How to get to the Devil's Nose (Alausí)
Alausí station and the railway’s most famous zigzag, step by step.
Ecuador’s national Tren Ecuador railway service has been suspended since 2020. The Devil's Nose ride (Alausí–Sibambe) runs under the Municipality of Alausí from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays, with departures at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00. It restarted in 2025, was suspended after the landslide of 18 February 2026 and reopened on 6 June 2026; tickets are sold through Ticket Éxito. The rest of the national network is still suspended. Always confirm availability before travelling.
Get off at Alausí station (Devil's Nose (Nariz del Diablo)). From there, the train leaves from Alausí station itself; the attraction is the zigzag descent to Sibambe.
About the place
The Devil’s Nose is the boldest section of the Trans-Andean Railway: between Alausí (2,345 m) and Sibambe (1,820 m) the line drops about 500 metres down a zigzag carved into solid rock, switching forward and back to descend the almost vertical mountain wall. Alausí station, right in the middle of town, is the starting point. In 2025 the Municipality of Alausí restarted the Alausí–Sibambe– Alausí tourist ride, with a welcome from the Sibambe community.
Getting there from key points
| From | How to get there |
|---|---|
| Riobamba | Bus down the southern Panamericana, ~2 h to Alausí |
| Cuenca | Bus along the Panamericana, ~3 h 30 min |
| Guayaquil | Bus via Zhud / El Triunfo, ~4 h 30 min |
| Quito | Bus along the Panamericana, ~5 h |
Step by step
Reach Alausí by bus along the Panamericana (most inter-provincial buses stop in town or at the junction).
Walk to Alausí station on the main avenue with your ticket already bought: sales go through Ticket Éxito, the channel the government announced at the June 2026 reopening (book ahead in high season).
The train descends the zigzag to Sibambe, where the community welcomes you, then climbs back to Alausí. The whole ride takes ~2 h 30 min.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions
Does the train run to reach Devil's Nose?
The Devil's Nose ride (Alausí–Sibambe) runs under the Municipality of Alausí from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays, with departures at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00. It restarted in 2025, was suspended after the landslide of 18 February 2026 and reopened on 6 June 2026; tickets are sold through Ticket Éxito. The rest of the national network is still suspended. Always confirm availability before travelling.
Which is the nearest station?
The nearest station is Alausí, on the Devil's Nose (Nariz del Diablo) route.
How do I get there from Riobamba?
Bus down the southern Panamericana, ~2 h to Alausí.
How much does it cost?
When the service runs: $18 for residents (reduced $9) and $30 for foreign visitors (reduced $15), per the 2025 municipal fare.
Where can I see more attractions near the railway?
See all attractions near Tren Ecuador.
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Updated: October 2026