Nariz del Diablo
Area Steep mountain railway section famed for dramatic switchbacks
The Devil’s Nose near Alausí, Ecuador, is famed for a historic mountain railway that zigzags down steep cliffs; tourists ride for engineering interest and Andes vistas.
Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) is a steep rock promontory and railway section in Ecuador’s Andes, located in Chimborazo Province. It is best known for the engineered railway that traverses the slope using dramatic switchbacks.
The key attraction is the railway route that negotiates the steep terrain with a series of zigzags and switchbacks, creating a striking engineering feature and a popular tourist train run between nearby towns. Passengers can see the cliff face and village terraces closely from the train.
The rail section was built in the early 20th century as part of Ecuador’s Andean railway network to connect highland communities and ports, requiring extensive engineering to cross steep slopes. The Devil’s Nose remains a notable example of mountain railway construction in Ecuador.
The feature sits near the town of Alausí in Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador, within the Andean highlands; Alausí is the usual staging point for tourist rides on the Devil’s Nose railway.
- Switchback railway: Famous for a steep railway section built with zigzags and switchbacks that allows trains to climb or descend a near-vertical rock face near the town of Alausí.
How to Get to Nariz del Diablo #
Nariz del Diablo is reached from the town of Alausí in Chimborazo Province; Alausí has regular buses from Riobamba and larger towns, and is reachable by road from Quito or Guayaquil. The tourist train departs Alausí-bookings are handled by local tour operators and the regional rail authority; check schedules and availability in advance.
Tips for Visiting Nariz del Diablo #
- Book the tourist train (Tren de la Nariz del Diablo) in advance during high season-seating is limited on the zigzag sections.
- Bring a light jacket-the high altitude and exposure can make the wind brisk even on otherwise warm days.
- Photographers should request window seats facing the canyon stretch for the best views of the switchbacks.
Best Time to Visit Nariz del Diablo #
June-September tends to offer the clearest weather and best train-running conditions for views of the rail switchbacks.
Weather & Climate near Nariz del Diablo #
Nariz del Diablo's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (751 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 20 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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