Devil’s Nose Train 2-Day Tour from Quito — Ride the Nariz del Diablo

Duration: 10 - Hours

From: $480 per person

Destinations: Chimborazo - Alausi

Description

The Andes Mountains Ecuador are one of the most breathtaking destinations in all of South America and this unforgettable 2-day tour from Quito puts you right in the heart of them. Travel through the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes, explore colonial highland towns, and ride the iconic Devil’s Nose Train known locally as la Nariz del Diablo on the most dramatic Ecuador railroad route ever built. This is the Andes Mountains Ecuador adventure that American travelers dream about.

Why the Andes Mountains Ecuador Are Worth Every Mile

Few mountain ranges on Earth match the drama, diversity, and cultural richness of the Andes Mountains Ecuador. Stretching north to south through the center of the country, the Ecuador mountain range is home to towering volcanoes, deep river valleys, indigenous communities with ancient traditions, and colonial cities that have preserved centuries of Andean heritage.

And at the heart of it all literally carved into the face of the Andes mountains in Ecuador sits the legendary Nariz del Diablo, the crown jewel of the Ecuador rail network and the starting point of the Devil’s Nose Train Ecuador route. Riding this Ecuadorian train through the zigzag cliffs of the nariz del diablo Ecuador is one of the greatest rail experiences in the Western Hemisphere.

What Is the Nariz del Diablo – Ecuador’s Legendary Railroad?

The Nariz del Diablo translated as “the devil’s nose” or la nariz del diablo Ecuador is a near-vertical cliff face in the central Andes where 19th-century engineers accomplished what many believed impossible: carving a functional Ecuador railroad into the sheer rock face using a series of zigzag switchbacks.

The Ecuador rail line connecting Alausí to Sibambe drops nearly 2,600 feet in just a few miles, making this section of the Ecuadorian train network one of the steepest and most dramatic in the world. Today, the devils nose train officially known as the Ecuador railroad Alausí route is one of the most visited heritage rail experiences in all of South America.

American travelers often refer to it as the devil’s nose train Ecuador, while Spanish-speaking visitors know it as la nariz del diablo en Ecuador or simply ecuador nariz del diablo. Whatever you call it, the experience of riding this Ecuadorian train through the Andes Mountains Ecuador is one you will never forget.

Inclusions

✔ Pick up/ Drop off

✔ Round-trip transportation from Quito through the Ecuador mountain range

✔ Private Transportation

✔ Bilingual Tour Guide

✔ Ticket to Devil's Nose Train

✔ Scenic drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the Andean highlands

✔ Guided visit to Balbanera Church and Colta Lagoon

✔ Guided city walk through historic Riobamba in the central Andes

✔ 1 night at Hotel de Tren Boutique in Alausí

✔ Round-trip Devil's Nose Train Ecuador / Nariz del Diablo rail ticket (Alausí ↔ Sibambe)

✔ Traditional dance performance and artisan market at Sibambe Station

✔ English-speaking guide throughout all 2 days in the Ecuadorian Andes

✔ 1 Breakfast 2nd day

❌ Breakfast 1st day

❌ Lunch

❌ Dinner

❌ Tips and personal expenses

Highlights

Ride the Devil's Nose Train Ecuador the most iconic devils nose train and Ecuador rail experience in South America.
Descend the Nariz del Diablo the legendary zigzag Ecuador railroad carved into the Andes mountains in Ecuador.
Drive the Avenue of the Volcanoes a corridor of dramatic mountains in Ecuador flanked by snowcapped peaks.
Visit Balbanera Church (1534) the first Catholic church in Ecuador, deep in the Andean highlands.
Explore Colta Lagoon a peaceful lake in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Discover Riobamba one of the historic main cities of Ecuador in the central Andes, near the highest mountain in Ecuador.
Overnight in Alausí the gateway town to the Ecuador railroad Alausí route and the la nariz del diablo Ecuador.
Experience Sibambe Station culture traditional dances from communities of the central Andes.
Views of Chimborazo the highest mountain in Ecuador and the farthest point from Earth's center.
Fully guided, all-inclusive focus entirely on the Andes Mountains Ecuador scenery and the Ecuadorian train experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Avenue of the Volcanoes, Balbanera, Riobamba & Alausí

Scenic drive through the Andes Mountains Ecuador

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Quito, heading south along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes through the heart of the Ecuador mountain range. On both sides of the highway, the Andes Mountains in Ecuador rise dramatically Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua forming a natural corridor of snowcapped peaks through the Andean highlands.

