Tren Crucero

The legendary Tren Crucero travels through the Andes from Guayaquil to Quito, Ecuador which is the second highest capital city in the world at 2,850 meters above sea level. This route features spectacular landscapes but also tough terrain like the Devil’s Nose; a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle a zigzag railroad was built that climbs more than 1600 feet in less than 8 miles with steep ascents and descents. To minimize the potential for problems along the rails, a working train travels a few miles ahead of the main locomotive, making sure tracks are safe and any problems are identified in advance, so Tren Crucero has time to stop. The working train showed its worth close to the end of the journey at Quito when it derailed at a faulty rail switch.  I had part of my film crew aboard the working train when it derailed, and I remember the report of the accident coming in over the radio and hoping that no one was seriously injured. But luckily everyone walked away with only a few bruises and the hard work began to haul the derailed train off the tracks so Tren Crucero could pass and finish the journey.