The Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador (Nariz del Diablo) is one of the country’s most dramatic rail journeys. From the Andean town of Alausí, the line drops more than 500 metres in just 12.5 kilometres through a series of tight zig-zag switchbacks before reaching Sibambe and returning — a round trip of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. This guide covers the route, the engineering history, ticket details, the best season to ride, and whether the train is running in 2026.
Devil’s Nose Train 2-Day Tour from Quito — Ride the Nariz del Diablo
In This Guide
| Route | Alausí ⇄ Sibambe, round trip |
| Distance | 12.5 km of switchbacks |
| Descent | ≈500 m down the “nose” |
| Duration | 2.5–3 hours round trip |
| 2026 status | Running — heritage service; named in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 |
| Ways to ride | Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador tickets at the Alausí station, or the 2-day tour from Quito (from $359) |
The Devil’s Nose Train Ride: Duration and Descent
The Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador ride lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours round-trip. Departing from the mountain town of Alausí, the train descends 500 metres in just 12.5 km (7.8 miles) using a unique zig-zag track before reaching Sibambe station and returning. The pace is relaxed, leaving plenty of time to take in the Andean landscape and photograph the switchbacks along the route.
The Route: Alausi Ecuador to Sibambe
The route runs from Alausí to Sibambe and back, covering the most challenging section of this legendary Alausí train Ecuador route along Ecuador’s historic Trans-Andean Railroad. Originally, this railway connected the coastal region to the highlands, but today the Devil’s Nose highlights the engineering marvels and dramatic switchbacks of the Andes mountains. Alausi Ecuador sits at roughly 2,340 m on the Pan-American Highway, and the station is a short walk from the town center.
The Famous Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador, Explained
Ecuador’s most iconic train in Ecuador is the Devil’s Nose Train, the most famous Ecuador train, renowned for its ingenious engineering and breathtaking views of the Andes.
Why It’s Called the Devil’s Nose: A Short History
Construction of the line began in 1897 and reached the Sibambe–Alausí section by 1902, opening fully in 1908 as part of the Guayaquil–Quito Railway. To climb the near-vertical rock face, engineers cut a series of switchbacks into the mountain, and the danger of that work — and the lives reportedly lost blasting the route — gave the outcrop its name, the Devil’s Nose.
The railway overcomes more than 2,500 metres of elevation between the Pacific coast and the Andes, a feat of engineering that still defines the ride today. The line formed part of the Guayaquil and Quito Railway — the trans-Andean railway that first linked the coast to the capital city — and laying its train track up the Devil’s Nose cost hundreds of workers their lives — which is why the Devil’s Nose railway section remains the most storied stretch of track in the country.
Why Ecuador’s Trains Closed in 2020
In 2020, the Ecuadorian national railway company suspended most services due to economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. While many routes are still inactive, heritage and tourist-focused rides like the Devil’s Nose continue to operate, preserving a unique piece of Ecuador’s history.
Learn more about the historical significance on UNESCO’s Trans-Andean Railroad page.
Is Devil’s Nose train running in 2026?
Yes — the Devil’s Nose train runs again as a heritage tourist experience, and in 2026 the Nariz del Diablo was named to TIME’s World’s Greatest Places. From Alausí, departures typically run three times a day (around 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00), Thursday through Sunday and on holidays, though times shift seasonally — confirming before travelling is essential. Tickets cost roughly US$40 for international visitors (Ecuadorian nationals pay about half, with student and senior discounts) and can be booked through the official TicketExcito system or, more simply, through a hotel or local operator. Real Dreams Ecuador arranges reservations, round-trip transport from Quito, and pairings with highlights such as Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.
The Ghost Train Legend
The “ghost train” nickname comes from the early morning mist that often blankets the mountains. The Devil’s Nose train itself moves slowly, around 20 to 25 km/h (12–15 mph) to ensure safety and allow passengers to fully appreciate the dramatic scenery.
What Happens at the Bottom: Sibambe Station
The descent ends at Sibambe, a small station set at the foot of the gorge, and the stop is as much a part of the Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador as the switchbacks above it. Passengers leave the carriages for roughly half an hour before the climb back to Alausí.
A folkloric dance is performed by members of the Nizag community, whose ancestral land the railway crosses, and the restored station house holds the Cóndor Puñuna café and a small museum, a name that translates loosely as the condor’s aerie. Artisan stands run by the Nizag, Tolte, and Sibambe communities sell textiles and snacks, and the revenue from these stops now returns to the villages the line passes through.
Practical Tips for Riding the Train
A few practical details shape how well a Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador visit goes. The notes below reflect how the line runs today, after its reconstruction.
- Seats and views: the train reverses through each switchback, so the scenery swings from one side to the other. There is no single best side to sit.
- The road in: the approach to Alausí from the Panamerican Highway is steep and winding. Travelers prone to motion sickness should come prepared.