Your English-speaking guide shares fascinating details about the Andes mountains Ecuador geography and the remarkable history of the Ecuador rail network including how the Nariz del Diablo became the most celebrated section of the entire Ecuadorian train system.

Day 1 -Visit the historic Balbanera Church

Near the town of Colta, Balbanera Church (1534) stands as one of the most significant landmarks in Andean Ecuador. Considered the first Catholic church built in Ecuador, it sits peacefully in a mountains in Ecuador landscape that has changed little since the early colonial era a powerful reminder of the deep history woven into the Ecuadorian Andes.

Day 1 - Explore beautiful Colta Lagoon

Just steps from the church, Colta Lagoon is a serene highland lake perfectly reflecting the Andes mountains Ecuador sky above. The area holds deep cultural significance for the local Puruhá indigenous communities, whose traditions define the character of the Andean region of South America. On clear days, the surrounding peaks create stunning mirror-image reflections across the water.

Day 1-Discover historic Riobamba

The journey continues to Riobamba a proud highland city set in the shadow of Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador. Stroll through charming plazas, admire colonial churches, and browse vibrant local markets. This is one of the most historically important Ecuador mountains destinations in the central Andes, and a key stop on any serious Andes mountains tourism itinerary.

Don't miss the famous helados de paila a beloved frozen dessert made with natural fruit flavors using a traditional copper-pan artisanal technique, one of the great culinary traditions of Andean Ecuador.

Day 1 - Overnight in Alausí

In the late afternoon, the tour arrives in Alausí a picturesque town perched high in the Andes Mountains Ecuador and the historic heart of the Ecuador railroad Alausí route. The town's entire identity is intertwined with the nariz del diablo Ecuador railway its streets, its people, and its views all lead toward the famous la nariz del diablo cliffs that await the following morning. Check into the charming Hotel de Tren Boutique and rest up for the main event.

Day 2 - Nariz del Diablo Train Ride & Return to Quito

Morning walk through Alausí

Day 2 opens with a short stroll through Alausí's colorful historic center. Sitting at 7,400 feet in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador, this charming Ecuador village offers elevated viewpoints over deep valleys carved by the same geological forces that built the Andean highlands. Watch the morning mist lift off the surrounding Ecuador Andes Mountains before heading to the Ecuador railroad station.

Day 2 - Board the Devil's Nose Train at Alausí Station

This is the moment that defines the trip. At Alausí Station the historic departure point of the Ecuador railroad Alausí route you board the iconic Devil's Nose Train Ecuador for the legendary descent of la nariz del diablo. Departures run Thursday through Sunday and on holidays at 08:00, 11:00, and 14:00.

As the Ecuadorian train begins its remarkable zigzag descent moving forward, reversing, then moving forward again along the face of the nariz del diablo Ecuador cliff the Andes Mountains Ecuador landscape opens up in breathtaking fashion. The devils nose train drops nearly 2,600 feet through sheer cliffs and deep ravines, offering views that make this Ecuador rail route unlike anything else on Earth.

Day 2- Sibambe Station culture, dance & artisan markets

At the base of the Nariz del Diablo, Sibambe Station welcomes you with a lively 20-minute traditional dance performance from the communities of Tolte, Nizag, and Sibambe groups whose ancestors watched the original Ecuador railroad being carved through their mountains over a century ago. Browse handcrafted textiles and local artisan goods, then re-board the Ecuadorian train for the 30-minute scenic return ascent to Alausí.

