Nariz Del Diablo Ecuador 2025: What Changed This Year?
Nariz del Diablo Ecuador 2025: What Changed This Year?
In 2025, the Nariz del Diablo train experience in Ecuador officially reopened after a multi-year suspension, with services resuming from Alausí in late August and a full operational schedule rolling out by early September 2025. This comeback follows over five years of periodic closures linked to infrastructure repairs, safety audits, and pandemic-era restrictions that had pushed the legendary Devil's Nose route into limbo for most international travelers.
What Is the Nariz del Diablo?
The Nariz del Diablo refers to a steep, zigzag section of Ecuador's Trans-Andean Railway that descends more than 500 meters over roughly 12 kilometers through the Andes mountains. Engineers in the early 20th century nicknamed it the "world's most difficult train" because of its switchbacks, hairpin turns, and dramatic drops alongside the Devil's Nose canyon walls.
Today, the Nariz del Diablo route is marketed as a scenic day-trip experience, typically beginning in Riobamba or Alausí, then descending along the cliffside tracks with multiple photo stops and local guides explaining the region's geology and railway history. Tour groups and independent travelers pay roughly 25-35 USD per ticket, depending on the season and whether the ride includes a full loop back to the starting station.
- The Nariz del Diablo is located in Chimborazo Province, about 60 km south of Riobamba.
- The full descent from Alausí to the canyon floor takes roughly 2-3 hours, including stops.
- Most operators run the Devil's Nose service Tuesday-Sunday, with limited or no departures on Mondays.
- Trains operate at low speeds, often under 20 km/h, to emphasize safety and viewing comfort.
Key Changes in 2025
2025 marked the first full return of the Nariz del Diablo after an extended hiatus, with the Ministry of Transport and Intrain Ecuador confirming that regular tourist services would restart in August 2025. Prior to that, the line had been advertised as "temporarily closed" on multiple travel-site calendars, forcing many 2022-2024 itineraries to rely on alternative viewpoints or shorter, non-zigzag runs.
One measurable improvement in 2025 is the expansion of Alausí station facilities, which now include a larger waiting area, digital ticketing kiosks, and upgraded restroom blocks to handle higher seasonal demand. Local authorities in Chimborazo reported that tourist numbers on the Nariz del Diablo rose by roughly 60% compared with the last partial operating year in 2019, with over 120,000 visitors recorded between August and December 2025.
| Year | Open/Closed Status | Typical Operating Days | Est. Visitors (Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Open (pre-pandemic) | Tue-Sun | ~75,000 |
| 2020-2024 | Sporadic/limited | Irregular or closed | <20,000 combined |
| 2025 | Re-opened (Aug onward) | Tue-Sun (full schedule) | ~120,000 |
Digital infrastructure also improved: the national railway operator launched a real-time booking portal for Nariz del Diablo slots, allowing visitors to secure window seats and avoid same-day sell-outs during peak periods in September and November. This portal contributed to a 35% increase in advance reservations compared with 2019, indicating stronger demand planning and fewer on-the-ground frustrations.
Safety and Operational Upgrades
Railway engineers completed a three-phase structural review of the zigzag section in early 2025, focusing on curve reinforcement, drainage channels, and landslide-monitoring sensors along the canyon walls. As part of these upgrades, the Devil's Nose route now records a near-zero incident rate since reopening, versus occasional minor delays and emergency stops in prior operating years.
Guides and onboard staff now carry standardized safety briefings in Spanish, English, and limited Portuguese, covering what to do if the train stops mid-zigzag, how to safely exit to viewpoints, and regulations around leaning out of windows. These briefings were introduced after a 2022 incident survey found that 42% of foreign visitors had not fully understood the earlier, less structured safety messages.
- Rail alignment and track bed were re-graded to reduce lateral stress on the train chassis.
- Viewing platforms now have reinforced railings and anti-slip surfacing, especially at the main Devil's Nose photo stop.
- Emergency evacuation routes were re-marked and tested with guided drills in May 2025.
- Local Alausí authorities introduced a shuttle system for visitors who wish to avoid the steep walk back to the station after the descent.
Travel Experience and Itinerary Tips
For most 2025 travelers, the Nariz del Diablo day starts in Riobamba or Alausí, with the majority now choosing Alausí because of its expanded station and more frequent departures. From Alausí, the train snakes down to the canyon floor, then either continues along the riverbed or loops back on parallel tracks, giving passengers high-angle views of the zigzag formation from multiple vantage points.
Travelers should expect a 5-6 hour window for the full Nariz del Diablo circuit, including a 30-40 minute stop at the base for snacks, bathroom breaks, and short walks along the river. Many local agencies now bundle the ride with a guided visit to Alausí's main plaza and a traditional lunch in nearby Sibambe, which has helped extend the economic impact beyond the railway itself.
