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BudaBaB
This route may have changed, but the only train leaving from Alausi is to Simambe and the Devil's Nose.We made the mistake of waiting to get to Alausi to buy our tickets. We arrived one day prior to the day we wanted the trip and planned to stay one night after the trip. They were all sold out for all trains the day we wanted and the next morning. After pleading, they offered two seats, but in separate cars. We grabbed them. This was for the 11am train. We were out and about at 8am and it was extremely foggy, so we were grateful, we were able to get the 11am train. When we returned the fog was coming in again, so we had fears for those on the 3pm train.My spouse was the only English speaker in his train car; the male guide in the car gave the tour information in Spanish over the PA system and then personally repeated to my spouse. What excellent service.In my car, there was a mixed group, so our female guide did everything in both languages. There is a coupon for $2 to be used at the Tren Cafe in Simambe. There are folkloric dancers that put on a show or you can climb many stairs to the Interpretive Centre to learn the history of the railway. There were 2,500 lives lost in building this route. It is said to have been one of the most difficult railroad route in the world to be built.Seniors over 65 get a hefty discount.
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SARAGUEV
Took this train at 08:00AM. Coming from Quito [more than 300kms driving = 5 hours aprox] for a 12.5 kms ride] I would say that there are better views nearer. The train departs from Alausí at 08:00AM and takes you to the nearby beautiful Andean mountains. Goes up in a very difficult terrain (they say is the most dangerous railway in the world) and then descend to deep down a valley nested in the core of the Andes, named Sibambe. Apart from the view and the adventure, I would say that there's nothing special about the train.In our ride, the weather was not so good: very cloudy when going and clear at our returning. At Sibambe there's an interpretation center that shows the interesting story about the construction of the rail road. Right in the station there is a cafeteria where they serve local food and coffee (included in your train ticket). Local dancers greet you as soon as the train arrives. Apart from that there's nothing much to do. If luck is with you and it is a clear day, the views are beautiful.There are two parts in the train: at the right 2 seats one in front of each other (perfect for couples): offers the best views. At left 4 seats (2 facing 2) for families, or groups.Tickets: US$25 p/pFirst try: Travel agency = no tickets available.Second try: Website = didn´t work well, so I used the "contact" form. They sent an email with telephones to call.Third try: called the operator and I was assigned 2x2 seats sharing with others. Called again later and the other operator told me they gad seats at the right hand side, so I booked these.Payment can be done by credit card, by phone.Don´t forget: Passport. They ask for it at pre check-in at Alausi Station. Be at the station early to take your turn. Have breakfast before riding the train.
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mailer53
we booked a tour from Cuenca,left at 7am,arrived at 10.30 and took the 11 am train. We were allocated seats. English speaking guide,we found it very interesting and enjoyed the trip. A light lunch was included with the ticket and Interpretive Centre was enlightening,guide spoke excellent English
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Alice_112743
Took the 8 AM ride. Views were outstanding. Interesting narrative about its history and construction. Worth the money in my opinion. They offer a discounted price for seniors. (Our bus ride from Quito to Alausi, about 4+ hours, was only $5)
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judith1946
We arrived just in time to get our passports stamped and board the train. Seats were allocated in a carriage with an English speaking guide. We were lucky with the weather and had spectacular views. Part way along the track we stopped to get out and view the Devils Nose. At the bottom of the descent we were given refreshments and then climbed up to the display centre. The information showing the building of the railway was excellent. A display of local dancing followed and then we boarded the train for the return trip.
