Devils Nose – Discover Ecuador by train
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Dear reader, traveling Ecuador by train is an experience that every traveler should have on their bucket list. One of the most popular train tours in Ecuador is the journey to Devil’s Nose, or “Nariz del Diablo”, a thrilling ride that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
The Devils Nose train tour is a must-do for any traveler visiting Ecuador. The journey takes you through the Andes Mountains, passing through small towns and villages along the way. The train ride is a unique experience that allows you to see the beauty of Ecuador from a different perspective. The train ride is also a great way to learn about the history and culture of the country.
The Devils Nose train tour is named after the steep mountain that the train passes through. The mountain is called the Devils Nose because of its steep incline and the dangerous conditions that the workers faced when building the railway. The train ride is a testament to the engineering skills of the workers who built the railway, as it takes you through a series of switchbacks that allow the train to climb the steep mountain.
Nariz del Diablo is a fascinating geological formation and a railway engineering marvel located in Ecuador. Its history is intertwined with the ambitious railway project that aimed to connect the coastal city of Guayaquil with the highlands of Quito, a venture that was not without its challenges and sacrifices.
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Railway Dream and the Birth of a Challenge
The idea of a railway connecting Ecuador’s coastal lowlands to its mountainous highlands had been a dream for many. In the late 19th century, this dream began to take shape as Ecuador’s government sought to improve transportation and trade routes. The biggest challenge, however, was conquering the rugged Andes Mountains.
Updated Travel Information: The Devil’s Nose is Back!
After a period of suspension, the legendary train ride from Alausí to the Devil’s Nose has officially resumed operations. This segment remains the “crown jewel” of Ecuadorian rail travel, offering the famous zig-zag descent that showcases incredible engineering and breathtaking Andean scenery.
Plan Your Visit
• Operating Days: The train currently runs from Thursday to Sunday.
• Departure Times: There are three daily departures starting from the Alausí station: 08:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 02:00 PM.
• What to Expect: The 2.5-hour round trip includes the iconic descent to Sibambe station, where travelers are greeted with traditional dances by the local community and have access to the community museum.
Current Rates and Booking
To ensure you have the most accurate details for your trip, including potential seasonal changes in schedules or pricing for international vs. local travelers:
👉 Check the up-to-date timetable and prices here
Reserva tours y actividades en Ecuador
Descubre los mejores tours a Galápagos, Cotopaxi, Amazonía y más con nuestros socios de confianza Viator y Expedia.
| Ecuador – Region | Destination – Detailed guides, activities & tours |
| Las mejores cosas que hacer en Ecuador | Guía en Español |
| Best things to do in Ecuador | Guide in English |
| Ecuador – Andes | Quito |
| Train to Devil’s nose | Alausi |
| Ecuador – Andes | Cuenca |
| Ecuador – Andes | Cuenca (Español) |
| Ecuador – Cloud Forest | Mindo |
| Ecuador – Galápagos | Galápagos Islands |
| Ecuador – Pacific Coast | Manta |
| Ecuador – Pacific Coast | Salinas (Español) |
| Ecuador – Coast | Guayaquil |
| Ecuador – Coast | Guayaquil (Español) |
| Ecuador – Coast | Olón (Español) |
| Ecuador – Coast | El avistamiento de ballenas (Español) |
| Ecuador – Pacific | Whale watching |
| Ecuador – Coast & Amazon | Fishing in Ecuador |
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The Most Treacherous Section
The Devil’s Nose earned its ominous name due to its steep and treacherous terrain. It’s a narrow gorge with nearly vertical walls, making it a formidable obstacle for any railway construction. To overcome this natural barrier, engineers had to devise an ingenious solution.
Engineers’ Triumph: The Zigzag Railway
The solution was the construction of a zigzagging railway track that would allow the train to climb or descend the steep slopes of the Devil’s Nose safely. This engineering feat involved carving the tracks into the mountainside, creating a series of switchbacks that the train would navigate in a zigzag pattern.
Construction Challenges and Sacrifices
Building the Devil’s Nose railway was an incredibly challenging and dangerous task. It required the labor of thousands of workers, many of whom were brought in from other countries. They faced perilous conditions, including landslides and rockfalls, as they carved through the unforgiving terrain. Tragically, many lives were lost during the construction, making it a true testament to human determination and sacrifice.
Disclosure: As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.
Inauguration and Legacy
After years of hard work and sacrifice, the Devil’s Nose railway was inaugurated in the early 20th century, opening up a crucial transportation link through the heart of Ecuador. It became an iconic symbol of Ecuador’s railway history and an important trade route.
Modern-Day Attraction
Today, the Devil’s Nose railway is not only a piece of history but also a major tourist attraction. Visitors can experience the thrill of riding on the steep slopes of the Devil’s Nose, marveling at the breathtaking landscapes and appreciating the engineering genius that conquered this challenging stretch of track. It’s a tribute to the human spirit’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and a reminder of the sacrifices made to connect Ecuador’s diverse regions.
Read more down!
Ecuador – Amazing Travel Destination
Galapagos – The Pacific Oceans Coast – The Andean Mountains – The Amazonian Rainforest – ALL IN ONE
Make a favor to Ecuadorian incoming tourism
Creator of hashtag #GoodNewsfromEcuador
The journey to Devils Nose is a thrilling experience that will leave you breathless. The train ride takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador, including the Andes Mountains and the lush greenery of the countryside. The train ride also offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, making it a photographer’s dream.
The Devils Nose train tour is a popular tourist attraction in Ecuador, and it’s easy to see why. The train ride is a unique experience that allows you to see the beauty of Ecuador from a different perspective. The journey to Devils Nose is also a great way to learn about the history and culture of the country, as the train passes through small towns and villages along the way.
In conclusion, traveling Ecuador by train is an experience that every traveler should have on their bucket list. The journey to Devils Nose is a must-do for any traveler visiting Ecuador, as it offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the country. The train ride is a thrilling experience that will leave you breathless, and it’s a great way to learn about the history and culture of Ecuador. So, if you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, make sure to add the Devils Nose train tour to your itinerary.
Greetings from Ecuador
Lassi Pensikkala
Travel content curator Lassi Pensikkala: “I search and select for you interesting, relevant, and helpful travel-related articles from the international and trustworthy press. As a content curator, my job is to collect useful data with high value and a human touch for my readers and to bring everything together in one place.”
Lassi Pensikkala, Travel Influencer and Entrepreneur, has studied Economics, Psychology, and Sociology at the University of Hamburg, and graduated with a Master of Science in Economics MSc(Econ). He is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, German, Swedish, and Finnish, and is the founder of AmerExperience.com/TB: “I keep my readers up to date with news that interests them and is important to them. This article is worth reading – I recommend it to you.”
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