Alausí Travel Guide

City City in Chimborazo Province, Ecuador with mountains

From Alausí, the Devil’s Nose train launches into hairpin descents and canyon views; the town’s markets and nearby Andean villages sell corn beer and woven textiles.

Costs

Typical budget US$40-80/day

Reasonably affordable with budget hotels, local food and paid scenic train rides.

Safety

Generally safe - normal precautions

Generally safe; watch for petty theft in busy areas and at train stations.

Best Time

June-September (dry season)

Dry season gives clearer mountain views and better train operations.

In This Guide

Why Visit Alausí?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

14,294

Infrastructure & Convenience

Small-town services, tourist-focused train tours, Spanish signage, limited English.

Popularity

Popular with railway enthusiasts and adventure travelers on Ecuador's highland routes.

Known For

Nariz del Diablo train, colonial plaza, Andean scenery, scenic rail excursions, colorful houses, indigenous markets, hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, train photography

Alausí is the boarding point for the famous "Devil's Nose" (Nariz del Diablo) switchback railway descent.

Why Visit Alausí? #

Alausí is best known as the starting point for the famous Devil’s Nose train, a steep switchback ride that carves dramatic views from the Andes. Beyond the railway, the town’s Andean vistas, indigenous Kichwa markets and colonial-era streets give travelers a sense of highland Ecuadorian life. Visit for the scenic railway experience, local market crafts and the chance to encounter traditional music and food in a compact mountain town.

Top Things to Do in Alausí

All Attractions ›

Ingapirca

Pre-Columbian Inca stone ruins and temple complex

Archaeological Site

Nariz del Diablo

Steep mountain railway section famed for dramatic switchbacks

Area

Don't Miss

Devil's Nose (Nariz del Diablo) train ride - Iconic switchback railway descent offering dramatic mountain engineering and village views.
Alausí Railway Museum - Small museum detailing the history of the Andean railway and local stories.
Plaza de Alausí and San Pedro Church - Historic central plaza with colonial-era San Pedro church and daily market.

Hidden Gems

San Cristóbal viewpoint - Short hike up for sweeping views over the valley and rail line.
Local textile workshops - Artisans producing embroidered garments and traditional Andean textiles for sale.
Los Encuentros waterfall - Nearby cascade reached by a pleasant walk through Andean farmland.

Day Trips

Ingapirca archaeological site - Pre-Incan and Incan ruins offering insight into highland indigenous history.
Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve - Drive to high-altitude slopes for unique páramo landscapes and Andean fauna.

Best Time to Visit Alausí #

Alausí sits high in the Andes with cool, changeable weather year-round; the dry season (Jun-Nov) offers the most reliable sunshine for the famous Devil's Nose train. The wet months (Dec-May) make the landscape especially green but wetter underfoot.

Wet Season

December - May · 5-18°C (41-64°F)

Cloudy afternoons with frequent showers; trails can be slippery but waterfalls and Andean scenery are lush and dramatic.

Dry Season

June - November · 8-20°C (46-68°F)

Generally sunnier and drier with crisp days-ideal for train rides and highland hikes, though nights stay cool.

Cool Highland Season

Year-round (cool nights most noticeable June - September) · 5-20°C (41-68°F)

Constantly mild to cool conditions; pack warm layers for chilly nights and sudden weather swings at altitude.

Best Time to Visit Alausí #

Climate

Alausí's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (592 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

NovemberJulyAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

21°

Warmest Month

1°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 20°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

12.1h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

90 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

12.1h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

111 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

12.0h daylight

April

April is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

103 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

49 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

23 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.5

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

12 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

13 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

11.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

27 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

12.0h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

34 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 22°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

24 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

43 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

12.1h daylight

How to Get to Alausí

By Air

By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Alausí #

Alausí is very walkable - most hotels, restaurants and the main plaza are close together. Local taxis and buses connect the town with Riobamba and surrounding villages; the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train departs from here, so arrange timetables in advance if you plan to ride it.

Where to Stay in Alausí #

Budget

Alausí town centre - $10-35/night

Alausí has several budget hostels and simple guesthouses popular with train travellers. Budget stays are common and often bookable during tourist season.

Mid-Range

Alausí near train station - $35-80/night

Mid-range hotels in Alausí offer comfortable rooms and easy access to the Devil's Nose train; family-run hotels and boutique inns are available but limited in number.

Luxury

Riobamba / Cuenca (regional) - $100+/night

There are few true luxury properties in Alausí. Travellers seeking upscale accommodations should consider staying in larger Ecuadorian cities and taking day trips to Alausí.

Where to Eat in Alausí #

Andean & Highland Dishes

Alausí's restaurants favour hornado roast pork, locro soups and hearty Andean stews; meals pair with local corn breads and mountain produce.

Train-Day Eats

Cafés and roadside stands near the Devil's Nose railway serve quick lunches, snacks and cooling drinks for travelers on the scenic train route.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Alausí's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Pizza

Friture

Italian

American

Sandwich

Colombian

Coffee Shop

International

Italian Pizza

Nightlife in Alausí #

Evenings are low-key, with a handful of cafes, restaurants and small bars clustered near the plaza. Nightlife caters more to travelers and families than to late-night clubbing.

Shopping in Alausí #

Small artisan stalls and the municipal market sell regional handicrafts, knitted goods and local snacks geared toward tourists and residents. Shops around the central plaza are the best place to look for souvenirs and snack foods.