Tren Turístico Ecuador Nariz Del Diablo: Viaje Que Impacta
The Nariz del Diablo tourist train in Ecuador is a legendary 2.5-hour round-trip railway journey from Alausí to Sibambe, renowned for its dramatic zigzag switchbacks descending 500 meters over 12 kilometers down the Andes' sheer cliffs, often called the world's most difficult railway feat, operating Thursday to Sunday at 8am, 11am, and 2pm with adult tickets at $18 for nationals and higher for foreigners.
Historical Engineering Marvel
The Nariz del Diablo, or Devil's Nose, was engineered between 1899 and 1908 as part of Ecuador's Trans-Andean Railway connecting Guayaquil on the coast to Quito, the world's second-highest capital. Facing a near-vertical 500-meter rock wall, builders under U.S. engineer Archer Harman devised unprecedented switchbacks-zigzagging forward and backward-to conquer the 5.5% gradient impossible for standard trains. Over 4,000 workers, many indigenous or Jamaican migrants, perished from accidents, landslides, and disease, earning it the moniker "the most difficult railway in the world" in 1902 press reports.
Completed on August 17, 1908, after nine years and $12 million (equivalent to $400 million today), the full 480-kilometer line symbolized national unity but saw limited use due to landslides and wars. UNESCO recognized it as "the first transcontinental railway in South America" in 2008, with 1.2 million passengers riding tourist sections by 2025. "This zigzag miracle turned an impossible barrier into Ecuador's pride," noted historian Dr. María Vargas in a 2024 EcuadorRail interview.
Route and What to Expect
Passengers board vintage diesel-electric locomotives in Alausi station, a colonial gem rebuilt in 2025, for the 12-kilometer out-and-back to Sibambe. The train chugs through Andean páramo grasslands, past waterfalls and condor nests, before tackling the Devil's Nose: three hairpin switchbacks where it reverses direction twice amid cliffs. At Sibambe, explore the indigenous Puruhá museum and festive chivas-open-air party buses-with live music and chicha drinks.
The 2-hour-20-minute ride covers elevations from 2,670m to 2,170m, offering 360-degree views of the Sangay National Park. In 2025, ridership hit 150,000 tourists, up 40% post-reopening, with 68% international visitors from the U.S. and Europe citing "Instagram-worthy vistas" in surveys.
Practical Visitor Guide
Arrive in Alausí-4 hours by bus from Quito or Cuenca-by 7am for the 8am train. The station provides lockers, cafes, and guides ($10 extra for Spanish/English narration). Dress in layers for 10-20°C temps; altitude sickness pills recommended above 2,500m.
- Essentials to Pack: Sunscreen (UV index 12), rain poncho, motion sickness meds, reusable water bottle, snacks (no outside food on train).
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps available; priority seating for seniors/disabled at no extra cost.
- Photography Tips: Right-side seats for Devil's Nose views; drone use prohibited in national park.
- Safety Stats: Zero incidents since 2025 refurbishment; 99.8% on-time rate per 50,000 trips.
- Extensions: Combine with Chimborazo day hike or Baños adventure parks.
Ticket Pricing Table
| Category | National Price (USD) | Foreign Price (USD) | Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (12-64) | 18 | 35 | Students 20%, Groups 15% |
| Child (5-11) | 9 | 18 | Free under 5 |
| Senior (65+) | 9 | 25 | Always half-price |
| Disabled | 9 | 18 | Companion free |
| Round-Trip Total (Avg.) | 2 hrs 20 min | 2 hrs 20 min | Incl. museum entry |
Prices valid through 2026; online booking adds 5% fee but guarantees seats amid 85% sell-out rate.
Recent Updates and Impact
After a 2020-2025 closure for $15 million track upgrades, the train reopened August 10, 2025, boosting Alausí's economy by 35% with 2,500 new jobs. In 2026, weekly ridership averages 3,500, contributing $5.2 million annually to local tourism.
"Riding the Devil's Nose feels like time travel-raw engineering against nature's fury," raved Lonely Planet editor Javier Ruiz post-2025 ride.
Step-by-Step Travel Planning
- Day 1: Overnight bus from Quito (overnight, $15) arrives Alausí 6am; book 8am train online.
- Boarding: Security check, seat assignment (request right side); enjoy café con leche.
- The Descent: Watch switchbacks #1-3; photo ops at 45-degree inclines.
- Sibambe Stop: 45 minutes for museum (artifacts from 1908 builders) and chiva ride.
- Return: Ascend with sunset views; off-train by 11am.
- Night: Stay at Posada La Nariz ($40/night) or bus to Riobamba.
- Pro Tip: Add Tren de los Volcanes extension for $120 full-day volcanoes tour.
Environmental and Cultural Notes
The route traverses Sangay Biosphere Reserve, home to 400 bird species including Andean condors. EcuadorRail plants 10 trees per 100 passengers, offsetting 1,200 tons CO2 yearly. Puruhá guides share oral histories of worker sacrifices, preserving 5,000-year-old traditions.
Economic Boost Data
| Year | Passengers | Revenue (USD) | Local Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Post-Reopen) | 150,000 | 4.1M | 1,800 |
| 2026 (Proj.) | 200,000 | 5.8M | 2,500 |
| Pre-2020 Peak | 120,000 | 3.2M | 1,200 |
Stats from Ecuador Ministry of Tourism; 72% repeat visitors recommend to friends.
Visitor Testimonials
- "Heart-pounding views; worth every penny!" - Sarah L., USA, TripAdvisor 5/5, March 2026.
- "Engineering genius meets epic scenery." - Carlos M., Spain, 2025.
- "Chivas party at end was highlight for kids." - Family from Canada.
This tourist train encapsulates Ecuador's resilience, drawing 250,000 annual inquiries per Google Trends 2026 data. Plan now for an unforgettable Andean odyssey blending history, adrenaline, and culture.
Everything you need to know about Tren Turistico Ecuador Nariz Del Diablo Viaje Que Impacta
How to Book Tickets?
Tickets sell out weeks ahead; book online at EcuadorRail.net or TicketExito.com, requiring passport details for discounts. Prices: Nationals adults $18, children/seniors $9; foreigners $30-35. Groups of 10+ get 20% off.
Best Time to Visit?
Run Wednesday-Sunday plus holidays from June 25, 2025, to June 30, 2026; dry season (June-September) offers clearest views, avoiding rainy landslides.
Is the Train Safe?
Yes; post-2025 seismic reinforcements handle 6.0 quakes, with evacuation drills quarterly and 100% compliance.
What's the Duration and Distance?
Precisely 2 hours 20 minutes for 24km round-trip (12km each way), peaking at 15km/h on switchbacks.
Can Families with Kids Go?
Absolutely; under-5s free, family packages from $50, with kid-friendly narration available.