If you're in Baños de Agua Santa and looking for a unique experience that combines nature, history, and adrenaline, the journey to Riobamba and the iconic Devil's Nose Train is an excursion you can't miss. This route will take you from Ecuador's adventure capital to one of the most impressive railway engineering feats in the world.
Why Take This Route?
This experience combines three perfect elements for travelers:
- Spectacular Andean landscapes
- One of the world's most difficult railway routes built in a zigzag pattern
- Deep connection with the indigenous culture of the central Andes
From Baños to Riobamba: The First Leg
Distance and Transportation Options
The distance between Baños de Agua Santa and Riobamba is approximately 77 kilometers by road, a journey that will take you between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on your chosen transportation.
Transportation options:
1. Direct Bus
Frequency: Every hour
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Cost: $2 to $3 USD
Companies: Riobamba Transportation Cooperative
Departure: Baños Bus Terminal
2. Private Car or Taxi
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Route: Via E30 (Baños-Riobamba highway)
Advantage: You can make scenic stops along the way
3. Organized Tour
Many agencies in Baños offer complete packages that include transportation, train tickets, and a guide
The Journey: A Scenic Route
The trip between Baños and Riobamba is itself a visual experience. The highway winds through the Ecuadorian highlands offering impressive views:
Tungurahua Volcano (5,023 masl) - Baños' guardian, with its perfect cone
Pastaza River Valley - Green landscapes and deep gorges
Small Andean villages - Like Penipe and its surroundings
Terraced crops - Traditional highland agriculture
On clear days, as you approach Riobamba, you'll begin to spot the majestic Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point to the sun from Earth's surface.
Riobamba: The Sultan of the Andes
A Stop Worth Making
Although the train is the main attraction, Riobamba deserves at least one night or a full day of exploration. Founded in 1799 after a devastating earthquake, it's a planned city with beautiful parks and neoclassical architecture.
The Devil's Nose Train: The Ultimate Experience!
History of an Engineering Feat
The construction of the trans-Andean railway connecting Guayaquil (coast) with Quito (highlands) was one of the most ambitious projects of the early 20th century. The most challenging section was precisely the Devil's Nose: a mountain with nearly vertical walls that seemed impossible to conquer.
Historical facts:
- Construction: 1899-1908 (9 years total)
- Most difficult section: The 12 kilometers of Devil's Nose
- Workers: Local Ecuadorians and 4,000 Jamaicans
- Human cost: Many workers lost their lives to landslides, accidents, and diseases like malaria
The ingenious solution was to build a zigzag-shaped track that ascends and descends the mountain walls, overcoming a 500-meter elevation change in just 12.5 kilometers.
Historic Reopening in 2025
Great news for 2025! After five years of inactivity (since 2020 due to the closure of Ferrocarriles del Ecuador), the Devil's Nose train officially resumed operations on August 20, 2025.
Practical Trip Details
Route: Alausí - Sibambe - Alausí (round trip) Total distance: 12 kilometers each way (24 km total) Duration: Approximately 2 hours (complete journey)
Operating days:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (currently)
Expected to expand days soon
Departure times from Alausí:
08:00 hrs
11:00 hrs
14:00 hrs
Prices:
Nationals:
Adults (12 to 64 years): $18.00
Children (5 to 11 years), seniors (65+), people with disabilities: $9.00
Foreigners:
- Adults (12 to 64 years): $30.00
- Children (5 to 11 years), seniors (65+), people with disabilities: $15.00
- (Reference prices. Does not include VAT or service charges)
How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Online Purchase (RECOMMENDED)
- Official site: ticketexito.com/events/trenalausi
- Advantage: Secures your spot in advance
- Important: Have names, ID cards/passports, and ages of all passengers ready
- You have 15 minutes to complete payment before seats are released
Option 2: At Alausí Station
- Direct purchase same day
- Risk: May be full, especially on weekends and holidays
Option 3: Through Tourism Agencies
- Agencies in Baños, Riobamba, or Quito offer complete packages
- Includes additional cost over official fare, but avoids complications
Golden recommendation: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during high season (June-August and December-January).
