The Devil's Nose Train Ride
The Devil's Nose Train Ride
4
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 1:30 PM
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 1:30 PM
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
About
The Devil’s Nose awaits us beyond the quaint village of Alausi; a defiant outcrop that looks almost impossible to climb down. The train descents, in a breathtaking maneuver, 500 meters in just 12 kilometers across a zigzag craved in the rocks of the mountain, and continues deep into the Chanchan River gorge in the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. The train operates from Tuesdays to Sundays departing from Alausi or Thursdays to Fridays departing from Riobamba.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
707 reviews
Excellent
318
Very good
216
Average
115
Poor
35
Terrible
23
Marius
Bucharest, Romania6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
If you have seen decent mountains or done trekking before, this is going to be an investment (of time & money) not worth being made.
Whole trip 2,5h including two stops 15 min (to take a picture) and 60 min (see a minimalistic museum & see traditional dances, average performance..).
Spend your resources in a better way. :)
Whole trip 2,5h including two stops 15 min (to take a picture) and 60 min (see a minimalistic museum & see traditional dances, average performance..).
Spend your resources in a better way. :)
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne H
Tallinn753 contributions
Feb 2020
It would be ok to go there if you are in the neighbourhood (Alausi is a cute little town) but i made a special effort to see the famous La Nariz del Diablo and i was disappointed. It was very touristy. the Devil's Nose did not look as impressive as in the photos - probably it depends on the angle. Also for me it was a waste of time to spend an hour in a stop near the railway where local people were brought there to dance for the tourists. There was also a cafe. This time spent there seemed too long for me. The ride in the train was not bad but the main attraction failed to impress me.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pierre Beard
London, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020
The experience is pretty good and unique. We started the ride at 11AM, when the train started to go down to the lower station. On the way, we passed by the famous zigzags and could enjoy the view. Once at the bottom, we stayed around one hour to visit a tiny museum and see some local dances, before heading back in the train, to arrive at 13:30PM.
Overall, we thought that was a bit overrated. The views are nice but not crazy high. The interesting thing is the train path itself, but if you're not super into train, you won't enjoy it that much.
Overall, we thought that was a bit overrated. The views are nice but not crazy high. The interesting thing is the train path itself, but if you're not super into train, you won't enjoy it that much.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob and Penny C
Cranbrook, Canada76 contributions
Feb 2020
Not as exciting as I had hoped for but certainly worth the history lesson. An engineering marvel back in its day but still very impressive and functional today. The museum at the bottom was actually more stimulating to watch how the indigenous tribes eeked out an existence., Living quarters and food preparation were highlighted but the indoor nursey and breeding pen for guinea pigs as a source of protein for the family was worth the trip for me. A long van ride from Cuenca, 3.5 hrs., but I would go again to show friends.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sol L
Tel Aviv, Israel125 contributions
Feb 2020
Alausi, The town from which the train leaves and returns has a colorful and activity-packed local market. The scenery seen during the trip is beautiful, the story of building the railroad lines and giving it the imaginative name - you can still see the many twists and turns. A nice way to spend a day around
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
9 contributions
Oct 2022
As of Ocotober 2022 the train still is not running again. We took the hike instead which offered stunning views into three canyons and down on the rail trecks. Alausi is a cool place, too. Definitely worth a visit if you are not tied to the train ride. With the hike you get much higher than on the train anyway. Just be aware there is no shade.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
menno
Den Bosch, The Netherlands14 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
The train is not operating at the moment unfortunately. Alausi is still definitely worth a visit because of the beautiful hike you can do instead of the train ride. The hike covers a trail that goes far above the train tracks and you reach a viewpoint with a stunning view! Go early for the best weather. The route is easy to follow if you visit the steps from Communityhostel alausi: Hike nariz del diablo.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCarollo1966
Atlanta, GA289 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
