Train journeys in Ecuador can be slow and uncomfortable, but they are a sure adventure! The Trans-Andean Railroad is a spectacular tourist attraction for the variety of climates and the fantastic natural and cultural scenery along the journeys. Moreover, the trains themselves are a colorful part of the landscape. The old steam trains and peculiar "autoferros" (iron cars) that travel along the Andes are almost a relic. The autoferro is actually an antiquated bus complete with brakes that feed on sand, mounted on a train’s chassis and fitted with a diesel engine.
Foreigners are always surprised by the fact that one is allowed to climb to the trains’ roofs. We recommend that you wear a hat, sun block, and a jacket, and climb on the roof; it ensures the best view! Watch out for the branches and tunnels, though!
Train travel in Ecuador began in 1910, when the Quito-Guayaquil line was opened. In 1895, President Eloy Alfaro contacted an American company interested in building the "most difficult railway in the world", as it was called at the time. The construction began in 1899. It reduced a nine-day trek along a path that was impassable during the rainy season, to a two-day journey. Soon, it was acclaimed as one of the "great railway journeys of the world".
A great deal of the Quito-Guayaquil railway was destroyed by landslides during the devastating El Niño floods of 1982-83, but some sections have since been repaired.
The most exciting part of the route that is still open is:

Quito-Cotopaxi-Quito
The autoferro leaves from the Quito Station to the "Boliche" Recreational Area. The "Boliche" is a pine forest at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park. Pines were introduced to Ecuador; they are not native trees. But along the train journey you will also be able to observe native bushes. On the way, the magnificent sight of the Andes, parallel to what Humboldt called the "Avenue of Volcanoes", presents a panorama that makes it difficult to decide which side to look at. The snow-capped Cotopaxi dominates the scenery. The journey passes by traditional colonial haciendas and you can observe peasants that show the rural life in the Andes.

Riobamba-Nariz del Diablo-Riobamba
The autoferro leaves from the station at the city of Riobamba, passes through Cajabamba and the Colta lagoons, and the small Guamote village. It climbs to a little picturesque town in the highlands called Alausí. Then comes the most exhilarating part of the journey, said to be one of the most spectacular in the world. The train zigzags up and down 45-degree gradient called "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil’s Nose) in a breathtaking experience. The train goes backwards on the way down, and after 30 minutes it goes back to Alausí. The town of Alausí has beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and a colorful food market that is definitely worth visiting!

* Contact Tours Operators for their special packages, which complement the train rides with visits to the nearby haciendas, towns, cities, etc; and offer excellent additional services.

Departures: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If you only wish to do the Riobamba-Nariz del Diablo-Riobamba section, departures are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 7h00, the train leaves from the station at the city of Riobamba (10 de Agosto and Carabobo), passes through Cajabamba and the Colta lagoons, and the small Guamote village. At 10h30 it climbs to a little picturesque town in the highlands called Alausí.
Then comes the most exhilarating part of the journey, said to be one of the most spectacular in the world. The train zigzags up and down 45-degree gradient called "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil’s Nose) in a breathtaking experience. The train goes backwards on the way down, and then returns to Alausí.

At 13h30 it leaves back towards Riobamba, where it arrives at 17h00. Price: US$ 14.20 round trip.
It is also possible to take the train only from Alausí down "Nariz del Diablo" and back. The town of Alausí has beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and a colorful food market that is definitely worth visiting! The train station is easy to find at the heart of the town. Roundtrip Aluasí-Nariz del Diablo-Alausí is $8.

Reaqd more about the Ecuadorian Railway and the devil's nose.

"La Vieja Casona" offers excellent accommodations at this charming town.

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