La Nariz del Diablo — Attraction in Alausí

This was an exciting family excursion. There are various excursions that connect throughout Ecuador, including luxury train rides that come through here, but to keep it cheap and still experience this exciting part of the train ride, we chose to drive to Alausi, board there and take the train ride up La Nariz Del Diablo and return to the station in Alausi. The train does not go around the mountain, nor does it go straight up and down.

Instead, the engineers utilize a system of 3 switch-backs to zig-zag up the steep rocky face of the mountain. Designed around the turn of the century, this was a remarkable engineering feat and is very much appreciated still today. Once at the front of the "Devil's Nose" you have an opportunity to stretch your legs and take some pictures and have refreshments and learn about the local culture from a museum and take in some of the food from a small cafe.

My son is afraid of heights, but this ride did not affect him or have him scared because it goes very slowly and you don't have to sit near the windows. When you have the window seat, looking down will be shocking, but it's a beautiful, slow ride and wonderful for taking pictures and enjoying a good old fashioned train ride and taking in Ecuador's fresh air.

Shopping in Alausi is fun as well. Be sure to check out the vendors just outside the train station. They have many of the same products,...

The train leaves out of Alausi, and it's fairly quiet, easy to walk around, shops and places to eat. Beautiful. The train itself was comfortable, with generally enough room, but not any to spare. The guide gave all historical information first in Spanish then again in English as we traveled through the mountains. I wasn't always able to hear her and she kind of hurried through it in rote fashion. No interest or enthusiasm. Depending on which side of the train you are on you may not be able to see. You are allowed to stand, but everyone was trying to get the same vantage point for their photographs, and that was frustrating and disappointing sometimes. There were two stops so people could get off and take pictures. The last stop had cultural dancing and hand crafted items for purchase as well as a restaurant/cafe which was pleasant. Overall...

In 1899 the construction of a train connection between Guayaquil and Quito started. The construction of the first trajectory is progressing well until the builders encounter a literally and figuratively large problem: the almost vertical rock face of the Nariz del Diablo (the "Devil's Nose"). By constructing a zigzag track, the railway builders are able to overcome 490 meters of altitude at only a short distance. In 1997, stormy weather destroyed large parts of the railway line and its recovery progressed very slowly. The winding route between the stations of Alausi and Sibambe now serves as a tourist attraction. The slow pace, especially on the zigzag route and the magnificent view, make this fantastic ride so attractive. A must see...