This review has nothing to do with Riobamba. Instead of taking the train from Riobamba to Alausi you can, instead, go directly to Alausi, Ecuador by bus or car and ride the train from there. Doing so will shave off about 3 hours of train ride time had you originated in Riobamba. (Riobamba to Alausi takes 5 hours and then you may need to bus it back to Riobamba if your desire is to go back there.) From what I am told, the first 3 hours of the trip from Riobamba to Alausi really don't offer much in the way of scenery anyway.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS REVIEW REFERS STRICTLY TO ALAUSI: This ride is on a REAL train - not one of those modified bus vehicles. You will be sitting inside the train and not on top. The temperature on the train was comfortable - not cold. The train station is open from 7 AM to 3 PM - you can buy tickets in advance. The route for La Nariz del Diablo runs with the following departure times 8 AM, 11 AM and 3 PM. We went on a Saturday. I believe the train runs Thursday - Sunday, but you might want to confirm with somebody If you go to the website www.trenecuador.com you can check the schedules. However, the website may also say there are no available seats. Don't believe it. Just show up at the station and buy your ticket. From what I understand, the 11 AM train is the most popular and sells out first so keep that in mind. The round trip lasts a total 2.5 hours, cost is $25 pp and includes a light lunch/snack at the train station located at the base of Devil's Nose Mountain. There are restrooms, souvenirs and even a llama for you to have your picture taken with ($1.00) worth it (see our pics). The views on this ride are spectacular. They say the right hand side of the train affords the best views so I guess try to ask for this when buying your ticket. However, we sat on the left and were just fine. You can always stand up and huddle around the people sitting on the right hand side - we did and so did everybody else. The views are spectacular. Well worth the expense. There is a nice interpretation center/museum at the top of the steps at the station (the one at Devil's Nose mountain) - don't miss it. As far as Alausi goes - you really don't need more than a day here. Ideally, try to arrive before the station closes at 3 pm, buy your ticket for the next day, ride the train and then get out of dodge. FYI, you can buy the ticket and ride on the same day as long as they have space. IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL THEN PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW THAT SAYS "Was this review helpful?" I try to provide as much info. as possible and I like to know if I am helping others. Thank you. Enjoy the train.
THE REMAINDER OF THIS REVIEW REFERS STRICTLY TO ALAUSI: This ride is on a REAL train - not one of those modified bus vehicles. You will be sitting inside the train and not on top. The temperature on the train was comfortable - not cold. The train station is open from 7 AM to 3 PM - you can buy tickets in advance. The route for La Nariz del Diablo runs with the following departure times 8 AM, 11 AM and 3 PM. We went on a Saturday. I believe the train runs Thursday - Sunday, but you might want to confirm with somebody If you go to the website www.trenecuador.com you can check the schedules. However, the website may also say there are no available seats. Don't believe it. Just show up at the station and buy your ticket. From what I understand, the 11 AM train is the most popular and sells out first so keep that in mind. The round trip lasts a total 2.5 hours, cost is $25 pp and includes a light lunch/snack at the train station located at the base of Devil's Nose Mountain. There are restrooms, souvenirs and even a llama for you to have your picture taken with ($1.00) worth it (see our pics). The views on this ride are spectacular. They say the right hand side of the train affords the best views so I guess try to ask for this when buying your ticket. However, we sat on the left and were just fine. You can always stand up and huddle around the people sitting on the right hand side - we did and so did everybody else. The views are spectacular. Well worth the expense. There is a nice interpretation center/museum at the top of the steps at the station (the one at Devil's Nose mountain) - don't miss it. As far as Alausi goes - you really don't need more than a day here. Ideally, try to arrive before the station closes at 3 pm, buy your ticket for the next day, ride the train and then get out of dodge. FYI, you can buy the ticket and ride on the same day as long as they have space. IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL THEN PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW THAT SAYS "Was this review helpful?" I try to provide as much info. as possible and I like to know if I am helping others. Thank you. Enjoy the train.
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lank
Birmingham, UK9 contributions
We arrived at the station at 6.45 Sunday morning, having bought our tickets the previous afternoon, to find hundreds of gringos already crammed onto the roofs of the open wagons, and we bagged about the last two seats in the carriages at the back. Get there early!
The train left Riobamba more or less on time at around 7.00 in chilly mist, but within an hour or so it had cleared and the people on the roof were beginning to fry. I spent a lot of the journey ouside on the platform where the brakeman stands between the two rear carriages, from where I was able to take loads of good photos. The first part of the journey to Alausi is full of great views; the train makes a stop at this station, ours was longer than anticipated because they managed to derail the train and had to get it back on track by placing large rocks under the wheels and moving slowly back and forth. The real fun begins in the next stage where the descent of the Devil's Nose takes place; the train reverses 3 or 4 times as it zig-zags down the mountain to Chunchi.