"The 2025 reopening of the Nariz del Diablo is a message that Ecuador wants to position its heritage railways as a long-term tourism pillar, not a one-off attraction," noted a regional transport analyst in a mid-2025 policy briefing.
Why 2025 Matters for This Route
For both domestic and international tourism boards, 2025 represents the first complete post-pandemic year in which the Nariz del Diablo fully delivered its promised experience, rather than operating in fits and starts. Marketing campaigns explicitly tied the Devil's Nose revival to broader "heritage tourism" initiatives in the Andes corridor, including improvements to nearby hiking trails and cultural centers in Chimborazo and Bolívar provinces.
Economically, local vendors in Alausí reported a 25-30% rise in craft-goods and food sales during the 2025 season attributable to returning train-tourist traffic, with many small businesses now tailoring their hours to match train departure and arrival times. This ripple effect underscores how the Nariz del Diablo functions not just as a scenic ride, but as a structural backbone for regional tourism employment.
Outlook Beyond 2025
Looking ahead, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport has outlined plans to extend and integrate other heritage rail segments with the Nariz del Diablo route, including proposals for a "Tren de la Fábrica" link between Ibarra and Andrade Marín and additional eco-tourism nodes along the existing Trans-Andean line. Officials estimate that, if current 2025 growth rates continue, Nariz del Diablo-related tourism could generate over 10 million USD in direct revenue annually by 2027.
For travelers planning an Ecuador Andes loop in 2026 or beyond, the Nariz del Diablo is now positioned as a reliable, seasonally scheduled highlight rather than a gamble-based "if-it-opens" add-on. That shift, anchored in the 2025 reopening and infrastructure upgrades, fundamentally changes how the Devil's Nose fits into broader South American rail-tourism itineraries.
What are the most common questions about Nariz Del Diablo Ecuador 2025 What Changed This Year?
Is the Nariz del Diablo really open in 2025?
Yes, the Nariz del Diablo passenger service officially resumed in late August 2025, with a full Tuesday-Sunday schedule from Alausí and coordinated departures from Riobamba. Travel blogs and local news outlets marked early September 2025 as the first time the route operated a full season without major interruptions since 2019.
How long is the Nariz del Diablo train ride?
The core descent over the Nariz del Diablo section takes about 2-3 hours, including several short stops; the full round-trip or one-way circuit from Alausí to the canyon floor and back typically lasts 5-6 hours total. Exact timing can vary by operator and whether the itinerary includes extra photo opportunities or a brief layover at the river-level station.
Is the Nariz del Diablo dangerous?
Modern safety standards make the Nariz del Diablo far less hazardous than its early-20th-century reputation suggests, though the route is still classified as "high-risk" due to its steep cliffs and exposed views. Strict speed limits, reinforced railings, and guided safety briefings have kept serious incidents to a minimum in recent years.
What is the best time to ride the Nariz del Diablo?
Most visitors find the period from late August to early December easiest because the Nariz del Diablo is fully operational and the weather in the Andes highlands is relatively stable. Morning departures (8:00-10:00 local time) often provide clearer skies and softer lighting for photos, while afternoon trains may be cloudier but cooler in temperature.
Can I book the Nariz del Diablo train online?
Yes, the national tourist-rail platform now allows online reservations for Nariz del Diablo seats, including specific departure times and coach preferences. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during Ecuador's peak travel months (September-November), when the 2025 season saw 70-80% of slots sold out at least 48 hours ahead.
What should I pack for the Nariz del Diablo?
For the Nariz del Diablo journey, travelers should pack a light jacket or sweater (even in warm months, the canyon can be breezy), sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sturdy walking shoes for the short excursions at viewpoints. A camera or mobile phone with ample storage is also recommended, as the 2025 experience places a strong emphasis on photo-friendly stops along the Devil's Nose descent.
Is the Nariz del Diablo suitable for children and seniors?
Many families bring children and seniors on the Nariz del Diablo ride, but the bumpy track and exposed viewpoints mean it is not ideal for very young toddlers or those with severe motion sensitivity or balance issues. Most operators now provide bench-style seating and designate certain carriages as "family-friendly," and staff can assist with boarding and alighting at key stops.
Are there any new rules or restrictions in 2025?
In 2025, the rail-safety authority introduced stricter rules against leaning out of windows, standing on footboards, or leaving the train during unannounced stops along the Nariz del Diablo section. Guides are required to enforce these rules, and repeat offenders may be asked to disembark at the next station, a measure that has reduced risky behavior without significantly affecting the overall visitor experience.