Route plannerESEN

El Tambo

Cañari land and gateway to Ingapirca

1 route

Routes that ran through

Stop

Terminus of the Inca Baths route

3.050 m

Altitude

Cañar

Province

El Tambo station

The El Tambo station is in the El Tambo canton, Cañar province, at 3,050 m above sea level. It is the terminus of the short Inca Baths route, in the very heart of Cañari culture. The canton is an enclave of strong Indigenous identity, with its own dress, its Kichwa language and its ancestral traditions.

El Tambo is the gateway to the archaeological complex of Ingapirca, the largest Inca site in Ecuador, with its famous Temple of the Sun of polished masonry. The area blends the Cañari and Inca heritage, offering one of the richest cultural itineraries in the southern highlands of the country.

Estación de tren de El Tambo, Ferrocarril Transandino del Ecuador
El Tambo stationEl Tambo, Cañar · 3,050 m a.s.l.
Altitude3.050 m
RoutesInca Baths
PositionTerminus of the Inca Baths route
Coordinates2.4790° S, 78.9170° W

Where is El Tambo station?

El Tambo station is located in El Tambo, Cañar. Coordinates: 2.4790° S, 78.9170° W.

What to see and do nearby

Points of interest a short distance from El Tambo.

Ingapirca RuinsLargest Inca archaeological complex in Ecuador, the Temple of the Sun.8 km
Cañari cultureIndigenous communities with their own traditions and dress.El Tambo canton
El Tambo MarketHandicrafts, toquilla straw hats and Andean products.Centre
El Tambo ChurchParish church on the central square.Centre
Cañari páramosHigh-altitude landscape on the way to Ingapirca.Surroundings
Cañari cuisineGuinea pig, hominy and potatoes of the southern highlands.Centre

Other stations on the Inca Baths (Baños del Inca)

Inca Baths (Baños del Inca)

El TamboTerminal
CoyoctorTerminal

Station facilities

The stations of the Trans-Andean Railway preserve their historic architecture, with a ticket office, waiting room and platform. Here is what you will find at this station.

Historic ticket office and ticket sales
Waiting room and restrooms
Platform for boarding the train
Space for luggage and bags
Train route and schedule information
Food and craft stalls nearby
Taxis and public transport at the exit
Heritage station — a great spot for photos

Connections from El Tambo

Inca Baths (Baños del Inca) — El Tambo ↔ Coyoctor (Cañar) · service suspended. Days: Historically weekends and public holidays.

Getting there. El Tambo is linked by road to nearby towns; outside the station you will find taxis and public transport.

Plan your journey — use our route planner to see which route connects El Tambo with other stations.

Please note. Ecuador's national railway service has been suspended since 2020 (Ferrocarriles del Ecuador, FEEP, in liquidation). In 2025 two segments were restarted under municipal management: the Devil's Nose (Alausí–Sibambe) and Ibarra–Andrade Marín. The other routes, schedules and fares on this site are historical, for information and heritage purposes and subject to change. Always confirm availability before planning a trip.
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Frequently asked questions

El Tambo was the terminus of the short Inca Baths route towards Coyoctor.
The Ingapirca ruins are about 8 km away; there is local transport from El Tambo or Cañar. It is the largest Inca site in the country.
No. The tourist route has been suspended since 2020. The area remains an archaeological and Cañari cultural destination.
The Inca Baths (Baños del Inca) ran through this station. Check the days and prices on the schedule and fares pages.
The national service has been suspended since 2020. Only the Devil’s Nose (Alausí–Sibambe) is currently confirmed to be running. The information on this page is historical and heritage-related.

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