After a half hour stop the train crawls back up to Alausi where everyone gets a bus back to Riobamba. The whole trip is a bit contrived nowadays; no one actally uses the train to get anywhere any more, but nevertheless we enjoyed it tremendously and would recommend it highly. What I can't comment on is how it feels to have spent 7 or 8 hours on the roof.
The train left Riobamba more or less on time at around 7.00 in chilly mist, but within an hour or so it had cleared and the people on the roof were beginning to fry. I spent a lot of the journey ouside on the platform where the brakeman stands between the two rear carriages, from where I was able to take loads of good photos. The first part of the journey to Alausi is full of great views; the train makes a stop at this station, ours was longer than anticipated because they managed to derail the train and had to get it back on track by placing large rocks under the wheels and moving slowly back and forth. The real fun begins in the next stage where the descent of the Devil's Nose takes place; the train reverses 3 or 4 times as it zig-zags down the mountain to Chunchi.
After a half hour stop the train crawls back up to Alausi where everyone gets a bus back to Riobamba. The whole trip is a bit contrived nowadays; no one actally uses the train to get anywhere any more, but nevertheless we enjoyed it tremendously and would recommend it highly. What I can't comment on is how it feels to have spent 7 or 8 hours on the roof.
Written September 25, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard E
Boulder, CO13 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
Why does everyone lie about attractions in foreign countries? All information on the Devil's Nose Train Ride states that this ride is 2.5 hours. IT IS NOT ! The actual train ride, which is not impressive at all, is actually 1 hour. That's because 1.5 hours are taken up by two useless stops. The first half-hour stop is in the middle of nowhere, where tourists simply walk around the train. The second one-hour stop is at a station with food and "entertainment." Entertainment consists of watching little girls do a dance with blaring and obnoxious music in the loud background. Also, you get to take pictures of an old woman with a llama. WOW !! If you've ever been on a train ride in Switzerland, skip this. If you've never been on a train ride in Switzerland, skip it anyway.
The pomp and BS accorded this train ride is meant to keep alive the economy of Alausi, a nothing town with overpriced hotels and absolutely nowhere to have a drink. That's OK for the town, but let others prop up the economy. Skip the two days you will waste visiting this place, and write all the tour book publishers, asking them why they are not truthful about tourist attractions.
The pomp and BS accorded this train ride is meant to keep alive the economy of Alausi, a nothing town with overpriced hotels and absolutely nowhere to have a drink. That's OK for the town, but let others prop up the economy. Skip the two days you will waste visiting this place, and write all the tour book publishers, asking them why they are not truthful about tourist attractions.
Written May 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Train from Alausi and back
Does it matter which side we sit on
Written January 23, 2020
No both sides are scenic and you can get up and move around and take pictures on both sides
Written January 24, 2020
Sur quel côté du train doit on réserver pour avoir la meilleur vue?
Written November 12, 2019
Can I buy one-way ticket from Riobamba to Alausi?
Written September 17, 2018
Yes you can, the buses are frequent. We took a bus to Alausi from Guayaquil and stayed just one night in Alausi as apart from the train ride there is nothing much to do or see. We then took a way ticket to Riobambo it’s all very easy.
Written September 17, 2018
it´s about 2 1/2 hours total, 1 hour from Alausi to Sibambe, 1 hour for coffee/lunch break, sightseeing and watch some dancers at the station, and finally 30/45 minutes going back to Alausi
Written July 2, 2018
Several years ago I took this train ride and sat on top of the train. is this still possible? it was the highlight of my trip.
Written May 19, 2018
that´s not possible anymore due new rules about security, i did that trip in 2016 and that was the train´s workers said
Written May 20, 2018
feliperomero2011
Lima, Peru
Si puede uno embarcarse en el pueblo de riobamba para viajar en el tren y hacer el paseo del tren nariz del diablo , y luego regresar a riobamba,donde uno se hospeda..o hay q,ir a otro pueblito,alausi o algo cerca..,
Written February 24, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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