and preferences.

Are Electric Bikes Available for Rent?

Electric bikes are not currently available for rent on this tour. The provider, Runa Way Adventours, offers traditional bicycles and focused on providing a moderate fitness-level cycling experience through the scenic Ecuadorian countryside during the Ruta del Tren – Rails to Trails tour.

How Challenging Are the Hills on the Cycling Route?

The cycling route features moderately challenging hills, but the tour provider accommodates varying fitness levels. The terrain is manageable for cyclists with at least a moderate fitness level, and the guide can adjust the pace as needed.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Rails to Trails initiative offers a remarkable way to explore diverse landscapes. By repurposing abandoned railway routes, these scenic cycling and walking paths provide an immersive experience in local history and culture. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy the beauty of nature while preserving the heritage of railroads, promoting outdoor recreation, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.