- Dress in layers: Alausí sits near 2,350 metres, and highland weather can shift between sun and cold within the same morning.
- Discounts: reduced fares apply for Ecuadorian nationals, students, and seniors. Carry identification to claim them.
- Book ahead: weekend and holiday departures sell out. Reserve through the official operator or as part of a guided itinerary.
- Getting there: Alausí lies roughly four hours south of Quito and two from Riobamba, which makes the ride a natural addition to an Avenue of the Volcanoes route.
- Riding the roof: the rooftop seating of the old line is gone. Modern safety rules keep every passenger inside the carriages.
Ecuador Travel Itinerary: 4 Days Exploring From Cotopaxi to Cuenca
The 2-Day Devil’s Nose Train Tour from Quito
For travellers with two days to spare, the 2-Day Andes tour from Quito is the most complete way to experience the Devil’s Nose train ride. The overnight in Alausí is what makes the difference: you wake in the mountains, watch the mist lift over the valley, and board the train before the day-trip crowds arrive. Most Nariz del Diablo tours from Quito follow this same two-day shape.
Day 1 takes you south from Quito along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with stops at Balbanera Church (Ecuador’s oldest, built in 1534), the peaceful Colta Lagoon, and historic Riobamba near Chimborazo. You spend the night at Hotel de Tren Boutique in Alausí. Day 2 is all about the Nariz del Diablo — the legendary zig-zag descent, the cultural show at Sibambe Station, and the scenic return to Quito through the Ecuadorian Andes.
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Quito → Avenue of the Volcanoes → Alausí | Cotopaxi and Chimborazo views, overnight in the railway town |
| Day 2 | Devil’s Nose train ⇄ Sibambe → return | The 500 m switchback descent, Sibambe station, folkloric dances |
Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador Tickets and 2026 Prices
2026 prices start at $359 per person (groups of 5+), $426 per person (2–4 travelers), or $766 for a solo private experience. The tour includes round-trip transport, bilingual guide, train ticket, and one night in Alausí. Departures run Thursday through Sunday. Check availability and book the 2-day Devil’s Nose tour here. Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador tickets for the heritage ride are also sold separately at the Alausí station for travelers not taking a full tour.
Plan Your Devil’s Nose Train Trip
Real Dreams Ecuador can fold the Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador into a wider Andes itinerary — pairing the rail journey with crater lakes, snow-capped peaks, and the highland landscapes around Alausí. See the 2-day Devil’s Nose train tour from Quito for routes, pricing, and available dates. Coming from the south, the Cuenca guide covers the 2.5-hour approach; from the north, the route passes Ambato on the way down the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Common Questions, Answered
How long is the Devil’s Nose train ride in Ecuador?
The Devil’s Nose train ride lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours round-trip. The train departs from Alausí, descends 500 meters through dramatic switchbacks to Sibambe, and returns along the same route.
Is the Devil’s Nose train Ecuador running in 2026?
Yes. The Devil’s Nose train operates as a heritage tourist experience in 2026, though schedules may vary. It is recommended to book through a reliable local operator to guarantee availability and combine the ride with other Andes highlights.
How do I get to Alausi Ecuador for the train?
Alausí is located about 4.5 hours south of Quito by car via the Pan-American Highway. You can take a bus from Quito’s Quitumbe terminal, drive yourself, or join a guided tour that includes round-trip transport from Quito.
What is the Nariz del Diablo train route?
The Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) route runs from Alausí to Sibambe and back, covering a 12.5-kilometer section of Ecuador’s historic Trans-Andean Railroad. The train navigates steep switchbacks carved into a near-vertical rock face at over 2,300 meters elevation.
How much do Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador tickets cost in 2026?
Prices for the Devil’s Nose train ride vary by how you book. A 2-day guided tour from Quito starts at $359 per person for groups of 5 or more, $426 per person for 2–4 travelers, or $766 for a solo private experience. Train-only tickets are available locally in Alausí.
Where is the Devil’s Nose train located?
In Chimborazo province, in Ecuador’s central Andes. The ride departs from Alausí, roughly 4.5 hours south of Quito and 2.5 hours north of Cuenca by road.
How do you get from Cuenca to Alausi?
Direct buses cover the Cuenca–Alausí stretch of the Pan-American Highway in about 2.5–3 hours, and any Quito-bound bus that stops in Alausí works. Drivers will find parking near the station.
Many travelers pair the Andes rail country with the islands. The 5-day Galápagos Island Hopper covers Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Santa Fe in one trip.
5-Day Galapagos Island Hopper: Santa Cruz, Isabela & Santa Fe Islands
The Bottom Line
The Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador remains one of the Andes’ most striking feats of railway engineering. Confirm the current 2026 operating status before travelling, allow a full day from Alausí, and consider the overnight tour if the schedule is tight.