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Bar_none_travel
For best views catch the 8:00 am train. The area often clouds over in the afternoon. The website indicates the train is full when seats are still available. There is a 1-800 number you can call to buy your tickets from North America on the Tren Ecuador website. Also, tickets can be purchased from any "Tren Ecuador Estacion". We bought ours in Ibarra. The "lunch" is more of a snack. The ride is extremely short and the train travels a very short distance at a very slow rate of speed. The view is picturesque but freely available throughout Ecuador. I can't really recommend it until they finish repairing the track to Riobamba. It's just not good value for what you get. If you've never been on a train, you might enjoy it for that reason. Otherwise, it's expensive and short. If you decide to go, you can pretty much stand on the side of the Pan America and flag down any bus that says Quito or Cuenca depending on which direction you need to travel. Just ask to be dropped off in Alausi. There are multiple companies with multiple departures per day traveling that route. There is no need to depart from Quito, Riobamba or Cuenca. You can easily make it to or from from any town on the Pan American highway. Unless you take an Alausi Cooperative Bus you will be dropped off on the highway outside of town. A taxi into town will cost $1. They tend to come looking around the time buses are expected. The town is pretty and has a number of good fixed menus available. FYI, if you decide to go on to Cuenca and you are uncomfortable flagging a bus, you will have to spend the night or hire a private car to head out of Alausi the same day as your train ride.
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JCarollo1966
This review has nothing to do with Riobamba. Instead of taking the train from Riobamba to Alausi you can, instead, go directly to Alausi, Ecuador by bus or car and ride the train from there. Doing so will shave off about 3 hours of train ride time had you originated in Riobamba. (Riobamba to Alausi takes 5 hours and then you may need to bus it back to Riobamba if your desire is to go back there.) From what I am told, the first 3 hours of the trip from Riobamba to Alausi really don't offer much in the way of scenery anyway.THE REMAINDER OF THIS REVIEW REFERS STRICTLY TO ALAUSI: This ride is on a REAL train - not one of those modified bus vehicles. You will be sitting inside the train and not on top. The temperature on the train was comfortable - not cold. The train station is open from 7 AM to 3 PM - you can buy tickets in advance. The route for La Nariz del Diablo runs with the following departure times 8 AM, 11 AM and 3 PM. We went on a Saturday. I believe the train runs Thursday - Sunday, but you might want to confirm with somebody If you go to the website www.trenecuador.com you can check the schedules. However, the website may also say there are no available seats. Don't believe it. Just show up at the station and buy your ticket. From what I understand, the 11 AM train is the most popular and sells out first so keep that in mind. The round trip lasts a total 2.5 hours, cost is $25 pp and includes a light lunch/snack at the train station located at the base of Devil's Nose Mountain. There are restrooms, souvenirs and even a llama for you to have your picture taken with ($1.00) worth it (see our pics). The views on this ride are spectacular. They say the right hand side of the train affords the best views so I guess try to ask for this when buying your ticket. However, we sat on the left and were just fine. You can always stand up and huddle around the people sitting on the right hand side - we did and so did everybody else. The views are spectacular. Well worth the expense. There is a nice interpretation center/museum at the top of the steps at the station (the one at Devil's Nose mountain) - don't miss it. As far as Alausi goes - you really don't need more than a day here. Ideally, try to arrive before the station closes at 3 pm, buy your ticket for the next day, ride the train and then get out of dodge. FYI, you can buy the ticket and ride on the same day as long as they have space. IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL THEN PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW THAT SAYS "Was this review helpful?" I try to provide as much info. as possible and I like to know if I am helping others. Thank you. Enjoy the train.
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ronaldn455
The train to the Devil`s nose was amazing, a good experience to live in Ecuador. interesting museum, people very friendly. highly recommended. Please choose a good hotel, there are a city called Chunchi, where you can find a cheaper and better hotel. it is just 30 minutes to the train station..
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Amazdog
As per previous travellers, this is worth a stop, but not a detour. The train leaves from Alausí (NOT RIOBAMBA) and costs $25; there are 3 tours per day. The train is comfortable and they have knowledgeable guides (Spanish, English, or French-speaking). The reason this is famous is because the train climbs 600m in 10km with switchbacks up the steep face. The view is of course stunning and at the stop at the bottom there is a small museum where you can learn about the construction of the train line and the local indigenous community. There is a complimentary drink+snack and an indigenous dancing demonstration. It was a very enjoyable half-day trip, but not worth travelling to Alausí just for this.
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Geographtraveller
The Nariz del Diablo is worth a stop if you are driving from Cuenca to Quito. We took the early morning train. It's a beautiful but shor train ride through the dry Andean slopes. Overall worth a stop, but not a detour.