Day 2 - Return to Quito through the Ecuadorian Andes

With the nariz del diablo conquered, the journey back to Quito begins. The return route travels back through the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes mountain valleys, rural villages, and traditional agricultural fields that capture the enduring character of the Ecuador Sierra. Arrival back in the Quito mountain range area is typically late afternoon, marking the end of two extraordinary days on the Ecuador rail and in the Andes Mountains Ecuador.

Price 2026

Group Size	Private Tour	Small Group	Shared Tour
1 Passenger / Price per Person	$766	Not available	Not available
2 -4 Passengers / Price per Person	$426	Not available	Not available
5+ Passengers/ Price per Person	$359	Not available	Not available

GALLERY

The best photos of our guests

Best Time to Visit the Andes Mountains Ecuador

The Andes Mountains in Ecuador experience two main seasons. The dry season June through September and December through January offers the clearest skies and best conditions for the devil's nose train ride, with unobstructed views across the Ecuador mountain range. During these months, Andes mountains tourism is at its peak and the Nariz del Diablo scenery is at its most dramatic.

The wetter months (February–May and October November) bring lush green hillsides and a misty atmosphere across the Ecuador Andes Mountains that many travelers find equally compelling. The Ecuador rail schedule rarely changes due to rain but always pack a light jacket when traveling through the Andes in Ecuador.

What to Pack for Your Andes Mountains Ecuador Adventure

Warm layers — mountains in Ecuador mornings drop to 50–60°F (10–15°C)
Light rain jacket — weather across the Andean highlands shifts quickly
Sunscreen and sunglasses — UV is intense throughout the Ecuador Andes
Camera or smartphone — every section of the Ecuador railroad is a photo opportunity
Cash in USD — Ecuador uses US dollars; useful at the Nariz del Diablo artisan market
Comfortable walking shoes — you'll explore Ecuador villages and the Ecuador rail station on foot
Small daypack — for essentials during the devils nose train ride and town walks

Ready to explore the Andes Mountains Ecuador and ride the legendary Nariz del Diablo? Book your Devil's Nose Train Ecuador 2-day tour today and experience the most iconic Ecuador

Frequently Asked Questions — Nariz del Diablo & Andes Mountains Ecuador

What is the Nariz del Diablo in Ecuador?

The Nariz del Diablo or "devil's nose" is a near-vertical cliff face in the Andes Mountains Ecuador, located near the town of Alausí in Chimborazo Province. In the early 1900s, engineers carved a zigzag Ecuador railroad into this cliff to connect the coast with the highland interior. Today, the devils nose train route is one of the most iconic Ecuador rail experiences in South America, attracting travelers from around the world.

Where is the Nariz del Diablo Ecuador railroad located?

La Nariz del Diablo Ecuador is located near Alausí, a small town in the central Andes Mountains Ecuador in Chimborazo Province. The Ecuador railroad Alausí station is the boarding point for all Nariz del Diablo train departures. Alausí sits approximately 3.5 hours south of Quito by road through the Ecuadorian Andes.

How does the Ecuador railroad zigzag work on the Nariz del Diablo?

The Ecuadorian train descends the Nariz del Diablo using a switchback system: it moves forward down the track, then reverses onto a lower section, then moves forward again. This zigzag pattern allows the Ecuador rail line to navigate a drop of nearly 2,600 feet across a cliff face that would otherwise be impassable. It remains one of the greatest feats of railroad engineering in the Andes mountains of Ecuador.

Where are the Andes Mountains located in Ecuador?

The Andes Mountains Ecuador run north to south through the center of the country, forming the backbone of the Ecuadorian Andes. The Ecuador mountain range divides the country into three regions: the Pacific Coast, the Andean highlands (Sierra), and the Amazon jungle. Major cities including Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca all sit within the Ecuador mountain range.

Which days does the Devil's Nose Train Ecuador operate?

The devils nose train Ecuador (Nariz del Diablo) runs Thursday through Sunday and on Ecuadorian public holidays. Departures from the Ecuador railroad Alausí station are at 08:00, 11:00, and 14:00. This 2-day Andes Mountains Ecuador tour is scheduled to coincide with these Ecuador rail operating days.