The Journey Experience
Departure from Alausí (2,340 masl)
The journey begins at the Alausí train station, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains. The restored wooden cars and guides in historical uniforms transport you to another era.
During the Journey:
The Devil's Nose Zigzag
- The train moves forward and backward on zigzag-shaped tracks
- Speed: 12 km/h (to ensure safety)
- The conductor must maintain absolute concentration
- From the panoramic windows you'll see dizzying precipices
Devil's Nose Viewpoint (10-minute stop)
- Spectacular view of the zigzag railway system
- Opportunity for photographs from the highest point
- Observe the Chanchán River winding through the abyss
Descent to Sibambe (1,800 masl) The town of Sibambe welcomes you with traditional dances
45-minute stop to explore
Indigenous communities Tolte, Nizag, and Sibambe offer:
- Folk dances with traditional clothing
- Local handicrafts
- Traditional gastronomy
- Visit to the Cóndor Puñuna Museum
- Traditional trapiche (sugarcane processing)
Return to Alausí
- Same route in reverse
- Music and cultural activities in Alausí plaza upon completion
Important note: Riding on the train roof is no longer permitted (banned since 2007 for safety).
Practical Tips for Your Trip
What to Bring
Clothing:
- Layered warm clothes: Temperature varies between 10°C and 20°C
- Windbreaker jacket: The train can have air currents
- Hat and sunscreen: Andean sun is strong
- Comfortable footwear: For walking in Sibambe and Alausí
Other essentials:
- Camera with charged battery: The landscapes are spectacular
- Water and snacks: Although available for purchase, it's always good to have
- Cash: For handicrafts and food in Sibambe
- Documents: Passport or ID card (required when buying tickets)
- Motion sickness medication: If you're sensitive to movement
Best Time to Travel
Dry season (June-September):
- Lower probability of rain
- Clearer views of volcanoes
- More tourists, book in advance
Rainy season (October-May):
- Greener and more lush landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Possibility of rain (bring raincoat)
- Volcanoes may be covered in clouds
Special days:
- Avoid Ecuadorian holidays if you don't like crowds
- Saturdays have more activity in Riobamba markets
Safety and Health
- The train journey is safe with professional operators
- If you have heart or respiratory problems, consult your doctor about the altitude
- Alausí is at 2,340 masl - there may be mild altitude sickness in sensitive people
- Tap water is not potable, buy bottled water
- Riobamba and Alausí are safe cities, but use normal traveler precautions
Tourism Impact and Sustainability
The restart of the Devil's Nose Train in 2025 has been a blessing for the local communities of Alausí and Sibambe, where tourism represents a vital part of their economy.
How to travel responsibly:
- Buy handicrafts directly from local artisans
- Respect the customs and traditions of indigenous communities
- Don't leave trash at stops
- Ask before photographing local people
- Support family businesses and local restaurants
- Learn some words in Kichwa (local indigenous language)
Positive impact data:
- Before the pandemic, the train attracted 60,000 visitors per year
- Generates direct and indirect employment for hundreds of families
- Preserves cultural traditions that are shared with visitors
- Keeps Ecuador's railway history alive
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the trip with children? Yes, it's totally family-friendly. Children usually enjoy the train experience very much.
Are there bathrooms on the train? There are no bathrooms inside the train. Use the facilities before boarding in Alausí.
Can tickets be canceled or rescheduled? Depends on the seller's policies. Check at the time of purchase.
Does the train operate when it rains? Yes, it operates in rain. It only suspends in case of emergency or dangerous conditions.
Do the guides speak English? Narration during the journey is conducted in Spanish and English.
Can I bring large luggage? Not recommended. Bring only a small backpack with essentials.
Is there food service on the train? No onboard service, but you can buy snacks and drinks in Sibambe.
Do I need to be in good physical shape? No. The route is mainly on the train. There are only short walks in Sibambe.
Useful Resources
- Devil's Nose train tickets: ticketexito.com/events/trenalausi
- Riobamba tourist information: Municipal Tourism Office
- Baños-Riobamba transportation: Baños Bus Terminal
- Updated weather: Check forecasts before traveling