What are the main cities of Ecuador on this Andes tour route?

The tour passes through four of the main cities of Ecuador in the Andean highlands: Quito (the capital at 9,350 ft), Ambato (breakfast stop), Riobamba (colonial city near Chimborazo), and Alausí (the historic Ecuador railroad Alausí gateway to la Nariz del Diablo Ecuador). Each city offers a different chapter of Andes Mountains Ecuador culture and history.

What Travellers Say About Real Dreams

Verified reviews · Real Dream Tours

Great tour company. Amazing tour guides. Safe driver !

We had the BEST time with Real Dream tours. Our tour guide was Andrés and our driver maybe (Javier) was the ABSOLUTE BEST. We went to the hot springs. Got there safely. We hiked a beautiful trail. Andres took some photos of us and pretty much took care of everything when we arrived at the spa. Andres was also very knowledgeable about the country. Educated us on some fun facts. We were traveling as a family of 5. The company is great! They personalized everything for us. They can customize anything you need. Even dropped us off at the airport after our relaxing day. Such great people. highly recommended! Will use them again.

tktun20906

washington dc

June 11, 2025

Quilotoa -day trip

Quilotoa is a beautiful place it’s worth the long trip from Quito. I would totally recomend. The views are just stunning.

Also our tour guide was Pedro. 10/10

Carol

Puerto Rico

March 10, 2025

Vielen Dank Pedro!

Ich hatte eine tolle Zeit mit meinem Guide Pedro. Vom hoch gelegenen Cotopaxi, über die im perfekten Sonnenschein schimmernde Quilotoa Lagune, zum abenteuerlichen Banos und schliesslich in den abgelegenen Regenwald in der Itamandi Lodge, hat Pedro alles gegeben um meine Reise perfekt zu machen.

Martin

May 21, 2025

Great company-book with confidence.

Andres made the day! We have hired many many different guides in many many different countries and Andres was one of the best we have had. He perfectly split the difference between information and giving us our space. He was attentive to our 10 year old…especially important on such a very long day. Keeping the little one going made for a successful day for all of us.

He and the driver spotted a toucan along a road and halted everything, hustled us out of the car and made sure we all saw it and got pictures. Well done!

We combined this tour with visits to both equator exhibits and while this was no fault of the tour company (they had informed us of road closures and we were not upset) it took us much longer to get back than planned and we nearly ran out of time. We got the photos we wanted so no harm no foul, but we cut it very close. I’m thankful for the good driver we had!

maureenehess

Bogota, Colombia

June 20, 2025

Fantastic trip to local market and beautiful nature.

Very nice trip to a very nice market. This is South America's largest outdoor market. Also got to stop at the original center of the world, and taste very good biscuits 😁

Helge B

July 12, 2025

Otavala Market

Great trip to the Otavalo market. Andrés was a wonderful guide who shared so much history and stories about Equador and the area. A great day tour from Quoto.

Martedal

July 9, 2025

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Get in touch with us!

Looking for a personalized experience? Tell us your travel dates, group size, and interests, and our local experts will help you design the perfect tour in Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands. This request is completely free and without obligation — we’re happy to adapt the itinerary, pace, and activities to match your travel style.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 519 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sonja R 
 
 
 
 Verified The perfect day
I spent a glorious day with the dream team: Jimmy, the alert, cautious, and responsible driver, and Andres, the super kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic tour guide. The day exceeded my expectations: I saw and experienced everything I had heard about Cotopaxi and Banos - and then some. I learned a lot and felt extremely well taken care of. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see these two famous places in Ecuador in just one day. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be driven by Jimmy and guided by Andres.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Voyager212497 
 
 
 
 Verified Ecuador with Andres and Jimmy!!!!
Andres and Jimmy were awesome guides!!!! First time to Ecuador and loved every minute. Andres and Jimmy made the most of our day and introduced us to many local places. Just what we were looking for!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Angela C 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect Equador Tour!!
Our guide, Miriam was absolutely amazing!! She shared all of the unbelievable information about her country and let us decide what we wanted to do on the tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stefano P 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful experience en la Sierra
Esperienza indimenticabile. La nostra guida Ayrton è sempre stato disponibile, attento sia alle nostre necessità che alla nostra sicurezza. Sin dal momento del pick up ci ha dato innumerevoli informazioni sui luoghi che stavamo visitato, facendoci immergere completamente nella cultura Ecuadoriana. Prezzo del tour non economico, ma ne vale la pena.
  
 
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   sv 
 
 
 
 Verified parfait
camping parfait rien a dire sauf l'accès compliqué a la plage
  
 
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   Jacki R 
 
 
 
 Verified Cotapaxi tour
Andres was a wonderful, engaging, knowledgeable and very friendly tour guide. Both he and the driver, Diego, provided us with a highly memorable tour. This was our favorite tour out of our 4 days in Quito. A large part of it was due to Andres. We highly recommend Andres and Diego!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Victoria K 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience and company!
This tour was absolutely wonderful from the adventure to the company of Ayrton. This walk was intense but totally worth it, i will do the summit next year. I’m very happy with the tour, from the pick up until the drop off! Ayrton is very friendly, knowledgeable, and he knows how to take the best photos that’ll last a lifetime ☺️ I’m very pleased, thank you so much for a great experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tani Davis 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing views
Andrés was an excellent tour guide. His knowledge of the zone, the fun facts, the trivia questions and the cool attitude made this experience one of a kind! Ciro was an excellent driver and got us back and forth safe. Thank you! The tour was just enough to get good photos from both places, grab lunch and head back. If you want to take a longer experience on either place, probably book a full day per location.
  
 
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   L C 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience
I did a tour/hike of Cotopaxi with guide Andres and driver Jimmy. The scenery was gorgeous! The hike was challenging just due to the altitude but worth it for the views and seeing the Refugio. Guide Andres had so much great information about the history, people, geography and animals in the area. He was friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had about the area. Highly recommend this tour.
  
 
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   Maddy C 
 
 
 
 Verified Book it – you won't regret it!
Absolutely incredible experience – 10/10! I cannot recommend this tour enough! I booked a private day trip from Quito to Chimborazo, and it was truly one of the highlights of my nearly two months exploring Ecuador. I honestly can't believe more tourists don't visit Chimborazo — it is absolutely breathtaking, and such an amazing place to experience. I was picked up directly from my apartment, we stopped for breakfast, and then headed out toward Chimborazo. Irene was an absolutely FABULOUS guide — incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about Ecuador. I learned SO much from her throughout the day, and that is saying something, as I've already spent nearly two months exploring Ecuador! She shared so much fascinating information about the landscape, history, culture, and the area around Chimborazo. Jimmy was our driver and was equally wonderful. He has such a great sense of humor and was an excellent, very safe driver. He also came along on the hike with us, which was such a nice surprise! He also recommended a delicious restaurant for lunch. Irene and Jimmy were both so kind and made the entire day feel easy, fun, and comfortable. As a 22-year-old woman traveling alone, I also want to emphasize how truly safe and secure I felt the entire time. I was completely comfortable with both Irene and Jimmy, and they took such great care of me throughout the day. I never once felt worried or uncomfortable traveling so far from Quito on my own. And, the PHOTOS! Irene and Jimmy took FABULOUS pictures of me — genuinely better than anything I could have taken myself. They knew exactly where to stop and how to capture the scenery, and I came away with so many incredible photos and memories from the day. The hike itself was also amazing. I personally found it less difficult than hiking Cotopaxi, although the altitude is definitely challenging and should not be underestimated! The landscape is absolutely surreal, and being up there surrounded by that incredible scenery is an experience I will never forget. If you're considering doing this tour, book it! Especially if you're traveling alone, I could not recommend Irene and Jimmy more highly. They were knowledgeable, funny, kind, professional, and made the entire experience unforgettable. This was one of the best days I've had in Ecuador, and I am so grateful to them both! It's so worth it.